India Ice Cream Market Overview, 2029

The food and beverage industry has had significant expansion, and the dairy business is booming, which is one of the main elements contributing to the bright prognosis for the Indian market. Furthermore, the market expansion is being driven by advancements in cold chain infrastructure, such as temperature-controlled storage areas, the hiring of skilled personnel for operations and maintenance, and the implementation of effective management practices. Additionally, as consumers' disposable incomes have increased, they are able to purchase a premium-quality ice cream, which has contributed to the expansion of various international ice cream companies in India. Consequently, this is serving as a significant growth-promoting element. Manufacturers have responded to the growing health consciousness and lactose intolerance in the population by releasing product variants that are free of preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), dairy, fat, and organic ingredients. This has led to further market expansion throughout the nation. A frozen dessert called ice cream is produced from milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes additional components. To maintain a uniform texture, stabilizers like gluten are often added to ice cream in addition to milk or cream. It is only recently that this dessert has become more readily available, since refrigeration has become commonplace. Due to the recent spike in popularity of ice cream, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and even non-dairy ice cream variations have become more and more popular. Furthermore, because ice cream is becoming more and more popular, the Indian market is predicted to expand quickly in the upcoming years.

According to the research report "India Ice Cream Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the India Ice Cream Market is expected to grow with more than 5.50% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. As consumers' awareness of health issues grows, there is a trend toward healthier ice creams. This presents an opportunity for ice cream manufacturers to increase production of goods that have health benefits, like protein- and vitamin-rich ice creams. Additionally, the expanding assortment of sugar-free ice creams meets the needs of consumers with diabetes by providing them with ice cream. Recent advancements in e-commerce and quick commerce have made it possible for consumers to purchase ice cream from the comfort of their homes with a few smartphone clicks. Because it was so simple to use, more ice cream was consumed at home. Additionally, the pandemic affected consumers' intake of comfort foods like ice cream and chocolates. The pandemic also led to a rise in ice cream sales through e-commerce because of restricted mobility and the shutdown of out-of-home channels. Because of the convenience of access and the large selection of products available online, the habit continued even after the lockdown was removed. The market is mostly driven by the existence of a dairy industry and the growing food and beverage sector. The market expansion is also being aided by advancements in cold chain infrastructure, such as temperature-controlled storage facilities and the use of effective management techniques. Moreover, the seasons and temperature have a big impact on ice cream consumption in India. Many parts of India have hot, tropical weather, which contributes to the demand for ice cream throughout the summer as a favorite cool treat. In addition, the growth of dessert shops, food delivery services, and dining options has increased the amount of ice cream consumed outside the home. Ice cream is frequently consumed by consumers as a dessert or treats when dining out, going to social gatherings, or visiting ice cream shops, all of which fuel industry expansion. There is a growing trend among Indian consumers to seek for premium and high-quality ice cream selections. Customers are prepared to shell out more money for ice creams with distinctive flavors, quality ingredients, and exceptional flavor profiles. As a result, specialty ice cream shops and premium ice cream brands have expanded to meet the desire for decadent and opulent ice cream items. In addition, Indian consumers are experimenting with flavors other than the conventional choices of vanilla and chocolate.

Based on product type market is divided into Impulse Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream, Take Home Ice Cream. Take Home Ice Cream is leading among them. With busy lives and more disposable income, consumers are emphasizing convenience more and more and enjoying ice cream in the comfort of their own homes. This need is satisfied by take-home packaging such as tubs, family packs, and multipacks. Consumers are now more wary of eating ice cream from street vendors or parlors due to concerns about food safety and hygiene, especially during the epidemic. Options for takeout seem to provide you more control over freshness and hygiene. Consumer interest can be sparked by marketing initiatives and incentives designed especially for the take-home market. Offers such as discounts, bundles, and specials may encourage larger purchases for consumption at home. Innovative packaging techniques including reseal able ice cream containers and eco-friendly alternatives improve the convenience and allure of take-home ice cream. Packaging that is eye-catching and creative can increase customer engagement. Since ice cream is temperature-sensitive, some might prefer to have it easily accessible at home, especially in the summer. People can enjoy ice cream without having to go to an ice cream restaurant or parlor thanks to take-home options.

Based on flavor type market is divided into Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, Tutti Frutti, Blends, Others. For many years, vanilla has been a preferred taste in India, since it is a familiar and cozy option for most customers. This familiarity is a result of colonial influences and the vanilla-based offerings of early Indian ice cream brands such as Kwality Walls. Vanilla ice cream can be used as a foundation for many other desserts and combos. It goes well with classic Indian delicacies like kulfi, gulab jamuns, and jalebis. Its attractiveness goes beyond solitary consumption due to its adaptability. Since vanilla ice cream is frequently the least expensive option, it is available to a larger spectrum of customers, particularly those in India with varying income levels. It’s cheaper cost is also a result of its simple components and ease of production. Vanilla ice cream is a great match for the sweeter treats that traditional Indian palates frequently enjoy. There is a wider appeal for its natural sweetness than for flavors that are thought to be "tart" or less common. It's common to find vanilla ice cream in cones, cups, pints, and family packs, among other forms. Because of its regular availability and familiarity, customers find it to be a convenient option when making ice cream purchases.

Based on Packaging type market is divided into Sticks/Bars, Cones & Cups, Tubs & Bricks, Others. Because cones and cups provide single-serve servings, a greater variety of customers particularly young ones and those on a tight budget, can easily access and afford them. This is especially important in a market with as much diversity and income disparity as India. Cones and cups require simpler and less expensive production and packaging methods than other formats such as tubs or multipacks. Customers will benefit from decreased prices as a result, increasing their allure even more. From small shops and street vendors to supermarkets and ice cream shops, cones and cups are widely available through a variety of distribution routes. Customers can easily obtain them regardless of their location or shopping preferences due to their extensive availability. Cones and cups are perfect for eating on the go since they make it simple for individuals to have ice cream outside or during errands. This fits in well with the hectic schedules of many Indians living in cities.



Based on Distribution Channel type market is divided into Supermarkets And Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Ice cream Parlor , Online Sales Channel, Others. Supermarket and Hypermarket is leading. These large stores offer a vast selection of ice cream brands, flavors, formats (tubs, bars, cones, etc.), and price points, catering to diverse customer preferences and budgets. Compared to smaller stores, they're more likely to stock premium ice cream alongside budget-friendly options. Customers no longer need to make separate trips to specialty ice cream stores because they may find ice cream alongside other groceries during their routine shopping trips. This convenience, particularly with extended store hours, encourages impulsive buys and sudden cravings for ice cream. Ice cream is made more accessible and appealing for customers by the regular promotions, price reductions, and bundled offers that supermarkets and hypermarkets run on it. Price-conscious and bargain-hunting customers are drawn to this. To increase impulsive buys and brand exposure, these establishments purposefully position ice cream in high-traffic areas, such as next to doors or checkout counters. Moreover, appealing product packaging and displays affect consumers' purchasing decisions. Big-box retailers have solidified their connections with ice cream producers and built effective distribution networks. Unlike smaller retailers who could have supply chain constraints, this guarantees consistent product availability, freshness, and diversity in stores. Customers can effortlessly acquire ice cream from home with the help of online ordering and delivery services offered by numerous supermarkets and hypermarkets. This fashion, which suits hectic lifestyles, gained popularity during the pandemic.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: India
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report:
• India Ice Cream Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type:
• Impulse Ice Cream
• Artisanal Ice Cream
• Take Home Ice Cream

By Flavor:
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Fruit
• Tutti Frutti
• Others

By Packaging:
• Sticks/Bars
• Cones & Cups
• Tubs & Bricks
• Others

By Distribution Channel:
• Hypermarket/supermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Ice cream Parlour
• Online Sales Channel

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Ice Cream industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.