Product Code: ETC046609 | Publication Date: Jan 2021 | Updated Date: Aug 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Bhawna Singh | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 |
The United Kingdom (UK) ice cream market is a mature and highly competitive industry characterized by a wide variety of products, flavors, and brands. The market is driven by changing consumer preferences towards premium and artisanal ice cream products, as well as increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable options. Key players in the UK ice cream market include multinational companies such as Unilever and Nestlé, as well as numerous smaller, independent producers. The market is also influenced by seasonal trends, with higher consumption during the summer months. Innovation in flavors, packaging, and marketing strategies play a crucial role in attracting consumers. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards plant-based and dairy-free ice cream alternatives to cater to the increasing number of vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers.
The United Kingdom ice cream market is experiencing several key trends. Firstly, there is a growing demand for premium and artisanal ice cream products, driven by consumers seeking high-quality, unique flavors and ingredients. Health and wellness trends are also influencing the market, with an increasing preference for low-sugar, dairy-free, and plant-based options. Additionally, sustainability is becoming a significant factor, leading to a rise in eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. The popularity of indulgent treats like gelato and soft-serve ice cream is on the rise, catering to consumer preferences for experiential and Instagrammable desserts. Online delivery services and the expansion of specialty ice cream shops are further shaping the market, offering convenience and a diverse range of choices to consumers seeking a refreshing and enjoyable frozen dessert experience.
In the United Kingdom (UK) ice cream market, several challenges are faced by manufacturers and retailers. One major challenge is the seasonality of the product, with demand being significantly higher during the summer months compared to the rest of the year. This can lead to issues with inventory management and production planning. Another challenge is the increasing health consciousness among consumers, leading to a shift towards healthier and lower-calorie options, which may impact sales of traditional ice cream products. Additionally, the competitive landscape in the UK ice cream market is intense, with numerous brands vying for market share, leading to pricing pressures and the need for innovation to stand out. Finally, fluctuating raw material costs, especially for ingredients like milk and sugar, can impact profit margins for ice cream manufacturers.
The United Kingdom`s ice cream market offers various investment opportunities due to the growing consumer demand for premium and innovative ice cream products. With an increasing focus on health and wellness, there is a rising trend towards plant-based and healthier ice cream alternatives, presenting opportunities for investors to tap into this segment. Additionally, the UK market is witnessing a surge in artisanal and locally sourced ice cream brands, catering to the growing preference for sustainable and ethically produced products. Investing in the development of unique flavor profiles, sustainable packaging solutions, and online distribution channels can also be lucrative strategies to capitalize on the evolving consumer preferences in the UK ice cream market. Overall, the market offers potential for growth and innovation, making it an attractive sector for investment.
The United Kingdom (UK) ice cream market is subject to various government policies related to food safety, labeling regulations, and environmental sustainability. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees food safety standards to ensure that ice cream products meet strict quality and hygiene requirements. Additionally, the UK government has implemented regulations on food labeling to provide consumers with accurate information about ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens in ice cream products. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in the ice cream industry, with the government encouraging companies to reduce packaging waste, minimize carbon emissions, and source ingredients ethically. Overall, government policies in the UK ice cream market aim to protect consumer health, promote transparency, and drive sustainable practices within the industry.
The future outlook for the United Kingdom (UK) ice cream market appears promising, driven by factors such as increasing demand for innovative and premium flavors, the introduction of healthier and vegan ice cream options, and rising consumer disposable income. With a growing focus on indulgent treats and convenient snacking options, ice cream remains a popular choice among consumers of all ages. Additionally, the expansion of online retail channels and the emergence of artisanal and local ice cream brands are expected to further fuel market growth. However, challenges such as changing consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives and potential impacts from economic uncertainties post-Brexit may influence the market dynamics. Overall, the UK ice cream market is projected to continue its growth trajectory, with opportunities for companies to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
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 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Overview |
3.1 United Kingdom (UK) Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, 2024 & 2031F |
3.3 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Sales Types, 2024 & 2031F |
3.6 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel Type, 2024 & 2031F |
4 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing consumer demand for premium and artisanal ice cream products |
4.2.2 Growing trend towards healthier and low-calorie ice cream options |
4.2.3 Rising disposable incomes leading to higher spending on indulgent treats like ice cream |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Seasonal demand fluctuations impacting sales during colder months |
4.3.2 Intense competition among ice cream brands leading to pricing pressures |
4.3.3 Health concerns related to sugar and fat content in traditional ice cream products |
5 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Trends |
6 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market, By Types |
6.1 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market, By Sales Types |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Sales Types, 2016 - 2031F |
6.1.3 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Impulse ice cream, 2016 - 2031F |
6.1.4 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Take-home ice cream, 2016 - 2031F |
6.1.5 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Artisanal ice cream, 2016 - 2031F |
6.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market, By Distribution Channel Type |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Supermarket/Hypermarket, 2016 - 2031F |
6.2.3 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Convenience stores, 2016 - 2031F |
6.2.4 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Ice cream Parlour, 2016 - 2031F |
6.2.5 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Online, 2016 - 2031F |
6.2.6 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2016 - 2031F |
7 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Key Performance Indicators |
8.1 Number of new product launches in the healthier ice cream segment |
8.2 Growth in sales of premium ice cream products |
8.3 Adoption rate of alternative sweeteners in ice cream formulations |
9 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Sales Types, 2024 & 2031F |
9.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel Type, 2024 & 2031F |
10 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 United Kingdom (UK) Ice cream Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |