Top Ice Cream Companies in the Global Market – 2025 Insights
13 May, 2025

Ice cream is one of the most popular frozen desserts that are predominantly made from milk and cream, dairy products, mixed with sugar and flavorings, and churned while they are freezing to get a smooth, creamy texture. It is consumed internationally in several forms like gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and regular scooped or soft-serve types. Its global popularity is due to the fact that it is refreshing, sweet, and has a lot of varieties available. Ice cream is particularly favored in nations such as the United States of America, China, India, and Italy, which all have distinctive tastes and preferences. Seasonal demand, tradition, and breakthroughs in flavor and healthy alternatives will keep it trending globally. Ice Cream market is anticipated to grow to US$ 125.62 billion by the year 2033 from US$ 80.03 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.14 % between 2025 and 2033.

Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert in America, composed of a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, churned and frozen into a smooth, creamy consistency. Ice cream occupies an important niche in American life, being equated with holidays, summer, and comfort foods. The United States is one of the largest ice cream-consuming countries in the world, and vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream lead sales. American brands like Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, and Baskin-Robbins are household names, and the market keeps on expanding with the growth of artisanal, dairy-free, and low-calorie ice creams. Ice cream is a year-round favorite, as it shows the nation's fondness for decadent and retro treats. United States Ice Cream industry is anticipated to grow to US$ 25.49 billion in 2033 from US$ 18.27 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 3.77 % from 2025 to 2033.

Ice cream is a cold dessert consisting of milk and cream, frequently blended with sweeteners, flavorings, and mix-ins such as fruits, nuts, or chocolate. It may be presented in many forms such as scoops, cones, and bars. In Europe, it's a year-round favorite, with seasonal spikes in summer and a wide range of flavors, from traditional vanilla and chocolate to local specialties like gelato and Scandinavian berry options. There is a growing demand for premium, artisanal ice creams made with natural ingredients, as well as vegan, low-fat, and sugar-free options. Sustainability is also important to consumers, affecting both packaging and the sourcing of ingredients. Europe ice cream market will increase from approximately US$ 21.95 billion in 2024 to around US$ 32.53 billion in 2033, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.47% during 2025-2033.

Ice cream is a cold dessert consumed as a snack or dessert, produced from fruits, chocolate, milk, and cream, and sold in different flavors and textures. It is frequently utilized in desserts such as sundaes and ice cream sandwiches, and assists in making social gatherings more enjoyable. Certain types contain vital nutrients such as potassium and vitamins. In Japan, ice cream is becoming more popular for its cooling sensation on hot days. The Asian Pacific ice cream market is expanding as a result of urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes. There is also a need for low-fat, low-sugar, and dairy-free products, compelling manufacturers to innovate. Gourmet, premium flavors with regional flavor profiles are in great demand, and ice cream is more convenient than ever through growing retail networks and e-commerce. Asia Pacific Ice Cream Market is anticipated to grow to US$ 48.12 billion by 2033 from US$ 27.42 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 6.45% from 2025 to 2033.

Ice cream is a frozen dessert composed of milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, with air whipped in for texture. It exists in many forms and flavors, ranging from traditional vanilla and chocolate to specialty regional offerings. Ice cream consumption has grown considerably in China, where it is now enjoyed year-round due to increased availability and premium, healthier options. China is currently the world's largest ice cream market, with consumers indulging in traditional as well as modern flavors such as matcha and red bean. Urbanization and convenience food demand, especially among younger generations, have cemented ice cream's status in Chinese dessert culture. The market for ice cream in China is anticipated to increase substantially, with an estimated value of US$ 33.03 billion in 2033, compared to US$ 19.16 billion in 2024. This increase indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.24% between 2025 and 2033.

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Largest ice cream manufacturers globally

Meiji CO. Ltd

Establishment: 2009

Head office: Japan

Website: https://www.meiji.com/

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. (Meiji) is a major manufacturer and distributor of dairy, confectionery, and nutritional goods. Its portfolio is diversified with milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, and gummy candies. Meiji also has beauty supplements, protein and nutritional products, vaccines, antibacterial agents, and generic drugs. The company also offers contract manufacturing (CMO) and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services, including operations in India. Meiji’s products are marketed under various well-known brands such as Meiji, Essel, Oishii Gyunyu, DepromeL, Reflex, Kaju Gummy, Kinoko no Yama, Galbo, Amino Collagen, Savas, Sycrest, and Streptomycin. The company operates sales offices, R&D centers, and manufacturing facilities across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.

General Mills Inc.

Formation: 1928

Headquarters: United States

Website: www.generalmills.com

General Mills Inc (General Mills) is a manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods. The product portfolio of the company includes grains, fruits, savories, nutrition bars, frozen hot snacks, and ready-to-eat cereals, natural pet food, refrigerated and frozen dough, baking mixes and ingredients, yogurt, and super-premium ice cream. It also provides convenient meals like meal kits, ethnic meals, pizza, soup, side dish mixes, frozen breakfast products, and frozen entrees. Its product brands include Blue Buffalo, Food Should Taste Good, Fruit Roll-Ups, Blue Basics, Cheerios, Chex, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, EPIC, Fiber One, Fruit Gushers, Gardetto's, Go-Gurt, Gold Medal, and Golden Grahams. Its wide customers range across stores in grocery markets, mass merchanisers, e-commerce channels, food service distributors, as well as in pet specialty establishments. It operates in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

Yili Group

Structure: 1993

Headquarters: China

Website: www.yili.com

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (Yili Group) is a top dairy product producer and distributor. Its products include liquid milk, yogurt, milk powder, ice cream, and nutritional meal replacement bars. Yili distributes several types of milk including pure milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, maltose milk, skimmed milk, low-lactose nutrition milk, and classic organic milk. Key brands are ShuHua, QQstar, Chang Yi, We Ke Zi, and YouSuanRu. Infant and adult formula is also offered by the company under the Pro Kido and Tofer brands, yogurt under MeiYiTian, WeiNong, ShangBuFang, Yi Xiao, Life Up, and PureDay, and ice cream under Chocliz and Zhenxi. Yili has a production base in New Zealand and an R&D center in the Netherlands, backing its global presence and innovation.

Unilever Group

Formation: 1929

Headquarters: United Kingdom

Website: www.unilever.com

Unilever Plc is a fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer and supplier with a wide portfolio of consumer goods including foods, beverages, home care products, and beauty and personal care products, in addition to vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Its household name brands include Dove, Axe, Sunsilk, Knorr, Hellmann's, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Cornetto, Lifebuoy, Lux, Domestos, Omo, Clear, Dermalogica, Horlicks, and Nutrafol. Unilever markets its products via different channels such as traditional stores, small independent retailers, e-commerce sites, and value stores. Operating in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, Unilever has a good global presence in the consumer goods sector.

Mondelez International

Established: 2012

Headquarters: United States

Website: www.mondelezinternational.com

Mondelez International Inc. is a world leader in the snack sector, with expertise in the manufacturing and sale of chocolate, biscuits, gum, candy, baked snacks, cheese, grocery products, and powdered drinks. Its brands include Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar, Tate's Bake Shop, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka, and Toblerone. Mondelez sells its products through a wide variety of retail channels, such as supermarkets, wholesalers, convenience stores, gas stations, drugstores, and value retailers. Mondelez's distribution system consists of direct store delivery, company-owned and satellite warehouses, distribution centers, and third-party distributors, to support its business in international markets.

Nestle S.A.

Formation: 1866

Headquarters: Switzerland

Website: www.nestle.com

Nestlé SA is an international food and beverage giant that produces and sells an extensive array of products such as baby food, bottled water, cereals, chocolates, coffee, and culinary products. Its products include plant-based foods, chilled and frozen meals, dairy products, nutritional supplements, ice cream, and pet care. Nestlé's varied portfolio of brands includes home favorites like Nescafé, Kit Kat, Maggi, Milo, Purina, Gerber, Nespresso, Perrier, and Nestlé Ice Cream. Having a global presence in all regions around the world - Asia, Oceania, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa - the company distributes its products across a wide international consumer base.

Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd

Formation: 1996

Headquarters: China

Website: www.brightdairy.com

Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd. is a dairy firm involved in the research, production, and marketing of various dairy and beverage items. Its product list features fresh and ambient milk, yogurt, milk powder, cheese, nutritional juices, plant protein beverages, modulated milk, sterilized milk, and vegetable juices. The firm complements its activities with an extensive logistics and distribution system. Bright Dairy is a global player, with its presence in countries like China, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong, among others.

Danone S.A.

Established: 1919

Headquarters: France

Website: www.danone.com

Danone SA is a multinational food and beverage firm dealing in dairy and nutritional products. It has a diversified product portfolio ranging from yogurt, fermented dairy products, dairy specialties, plant-based drinks, bottled water, and infant and elderly nutrition. Danone also engages in medical nutrition and a range of flavored and sparkling water items. It sells its products under popular brands like Actimel, Activia, Danone, Danette, YoPRO, Silk, Oikos, Evian, Volvic, and Aqua. Danone distributes its products through retail chains, traditional stores, and specialist channels such as hospitals and pharmacies. It has operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.