The Indian Ice Cream Expo 2025 was held from 6th to 8th October, 2025 at Yashaboomi Dwarka. The Indian Ice Cream sector that was once a novice has now culminated into an Industry of its own with technological advancements, packaging innovations, new and exciting flavors, ingredients, premium concepts, and more. The Indian Ice Cream Market is one of the fastest growing markets that is only set to grow for years to come.
IICE hosted International and Indian Exhibitors, engaging with each other and trade visitors to accelerate the market further. The show consisted of a an open seminar hall that included talks on flavors, ingredients, and industry insights of ice creams. The trade show uncovered some fascinating insights about the Indian Ice Cream Industry.
In the last five years, ice cream market has transitioned from a seasonal market to an all year round market in India. This has specially been pertinent in the post – covid years. In an interaction with Ms. Avantika Dhabale, R&D Manager of Vadilal Industries Limted at IICE, she shared her insights on this paradigm shift in the Ice Cream Market and how her off season sales have been going well recently.
This change has significantly expanded the scope of the market, removing the seasonal barriers and inspiring the industry to find more fitting flavors and styles based on different seasons. Ice cream as a dessert and even as snack remains popular throughout the year in India.
At IICE, the presence of chefs and live demonstrations was highly evident. The art, craft, and business of ice cream has been isolated for the longest time and not known in the mainstream for the longest time. To witness chefs demonstrate the work that goes behind the creation of ice creams in the B2B exhibition space shows that the Indian Ice Cream Industry has come a long way and is giving more representation to chefs to showcase their work and inspire brands to collaborate with them.
The Indian Ice Cream Market
At present, the Indian Ice Cream Market does not exist in isolation. Despite the Industry rising as an individual entity, its speciality of blending into other sectors is helping it grow exponentially. Ice Cream is a part of the sweets market as well as the snacks market. Chocolate and Mithai exhibitions have ice cream companies participating in their trade fair. Ingredient companies actively participate in ice cream exhibitions. American Pecans had a booth at IICE. This blending nature is not just good for businesses but also the quality and level of ice creams we can create in the future.
In an interaction with Vinod Rajasekharan, VP Global Sales and Marketing , he explained the impact of GST changes on the Ice Cream Industry. The reduction in GST rates has bolstered enthusiasm across the supply chain, motivating stakeholders to perform better and contribute to the sector’s sustained expansion. The purchasing power of the customers will go up and this will help the industry’s growth tremendously.
Moreover, a variety of booths displayed the emergence of new premium concepts that have improved the taste of ice cream, showcasing progress in R&D. The ingredients, R&D, and packaging segments are thriving, driven by experimentation, customization, and technological advancements. However, machinery development remains an area that needs stronger support to keep pace with the sector’s evolving needs and creative aspirations.
Flavour Trends at IICE 2025: Tradition Meets Innovation
The exhibitors at IICE 2025 showcased a vibrant array of new trends, flavours, and formats, from Mochi ice cream inspired by Indonesia to Faluda ice cream by Stonefield Flavors, innovative creations from Barry Callebaut, sugar-free kulfi, and more. The expansiveness of innovation was evident not only among exhibitors but also across both established and emerging brands.
Mainstream Flavour Evolution
The rise of flavours such as Pistachio, inspired by the viral pistachio chocolate trend from Dubai reflects how quickly India adapts to global tastes. Alongside health-conscious sugar-free options, protein-infused and even savoury ice creams are gaining popularity. Indian consumers are also embracing frozen treats that balance novelty with nostalgia. While traditional flavours like pista and faluda continue to hold their ground, the Indian market now proudly offers a diverse flavour portfolio that sets it apart globally. Flavours like hazelnut and strawberry have also become everyday favourites for many.
Harmony Between the Traditional and the New
Interestingly, there is no competition between traditional and modern flavours, both segments are thriving in parallel. Traditional brands are experimenting and evolving, while premium and niche players are carving their own distinctive identities. A notable example is N.K., which uses a butterscotch ball as a base and layers it with diverse flavours, textures, crunch, and toppings to create its own signature experience.This focus on innovation, authenticity, and craftsmanship is emerging as the true recipe for long-term success in the ever-evolving ice cream industry.
Blending with International Flavors
In an interaction with Ghofar Eristiwara, International Trade Supervisor of Aice, an Ice Cream Manufacturing Company in Indonesia, he shared insights on the South East Asian market and their take on the Indian Market.
He said “ Basic reason to tap into the Indian Ice Cream Sector is the vast population and the sheer surprise in seeing new local brands in India that keep popping up in the market. It is a good opportunity. With their quality and very less price, you can enter the market and establish yourself in India.”
“The Ice Cream Market in Indonesia is very different from India. The Indonesia ice cream is usually sticks ice cream. With their Asian inspired base and flavors, bringing new face of ice cream to India is idealic. Mochi ice cream is unique – new speciality in India. Indians have very different taste compared to Indonesia, Singapore, and South East Asian countries. This will be an exciting addition”
In the status quo, popular culture is further inspiring the new generation to experiment more which is enhancing the market and enabling new markets to enter. India’s adaptability and openness to new flavors has opened doors for collaboration with different markets.
Overall, the Ice Cream Industry is becoming a stronger sector in India and opening more paths for collaboration, success, and consumer satisfaction.
