UAE Ice Cream Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

UAE Ice Cream Market Statistics

1. The Ice Cream market size was estimated at USD 180 million in 2024
2. By 2030, the market size is expected to touch USD 245 million
3. In terms of volume, the market size in 2030 is forecast to exceed 14.18 million liters
4. The CAGR of UAE’s ice cream market is estimated to be around 5.10% during 2025-30
5. Impulse ice cream was the best-performing category in 2024, taking a market share of more than 60%
6. IFFCO Group, Unilever, Mars, and Galadari Ice Cream are the leading companies with a collective market share exceeding 75%
7. Igloo, London Dairy, and Baskin-Robbins are the top three brands grabbing around 50% of the retail sales
8. Chocolate flavor held the market share of more than 30%
9. The Retail Offline channel is the dominant segment under the sales channel, holding a market share of more than 90%.

Market Overview

The Ice Cream market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 14.18% during 2025-2030. The UAE Ice Cream market was estimated at USD 180 million in 2024 and is anticipated to exceed USD 245 million by 2030. The hot climatic conditions of the country act as a major booster to the growth of ice cream. Moreover, the high purchasing power of the residents is further inducing the demand for artisanal-style ice cream flavors.

In 2024, offline retail channels grabbed around 90% of the market. Quick delivery options for deliveries in temperature-controlled conditions are also gaining momentum.

Impulse ice cream, being the dominant segment, grabbed the market share of more than 60% in 2024.

Chocolate holds the top rank among all other ice cream flavors as of 2024 and has been consistent to this rank throughout the past five years.

Market Opportunities: Rising E-Commerce and Logistics Advancements Driving Ice Cream Sales

The growing adoption of e-commerce by well-established brands is making the UAE ice cream market witness a significant opportunity. This is fueled by the dynamically changing end users’ preference for convenience and rapid delivery. Ice cream producers are increasing their online presence by strengthening their e-commerce, logistics capabilities, such as real-time tracking, cold chain technology, etc. These capabilities play a significant role in maintaining the quality of food during the delivery, which is important in the case of perishable food items like ice cream. For example, The Brooklyn Creamery has expanded its sales points to better reach consumers seeking convenience. Combining e-commerce and logistics caters to the rising end-user demands.  Therefore, this will lead to further growth of the overall market during the forecast period and contribute to competitive differentiation within the UAE ice cream market.

Market Challenges: Nutri-Mark Implementation Leads to Increased Operational Costs, Hindering Market Growth

Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) at ADIFE 2024 announced the introduction of Nutri-Mark, which is going to be implemented in mid-2025. This new regulation includes a color-coded nutritional labelling from A to E. A has the highest nutritional value and E the lowest. This Nutri-Mark label is applied to food categories such as oils, dairy, beverages, etc., which includes ice cream as well.  This is expected to emerge as a challenge to the ice cream manufacturers. This is because the manufacturers now have to reformulate products, adjust the labelling strategies, invest heavily in advanced quality control, etc. This will lead to an increased operational cost. The manufacturers will be compelled to increase the prices of the ice cream, which will potentially impact consumer demand. Moreover, the Nutri-Mark will increase end users’ awareness about the products they are consuming. This will impact the sales volume, considering the compromised health due to high sugar content and other preservatives being used during the ice cream manufacturing.

Market Trends: Health and Wellness Trends Shaping Ice Cream Product Development

The buyers are becoming more health-conscious. As a result, the demand for clean-label ice creams is soaring. The end users are increasingly prioritizing transparency in nutritional benefits and ingredient sourcing. This shift is driving the creation of new SKUs that blend indulgence with health benefits, targeting the end users who want guilt-free enjoyment.  For Instance, Brands such as The Brooklyn Creamery and House of Pops offer ice creams which are formulated without preservatives, refined sugars, or artificial additives, adhering to 100% natural and allergen-free standards. Hence, this aligns with the end users’ expectations and further drives the market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation Analysis (Category):

The impulse ice cream segment held the market share of more than 60% in 2024. Within impulse ice cream, single portion dairy had the market share of more than 90%. The dominance of this category is fueled by the recovery of tourism in the UAE. For instance, there is a significant growth in tourism in Dubai in 2024 of about 18.72 million international visitors, which is 9% YOY higher compared to the previous year. Moreover, Dubai has still surpassed its pre-pandemic tourism levels peaks which were 16.73 million international tourists. Still has more potential to welcome more international tourists and could be achieved in the forecast period.

Additionally, the UAE’s hot weather plays a vital role in the sales of ice cream because the end users need a cooling snack. The end users prefer convenient options, which are generally handy in nature. Therefore, they choose options such as single-serve cups, sticks, and cones, etc.

Top Companies Operating in the Market:

IFFCO Group, Unilever Middle East, and Mars GCC FZE are the major market players operating in the Ice Cream Market of the UAE.

UAE Ice Cream Market Recent Development:

• 2024: IFFCO launched Rahma Olive Oil Ice Cream in the UAE, featuring roasted pine nuts and thyme to cater to evolving consumer tastes.  

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our UAE Ice Cream Market Report

1. The UAE Ice Cream Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. The UAE Ice Cream Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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