Everybody loves ice cream

It was a bank holiday this week in the UK, and with the sun shining this week and the thermometer increasing, our thoughts turn to ice cream. This continues to be a market that shines.

A recent report from Grandview Research notes the global ice cream market size was estimated at US$121.35 billion (€104.5bn) in 2025 and is expected to reach US$169.4 billion (€145.9bn) by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent through to 2033.

So it’s not just the UK. Globally, we all love ice cream. The Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.5 per cent in 2025, with the Chinese ice cream market holding a significant market share in APAC in 2025.

Ice cream bars were the universal favourite, with a revenue share of over 61.7 per cent in 2025. Dairy was top of the types with the dairy and water-based ice cream segment holding the largest revenue market share of 96 per cent in 2025.

It also turns out we all love chocolate worldwide. Based on flavour, chocolate ice cream held the largest revenue market share of 32.5 per cent in 2025. In the UK, meanwhile, we favour vanilla flavours nine times out of ten, despite the consumer desire to try new types, including lychee and mango, ube (purple yam) and the ever-present matcha. Ice cream continues to be everyone’s favourite dessert, with British consumers eating nine litres per year per person. According to the UK’s Ice Cream Alliance, there are more than 1,000 companies producing the sweet treats in the country. Plus, it’s all good for you, with most ice cream containing more milk protein weight for weight than is present in milk itself. Another reason to reach for a cone this summer, eh? Enjoy!