Market Size

The China ice cream market is projected to grow significantly, reaching US$ 33.03 billion by 2033, up from US$ 19.16 billion in 2024. This expansion represents a CAGR of 6.24% from 2025 to 2033. Rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences for premium flavors, and rapid retail channel expansion are key forces shaping this dynamic industry.

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The comprehensive report China Ice Cream Market & Forecast 2025–2033 provides insights across:

• Product Type: Artisanal, Impulse, Take Home

• Flavor Type: Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, Others

• Age Group: Kids & Babies, Tweens & Early Teens, Early Young Adults, Older Young Adults, Pre-Mid-Lifers, Mid-Lifers, Older Consumers

• Category: Sticks/Bars, Cones & Cups, Tubs & Bricks, Others

• Distribution Channel: Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialist Retailers, Online Retail Stores, Others

• Regions: East, South, North, West, Central, Northeast China

• Company Analysis: Key players with overviews, recent developments, and revenue insights

Market Outlook

Ice cream, a frozen dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, has evolved in China from a seasonal indulgence into a year-round staple. Rising urbanization, greater product availability, and younger consumers’ preference for novel, indulgent experiences have accelerated demand.

China has become one of the world’s largest ice cream markets, with consumers showing enthusiasm for both classic flavors and locally inspired innovations such as matcha, red bean, and black sesame. The integration of premiumization, health-oriented offerings, and digital retail channels further cements ice cream’s role in Chinese dessert culture.

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Growth Drivers

Rising Disposable Income

• Higher household income has boosted demand for indulgent, premium ice cream.

• Middle- and upper-class families, particularly in urban centers, seek high-quality products with unique flavors, organic ingredients, and premium packaging.

• Disposable personal income in China grew to 51,821 CNY in 2023 from 49,283 CNY in 2022, underscoring greater purchasing power.

Innovation in Flavors and Formats

• Brands are increasingly incorporating traditional Chinese ingredients such as matcha, black sesame, and red bean.

• Healthier options—low-fat, low-sugar, plant-based, and protein-enriched varieties—are gaining market share.

• Creative formats, such as mochi ice cream, artisanal popsicles, and 3D-shaped ice creams, keep consumers engaged.

• Example: In 2024, Wansheng Food Additives (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. showcased innovations in food technology and ice cream solutions at industry exhibitions.

Expanding Retail Channels

• Supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops ensure wide availability.

• E-commerce platforms and delivery apps have expanded access, especially for niche or premium brands.

• Seasonal promotions, bundled deals, and social media campaigns strengthen brand loyalty and sales performance.

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Market Challenges

Rising Competition

• The market is fragmented with strong local and international players.

• Local brands benefit from affordability and regional flavor expertise.

• Global brands offer premium positioning and brand recognition.

• Smaller firms face challenges competing against larger corporations’ marketing budgets and distribution networks.

Health and Wellness Trends

• Growing concerns about sugar and fat content push consumers toward low-calorie and plant-based alternatives.

• Reformulation remains costly and complex, especially for smaller producers.

• Striking the right balance between taste and health continues to challenge manufacturers.

Consumption Insights

• In 2022, 98.9% of Chinese consumers reported enjoying ice cream.

• 27.3% consume ice cream daily and 37.8% every 2–3 days.

• Winter consumption is growing rapidly, with 70% of consumers purchasing ice cream outside the traditional summer season.

• Marketing strategies, including nostalgia-driven campaigns and co-branding, have further boosted year-round demand.

Segment Insights

Impulse Ice Cream

• Single-serve items, such as sticks and bars, dominate quick-purchase behavior.

• Urban lifestyles and busier schedules make on-the-go options highly appealing.

• Widely available in supermarkets, kiosks, and convenience stores, impulse ice creams are affordable and popular across age groups.

Vanilla Ice Cream

• A staple flavor in China’s ice cream culture.

• Neutral profile allows endless combinations with toppings and mix-ins.

• Strongly associated with premium positioning and trusted brands, reinforcing its dominance.

Tweens and Early Teens

• A fast-growing consumer segment.

• Ice cream appeals as a fun, social, and novel indulgence.

• Targeted advertising campaigns focus on packaging, trends, and peer influence, shaping consumption patterns.

Cones and Cups

• Cones remain convenient, portable, and widely available.

• Cups provide portion control and ease of transport.

• Both formats allow for customization and variety, supporting their popularity.

Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• Expected to increase market share as the primary retail hub.

• Offer broad product ranges across domestic and international brands.

• Strong promotions, discounts, and nationwide coverage enhance accessibility and consumer choice.

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Regional Insights

East China

• Led by cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou.

• High disposable incomes drive premium segment growth.

• Dense retail infrastructure, including supermarkets and specialty dessert shops, ensures widespread availability.

• Culinary openness encourages demand for innovative flavors and international trends.

Other Key Regions

• South China: Warm climate supports strong year-round consumption.

• North China: Growing urban centers fuel impulse product growth.

• West & Central China: Expanding retail access brings new opportunities.

• Northeast China: Seasonal demand strong, with increasing winter adoption.

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies in China’s ice cream market include:

• Meiji Co., Ltd.

• General Mills Inc.

• Yili Group

• Unilever

• Mondelez International Inc.

• Nestlé S.A.

Notable Developments

• Maotai & Mengniu (May 2022): Launched Maotai ice cream, with over 5,000 units sold within the first seven hours of its flagship store opening. Expanded to nine cities and seven provinces, selling over 660,000 cups by July 2022.

• Yili (March 2022): Introduced “3D traditional fan ice cream,” enriched with 3.8x protein content, leveraging unique designs and cultural references to stand out in the premium segment.

Market Segmentation Summary

Product Type:

• Artisanal

• Impulse

• Take Home

Flavor Type:

• Vanilla

• Chocolate

• Fruit

• Others

Age Group:

• Kids & Babies

• Tweens & Early Teens

• Early Young Adults

• Older Young Adults

• Pre-Mid-Lifers

• Mid-Lifers

• Older Consumers

Category:

• Sticks/Bars

• Cones & Cups

• Tubs & Bricks

• Others

Distribution Channels:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Specialist Retailers

• Online Retail Stores

• Others

Regions:

• East China

• South China

• North China

• West China

• Central China

• Northeast China

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