Ice Cream Parlor Market

Market Overview: 

The global ice cream parlor market size reached USD 12.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 19.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.29% during 2025-2033. The increasing social and cultural influences, changing consumer tastes and preferences for healthier and natural food options, and expansion of retail channels, such as online and offline stores, are some of the major factors propelling the market.

An ice cream parlor is a specialized establishment that offers a variety of ice cream and frozen dessert products to customers. It serves a diverse range of ice cream flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen delights while catering to various tastes and preferences of individuals. It usually uses high-quality ingredients and creative recipes to craft its offerings and ensures a delightful and memorable experience for customers. As it is a popular destination for enjoying frozen desserts in a social setting and enhances customer experience, the demand for ice cream parlors is increasing across the globe.

At present, the rising demand for innovative ice cream flavors among individuals is supporting the growth of the market. Besides this, the thriving tourism and hospitality industry, along with the increasing preference for convenient desserts, is strengthening the growth of the market. In line with this, the growing demand for healthier and natural ice cream options due to the rising health consciousness among the masses around the world is positively influencing the market. Apart from this, the increasing emergence of advanced freezing and ice cream-making technologies that streamlines production processes, improves storage and transportation capabilities, and offers a diverse range of products is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors. In addition, the rising preference for eco-friendly and ethically produced products is bolstering the growth of the market.

Ice Cream Parlor Market Trends/Drivers:

Changing consumer tastes and preferences 

Consumers are increasingly preferring healthier and more natural food options due to their changing tastes and preferences. In addition, they are seeking ice cream products with reduced fat content, natural ingredients, and fewer artificial additives on account of the growing focus on health and wellness. Besides this, various manufacturers are expanding their offerings by providing low-fat, organic, and plant-based ice creams to attract health-conscious consumers. Moreover, there is a rise in interest in innovative and exotic flavors among individuals around the world. Moreover, key players are also experimenting with new, natural, and premium ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, and spices, to create exciting flavor combinations that appeal to taste buds of individuals.

Expansion of retail channels

Ice creams are widely available through various distribution channels across the globe. The increasing emergence of online platforms and home delivery services are changing consumer purchasing behavior. They prefer to buy ice creams from online platforms, as they provide convenience and offer a wide range of products at one place. In addition, modern consumers are seeking time-saving options, which is bolstering the growth of the market. Moreover, key players are engaging in partnership with food delivery aggregators, which makes their products accessible to a broader customer base. Furthermore, major manufacturers are creating alliances with supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail outlets to increase their market reach and visibility. These strategic partnerships enable them to expand their distribution network and make their products available to customers in various locations.

Increasing social and cultural influences

Ice creams are widely consumed in various social and cultural traditions, which makes them a cherished treat for celebrations, gatherings, and leisure activities. Moreover, manufacturers often align their marketing and branding strategies with cultural festivities and events that assist in increasing the visibility of their products. Apart from this, seasonal promotions, themed flavors, and special offers during holidays enhance the parlor experience and attract customers. Additionally, social media platforms are allowing ice cream parlors to engage with customers and share content related to cultural celebrations and events.

Ice Cream Parlor Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global ice cream parlor market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and product.

Breakup by Type:

• Branded/Franchise
• Independent
   

Branded/franchise represents the largest market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes branded or franchise and independent. According to the report, branded or franchise represented the largest segment. Branded or franchise ice cream parlors are establishments that operate under well-known and established ice cream brands. These parlors are part of larger chains or franchises that have a recognized presence in the market. They have a brand reputation, standardized processes, and marketing support, which attract a loyal customer base. Franchise ice cream parlors often maintain consistency in their product offerings, flavors, and store layouts across various locations and provide experience to customers.

Independent ice cream parlors are standalone establishments that are not a part of any larger franchise or chain. They are owned and operated by individual entrepreneurs or small businesses. Independent parlors have the freedom to create unique and customized menus that allow them to experiment with flavors and cater to specific local preferences. These parlors often rely on their creativity, quality of products, and personalized customer service to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Breakup by Product:

• Traditional Ice Cream
• Artisanal Ice Cream
   

Traditional ice cream accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes traditional ice cream and artisanal ice cream. According to the report, traditional ice cream represented the largest segment. Traditional ice cream parlors focus on offering classic and popular ice cream flavors that have been long-established in the market. These parlors provide a wide range of familiar ice cream options, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint chip. They cater to a broad customer base, including families and individuals that are seeking traditional ice cream experiences. In line with this, traditional ice cream parlors often prioritize affordability and consistent quality to attract a larger customer volume.

Artisanal ice cream parlors focus on handcrafted, premium, and often unique flavors that are distinct from the standard offerings found in traditional parlors. These parlors highly focus on their creativity and use of high-quality, natural, and locally-sourced ingredients. This segment is gaining popularity among consumers seeking gourmet and indulgent experiences and are willing to pay a premium for specialized flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. They introduce seasonal flavors, limited editions, and experimental combinations to induce different taste buds and establish themselves as innovative and exclusive destinations.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest ice cream parlor market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the changing consumer lifestyle. In addition, the rising consumer willingness to spend on premium and artisanal ice cream products is strengthening the growth of the market in the region. Besides this, the increasing demand for innovative ice cream flavors among individuals is offering a positive market outlook. In line with this, rising advancements in cold chain logistics and retail infrastructure are supporting the growth of the market in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players are constantly innovating and expanding their flavor portfolios. They are introducing new and exotic flavors to cater to diverse consumer preferences and attract a wide consumer base. In line with this, they are offering seasonal flavors or limited-time specials to create excitement and attract repeat visits. Apart from this, many ice cream parlors are providing healthier options to cater to health-conscious consumers across the globe. In addition, they are providing low-fat, sugar-free, and vegan ice creams to cater to customers with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Moreover, companies are highlighting their use of high-quality, locally sourced, and natural ingredients to position themselves as artisanal and eco-friendly establishments.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Amorino Emporia
• Baskin-Robbins (Inspire Brands LLC)
• Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. (Unilever plc)
• Cold Stone Creamery Inc. (Kahala Franchising L.L.C.)
• Cream Stone Ice Cream Concepts
• Häagen-Dazs (General Mills Inc.)
• Marble Slab Creamery (FAT Brands Inc.)
• Naturals

Ice Cream Parlor Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global ice cream parlor market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global ice cream parlor market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global ice cream parlor market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive ice cream parlor market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the ice cream parlor market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the product?
• Which is the most attractive product in the ice cream parlor market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global ice cream parlor market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global ice cream parlor market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the ice cream parlor market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global ice cream parlor market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the ice cream parlor industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.