Frozen Dessert Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Confectionary & Candies, Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Cakes & pastries, Others), By Sales Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Departmental Stores, Online, Specialty Stores, and Others (Direct Sales, etc.)), By Region, By Competition , 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 95.72 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.41%
Fastest Growing Segment	Frozen Yogurt
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 124.04 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Frozen Dessert Market will grow from USD 95.72 Billion in 2025 to USD 124.04 Billion by 2031 at a 4.41% CAGR. The Global Frozen Dessert Market comprises sweet edibles prepared by freezing liquids or semi-solids, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. The expansion of this sector is fundamentally supported by rising disposable incomes in developing economies which empowers consumers to spend on discretionary refreshments. Furthermore, the strengthening of global cold chain infrastructure ensures consistent product availability while increasing ambient temperatures necessitate cooling solutions and bolster demand.

Despite this positive trajectory, the market faces a significant impediment regarding the volatility of raw material costs for essential ingredients like sugar and dairy caused by supply chain instabilities. This fluctuation forces manufacturers to adjust pricing strategies which may alienate price-sensitive consumers. However, the sector remains economically vital. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, in 2024, the ice cream industry contributed $11.4 billion to the United States economy. This underscores the substantial financial footprint of the sector amidst operational challenges.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing consumer preference for premium and artisanal products acts as a primary catalyst for value growth within the Global Frozen Dessert Market. Shoppers are progressively prioritizing high-quality ingredients, superior texture, and indulgent experiences over mere affordability, even amidst broader economic inflationary pressures. This trend compels manufacturers to focus on "power brands" that offer perceived luxury and consistency, thereby securing customer loyalty and maintaining margins. According to Unilever, February 2024, in the '2023 Full Year Results' report, the company's core ice cream Power Brands, including Magnum and Cornetto, contributed nearly 85% of the ice cream business unit's total turnover, highlighting the financial dominance of premium labels.

Advancements in cold chain logistics and supply chain efficiency are simultaneously empowering manufacturers to scale production and expand their geographic reach. Significant capital injections into manufacturing facilities are enhancing throughput and enabling the creation of complex, high-value novelties that require precise temperature management. For instance, according to Wells Enterprises, July 2024, in a corporate press release, the company committed an increased investment of $425 million to expand its Dunkirk, New York manufacturing facility to boost capacity and chocolate production capabilities. This infrastructure is critical for supporting massive output levels; according to the International Institute of Refrigeration, September 2024, the European Union alone produced 3.2 billion litres of ice cream in 2023, necessitating robust logistical networks to ensure product integrity from plant to consumer.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material costs constitutes a formidable obstacle to the expansion of the Global Frozen Dessert Market. Manufacturers rely heavily on agricultural inputs such as sugar and dairy, which are increasingly subject to pricing fluctuations driven by supply chain instabilities. When the availability of these essential ingredients becomes inconsistent, procurement expenses rise unpredictably. This financial instability forces companies to either absorb the additional costs, thereby eroding profit margins, or pass them on to the consumer through higher retail prices.

Consequently, such price adjustments can stifle market volume growth by alienating price-sensitive buyers. According to the International Sugar Organization, in May 2025, the global sugar deficit for the 2024-2025 season was revised upward to 5.466 million tonnes, a level of shortfall not witnessed in nine years. This severe supply imbalance directly exacerbates production costs for frozen dessert manufacturers. The resulting economic pressure restricts the ability of brands to maintain competitive pricing, thereby hampering wider market penetration and reducing the frequency of discretionary consumption among budget-constrained households.

Key Market Trends

The Growth of Multi-Textural and Sensory-Enhanced Products is fundamentally reshaping the market as consumers increasingly seek "eatertainment" through complex mouthfeels and customizable formats. Beyond standard flavors, shoppers are demanding frozen treats that incorporate contrasting layers, crunchy inclusions, and viscous swirls to elevate the sensory experience. This demand for complexity is driving foodservice operators and retailers to offer extensive personalization options to maintain engagement. According to Nestlé Professional, May 2024, in 'The Inside Scoop' report, 89% of consumers surveyed stated they prefer to embellish their ice cream with additional textures like sauces, sprinkles, and nuts, underscoring the critical importance of customizable and multi-sensory product attributes.

Simultaneously, the Increase in Cross-Category Brand Collaborations and Licensing is acting as a powerful mechanism for market penetration and consumer acquisition. Confectionery and snacking giants are aggressively extending their portfolios into the frozen aisle, transforming shelf-stable favorites into frozen novelties to capitalize on existing brand loyalty and nostalgia. This strategy allows manufacturers to mitigate launch risks by utilizing recognizable intellectual property to ensure immediate trial. For instance, according to Ferrero Group, February 2025, in the 'Consolidated Financial Statements for the 2023/2024 Financial Year', the company reported a consolidated turnover of €18.4 billion, explicitly citing the strategic launch of Nutella Ice Cream as a key innovation driving this robust commercial performance.

Segmental Insights

The frozen yogurt category currently represents the fastest-growing segment within the global frozen dessert market due to rising consumer preference for healthier alternatives to traditional high-fat ice creams. This expansion is primarily driven by increasing awareness regarding the digestive health benefits associated with probiotics found in cultured yogurt products. Furthermore, the wide availability of low-fat and sugar-free variants appeals significantly to weight-conscious individuals seeking functional food options. Consequently, manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolios to cater to these specific dietary requirements, thereby fueling the rapid development of this segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a leading position in the global frozen dessert market, driven significantly by rapid urbanization and increasing disposable income across major economies such as China and India. The region benefits from a massive consumer base that is increasingly adopting Western dietary habits, leading to heightened demand for ice creams, frozen yogurts, and plant-based alternatives. Additionally, substantial investments in cold chain infrastructure have improved product accessibility within modern retail sectors. This expansion of distribution networks allows manufacturers to effectively cater to the growing appetite for convenient sweet treats throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams announced a unique collaboration with Fly By Jing, a premium condiment brand famous for its Sichuan chili crisp. This partnership introduced a limited-time offering that allowed customers to top their ice cream scoops with a savory, spicy, and crispy chili oil at the company’s retail locations. The initiative was designed to create an unexpected flavor profile blending sweet and savory elements, catering to adventurous palates. This collaboration also featured bundled retail products, demonstrating a creative cross-category marketing strategy intended to drive foot traffic and generate brand buzz during the peak summer sales period.
• In April 2024, Unilever’s Magnum brand unveiled an innovative range of mood-inspired frozen desserts designed to deliver a multi-sensory consumption experience. The new "Pleasure Express" collection featured three distinct flavor profiles intended to match different emotional states, incorporating novel ingredients such as pink lemonade, toffee with dates, and vanilla-biscuit pairings. Encased in the brand’s signature cracking chocolate, this launch aimed to capitalize on the emerging "mood-food" trend within the food industry. By addressing consumer desires for new and exciting textures and flavors, the company reinforced its position as a pioneer in the premium segment of the global frozen dessert market.
• In March 2024, Blue Bell Creameries expanded its product portfolio by launching a new flavor inspired by a traditional St. Louis dessert. The company introduced "Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream," which features a cake batter base combined with a cream cheese swirl and rich, gooey butter cake pieces. This product launch coincided with the brand's strategic market expansion into the St. Louis metropolitan area, aiming to resonate with local heritage while offering a unique, indulgent option to its wider customer base. The release highlighted the company's commitment to creating regionally inspired flavors that drive consumer excitement and brand loyalty in competitive markets.
• In January 2024, Häagen-Dazs officially entered the growing snackable frozen dessert market with the strategic launch of a new bite-sized product line. Recognizing the increasing consumer demand for convenient, portion-controlled indulgences, the company introduced these chocolate-covered ice cream treats in popular flavors such as salted caramel and chocolate. This innovation allowed the brand to expand its reach beyond traditional dessert occasions into the snacking sector. The launch aligned with a broader industry trend where established manufacturers are diversifying formats to meet the evolving lifestyle needs of modern consumers who seek high-quality, accessible treats for on-the-go consumption.

Key Market Players

• Unilever PLC
• General Mills Inc.
• Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd
• Nestlé S.A.
• Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd
• Dunkin' Brands Group Inc.
• Bulla Dairy Foods
• Dairy Farmers of America
• Yasso Inc.
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

By Product	By Sales Channel	By Region
Confectionary & Candies Ice Cream Frozen Yogurt Cakes & pastries Others	Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Departmental Stores Online Specialty Stores and Others (Direct Sales, etc.)	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Frozen Dessert Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Frozen Dessert Market, By Product:

• Confectionary & Candies
• Ice Cream
• Frozen Yogurt
• Cakes & pastries
• Others

• Frozen Dessert Market, By Sales Channel:

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Online
• Specialty Stores
• and Others (Direct Sales, etc.)

• Frozen Dessert Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE