Ice maker Market Size, By Product Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Ice maker Market Size

The global ice maker market size was estimated at USD 4.6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.8 billion in 2025 to USD 8.5 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.6%.
 

• One of the major current drivers impacting the market is the increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. Rising operational costs and regulatory requirements are forcing manufacturers to innovate and create ice-making technologies that take up fewer resources. This trend is driving new product development.
   
• Hoshizaki Corporation's Integrated Report for its 2024 operations emphasizes its sustainability orientations and further emphasizes that the moves in ice machine technology towards eco-friendliness and natural refrigerants was a strategic choice supporting development that reflected industry efforts toward sustainability and responding to the market.
   
• Several leading players, such as Hoshizaki and Scotsman Ice Systems provided even further credence to this trend by releasing new energy-efficient models to replace discontinued lines in the first quarter of 2023. This activity shows new product development related to energy-efficient operations and a collective striving to comply with now common expectations of companies to respond to sustainability considerations.
   
• The "Ice Cubes" segment is the dominant segment of the ice maker market as ice cubes/ice as a cooling agent has universal applicability across a breadth of diverse applications. Using Ice Cubes is essential for beverages and food preservation in foodservice and hospitality. The continued consumer demand and expected service as well as established familiarity with automated ice makers, continuously reinforced its position in the market.
   
• The market has a North American focus as there are more consistent commercial users, particularly in food and beverage and hospitality applications, demonstrating its share. As a commercial user supported by the ice market, previously established infrastructure, high consumer rate of adoption and leading market player presence in North America are all vital. Most recently, Manitowoc Ice made investments in establishing regional networks in its operating area which solidifies the drivers in commercial user relations and supports its operations.
   

Ice Maker Market Trends

• Manufacturers are designing ice makers that will be more energy and water efficient thus cutting operational costs and lowering the environmental effect. This trend also includes the use of eco-friendly refrigerants which can align organizations with global sustainability objectives.
   
• Newer ice machines are adding Internet of Things (IoT) features. These features will allow app-based access via smartphones or cloud-connected devices for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and control. Additionally, these types of modules offer smarter machines that provide better effectiveness, predictive maintenance, and are typically more effective in minimizing downtime.
   
• In addition to cube ice, there are already more choices of ice now with nugget, flake, gourmet, and clear ice gaining traction, especially in the foodservice and specialty beverage markets. These ice options improve the look of the drink and improve the quality of the food item in which ice is used as an ingredient.
   
• As many commercial and residential spaces are often limited in size there will be more emphasis on compact, undercounter, and modular types of ice maker designs. These types of designs can offer high production capability and versatility with a small footprint and fit the available space.
   
• Due to increased awareness of cleanliness and safety the designs for ice makers are prioritizing hygiene with improved designs that use antimicrobial materials and touchless dispensing. These designs not only reduce touch points and decrease the risk of contaminants, but they also ensure the ice produced is safe.
   

Ice maker Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is divided into ice cubes, ice flakes and ice nuggets. The ice cubes segment dominated the market, accounting for around 46% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.7% through 2034.
 

• The ice cube segment holds strong sway in the ice maker space given its versatility and basic utility in all sorts of applications. Cube ice is the "gold standard" for chilling a range of beverages from soda to iced tea to alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, without diluting the product excessively.
   
• Due to the strong shape and reliable output, it is highly effective cooling ice and a visually appealing presentation in residential and commercial applications, particularly for the flourishing foodservice and hospitality industries.
   
• Also, the notion of ice cubes is favorable because they are economical to produce and melt at a slower rate when compared to other ice shapes. This slower melting rate keeps individual serving beverages cooler for longer periods of time while causing very little dilution to each, retaining the taste profile of the beverage.
   
• Cube ice machines are heavily featured by top manufacturers such as Hoshizaki Corporation and Manitowoc Ice. Hoshizaki notes a large amount of market share of overall ice-making machines made up of ice cube makers, and Manitowoc divides its machine listings into many different types of cube ice machines (with various capacities) demonstrating the demand for cube ice is strong and consistent.
   

Based on applications, the ice maker market is segmented into healthcare industry, food services, retail and others. Food services dominate the market with 41% share in 2024, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.2% from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The food services market segment is and always will be the largest segment driving the market, as the need for ice is prevalent throughout many of their operations. The food services segment alone accounted for approximately 41% of the market in 2024.
   
• This large share is partly due, in large part, to the growth of the global foodservice sector which includes restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes that depend on ice on an ongoing basis to serve beverages, keep foods cold, and ensure food presentation.
   
• Dining out is on the rise, disposable incomes are increasing, and takeout and delivery services continue to increase also impact ice makers in this segment.
   
• Hoshizaki Corporation, who manufactures foodservice equipment, has observed this trend to benefit their sales, and has commented on the foodservice industry's recovery as benefitting their sales as well.
   
• Manitowoc Ice, historically, has been a driving force in developing the modern foodservice industry, has an extensive installed base in the food service industry, and has extensive business relationships with major restaurant chains, validating the F&B sector as dominant ice maker customer.
   

Based on machine type, the ice maker market is segmented into online and Offline.
 

• The offline distribution channel dominates the market. This is primarily due to customers having an opportunity to see these ice makers in person, look at the quality, and see the products working in a live setting.
   
• The online segment is having a high growth rate and expected to hold more shares. The growth is mainly due to convenience factors involved. Consumers can see a lot of options 24/7, read reviews and have the products shipped to their house and now, some of the digital interfaces to buy online from an e-commerce site are more evolved with secure payment systems that improved customer confidence, the representation of products from enhanced interfaces, and pictures of products are getting better and better every day, that attract individual consumers and businesses to buy ice makers online.
   

In 2024, the U.S contributed significantly to the ice maker market, generating revenue of USD 1.4 billion.
 

• The United States is a primary market country in the North America market as the substantial commercial base and markets such as food & beverage, hospitality, and healthcare are substantial in the U.S.
   
• Growth is primarily driven by demand from the foodservice industry and demand for premium products, advanced and energy-efficient ice-making technologies.
   
• North America is frequently a leader and primary player in the global market based on its existing infrastructure and consumer expectation to have ready access to abundant quality ice.
   

Europe ice maker market holds second largest share in 2024 and is expected to grow at 6.4% during the forecast period.
 

• The market in Europe has a significant share and the region has established itself as a strong and mature market with ongoing innovation that emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency.
   
• The market needs of areas such as Germany, France and the UK revolve largely around manufacturing efficiency, and a strong emphasis on hygienic and high-performance ice machines to service many applications.
   
• European regulations, such as food safety guidelines and environmental directives, promote manufacturers to make investments in accurate and environmentally efficient ice-making machinery.
   

Asia Pacific is dominating the overall market and is expected to grow at 7.8% during the forecast period.
 

• The main drivers influencing the leadership in this space are rapid urbanization, growing commercial infrastructure, and increasing disposable income in countries such as China, India, and Australia. The region is seeing a fundamental shift towards more efficient and reliable ice production because of the increased demand from its growing food service and hospitality sector (more urban areas, more hotels, more restaurants, etc.)
   
• It is also being driven by greater adoption of automation and modern kitchen equipment going across the region in restaurants, hotels, and cafes, and responding to increased food consumption demands and maintaining product quality.
   

Ice Maker Market Share

• The top 5 companies in the market are Hoshizaki Corporation, Manitowoc Ice, Scotsman Ice Systems, Follett corporation, Cornelius, Inc., contributing around 25% of the market in 2024.
   
• Hoshizaki is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of a broad range of foodservice equipment with an emphasis on innovative ice machines. They have a substantial market presence due to advanced technology, high-quality product offerings, and significant global presence. Their overall market share is substantial both nationally and internationally.
   
• Manitowoc Ice operates in the broader commercial ice machine market. Manitowoc ice machines have a strong reputation for reliability, energy efficiency, and intelligent diagnostic features. Manitowoc Ice has a significant standing in the market as they have one of the largest product portfolios in the ice machine/table market, a reputation for dependable and long-lasting ice solutions for all commercial sectors.
   
• Scotsman Ice Systems is a pioneering manufacturer of ice-making machines that have produced some of the innovative and broadest forms of ice, including cube, flake, nugget, and gourmet ice. Scotsman Ice Systems has a large market presence by continuously developing high-quality, reliable, and energy-efficient ice solutions for all Follett ice is a recognized manufacturer of ice and water dispensing equipment that is especially known for chewable nugget ice machines as well as products that supplement the healthcare and foodservice sectors. Follett ice has established a positive position in the marketplace, primarily due to its focus on hygiene, specialty ice types and custom market segment solutions to meet the rigorous requirements of individual markets.
   
• Cornelius Inc. is a leading global supplier of beverage dispensing and cooling equipment, ice makers are a fundamental component of their whole food service integrated solution offerings. They have meaningful market share by providing strong and dependable ice machine systems, which fully integrate with their other beverage dispensing offerings servicing many customers.
   

Ice maker Market Companies

Major players operating in the ice maker industry are:
 

• Hoshizaki Corporation
• Manitowoc Ice
• Scotsman Ice Systems
• Follett Ice
• Cornelius, Inc.
• Ice-o-Matic
• KOLD-DRAFT
• Brema Ice Makers
• Icematic
• Marx Ice
• Marvel Refrigeration
• U-Line Corporation
• Polar Ice
• Howe Corporation
• Newair
   
• Brema manufactures a complete range of commercial ice makers, producing a range of ice types from cubes to flakes, and fast ice, for virtually any space or industry in the ice making world. The basis of their prominence is their Italian engineering, and attention to quality, energy efficiency related to the wide range of product it designs for the hotel, restaurant, bar and medical space, where ice is critical and expected.
   
• Icematic, as a division of Castel MAC, is part of the Ali Group, is a European leader in manufacturing ice makers, producing a variety of types in terms of hollow/full cube, flake, and nugget.
   
• The significant position is in response to their focus on performance, reliability, and innovation, with smart technology to manage machines remotely along with a focus on being environmentally sustainable.
   

Ice Maker Industry News

• In June 2025, the Hoshizaki Alliance signed an agreement to acquire Structural Concepts Corporation, a manufacturer of food display cases based in the United States, as part of the same strategy to increase Hoshizaki's presence and product diversification in refrigeration.
   
• In December 2024, Hoshizaki Corporation’s global expansion plans included acquisitions including a 51% stake in Arico, which manufactured industrial refrigeration and food processing equipment.
   
• In October 2024, Ecozy GmbH introduced new commercial ice makers, the Ecozy Commercial Undercounter Ice Maker and Ecozy Commercial Ice Maker Champion, marking a pivot to full commercial solutions and demonstrating a focus on more solutions for the expanding commercial space.
   
• In September 2024, GoveeLife offered the Smart Countertop Ice Maker 1s and aims to improve the home bar experience, advanced features, capabilities as well as the integration of technology. This also indicates the released trend of "smart" technology to make it easier to use and to provide better user experience.
   
• In July 2024, Easy Ice entered an acquisition of the ice machine rental businesses of Clinton Ice, LLC, of Oklahoma, USA. This acquisition is a consolidation of service and rental operations in the ice machine space, allowing Easy Ice to broaden its service capacity to businesses and its reach in the market.
   

The ice maker market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for full diversification.

Market, By Product Type

• Ice cubes
• Ice flakes
• Ice nuggets

Market, By Application

• Healthcare industry
• Food services
• Retail
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

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

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