Ice-cream is oneof the fastest growing food categories in India. Notably, the business isseasonal in nature with April to June being the peak season and November toJanuary the lean months. Sales slacken during the monsoons also.India is themost rapid growing ice cream market globally, with ice cream treats fastbecoming a part of Indian culture. Indian consumers are turning into regularpatrons of ice cream parlours, helping to fuel greater interest in packagedofferings in the country. Ice cream parlours are a booming business in India,and this popularity is making its way to retail.
The overall icecream market is estimated at over 250 mnlitre valued at around Rs. 17 bn.Nearly a fourth of the market by volume at 50 mnlitres is in the organizedsector with players like Amul, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Mother Dairy, Vadilalhaving a major share. In value terms, the organised sector has an overallmarket of over Rs. 10 bn.
The PHD Chamberof Commerce and Industry has projected that the size of ice cream industry,estimated at Rs. 45 bn in 2013 is likely to jump to Rs. 70 bn by 2018.