Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Size & Share 2025 - 2034

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Size

The global refrigerated ice cream merchandise market was estimated at USD 13.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 13.9 billion in 2025 to USD 23.1 billion in 2034 at a CAGR of 6.6%.

A growing consumer preference for ice cream and frozen desserts worldwide is a significant driver. As disposable incomes rise and lifestyles become more hectic, consumers seek convenient options for enjoying ice cream, thereby driving the demand for refrigerated merchandise units. With the increase in the number of retail shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, and foodservice facilities in various parts of the world come the requirements of refrigerated storage facilities that ensure the quality and freshness of ice cream products. There is also a shift towards higher-end products, and towards premium and artisanal ice cream which requires specialized refrigerated displays for merchandising.
 

The growing demand for unique premium ice cream flavors and artisanal products makes it important to use dedicated storage and display units to ensure product and visual quality. As stated in an article posted in Food Ingredients First in April 2021, producers have been highlighting the ‘health’ aspects of frozen desserts by the addition of functional ingredients. Replacing synthetic components in ice cream products has been done with the use of plant sterols, lecithin, and Propylene Glycol Monoester (PGME).
 

Ice cream consumption is heavily influenced by seasonal weather patterns. Hotter summers typically drive higher demand, while colder seasons see a decline. Managing inventory and production schedules to align with fluctuating demand can be challenging. Maintaining the cold chain throughout the supply chain—from manufacturing to retail shelves—is crucial to preserve the quality and safety of ice cream. Any disruptions in temperature control can lead to spoilage and product wastage.
 

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Trends

• The market for refrigerated ice cream merchandise is changing fundamentally due to increased demand for healthier and premium options. There's an irreversible shift among consumers towards health consciousness, and people want to consume low-fat, low-sugar, dairy-free, and plant-based ice creams. To keep pace, manufacturers are expanding their portfolio by innovating and developing new products such as Halo Top's low-calorie ice cream or Ben & Jerry’s plant-based ice cream made with almond, oat, and coconut milk.
   
• Moreover, there is an increased willingness to pay a premium price for high-quality ice cream with unique gourmet ingredients, which has led to the emergence of artisanal ice cream brands. These brands position themselves as providers of indulgent experiences by developing exotic flavors or seasonal offerings. Striking combinations and limited-edition novelty flavors are novel ways to appeal to consumers that are bored and looking for new taste experiences.
   
• The combination of these factors not only stems from the need to serve both health- and pleasure-oriented products but also indicates an emerging widespread curiosity towards experiencing unique quality food which enables brands to target diverse consumer preferences while facilitating the growing demand for personalization and premium ice cream products.
   

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Analysis

Based on type, the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market is segmented standalone freezers, display cases, ice cream dipping cabinets, gelato cases, blast freezers, combo units and others (Novelty, Portable, etc.). In 2024, the standalone freezers segment generated a revenue of USD 2.7 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.9% during the forecast period.
 

• Standalone freezers are crucial in the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market, both in offering a separate compartment for ice cream storage and display, and in preserving the required temperature. Ice cream must be maintained at the optimal temperature to preserve its texture and quality, and these freezers are able to deliver that with ease. Retail stores, supermarkets, and even convenience stores use these freezers to store a myriad of ice cream brands and flavors.
   
• Moreover, Standalone freezers are used by Haagen-Dazs and Breyers for their premium ice cream brands, so they are always visible and accessible to consumers. These freezers vary in size, shape, and type, with some being chest models and others being upright glass-door freezers. The increased popularity of premium and artisanal ice creams makes standalone freezers critical in the retail setting, as these appliances make it easy for businesses to display their products while ensuring ice cream freshness.
   

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

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Based on End Use, the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market is segmented as ice cream parlours, restaurants and cafes and others (individual stores, etc.). In 2024, the ice cream parlours segment accounted for over 60.6% and is expected to grow at the rate of 6.8% till 2034.
 

• The ice cream parlors section in the refrigerated ice merchandise market is made up of retail shops that sell ice cream prepared on the premises and focus on enhancing the customers' visited experience. These parlors usually provide a broad selection of flavors, both customary and modern, sophisticated ones.
   
• For instance, renowned ice cream chains such as Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery emphasize customer service where patrons are allowed to select the flavor of ice cream they want and what ingredients they want mixed in. There is a growing trend for ice cream parlors to be used as social venues and these establishments try to cultivate loyal customers by regularly changing their menus to include seasonal or limited time only flavors. They also use special ice cream storage and display cabinets to store ice cream and keep it fresh.
   

Based on Distribution Channel, the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market is segmented online and offline. In 2024, the Offline segment generated a revenue of USD 9.1 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.3% during the forecast period.
 

• The offline segment in the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market is composed of traditional retail stores, such as supermarkets and convenience stores as well as specialty ice cream shops which allow consumers to walk in and buy ice cream products. This segment remains a significant driver in the market due to the constant availability and prompt access of the products. For instance, major retailers such as Walmart and Target, stock a great variety of mainstream and premium refrigerated ice cream brands.
   
• Moreover, ice cream parlors such as Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery still draw customers with creative flavors and individual attention. Although there is growth in shopping online, unlike in offline retail, the products can be consumed immediately, encouraging impulse purchases and interaction with customers which aids sales.
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific dominated the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market with accounting to around 31.3% of the global market share and generated around USD 4.1 billion revenue in the same year owing.
 

• The growth of the middle-class population along with industrialization and increased disposable income are propelling the demand for refrigerated ice cream merchandise in the Asia Pacific region. Consumers in China, India and Japan are consuming more ice cream than ever, including new and exotic flavors. For instance, domestic brands such as Häagen-Dazs and Glico are selling ice cream with favorite local ingredients, like matcha and red bean, in Japan.
   
• The region has also seen a shift towards healthier consumers seeking low sugar, dairy free and plant-based products. To cater to this growing demand, manufacturers are increasing the variety of products they offer as well as expanding their distribution into convenience stores and supermarkets. This increase in consuming ice cream across the region fuels the demand for effective refrigeration solutions, like ice cream freezers and refrigeration equipment, for which there is already a rising need.
   
• Ice cream consumption in North America peaks during warmer months, driven by hot weather and seasonal trends. This seasonal demand influences the sales of refrigerated ice cream merchandise, including freezers and display units.
   
• The market in U.S. is set to grow through the forecast time period. The expansion of restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and ice cream parlors increases the demand for refrigerated equipment like dipping cabinets and gelato cases. These units are essential for storing and serving freshly made ice cream and gelato, catering to consumers seeking indulgent dessert experiences.
   
• The German Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise market maintained a considerable position in Europe. German consumers value high-quality ingredients, artisanal craftsmanship, and unique flavors in ice cream. This demand drives sales of refrigerated equipment that can showcase and preserve premium and artisanal ice creams in retail and foodservice environments.
   

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Shares

• The top 6 companies in the refrigerated ice cream merchandise market include AHT Cooling Systems GmbH, Ali Group S.p.A., Beverage-Air Corporation, Blue Star Limited, Carrier Corporation, and Dover Corporation, and they collectively hold a share of 32% in the market.
   
• the companies are constantly investing in product innovations, as well as R&D. Moreover, they have also changed their marketing approach to be more customer oriented. For example, Carrier Corporation focuses on energy efficient refrigeration systems, while Beverage-Air Corporation specializes in custom refrigeration solutions.
   
• In order to remain competitive, some industry players are emphasizing on green and sustainable solutions. For example, AHT Cooling Systems GmbH is focusing on designing energy saving and environmentally friendly refrigeration units with reduced power consumption for sustainability purposes. Also, Blue Star Limited is furthering the development of eco-friendly refrigerants in response to global trends towards sustainability and energy conservation.
   

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Companie

Major players operating in the refrigerated ice cream merchandise industry are:

• AHT Cooling Systems GmbH
• Ali Group S.p.A.
• Beverage-Air Corporation
• Blue Star Limited
• Carrier Corporation
• Dover Corporation
• Frigoglass S.A.I.C.
• Hussmann Corporation
• Lennox International Inc.
• Liebherr Group
• Mafirol S.A.
• Metalfrio Solutions S.A.
• Thermo King Corporation
• United Technologies Corporation
• Vestfrost Solutions
   

The firms are persistently putting money into R&D and innovation in order to stay relevant in the market. For instance, Ali Group S.p.A. is actively seeking new product development opportunities like modern refrigeration products, whereas AHT Cooling Systems GmbH pioneered the development of energy-saving and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems.
 

Competitors in the industry are implementing measures to improve their international positions. For instance, A.O. Smith Corporation is known for purchasing businesses to increase their visibility in different markets. This has also been observed in the cooling industry, whereby AHT Cooling Systems GmbH and Ali Group S.p.A. have started buying lesser-known companies to increase their brand name, product range, and new market areas.
 

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Industry News

• In March 2023, ELANPRO, India’s tech driven commercial refrigeration company launched a new series of energy-efficient freezers, coolers and ice machines for foodservice industry. The new product line-up encapsulates ELANPRO’s vision to create an ecosystem of diverse cooling products catering to food and beverage businesses of different sizes.
   
• In October 2024, Carrier has divested its Commercial Refrigeration business unit to Haier, representing an important milestone in its portfolio restructuring and enabling Carrier to concentrate on its core activities.
   
• In June 2024, Daikin Industries Ltd. revealed intentions to enhance its manufacturing capabilities in India with a target of two billion air conditioning units to be manufactured in FY25 with a view of exports. Also, Daikin plans to penetrate the refrigeration business in India.
   

The refrigerated ice cream merchandise market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Standalone freezers
  • Chest freezer
  • Upright freezer
• Display Cases
  • Vertical display cases
  • Horizontal display cases
  • Curved glass display cases
  • Multi-deck display cases
• Ice cream dipping cabinets
• Gelato cases
• Blast freezers
• Combo units
• Others (novelty, portable, etc.)

Market, By Refrigerant Type

• Fluorocarbons
• Inorganic
• Hydrocarbons

Market, By Capacity

• Low (upto 250L)
• Medium (250-500L)
• High (above 500L)

Market, By Price Range

• Low (upto 1000$)
• Mid (1000$-2000$)
• High (above 2000$)

Market, By End Use

• Ice cream parlours
• Restaurants and cafes
• Others (Individual stores, etc.)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa