Market Size of united states ice cream Industry
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Study Period | 2017 - 2029 |
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Market Size (2024) | USD 19.03 Billion |
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Market Size (2029) | USD 21.76 Billion |
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Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Off-Trade |
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CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 2.72 % |
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Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel | Off-Trade |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
United States Ice Cream Market Analysis
The United States Ice Cream Market size is estimated at 19.03 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 21.76 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.72% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
19.03 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
21.76 Billion
Market Size in 2029 (USD)
2.04 %
CAGR (2017-2023)
2.72 %
CAGR (2024-2029)
Leading Market Player
20.73 %
market share, Unilever PLC, 2022
The products offered by Unilever group have various national and international certifications, making it unique in the country and helping it maintain its market share.
Largest Market by Distribution Channel
93.92 %
value share, Off-Trade, 2023
The wider availability of various brands, ease of reading product labels and convenience in comparing different products make it the preffered type among the dairy consumers.
Fastest-growing Market by Distribution Channel
2.73 %
Projected CAGR, Off-Trade, 2024-2029
The rising preference to buy essential groceries online during the pandemic drove the off-trade channel. The growth is also assisted by better consumer reach through digital marketing.
Second leading Market Player
13.72 %
market share, Froneri International Limited, 2022
Froneri Ltd's wide range of offerings in the country, along with the increasing dairy products manufacturing units, is highly supporting its market growth and domination.
Third Leading Market Player
2.85 %
market share, Wells Enterprises Inc., 2022
The product lineup which includes Blue Bell Ice Cream, Light Ice Cream, No Sugar Added Ice Cream and Sherbet along with wider distribution is captivating the market growth.
Revitalized stores, enhanced supply chains propel supermarkets and hypermarkets to witness surge in ice cream sales
- In 2020, the on-trade segment was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns imposed worldwide. Despite these challenges, US consumers spent an average of 8.6% of their disposable personal income on food in 2020. This amount was split between meals consumed at home (5.0%) and away from home (3.6%). However, restaurants, bars, and casinos had to shut down operations in the country. Therefore, the on-trade sales value of ice cream decreased by 14% in 2020 compared to 2019, with around 32,109 restaurants shutting operations during the pandemic.
- The online retail channel is expected to be the fastest-growing distribution sub-segment in the off-trade segment. It is projected to register a growth value of 13% during 2023-2028 due to the increasing number of smartphone users, which rose by 11 million between 2020 and 2021. Around 45% of the US population browses online websites through mobile devices. The sales of ice cream through online channels increased by 6% during 2018-2021.
- In the off-trade segment, consumers prefer buying ice cream from supermarkets/hypermarkets, as the country is home to a large number of supermarkets. Currently, there are 63,419 supermarkets in the United States. Supermarket sales for ice cream in the United States grew by 3% in terms of value from 2018 to 2021. About 60% of mass players and large national supermarket retailers in the United States invested in 2020 to improve their ability to better personalize promotions and pricing by strategizing on significant price drops, store remodels, and supply chain investments. Several supermarket chains also introduced click-and-collect and delivery services through third-party providers.
United States Ice Cream Industry Segmentation
Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
- In 2020, the on-trade segment was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns imposed worldwide. Despite these challenges, US consumers spent an average of 8.6% of their disposable personal income on food in 2020. This amount was split between meals consumed at home (5.0%) and away from home (3.6%). However, restaurants, bars, and casinos had to shut down operations in the country. Therefore, the on-trade sales value of ice cream decreased by 14% in 2020 compared to 2019, with around 32,109 restaurants shutting operations during the pandemic.
- The online retail channel is expected to be the fastest-growing distribution sub-segment in the off-trade segment. It is projected to register a growth value of 13% during 2023-2028 due to the increasing number of smartphone users, which rose by 11 million between 2020 and 2021. Around 45% of the US population browses online websites through mobile devices. The sales of ice cream through online channels increased by 6% during 2018-2021.
- In the off-trade segment, consumers prefer buying ice cream from supermarkets/hypermarkets, as the country is home to a large number of supermarkets. Currently, there are 63,419 supermarkets in the United States. Supermarket sales for ice cream in the United States grew by 3% in terms of value from 2018 to 2021. About 60% of mass players and large national supermarket retailers in the United States invested in 2020 to improve their ability to better personalize promotions and pricing by strategizing on significant price drops, store remodels, and supply chain investments. Several supermarket chains also introduced click-and-collect and delivery services through third-party providers.
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United States Ice Cream Market Size Summary
The United States ice cream market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, driven by evolving consumer preferences and innovative distribution strategies. The market is characterized by a shift towards online retail channels, which are anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment due to the increasing penetration of smartphone users. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the primary off-trade distribution channels, with significant investments made by major retailers to enhance personalized promotions and improve supply chain efficiencies. The market is moderately consolidated, with key players like Blue Bell Creameries, Froneri International, and Unilever holding substantial market shares. The introduction of click-and-collect and delivery services has further bolstered sales, catering to the growing demand for convenience among consumers.
Consumer preferences in the United States are shifting towards premium and intercontinental flavors, contributing to a rise in per capita consumption of ice cream. Health-conscious trends have also influenced the market, with low-calorie and no-sugar options gaining popularity, leading to a decline in regular ice cream consumption. Chocolate remains the most favored flavor, followed by vanilla and strawberry. The market's resilience was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted on-trade sales significantly, but the sector has since rebounded. The market's growth is supported by strategic partnerships and acquisitions, such as Unilever's collaboration with ASAP for product delivery and Dairy Farmers of America's acquisition of Dean Foods properties, which enhance production and distribution capabilities.
United States Ice Cream Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)
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1.1 Distribution Channel
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1.1.1 Off-Trade
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1.1.1.1 Convenience Stores
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1.1.1.2 Online Retail
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1.1.1.3 Specialist Retailers
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1.1.1.4 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
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1.1.1.5 Others (Warehouse clubs, gas stations, etc.)
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1.1.2 On-Trade
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United States Ice Cream Market Size FAQs
How big is the United States Ice Cream Market?
The United States Ice Cream Market size is expected to reach USD 19.03 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.72% to reach USD 21.76 billion by 2029.
What is the current United States Ice Cream Market size?
In 2024, the United States Ice Cream Market size is expected to reach USD 19.03 billion.
