China Ice Cream Market

In 2023, the Chinese ice cream market reached a substantial value of US$18.06 billion. According to Renub Research’s projections, the market is expected to experience significant growth and could reach a value of approximately US$27.59 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.24%.

A notable trend in the Chinese ice cream market is the evolving consumer preferences, driving the industry towards a more diverse and flavorful future. China Ice Cream Market There is a growing demand for premium and unique flavors, surpassing the popularity of traditional varieties. This shift is further amplified by the concentration of the population in urban areas due to rapid urbanization, making ice cream easily accessible from various retail outlets. The emergence of digital platforms, particularly driven by e-commerce giants like Alibaba, has revolutionized the consumption of ice cream, offering customers a convenient and tempting array of flavors through live streaming and hassle-free online shopping experiences.

The market is witnessing a diversification of products, including mini-bars, rolls, and sorbets, catering to a wide range of palates. Local manufacturers are incorporating cultural elements into their products, creating distinctive flavors and textures to provide customers with a unique and exciting market experience. The availability of take-home options, such as single-serving tubs, multi-packs for gatherings, and bulk solutions for commercial use, highlights the market’s flexibility.

Artisanal products like dairy-free sorbets and Italian-inspired gelato are capturing the attention of sophisticated consumers with discerning tastes. Moreover, specialty categories meeting specific dietary needs, such as sugar-free, plant-based, and functional ice cream, reflect the market’s alignment with current health trends in China. The market’s estimated worth was US$18.06 billion in 2023.

Product Type – Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

Artisanal
Impulse
Take Home

Flavor Type – Market breakup in 4 viewpoints:

Vanilla
Chocolate
Fruit
Others

Age-group – Market breakup in 7 viewpoints:

Kids & Babies
Tweens & Early Teens
Early Young Adults
Older Young Adults
Pre-Mid-Lifers
Mid-Lifers
Older Consumers

History of Ice Cream in China

The origins of ice cream are shrouded in mystery, with conflicting stories about its inception. While there are claims of its existence in China, pinpointing its precise beginnings remains challenging. However, historical records suggest that frozen desserts were enjoyed by affluent Chinese families around 3,000 years ago. Although the answer to the question “did ice cream come from China?” may lean towards a yes, one of the earliest recorded recipes dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-970 AD), suggesting that ice cream, in its creamy, sugary state, was not present at that time.

The growth of the ice cream market in China can be attributed to continuous industry-wide innovation, driving increased product demand. Market participants are focusing on fortification and the addition of beneficial ingredients to position ice cream as a healthy snack option, thereby appealing to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the availability of fortified, low-fat, and other healthy options, coupled with effective branding strategies, has contributed to the increased accessibility of these products. Furthermore, the market is experiencing a surge in the popularity of regional ice cream flavors, incorporating native ingredients and novel flavor combinations. As the summers become longer and the weather harsher, the demand for ice cream is expected to rise rapidly.

Distribution Channel – Market breakup in 5 viewpoints:

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Store
Specialist Retailers
Online Retail Stores
Others

Region – Market breakup in 6 viewpoints:

East China
South China
North China
West China
Central China
Northeast China All the Key players have been covered from 3 Viewpoints:
Overview
Recent Developments
Revenue Analysis

Related Report:

Convenience Food Market

Frozen Vegetables Market

Organic Food Market

Company Analysis:

Meiji co ltd.
General Mills Inc
Yili Group
Unilever Group
Mondelez International, Inc.
Nestlé SA

About the Company:

Renub Research is a Market Research and Information Analysis company with more than 15 years of experience in Research, Survey, and Consulting. Our research helps companies to take business decisions: on strategy, organization, operations, technology, mergers & acquisitions, etc. Till now we have published more than 9000 syndicated reports and worked on more than 750 custom research projects. Currently, we are supplying data to EMIS, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, etc. We support many blue-chip companies by providing them with findings and perspectives across a wide range of markets.