India Frozen Dessert Market

India Frozen Dessert Market Size and Share:

The India frozen dessert market size was valued at INR 309.86 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach INR 624.59 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.70% from 2025-2033. The market is driven by the growing demand for low-calorie, dairy-free, and gluten-free frozen desserts. The rise of food delivery services is making frozen desserts more accessible to a wider consumer base. Additionally, effective marketing strategies, including celebrity endorsements, are increasing brand visibility and attracting more consumers to frozen desserts, which is strengthening India frozen dessert market share.

India’s tropical climate, with hot and humid weather, creates a high demand for chilled desserts. During the summer months, the consumption of frozen desserts like ice creams and frozen yogurts peaks significantly. This seasonal demand is further amplified by festivals and special occasions, expanding consumer consumption. The rise in temperature during warmer seasons leads to an increased craving for refreshing, cool desserts to beat the heat. Additionally, brands often introduce seasonal flavors, limited-time offerings, and promotions to capitalize on this demand. Such strategies drive consumer interest and encourage repeat purchases. Retailers and manufacturers often prepare for the seasonal spike by increasing production capacity and distribution efforts. The availability in local stores and through delivery services further supports the India frozen dessert market growth.

Western-style frozen desserts like ice creams, frozen yogurts, and sorbets, are gaining popularity among Indian consumers. This shift in taste preferences is driven by the younger generation’s exposure to international flavors through media and travel. Western desserts are often associated with indulgence, which attracts middle-class consumers looking for premium treat experiences. The availability of these desserts in various flavors, textures, and formats makes them appealing to diverse consumer preferences. Many global frozen dessert chains have expanded their presence in India, further popularizing these options. The India frozen dessert market outlook is positively influenced by the recreation of western dessert offerings, adding their own regional twist.

India Frozen Dessert Market Trends:

Rapid urbanization

As per the report published by the World Bank in January 2024, India’s urban population is expected to reach 600 million by 2036, contributing nearly 70% to GDP. Managing this rapid urban transformation effectively is crucial for India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, marking its 100th year of independence. Urban areas are experiencing increased disposable incomes, encouraging consumers to spend more on indulgent products like frozen desserts. The rise of nuclear families and busy lifestyles fuels demand for convenient, ready-to-eat (RTE) dessert options. Expanding retail infrastructure in urban centers ensures easier accessibility to a wide range of frozen desserts. Growing consumer exposure to global food trends through urbanization influences preferences for premium and innovative frozen dessert offerings. Urban populations are more inclined towards trying unique flavors and health-conscious frozen dessert alternatives. Food delivery platforms and e-commerce have proliferated in cities, driving sales of frozen desserts significantly. Urban events and celebrations often include frozen desserts, catalyzing their consistent demand across social gatherings. Brands focus on urban markets to launch new flavors and products, leveraging high population density for growth.

Expanding number of retail and e-commerce channels

According to the data published by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) on India e-commerce, Indian e-commerce market reached USD 325 Billion by 2023, amongst which Food and FMGC accounts for 4% of market share. E-commerce platforms are revolutionized frozen dessert distribution by offering doorstep delivery with advanced cold-chain logistics. Online platforms facilitate people in exploring a wider variety of frozen desserts, including niche products. Discounts, cashback offers, and personalized recommendations on e-commerce platforms further drive online sales of desserts. Besides this, organized retail stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets ensure widespread availability of frozen desserts nationwide. These stores provide refrigeration facilities, allowing brands to display and sell a variety of frozen products. Retail chains often run discounts and promotions, attracting price-sensitive consumers to purchase frozen desserts. Modern retail outlets in malls enhance consumer experiences, making frozen dessert shopping more appealing.

Increased innovation in flavors and packaging

Companies are experimenting with unique flavor profiles to cater to diverse consumer preferences, which is expanding the India frozen dessert market share, in the global markets. This includes regional flavors, fusion combinations, and healthier alternatives, which attract a wide range of customers. People are looking for unique and thrilling frozen treats, prompting companies to launch innovative choices. In August 2024, 1.5 Degree launched its plant-based dairy items at the 7th India International Hospitality Expo 2024. Providing oat milk, soy milk, iced coffee, flavored milkshakes, and gelato in a range of flavors, it appeals to health-minded customers. In addition to flavor development, improvements in packaging are improving product attractiveness and convenience for buyers. Contemporary, sustainable packaging appeals to eco-conscious consumers who value environmentally friendly options. Packaging that retains freshness and extends shelf life is also becoming more popular in the market. Visually appealing and attractive packaging is increasingly essential for drawing in younger, trend-conscious consumers, enhancing the product's desirability. Furthermore, businesses are offering reduced portion sizes in their packaging to address diverse consumer preferences and promote trial buying. Personalized and customizable packaging options are also drawing attention, enabling people to express their individuality.

India Frozen Dessert Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India frozen dessert market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, category, and distribution channel.

Analysis by Product Type:

Ice cream leads the India frozen dessert market demand due to its broad consumer appeal and versatility. This segment benefits from a rich legacy of being an indulgent treat across all demographics. Innovations like new flavors, low-calorie options, and plant-based ice creams have enhanced its market reach. Festivals, weddings, and celebrations significantly contribute to the demand for bulk purchases of ice cream. Seasonal factors, particularly the hot and humid climate in India, drive year-round consumption of ice creams. Affordability and increasing penetration in rural markets has made ice cream a household favorite. Premium ice cream brands are growing as disposable income rises in urban areas. Accessibility through quick-service restaurants and food delivery apps is making ice creams more popular across the region.

Analysis by Category:

• Conventional
• Sugar-free

The conventional category leads the frozen dessert market in India, accounting for the largest share due to its widespread popularity and established consumer trust. These products are deeply ingrained in Indian consumer habits, offering familiar and reliable options that cater to both urban and rural markets. Their affordability makes them accessible to a broad audience, including middle- and lower-income groups, further driving demand across the country. The simplicity of production processes and lower costs associated with conventional frozen desserts allow manufacturers to scale operations efficiently. Companies focus on developing classic flavors that resonate with local preferences, such as mango, vanilla, and chocolate, ensuring consistent sales throughout the year. Additionally, these products are widely available through organized retail chains, convenience stores, and local outlets, enhancing their reach even in semi-urban and rural areas.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Café & Bakery Shops
• Online
• Others

In India, convenience stores lead the distribution channel segment, holding the biggest market share. Their extensive existence in urban and rural settings makes them readily available to consumers. Convenience stores, strategically positioned in busy locations, focus on impulse buying, which is a major factor for frozen dessert sales. Their function as local centers guarantees a steady supply of goods, promoting enduring customer loyalty. These shops are adequately outfitted with dependable refrigeration units, enabling them to offer a range of frozen treats, such as ice creams, frozen yogurts, and sorbets. Collaborations between prominent frozen dessert brands and convenience store chains enhance product visibility and guarantee a consistent supply. Frequent promotional deals, discounts, and loyalty schemes entice customers to buy frozen desserts from these establishments. Convenience stores gain from their capacity to accommodate smaller purchase amounts, rendering them a perfect option for single-serving and on-the-go (OTG) use.

Regional Analysis:

• Maharashtra
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttar Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• West Bengal
• Rajasthan
• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Madhya Pradesh
• Delhi NCR
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Others

Maharashtra leads the regional segment of market, holding the largest market share. Its high population and extensive urbanization significantly drive demand, with cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur acting as major consumption hubs. The cosmopolitan culture in these cities, combined with rising disposable incomes, creates a strong appetite for indulgent products like frozen desserts. In 2024, 70s Frogurthood, a regional frozen yogurt brand launched a new outlet in Navi Mumbai, expanding its footprint in Maharashtra. This marks a significant step toward offering consumers a premium frozen yogurt experience with unique flavors and a trendy ambiance. The state’s tropical climate ensures steady year-round demand for frozen desserts, as consumers seek relief from warm weather. State’s advanced infrastructure, including organized retail networks and modern cold storage facilities, ensures seamless distribution of frozen desserts across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. E-commerce platforms and food delivery services, which are particularly robust in the state, further improves accessibility.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players are driving market through innovation, distribution, and marketing strategies. They invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to introduce unique flavors and health-conscious dessert options. Strong branding efforts create emotional connections with consumers, building trust and loyalty over time. Collaborations with retailers and quick-service restaurants ensure frozen desserts are widely accessible across markets. Key players leverage advanced manufacturing technologies to maintain consistent quality and optimize production costs. Digital campaigns and social media engagement significantly improves visibility and consumer interest in frozen dessert brands. Many brands focus on expanding their rural reach, capitalizing on increasing disposable incomes in smaller towns. Regional customization of flavors allows key players to cater to India’s diverse taste preferences effectively. Strategic pricing ensures affordability for mass-market products, while premium ranges target affluent urban consumers. In November 2024, Hindustan Unilever Limited announced an in-principal approval to demerge its ice cream business. This move aims to create an independent listed entity. The Ice cream business, which includes brands like Kwality Wall’s and Magnum, has shown growth and profitability. The creation of an independent entity can lead to a more focused approach in product innovation, marketing, and distribution. This shift can increase competition and offer more choices to consumers, benefiting the industry.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the India frozen dessert market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Creambell (RJ Corp.)
• Gelato Vinto
• Hindustan Unilever Limited
• Keventer Group
• Lazza Ice Cream
• Menchie’s India
• Vadilal Industries Limited

Latest News and Developments:

• September 2024: MyFroyoLand launched India's first Acai Frozen Yogurt, introducing the superfood acai to the country. Known for its antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting, and energy-enhancing properties, acai is widely popular in other countries. This frozen yogurt combines the benefits of acai with creamy yogurt, offering a nutritious and delicious treat.
• October 2024: Pilgrim partnered with MyFroyoLand for a new brand campaign, launching exclusive yogurt flavors like blueberry, peppermint, and bubblegum. This campaign spans across 10 cities, including Mumbai and Bangalore.
• October 2024: Frozen Fun Café launched a new concept, "La Dolce Vita," in Bandra, Mumbai. The café celebrates Indo-Italian culture, offering authentic Italian experiences beyond just gelato. With 13 existing locations in Delhi NCR and Mumbai, the brand plans Pan-India expansion.
• March 2024: Kedaara Capital invested in Dairy Day, South India's leading ice cream brand, to accelerate growth. Dairy Day operates in multiple states and serves over 50,000 retailers with diverse ice cream offerings. The investment will enable Dairy Day to increase production capacity and expand nationwide.
• January 2023: CocoBerry opened its second outlet in Kolkata, continuing to grow its presence in India. Renowned for its high-quality frozen yogurt products, the brand seeks to appeal to health-minded customers while offering an assortment of toppings and flavors. This growth strengthens its footprint in the area, introducing fresh experiences to the local market.

India Frozen Dessert Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, India frozen dessert market forecasts, and dynamics of the market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India frozen dessert market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India frozen dessert industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.