India, a country known for its diverse culinary delights, has a special place in the hearts of ice cream lovers. While Indian cuisine offers a wide range of sweets and desserts, ice cream remains a perennial favorite. The growing cold chain infrastructure has made ice creams more accessible to a larger consumer base, resulting in the ice cream industry becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of the dairy and food processing industry in India.
Despite having a relatively low per capita ice cream consumption compared to countries like the United States and China, the ice cream market in India has witnessed significant growth in recent years. In 2020, the market reached a value of INR 141.2 Billion, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.3% during 2021-2026, according to a market survey by IMARC Group.
The market is moderately consolidated, with the top six companies accounting for 68% of the value share in 2017. The major players in the Indian ice cream market include Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Unilever, Wells Enterprises Inc., Devyani Foods Industries Pvt. Ltd, Hatsun Agro, and Havmor Ice Cream Limited.
When it comes to the best ice cream brands in India, Amul takes the crown as the first choice for many ice cream lovers. Established in 1946 by the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Amul has become synonymous with delicious and high-quality dairy products. In addition to ice creams, Amul manufactures a wide range of products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, buttermilk, and more.
Amul offers a variety of flavors to cater to different taste preferences. Some of the popular flavors include Butter Scotch, Black Currant, Choco Crunch, Rajbhog, King Alphonso, and many more[^2^]. With over 1500 ice cream serving shops across India, Amul has established itself as a trusted and beloved brand among Indian consumers.
Kwality Walls, a frozen desserts brand owned by Hindustan Unilever, is another prominent player in the Indian ice cream market. With its iconic heart logo, Kwality Walls has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country. The brand offers a range of delectable ice cream varieties, including popular brands like Cornetto and Magnum making it one of the best ice cream brands in India.
Kwality Walls constantly innovates with new flavors and products to keep its customers delighted. The brand offers a diverse range of flavors such as Orange Mahabar, Lemon Blast, Cola Blast, Cloud Bite, Aamras, Mango Zap, and Chocobar. With its focus on quality and innovation, Kwality Walls has carved a niche for itself in the Indian ice cream industry.
Vadilal, a well-known name among ice cream lovers in India, has been serving delightful frozen treats since 1926. The company primarily focuses on ice creams and candies, offering a wide range of flavors to cater to different palates. Vadilal’s journey started in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and has now expanded to offer more than 200 flavors to its consumers.
Apart from traditional ice creams and kulfis, Vadilal is also known for its gourmet ice creams, badabite, flingo, and ice cream cakes, catering to the younger audience who enjoy experimenting with different flavors. With its commitment to quality and diverse product portfolio, Vadilal has earned a place among the top ice cream brands in India.
Mother Dairy, owned by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), is a prominent name in the Indian ice cream industry. Known for its high-quality milk and dairy products, Mother Dairy has also captured the hearts of ice cream lovers across the country. The brand offers a wide variety of ice creams that cater to different taste preferences.
Mother Dairy’s ice creams are loved for their creamy texture and delicious flavors. The brand’s popularity can be attributed to its commitment to quality and the trust it has built over the years with its other dairy products. With its range of ice creams, Mother Dairy has established itself as a strong contender in the Indian ice cream market.
Arun Ice Cream, a part of Hatsun Agro Products, has become a household name in the Indian ice cream industry. Founded in 1932, Arun Ice Cream has won the hearts of millions with its wide range of flavors and consistent quality. The brand expanded its presence by opening parlors not only in cities but also in suburban and rural areas, making ice cream accessible to a larger audience.
Arun Ice Cream offers a plethora of flavors, including Strawberry, Vanilla, Mango, Pista, Butterscotch, Kaju Kismis, Rose Magic, and Milk Fantasy. With its commitment to spread joy through every scoop, Arun Ice Cream has become a favorite among ice cream enthusiasts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Haryana.
Creambell, established by the RJ Corp in 2003, has made a mark in the Indian ice cream market with its wide range of flavors and innovative offerings. The brand has gained popularity for its delicious and indulgent ice creams, catering to various consumer age groups and their taste buds.
With 136 varieties in its basket, Creambell offers something for everyone. The brand is present in 19 states and plans to expand its reach further. Creambell has also diversified into the dairy market, offering milk and value-added dairy products. With its focus on quality and a diverse product range, Creambell has managed to capture a significant share of the Indian ice cream market.
Havmor, a prominent player in the Indian ice cream industry, has become a household name with its delicious and innovative ice cream offerings. Founded by Satish Chona in 1944, Havmor has a rich legacy of delighting ice cream lovers with its wide range of flavors and products.
Havmor constantly strives to provide unique and exciting flavors to its customers. The brand has a diverse product basket comprising more than 160 varieties of ice cream flavors, ready-to-eat products, novelties, and authentic kulfis. With its commitment to quality and a focus on catering to the evolving tastes of Indian consumers, Havmor has firmly established itself as one of the top ice cream brands in India.
Baskin Robbins, an American multinational chain of ice cream and cake specialty shop restaurants, has made its mark in the Indian ice cream market since its launch in 1993. Baskin Robbins offers a premium ice cream experience with a wide range of flavors and indulgent creations.
While Baskin Robbins is well-known globally, it is considered a more premium brand in India. The brand has a manufacturing unit in Pune, India, catering to the growing demand for its delectable ice cream offerings. With its focus on quality and a wide variety of flavors, Baskin Robbins has carved a niche for itself among ice cream enthusiasts in India.
Dinshaw’s, a brand that has been delighting ice cream lovers since 1932, holds a special place in the hearts of consumers. Founded by Dinshaw and Erachshaw Rana, Dinshaw’s has consistently emphasized quality and innovation, offering ice creams that truly delight the taste buds.
Dinshaw’s offers a variety of flavors, including Strawberry, Vanilla, Mango, Pista, Butterscotch, Kaju Kismis, Rose Magic, and Milk Fantasy. The brand’s presence in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Haryana has brought wholesome goodness to the lives of thousands of ice cream enthusiasts.
Top’N Town, a well-established ice cream brand in India, has been satisfying the cravings of ice cream lovers for over 40 years. With a strong distribution network spanning thousands of retail outlets and distributors across the country, Top’N Town has made its mark in the Indian ice cream market.
The brand offers a wide variety of flavors to cater to different taste preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With a strong focus on quality and a commitment to delivering delicious ice cream experiences, Top’N Town has earned a loyal customer base and secured its position among the top ice cream brands in India.
In conclusion, India’s ice cream market is thriving, with a variety of brands vying for the attention of ice cream lovers. From Amul’s undisputed leadership to the innovative offerings of brands like Kwality Walls, Vadilal, and Creambell, the Indian ice cream scene is a melting pot of flavors and indulgence.
Whether you prefer the classic taste of Mother Dairy or the premium experience of Baskin Robbins, there is an ice cream brand in India to satisfy every palate. With their commitment to quality, innovation, and a diverse range of flavors, these top ice cream brands have captured the hearts and taste buds of Indian consumers.
So, the next time you crave a sweet treat, indulge yourself with the best ice cream brands in India and savor the delightful symphony of flavors they have to offer.