Market Forecast by Countries (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe), By Type (Impulse Ice Cream, Take-home Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream), By Category (Dairy, Non-dairy), By Distribution Channel (On-trade, Off-trade, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialist Stores, Other Distribution Channels) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC185159 | Publication Date: May 2021 | Updated Date: Oct 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 250 | No. of Figures: 50 | No. of Tables: 25 | |
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Europe Ice Cream Market was accounted at USD 18.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 27.3 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
Report Name | Europe Ice Cream Market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 5.5% |
Market Size | USD 27.3 billion by 2031 |
Growing Sector | Food and beverage |
The Europe Ice Cream Market report thoroughly covers the market by sale types, distribution channels, and countries. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The Europe Ice Cream Market is expected to witness steady growth in the upcoming years, fueled by the growing preference for premium and handcrafted ice cream product coupled with innovations in flavor variety, colorful and designed packaging. The upcoming transition also sees a demand for health-conscious options and plant-based ice cream. Moreover, the accessibility and availability of catalogues through both online and physical places, further connecting the reach through different sales channels promote growth.
Below are some prominent drivers and their influence on market dynamics:
Drivers | Primary Segments Affected | Why It Matters (Evidence) |
Premiumization & Artisanal Trends | Impulse Ice Cream, Take-home Ice Cream | Premium ice cream is growing in popularity, boosting the high-end market. |
Health-Conscious Consumption | Take-home Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream | Healthier options like plant-based and low-sugar ice creams are trending. |
Online Sales Growth | All Sales Types | Online shopping and delivery make ice cream more accessible. |
Innovation in Flavors & Packaging | All Sales Types | New flavors and eco-friendly packaging are attracting more buyers. |
Government Initiatives & Regulatory Support | Take-home Ice Cream, Artisanal Ice Cream | EU policies support quality and sustainability in ice cream production. |
Europe Ice Cream Market is expected to gain steady traction, registering a CAGR of 5.5% during 2025–2031. Factors like increased demand for high-quality ice cream, healthier options and addition of new flavors are compelling market growth. Sustainability efforts such as choosing sustainable packaging and plant-based ice cream alternatives are attracting more customers. Due to increasing number of health-conscious people, requirement for natural and sugar-free options is also surging. Government programs are helping the dairy industry support with the further growth of the sector. Moreover, increased online sales, backed by strong delivery infrastructure enhances the sales channel and increases accessibility.
Below are some major restraints and their influence on market dynamics:
Restraints | Primary Segments Affected | What This Means (Evidence) |
Economic & Interest Rate Volatility | All Sales Types | Economic uncertainty can reduce spending on premium ice creams, slowing growth. |
Regulatory Pressure on Ingredients | Take-home Ice Cream | Economic uncertainty can reduce spending on premium ice creams, slowing growth. |
High Competition from Non-Dairy Desserts | Artisanal Ice Cream | Plant-based desserts and alternatives could limit growth for traditional dairy ice cream. |
Seasonal Demand | Impulse Ice Cream, Take-home Ice Cream | Ice cream sales are seasonal, with more demand in warm months, causing fluctuating sales. |
Supply Chain Disruptions | All Sales Types | Supply issues with dairy and sweeteners can disrupt production and increase costs. |
The Europe Ice Cream Industry faces challenges such as economic uncertainty which may cause people to spend less on high-quality and premium products. The rising competition with diary-free, vegan alternatives can pose a significant challenge. Stringent rules on ingredients and health claims make it tough for smaller producers to innovate. Additionally, due to the seasonal consumption of the product and disruption in sourcing dairy can affect the sales.
There are several notable trends which are currently shaping the market dynamics:
Potential investment promoting the growth of Europe Ice Cream Industry include:
Some leading players dominating Europe Ice Cream Market Share include:
Company Name | Unilever |
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Established Year | 1930 |
Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
Official Website | Click Here |
Description: A global leader in the ice cream market, with popular brands like Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Cornetto. Unilever focuses on sustainability and innovation in its ice cream product lines.
Company Name | Nestlé S.A. |
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Established Year | 1867 |
Headquarters | Vevey, Switzerland |
Official Website | - |
Description: Nestlé is a major player in the European ice cream market, offering a range of brands like Häagen-Dazs and Drumstick. The company is known for premium products and innovations in healthier ice cream options.
Company Name | Lactalis Group |
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Established Year | 1933 |
Headquarters | Laval, France |
Official Website | Click Here |
Description: Lactalis offers a wide variety of ice cream products under brands like Président. The company has a strong focus on dairy quality and product innovation.
Company Name | General Mills, Inc. |
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Established Year | 1928 |
Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
Official Website | Click Here |
Description: Known for its Häagen-Dazs brand in Europe, General Mills is a leader in the premium ice cream sector and has a growing portfolio of dairy-free products.
Company Name | Froneri |
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Established Year | 2016 |
Headquarters | Leeming Bar, United Kingdom |
Official Website | Click Here |
Description: A joint venture between Nestlé and PAI Partners, Froneri is a key player in Europe’s ice cream market with brands like Eskimo and Viennetta, focusing on both premium and everyday products.
Governments in Europe have introduced various regulations to ensure sustainability and food safety in the ice cream market. For example, EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports dairy farming and promotes sustainable production practices. EU Food Safety Regulations ensure that the additives and preservatives used in ice-cream are safe for consumption. Packaging Regulations encourage the use of eco-friendly materials in food packaging. Health Guidelines in European nations regulate sugar content to tackle obesity and protect public health.
The Europe Ice Cream Market is anticipated to grow significantly based on the strongly growing investments in premium, plant-based ice creams and eco-friendly production methods. As more people have started looking for healthier options and unique flavors backed by easier accessibility through online sales channel, the advancement in distribution channel will eventually lead to growing sales. Innovations in sustainable packaging and support for sustainable dairy sourcing will boost the industry.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Mansi, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, Impulse ice cream, including single-serve cones and bars, is expected to dominate due to its affordability and convenience. With increasing on-the-go consumption, this category remains a favorite among impulse buyers.
Germany is expected to hold the largest share of the Europe Ice Cream Market. This is majorly supported by strong consumption patterns and a variety of premium product offerings.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Europe Ice Cream Market Overview |
3.1 Europe Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Europe Ice Cream Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Europe Ice Cream Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Category, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Europe Ice Cream Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Europe Ice Cream Market Trends |
6 Europe Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3 Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
7 Germany Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
7.1 Germany Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2 Germany Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3 Germany Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
8 United Kingdom Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
8.1 United Kingdom Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2 United Kingdom Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
8.3 United Kingdom Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
9 France Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
9.1 France Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2 France Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
9.3 France Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
10 Italy Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
10.1 Italy Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2 Italy Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
10.3 Italy Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
11 Russia Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
11.1 Russia Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2 Russia Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
11.3 Russia Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
12 Spain Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
12.1 Spain Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
12.2 Spain Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
12.3 Spain Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
13 Rest of Europe Ice Cream Market, 2021 - 2031 |
13.1 Rest of Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021 - 2031 |
13.2 Rest of Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Category, 2021 - 2031 |
13.3 Rest of Europe Ice Cream Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
14 Europe Ice Cream Market Key Performance Indicators |
15 Europe Ice Cream Market - Opportunity Assessment |
15.1 Europe Ice Cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
15.2 Europe Ice Cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
15.3 Europe Ice Cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Category, 2021 & 2031F |
15.4 Europe Ice Cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
16 Europe Ice Cream Market - Competitive Landscape |
16.1 Europe Ice Cream Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
16.2 Europe Ice Cream Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
17 Company Profiles |
18 Recommendations |
21 Disclaimer |