North America Ice Cream Market Size

The North America ice cream market is experiencing growth, driven by various distribution channels, including on-trade and off-trade retailing. The off-trade segment, which offers convenient shopping options, is expanding, contributing to the market's overall increase. The rise in online retailing and the popularity of food service chains further enhance market dynamics. The United States leads the market share, with significant contributions from Canada and Mexico. This growth is supported by the availability of diverse ice cream flavors and formats, catering to consumer preferences for both indulgence and healthier options.

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Market Size of north america ice cream Industry

North America Ice Cream Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 23.18 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 26.52 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Distribution Channel Off-Trade
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 2.73 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country United States
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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North America Ice Cream Market Analysis

The North America Ice Cream Market size is estimated at 23.18 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 26.52 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.73% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

23.18 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

26.52 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

2.04 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

2.73 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Distribution Channel

92.59 %

value share, Off-Trade, 2023

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The availability of a wide range of products with several brand options in ice cream products and the ease of free checkout and delivery options are aiding the market growth.

Largest Market by Country

82.10 %

value share, United States, 2023

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The indulgence of ice cream consumption in the U.S. is due to the increased preference for sweet consumption with exotic flavors and premium ice creams capturing the space in the market.

Fastest-growing Market by Distribution Channel

2.74 %

Projected CAGR, Off-Trade, 2024-2029

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The ease of shopping experience through online channel and increasing number of retailers presence among the off trade channels has become to be the major driver in the segment.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

3.27 %

Projected CAGR, Mexico, 2024-2029

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The growing ice cream production is because of technological innovations, including steam power, mechanical refrigeration, the homogenizer and others has become the major facto in Mexico.

Leading Market Player

14.19 %

market share, Unilever PLC, 2022

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Unilever Group gained a competitive edge over other players due to its extensive product portfolio with wider brand presence, along with its strategic moves toward innovation.

Increasing demand for live shopping experience among consumers is boosting the retailing business

  • The distribution channel of the North American region is bifurcated into on-trade and off-trade retailing chambers. The off-trade segment witnessed a growth of 2.4% in 2022 compared with the previous year, 2021. The growth in off-trade channels is related to the shopping facility that it provides to its consumers. The supermarket and hypermarkets provide ice cream at different prices, which range from USD 4.84 and go up to more than USD 140. The easy availability of ice creams at different prices also surges the buying power of consumers. In addition to this, seeking the rising demand for ice cream and convenient shopping options among consumers, the off-trade retailing segment's retail value of the distribution channel sector is estimated to grow by 4.01% in 2025.
  • After the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers have started preferring out-home consumption. As a result of this, the demand for the food chains segment and food service retailers increased by 2.4% in 2022. Some of the famous ice cream food service chains in the North American region are Baskin-Robbins, Ben and Jerry, etc. These retailers provide ice cream in different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, among others.
  • In North America, online retailing sectors also witnessed growth in their retail value by 2.56% in 2022. These online retailers offer a wide range of products with varied ingredients, brands, flavors, etc. Online retailers are captivating the focus of consumers towards e-commerce shopping by offering them a variety of offers. Seeking quick buying options for ice cream, the consumption value of ice cream increased by 5.48% when compared to the preceding year, 2020.
North America Ice Cream Market

Strong availability of various flavors coupled with well penetrated retail channels market market to grow

  • The ice cream industry in the North American region witnessed a growth of 2.40% in 2022 compared to 2021. It is anticipated to grow with the rising availability of a variety of flavors in this segment. In order to captivate the focus of consumers, manufacturers are selling ice cream in different formats, including low-fat and fat-free ice creams. This has led to an increased interest in ice cream products as people seek to maintain a healthy diet. Seeking the demand for ice cream products, the ice cream industry is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2024.
  • In the North American region, the United States is dominating the ice cream industry. In 2022, the US held a share of 70.08%. In January 2023, there were 150,174 convenience stores operating in the United States, which was a rise of 1.5% from the 2022 store count. This helps consumers purchase ice cream products.
  • Canada held a share of 18.85%. Texas has the most convenience stores, with 16,018 stores, which is followed by California, with 12,000 stores. Some of the famous stores in the North American region are Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, and Target, among others. These stores offer a wide variety of ice cream products in the market.
  • Mexico held a share of 51.02%. In 2020, there were 33 supermarket chains, with 3,227 stores, 2,365 department stores, and 53,793 specialized stores throughout the country. Around 50% of the retail market is covered by informal establishments, such as mobile street vendors and open public markets. Ice cream products are also available at varied prices (low, medium, and high). The base selling price of packaged milk is USD 1.72, which goes as high as USD 50.5. The availability of these products at various price ranges promotes buying power among the population.

North America Ice Cream Industry Segmentation

Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.

  • The distribution channel of the North American region is bifurcated into on-trade and off-trade retailing chambers. The off-trade segment witnessed a growth of 2.4% in 2022 compared with the previous year, 2021. The growth in off-trade channels is related to the shopping facility that it provides to its consumers. The supermarket and hypermarkets provide ice cream at different prices, which range from USD 4.84 and go up to more than USD 140. The easy availability of ice creams at different prices also surges the buying power of consumers. In addition to this, seeking the rising demand for ice cream and convenient shopping options among consumers, the off-trade retailing segment's retail value of the distribution channel sector is estimated to grow by 4.01% in 2025.
  • After the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers have started preferring out-home consumption. As a result of this, the demand for the food chains segment and food service retailers increased by 2.4% in 2022. Some of the famous ice cream food service chains in the North American region are Baskin-Robbins, Ben and Jerry, etc. These retailers provide ice cream in different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, among others.
  • In North America, online retailing sectors also witnessed growth in their retail value by 2.56% in 2022. These online retailers offer a wide range of products with varied ingredients, brands, flavors, etc. Online retailers are captivating the focus of consumers towards e-commerce shopping by offering them a variety of offers. Seeking quick buying options for ice cream, the consumption value of ice cream increased by 5.48% when compared to the preceding year, 2020.
Distribution Channel
Off-Trade
By Sub Distribution Channels
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Specialist Retailers
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Others (Warehouse clubs, gas stations, etc.)
On-Trade
Country
Canada
Mexico
United States
Rest of North America
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North America Ice Cream Market Size Summary

The North American ice cream market is experiencing a steady expansion, driven by diverse consumer preferences and evolving retail channels. The market is characterized by a bifurcation into on-trade and off-trade distribution channels, with the off-trade segment, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, witnessing notable growth due to its convenience and varied pricing options. This segment's expansion is further supported by the increasing consumer inclination towards out-home consumption and the rise of online retailing, which offers a broad range of products and enticing offers. The market's growth is also fueled by the introduction of innovative ice cream formats, such as low-fat and fat-free options, catering to health-conscious consumers. The availability of a wide array of flavors, including popular choices like chocolate and vanilla, continues to captivate consumer interest, contributing to the market's positive trajectory.

In terms of market dominance, the United States leads the North American ice cream industry, with a significant share, followed by Canada and Mexico. The presence of numerous convenience stores and retail giants like Walmart and Amazon facilitates easy access to ice cream products across various price ranges, enhancing consumer purchasing power. The market is fragmented, with major players such as Blue Bell Creameries, Froneri International, and Unilever PLC holding substantial shares. Recent strategic partnerships and product launches, such as Unilever's collaboration with ASAP and Blue Bell's new flavor offerings, underscore the competitive landscape and ongoing innovation within the market. As consumer demand for ice cream continues to rise, the North American market is poised for sustained growth, supported by both traditional and emerging retail channels.

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North America Ice Cream Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.1.1 Off-Trade

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Distribution Channels

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Convenience Stores

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Online Retail

          3. 1.1.1.1.3 Specialist Retailers

          4. 1.1.1.1.4 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

          5. 1.1.1.1.5 Others (Warehouse clubs, gas stations, etc.)

      2. 1.1.2 On-Trade

    2. 1.2 Country

      1. 1.2.1 Canada

      2. 1.2.2 Mexico

      3. 1.2.3 United States

      4. 1.2.4 Rest of North America

North America Ice Cream Market Size FAQs

The North America Ice Cream Market size is expected to reach USD 23.18 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.73% to reach USD 26.52 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the North America Ice Cream Market size is expected to reach USD 23.18 billion.

North America Ice Cream Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029