China Ice Cream Market, Size, Forecast 2024-2030, Industry Trends, Share, Growth, Insight, Impact of Inflation, Company Analysis

China Ice Cream Market, Size, Forecast 2024-2030, Industry Trends, Share, Growth, Insight, Impact of Inflation, Company Analysis


China Ice Cream Market is projected to be valued at around US$ 27.59 Billion by 2030, according to Renub Research. Ice cream, a beloved frozen dessert cherished globally, delights flavor buds with its creamy texture and lasting tastes. Typically crafted from milk or cream, sugar, and flavorings, it undergoes churning while freezing to reap its signature smoothness. Whether loved in conventional flavors like vanilla and chocolate or modern combos like salted caramel or cookie dough, ice cream is refreshing for every age, especially at some point in the warm summer. Served in cones, cups, or as toppings for decadent sundaes, its versatility and indulgent enchantment make it a timeless preference for celebrations, gatherings, or simply pleasing sweet cravings.

China Ice Cream Market is anticipated to experience a CAGR of 6.24% between 2024 and 2030

As the economic system in China experiences a vast increase, a surge in disposable income activates extended expenses on non-necessities, with ice cream emerging as a famous desire among customers. This improved spending power creates a broad and eager purchaser base with a sweet tooth. Furthermore, shifting customer options in China exhibit a growing demand for particular and premium ice cream flavors, moving beyond conventional options. The outcomes of rapid urbanization concentrate populations in metropolises, providing clean access to ice cream through numerous stores. E-commerce platforms like Alibaba have transformed ice cream intake, offering convenient online shopping options and tempting customers with various flavors through livestreaming.

The ice cream market in China is diversifying with features like minibars, rolls, and sorbets to cater to various choices. Local manufacturers infuse cultural influences, creating distinct flavors and textures for an experience of identity and market exhilaration. Take-home alternatives consist of tubs for scooping, multi-packs for gatherings, and bulk for business use. Artisanal offerings like Italian-inspired gelato and dairy-free sorbets appeal to discerning tastes. Niche classes like plant-based, sugar-free, and functional ice cream meet distinctive dietary wishes, reflecting the market's enlargement and addition to well-being developments in China. Hence, the worth of the China ice cream market was US$ 18.06 Billion in 2023.

In various sectors, which include ice cream, Chinese customers encompass luxury. High-end manufacturers with top-rate ingredients and particular flavors are gaining recognition, fostering loyalty, and propelling massive revenue. Through AR-powered parlors, AI-pushed taste recommendations, and social media ripening, technology shapes the future of ice cream consumption. Innovative designs and anointed ""good-looking ice creams"" have a considerable reputation online, with Chinese Gen-Z clients fueling the hype on structures like Xiaohongshu. This user-generated content accelerates market innovation, prompting dairy and snack manufacturers to be conscious of merchandise with incredible designs and wholesome factors to satisfy the evolving opportunities of Chinese clients.

The impulse product type holds sizable popularity in the China ice cream market because of its comfort and enchantment to spontaneous consumption habits
By product type, the China ice cream market is fragmented into Artisanal, Impulse, and Take Home. The impulse section leads the market. These single-serving items, often bought in small packages or on sticks, cater to the quick-paced lives of Chinese consumers. With growing urbanization and busy schedules, people are searching for brief and satisfying snacks. Impulse ice cream products offer immediate gratification, making them perfect picks for impulse purchases and satisfying cravings. Also, its accessibility in numerous stores and affordability contribute to its massive recognition among customers of every age in China.

Due to its extensive enchantment and versatility, vanilla keeps its reputation as a familiar taste in the China ice cream market

By flavor type, the China ice cream market is broken up into Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, and Others. As a timeless class, vanilla has a familiar and comforting flavor that appeals to a vast spectrum of customers across exclusive age groups and cultural backgrounds. Its neutral taste profile is a flexible base for numerous toppings, blend-ins, and flavor combinations, considering countless customization options. Furthermore, vanilla’s collaboration with top-class brands complements its recognition among discerning consumers searching for indulgent and satisfying ice cream experiences, solidifying its role as a staple taste in the China ice cream market.

Tweens and early teens are significant in the China ice cream market

By age group, the China ice cream market is categorized into Kids & Babies, Tweens & Early Teens, Early Young Adults, Older Young Adults, Pre-Mid-Lifers, Mid-Lifers, and Older Consumers. The market share of tweens and early teens is expanding. As they pass from childhood to formative years, these customers desire independence in their food alternatives and gravitate towards indulgent treats, including ice cream. Furthermore, the enchantment of ice cream as a fun and social snack aligns with this demographic's novelty-seeking and peer-approval dispositions. Advertising campaigns focused on tweens and early teens leverage tendencies, flavors, and packaging that align with their alternatives, reinforcing their effect on driving developments in ice cream intake patterns in China.

Cones and cups dominate the China ice cream market

By category, the China ice cream market is divided into Sticks/Bars, Cones & Cups, Tubs & Bricks, and Others. Cones offer a convenient, handheld snack option for on-the-go lifestyles, catering to China's fast-paced culture. Similarly, cups offer a transportable yet controlled serving, making them best for various consumption settings. These features accommodate many flavors and toppings, improving the general ice cream delight. Furthermore, the popularity of cones and cups is propelled by their widespread availability in various stores, ranging from street vendors to supermarkets, ensuring accessibility and contributing to their dominance in the China ice cream market.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are pivotal in expediting the increase of the China ice cream market

Distribution channels segment the China ice cream market into supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist retailers, online retail stores, and others. The supermarket and hypermarkets is expected to grow in the market share. Supermarkets and hypermarkets in China are driving the consumption of ice cream and leading to innovations in the industry. These retail giants offer prominent product selections, which include numerous ice cream manufacturers, flavors, and formats, catering to various customer options. Their vast distribution network guarantees accessibility to a considerable patron base throughout urban and rural regions. Moreover, supermarkets and hypermarkets leverage promotional strategies, discounts, and special offers to draw customers and improve sales.

East China is scooping up a sweet spot in the China ice cream market

The China ice cream market is split into six regions: East China, South China, North China, West China, Central China, and Northeast China. East China is witnessing an increase in the China ice cream market. This location, encompassing economically vibrant towns like Shanghai and Hangzhou, boasts a vast populace with rising disposable incomes, resulting in multiplied spending on indulgent treats like ice cream. Moreover, East China's urbanization and modernization have led to the proliferation of supermarkets, comfort shops, and distinctive dessert shops, imparting smooth access to a diverse variety of ice cream merchandise. Further, the area's various culinary landscapes and openness to global influences have fueled the demand for modern flavors and premium services, contributing to its increase in the ice cream market.

Key Players

Meiji co ltd., General Mills Inc., Yili Group, Unilever Group, Mondelez International, Inc., and Nestlé SA are present in the China ice cream market.

In May 2022 - Chinese liquor giant Maotai partnered with Mengniu, a top domestic dairy company, to launch their first Maotai ice cream store at the Maotai International Hotel. On the first day, the store sold over 5,000 ice creams for 200k RMB in 7 hours. The ice cream is sold in 9 cities and seven provinces, with over 660k cups sold.

Renub Research report titled “China Ice Cream Market By Product Type (Artisanal, Impulse, and Take Home), Flavor Type (Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, and Others), Age-group (Kids & Babies, Tweens & Early Teens, Early Young Adults, Older Young Adults, Pre-Mid-Lifers, Mid-Lifers, and Older Consumers), Category (Sticks/Bars, Cones & Cups, Tubs & Bricks, and Others), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Store, Specialist Retailers, Online Retail Stores, and Others), Regions (East China, South China, North China, West China, Central China, and Northeast China), Company Analysis (Meiji co ltd., General Mills Inc., Yili Group, Unilever Group, Mondelez International, Inc., and Nestlé SA)” provides a complete study of the China Ice Cream Industry.

Product Type – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

1. Artisanal
2. Impulse
3. Take Home

Flavor Type – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 4 viewpoints:

1. Vanilla
2. Chocolate
3. Fruit
4. Others

Age-group – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 7 viewpoints:

1. Kids & Babies
2. Tweens & Early Teens
3. Early Young Adults
4. Older Young Adults
5. Pre-Mid-Lifers
6. Mid-Lifers
7. Older Consumers

Category – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 4 viewpoints:

1. Sticks/Bars
2. Cones & Cups
3. Tubs & Bricks
4. Others

Distribution Channel – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 5 viewpoints:

1. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
2. Convenience Store
3. Specialist Retailers
4. Online Retail Stores
5. Others

Region – China Ice Cream Market breakup in 6 viewpoints:

1. East China
2. South China
3. North China
4. West China
5. Central China
6. Northeast China

All the Key players have been covered from 3 Viewpoints:

• Overview
• Recent Developments
• Revenue Analysis

Company Analysis:

1. Meiji co ltd.
2. General Mills Inc.
3. Yili Group
4. Unilever Group
5. Mondelez International, Inc.
6. Nestlé SA


1. Introduction
2. Research& Methodology
3. Executive Summary
4. Market Dynamics
4.1 Growth Drivers
4.2 Challenges
5. China Ice Cream Market
6. Market Share – China Ice Cream Analysis
6.1 By Product Type
6.2 By Flavor Type
6.3 By Age Group
6.4 By Category
6.5 By Distribution Channel
6.6 By Region
7. Product Type – China Ice Cream Market
7.1 Artisanal
7.2 Impulse
7.3 Take Home
8. Flavor Type – China Ice Cream Market
8.1 Vanilla
8.2 Chocolate
8.3 Fruit
8.4 Others
9. Age Group – China Ice Cream Market
9.1 Kids & Babies
9.2 Tweens & Early Teens
9.3 Early Young Adults
9.4 Older Young Adults
9.5 Pre-Mid-Lifers
9.6 Mid-Lifers
9.7 Older Consumers
10. Category – China Ice Cream Market
10.1 Sticks/Bars
10.2 Cones & Cups
10.3 Tubs & Bricks
10.4 Others
11. Distribution Channel – China Ice Cream Market
11.1 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
11.2 Convenience Store
11.3 Specialist Retailers
11.4 Online Retail Stores
11.5 Others
12. Region – China Ice Cream Market
12.1 East China
12.2 South China
12.3 North China
12.4 West China
12.5 Central China
12.6 Northeast China
13. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis – China Ice Cream Market
13.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers
13.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
13.3 Degree of Rivalry
13.4 Threat of New Entrants
13.5 Threat of Substitutes
14. SWOT Analysis – China Ice Cream Market
14.1 Strength
14.2 Weakness
14.3 Opportunity
14.4 Threat
15. Key Players Analysis
15.1 Meiji co ltd.
15.1.1 Overview
15.1.2 Recent Development
15.1.3 Revenue Analysis
15.2 General Mills Inc.
15.2.1 Overview
15.2.2 Recent Development
15.2.3 Revenue Analysis
15.3 Yili Group
15.3.1 Overview
15.3.2 Recent Development
15.3.3 Revenue Analysis
15.4 Unilever Group
15.4.1 Overview
15.4.2 Recent Development
15.4.3 Revenue Analysis
15.5 Mondelez International, Inc.
15.5.1 Overview
15.5.2 Recent Development
15.5.3 Revenue Analysis
15.6 Nestlé SA
15.6.1 Overview
15.6.2 Recent Development
15.6.3 Revenue Analysis
15.7 Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd.
15.7.1 Overview
15.7.2 Recent Development
15.7.3 Revenue Analysis
15.8 Danone S.A.
15.8.1 Overview
15.8.2 Recent Development
15.8.3 Revenue Analysis
List of Figures:
Figure-01: China – Ice Cream Market (Billion US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-02: China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Billion US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-03: Product Type – Artisanal Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-04: Product Type – Forecast for Artisanal Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-05: Product Type – Impulse Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-06: Product Type – Forecast for Impulse Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-07: Product Type – Take Home Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-08: Product Type – Forecast for Take Home Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-09: Flavor Type – Vanilla Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-10: Flavor Type – Forecast for Vanilla Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-11: Flavor Type – Chocolate Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-12: Flavor Type – Forecast for Chocolate Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-13: Flavor Type – Fruit Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-14: Flavor Type – Forecast for Fruit Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-15: Flavor Type – Others Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-16: Flavor Type – Forecast for Others Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-17: Age Group – Kids & Babies Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-18: Age Group – Forecast for Kids & Babies Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-19: Age Group – Tweens & Early Teens Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-20: Age Group – Forecast for Tweens & Early Teens Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-21: Age Group – Early Young Adults Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-22: Age Group – Forecast for Early Young Adults Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-23: Age Group – Older Young Adults Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-24: Age Group – Forecast for Older Young Adults Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-25: Age Group – Pre-Mid-Lifers Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-26: Age Group – Forecast for Pre-Mid-Lifers Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-27: Age Group – Mid-Lifers Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-28: Age Group – Forecast for Mid-Lifers Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-29: Age Group – Older Consumers Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-30: Age Group – Forecast for Older Consumers Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-31: Category – Sticks/Bars Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-32: Category – Forecast for Sticks/Bars Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-33: Category – Cones & Cups Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-34: Category – Forecast for Cones & Cups Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-35: Category – Tubs & Bricks Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-36: Category – Forecast for Tubs & Bricks Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-37: Category – Others Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-38: Category – Forecast for Others Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-39: Distribution Channel – Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-40: Distribution Channel – Forecast for Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-41: Distribution Channel – Convenience Store Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-42: Distribution Channel – Forecast for Convenience Store Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-43: Distribution Channel – Specialist Retailers Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-44: Distribution Channel – Forecast for Specialist Retailers Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-45: Distribution Channel – Online Retail Stores Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-46: Distribution Channel – Forecast for Online Retail Stores Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-47: Distribution Channel – Others Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-48: Distribution Channel – Forecast for Others Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-49: East China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-50: East China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-51: South China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-52: South China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-53: North China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-54: North China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-55: West China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-56: West China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-57: Central China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-58: Central China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-59: Northeast China – Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-60: Northeast China – Forecast for Ice Cream Market (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-61: Meiji co ltd. – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-62: Meiji co ltd. – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-63: General Mills Inc. – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-64: General Mills Inc. – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-65: Yili Group – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-66: Yili Group – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-67: Unilever Group – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-68: Unilever Group – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-69: Mondelez International, Inc. – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-70: Mondelez International, Inc. – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-71: Nestlé SA – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-72: Nestlé SA – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-73: Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd. – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-74: Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd. – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
Figure-75: Danone S.A. – Global Revenue (Million US$), 2018 – 2023
Figure-76: Danone S.A. – Forecast for Global Revenue (Million US$), 2024 – 2030
List of Tables:
Table-01: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Product Type (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-02: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Product Type (Percent), 2024 – 2030
Table-03: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Flavor Type (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-04: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Flavor Type (Percent), 2024 – 2030
Table-05: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Age Group (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-06: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Age Group (Percent), 2024 – 2030
Table-07: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Category (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-08: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Category (Percent), 2024 – 2030
Table-09: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Distribution Channel (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-10: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Distribution Channel (Percent), 2024 – 2030
Table-11: China – Ice Cream Market Share by Region (Percent), 2018 – 2023
Table-12: China – Forecast for China Ice Cream Market Share by Region (Percent), 2024 – 2030

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