Ice cream sales forecast to keep growing | Progresiv
Sales of ice cream are expected to keep growing globally, but the main driver in the next few years is expected to be markets in Asia. 
According to new research from Mintel, the global ice cream market generated volumes sales of 13 billion litres in 2016, with India, Indonesia and Vietnam among the fastest growing markets.
India’s ice cream market experienced a CAGR of 13% in 2012-2016 period, and Mintel forecasts volume sales to grow to 381.8 million litres in 2017, overtaking those of more established markets, and further rising to 657.2 million litres in 2021.
Other markets which saw strong volume CAGR were Indonesia (11%), Vietnam (9%), Turkey (9%), and Malaysia (8%). However, several markets recorded declines on this basis for the past five, such as Switzerland (-3%), Thailand (-2%), Denmark (-2%), the UK (-2%) and the US (-1%).
China is currently the world’s biggest ice cream market, with estimated sales of 4.3 billion litres in 2016, followed by the US (2.7 billion litres) and Japan (756 million litres). However, in terms of individual ice cream consumption, Mintel found that Norwegian consumers are the biggest ice cream eaters, consuming 9.8 litres per capita in 2016, followed by Australia (9.4) and Sweden (8.9).
Mintel also found that 32% of ice cream products were launched in Asia Pacific in 2016, up from 26% in 2013. In contrast, the share of ice cream products launched in North America fell from 19% to 14% in the same time period.
However, Western consumers are increasingly looking to try ice cream products with more Eastern inspired flavours. 30% of Canadians said they would be interested in ethnically-inspired ice cream flavours, such as green tea or mango, while 23% would be interested in internationally inspired ice cream formats, such as Japanese mochi ice cream or Indian kulfi. Meanwhile in Europe, 20% of Italian, 17% of Polish and 16% of French consumers said they would be interested in trying ice cream with ethnic-inspired ingredients, such as wasabi, green tea or saffron.
Finally, Mintel research shows that ice cream aisles throughout the world have been experiencing a dairy-free makeover. The share of global dessert and ice cream launches featuring a vegan claim has increased from 2% in 2014 to 4% in 2016, with Europe accounting for 59% of all launches in 2016.
This comes as many consumers are looking to cut down on their dairy consumption – 29% of Italians, 23% of French consumers, 16% of Polish consumers, and 14% of Germans.
Germany, meanwhile, accounted for 19% of global vegan dessert and ice cream launches in 2016 – more than any other country. This reflects Mintel research that 63% of German ice cream consumers express an interest in non-dairy versions. (www.kamcity.com)
