This report looks at the following areas:
This Report explores the following areas:
- Market growth and competitive landscape of the ice cream category
- Trends in marketing activities and new ice cream products
- Ice cream consumption habits
- Ice cream flavours and textures of interest to consumers
- Health attributes of ice cream that consumers value
- Consumption occasions and preferred channels for purchasing ice cream
The Chinese ice cream market still holds great potential. Innovation in packaged ice cream should focus on addressing consumers' under-met flavour preferences and tailoring products to specific occasions according to the lifestyles of different consumer segments.
Cara Liu, Senior Analyst, China Insights
Market Definitions
This Report examines the ice cream consumption habits of Chinese consumers and the product features they find appealing, providing insights for product innovation.
Market size is calculated based on sales across various retail channels, including direct sales:
- It includes all packaged ice cream, sorbets and ice lollies sold individually or in multipacks. Ice cream formats include sticks, bricks, sandwiches, cups and tubs. Frozen yogurt is also included.
- It excludes unpackaged products such as ice cream in cones and scoops of ice cream sold in ice cream parlours. It also excludes desserts such as frozen cakes.
Mintel categorises consumers into four groups based on consumption frequency:
- Those who eat ice cream once a week or more are high-frequency consumers;
- Those who eat ice cream 1-3 times a month are medium-frequency consumers;
- Those who eat ice cream once every 2-3 months are low-frequency consumers;
- Those who eat ice cream once every six months or less are occasional consumers.
Mintel also categorises consumers into three groups based on monthly household income:
- High household income is defined as a monthly household income of RMB24,000 or above;
- Middle household income is defined as a monthly household income of RMB10,000-23,999;
- Low household income is defined as a monthly household income of RMB9,999 or below.
Collapse All
-
Executive summary
- Key issues covered in this Report
- Definition
- What you need to know
- The market
- The ice cream market continues to grow, but at a slower rate
- Market factors
- Companies and brands
- Market share by value
- Market share by volume
- Company dynamics
- Trends in marketing activities
- New product trends
- Graph 1: packaged ice cream formats – new launches from 2021-24 vs penetration rate, 2024
- Graph 2: packaged ice cream flavours – new launches from 2021-24 vs consumer interest, 2024
- Examples of products reflecting these trends
- The consumer
- Consumption frequency: ice cream has a high penetration rate but there’s plenty of room for growth in the market
- Graph 3: frequency of eating ice cream, 2024
- Product penetration: mainstream packaged ice cream attracts the most consumers
- Graph 4: penetration of ice cream types, 2024
- Preferred milk sources: consumers are open to other animal milks
- Graph 5: preferred milk sources for ice cream, 2024
- Flavours of interest: classic sweet flavours have enduring popularity
- Graph 6: packaged ice cream flavours of interest, 2024
- Crunchy coating is the most popular texture
- Textures of interest: crunchy coating, stretchy filling and hard mix-ins are the top choices
- Graph 7: packaged ice cream textures of interest, 2024
- Health attributes: strike a balance between natural, light, nutritious and delicious
- Consumption occasions: focus on out-of-home and non-traditional settings
- Graph 8: consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, 2024
- Purchase channels: balance affordable, premium and interest-driven consumption
- Graph 9: channels for purchasing packaged ice cream, 2024
- Consumer attitudes and behaviours: year-round consumption and health upgrades show potential
- Graph 10: select consumer attitudes and behaviours regarding ice cream, 2024
- Consumer attitudes and behaviours: familiarity, rich tastes and large packaging have a slight edge
- Graph 11: select consumer attitudes and behaviours regarding ice cream, 2024
- Issues and insights
- What we think
-
The market
- Market size and forecast
- The ice cream market continues to grow, but at a slower rate
- Volume sales grow at a similar rate to value sales
- Market factors
- High activity in freshly made ice cream encroaches on the packaged segment’s growth
- Intentional spending continues, putting ice cream prices under pressure
- Graph 12: mentions of ‘affordable/dupe (平价|平替)’ on social media*, 2022-24
- Going global emerges as a new breakthrough strategy for ice cream companies
-
Companies and brands
- Market share
- Market share by value
- Market share by volume
- Yili continues to lead, Sanyuan shines and Unilever faces a transformation
- Examples of Yili’s product innovation and Baxy’s marketing
- Mengniu is changing its growth strategy, while Chicecream lowers prices to stay afloat
- Douyin shows impressive growth as a sales channel
- Douyin shows impressive growth as a sales channel where large-pack products are noteworthy
- Graph 13: year-on-year value sales growth of Douyin’s ice cream category and leading brands, 2023-24
- Marketing activities
- Dove x Wrigley’s Doublemint: revamping classics with a fresh twist
- Gemice’s ice cream cake shop offers a refreshing sense of occasion
- Adopt A Cow: kids’ ice cream explores new parent-child occasions
- New product trends
- Ice cream defies the trend and emerges as a new opportunity in the dairy market
- Graph 14: share of new ice cream launches in the desserts and ice cream category, 2021-24
- Graph 15: share of new dairy-based ice cream launches in the dairy category, 2021-24
- Ramp up innovation in cones and cups and explore the potential of sandwich and bar formats
- Graph 16: packaged ice cream formats – new launches from 2021-24 vs penetration rate, 2024
- Examples of cone, sandwich and bar ice creams
- Milk ice cream is popular, diversified milk sources need to be explored
- Fruit flavours continue to dominate, while gaps remain in bakery and floral flavours
- Graph 17: packaged ice cream flavours – new launches from 2021-24 vs consumer interest, 2024
- Examples of fruit, bakery and floral ice cream flavours
- Unconventional flavour inspiration: examples of savoury ice creams with meat ingredients
- A deep dive into flavour trends
-
The consumer
- Consumption frequency
- Ice cream has high penetration, but the market still has room to grow
- Graph 18: frequency of eating ice cream, 2024
- Graph 19: frequency of eating ice cream (net), % of consumers, 2024
- Capture a broader market by catering to different usage frequencies and product preferences
- Graph 20: type of ice cream eaten, by frequency of eating ice cream, 2024
- Young parents and high-income families become main consumers
- Graph 21: eating ice cream once a week or more, by gender, age, age of child(ren) and household monthly income, 2024
- Packaged ice cream is more popular in Tier 1 cities…
- Graph 22: frequency of eating packaged ice cream, by city tier, 2024
- Graph 23: frequency of eating ice cream made on the spot (by city tier), 2024
- …but the market for freshly made ice cream has warmed up in Tier 1 cities
- Graph 24: frequency of eating ice cream made on the spot in Tier 1 cities, 2022-24
- Graph 25: frequency of eating packaged ice cream in Tier 1 cities, 2022-24
- Penetration of different ice cream products
- Mainstream product types appeal to the majority, while freshly made ice cream options are more diverse
- Graph 26: penetration of types of ice cream made on the spot, 2024
- Graph 27: penetration of packaged ice cream types, 2024
- Age of children and income level influence ice cream choices
- Graph 28: average number of types of ice cream consumed, by gender, age, age of child(ren) and monthly household income, 2024
- With usage of common types declining, the market needs new growth drivers
- Graph 29: penetration of select ice cream types among consumers aged 18-49 in Tier 1 cities, 2021 vs 2024
- Preferred milk sources
- Consumers prefer cow’s milk but are open to other animal milks
- Graph 30: preferred milk sources for ice cream, 2024
- Graph 31: preferred milk sources for ice cream, % of consumers, 2024
- Consumers who are interested in a variety of milks tend to eat ice cream more often
- Graph 32: frequency of eating packaged ice cream, by preferred milk source, 2024
- Graph 33: frequency of eating ice cream made on the spot, by preferred milk source, 2024
- Cow’s milk remains popular for mainstream formats, while niche formats can spotlight other animal milks
- Graph 34: penetration of packaged ice cream types, by preferred milk source, 2024
- Graph 35: penetration of types of ice cream made on the spot, by preferred milk source, 2024
- Flavours and textures of interest
- Classic sweet flavours have enduring popularity
- Graph 36: packaged ice cream flavours of interest, 2024
- Floral flavours come to the fore
- Graph 37: select packaged ice cream flavours of interest to consumers in Tier 1 cities, 2022 vs 2024
- Crunchy coating + stretchy filling + hard mix-ins is the most popular texture combination
- Graph 38: packaged ice cream textures of interest, 2024
- Health attributes
- Strike a balance between natural, light, nutritious and delicious
- Graph 39: health attributes of packaged ice cream, 2024
- Strike a balance between natural, light, nutritious and delicious
- Cow’s milk lovers care about clean labels, while fans of other milks focus on functional nutrients
- Graph 40: health attributes of packaged ice cream, by dairy preference, 2024
- Natural sweeteners help products stand out
- Consumption occasions
- Icy indulgence for various occasions
- Graph 41: repertoire of consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, % of consumers, 2024
- Graph 42: consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, 2024
- Beyond the dining table, packaged ice cream is capturing out-of-home leisure occasions
- Graph 43: select consumption occasions for packaged ice cream among consumers aged 18-49 in Tier 1 cities, 2021 vs 2024
- Key consumer groups are branching out into non-traditional occasions
- Graph 44: consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, by age of child(ren) and monthly household income, 2024
- Purchase channels
- Online channel penetration needs improvement
- Offline channels remain mainstream, while online channels continue to develop
- Graph 45: channels for purchasing packaged ice cream – offline, 2024
- Graph 46: channels for purchasing packaged ice cream – online, 2024
- Out-of-home consumption drives changes in channel choices, with demand for both affordable and premium options
- Graph 47: select channels for purchasing packaged ice cream among consumers aged 18-49 in Tier 1 cities, 2021 vs 2024
- Tap into consumer preferences: ice cream at cultural venues, short videos and social ecommerce
- Consumer attitudes and behaviours
- Explore new year-round consumption trends beyond summertime
- Graph 48: consumer behaviours regarding ice cream – seasonal consumption, 2024
- High-quality ice cream should focus on novelty, while cost-effective options are better suited to hosting occasions
- Graph 49: consumer attitudes towards ice cream – high-quality vs cost-effective, 2024
- Indulgence seekers favour rich flavours, while health-conscious consumers prefer refreshing tastes
- Graph 50: consumer attitudes towards ice cream – taste/mouthfeel vs health, 2024
- Consumers have become more health-conscious when choosing ice cream
- Graph 51: consumer attitudes towards ice cream – ratio of ‘prioritise taste’ to ‘prioritise health’ among consumers aged 18-49 in Tier 1 cities, by gender, age, family structure and age of child(ren), 2021 vs 2024
- Non-core consumer groups are more eager to seek novelty in packaged ice cream
- Graph 52: consumer behaviours regarding packaged ice cream – familiarity vs novelty, 2024
- Rich texture lovers prefer sticky and glutinous textures
- Graph 53: consumer attitudes towards packaged ice cream – heavy vs refreshing tastes, 2024
- Parents of babies, toddlers and teenagers choose single-serve packaged ice cream more often
- Graph 54: consumer behaviours regarding packaged ice cream – choice of packaging size, 2024
-
Issues and insights
- Elevate ice cream to a social occasion staple
- Develop products for non-traditional consumption occasions
- Graph 55: penetration of packaged ice cream types, by consumption occasion – difference from average for select occasions, 2024
- Leverage occasion-based marketing to make ice cream the top choice for memorable moments
- Graph 56: consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, by frequency of eating packaged ice cream, 2024
- From travel to socialising, consumption occasions influence purchasing channel choices
- Graph 57: offline channels for purchasing packaged ice cream, by consumption occasion – difference from average for select occasions, 2024
- Graph 58: online channels for purchasing packaged ice cream, by consumption occasion – difference from average for select occasions, 2024)
- Position ice cream as a post-exercise treat
- Address hidden needs in sports settings
- Graph 59: ranking of consumption occasions for packaged ice cream, by repertoire of occasions, 2024
- Develop fitness-focused ice creams for active consumers
- Ice cream for enjoyable exercise and healthy development
- Graph 60: consumption occasions for packaged ice cream – after sports, by family structure and age of child(ren), 2024
- MFH ingredients offer new options for year-round wellness
- New trend for making ice cream healthier with MFH
- MFH ice cream can offer a fresh and healthy taste experience
- Graph 61: packaged ice cream flavours of interest, by health attributes, 2024
- Create frozen versions of traditional cooling drinks
- From relieving heat to dispelling cold, ‘lazy wellness’ can actually be beneficial
-
Appendix – market size and forecast, methodology and abbreviations
- Market size and forecast
- Methodology
- TURF analysis methodology
- Abbreviations
Market Intelligence Made Easier With Mintel
The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:
- Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
- Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
- Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
- Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.
What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?
Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.
The Four Pillars of Our Research
We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:
- Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
- Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
- Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.
Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.
£ 3,695 (Excl.Tax)
-
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or invoice (net 30 payment terms)
-
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF, Powerpoint and Excel Databook straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
-
Interactive databook included
Focus on the data that matters most to you with a customisable databook available on our platform
-
Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
Discount automatically applied in basket
Need help before you buy?
Our research specialists can answer your questions and recommend the reports that best match your business needs.
Contact usTrusted by global industry leaders
At Jackman, we believe that powerful strategies are based on human insight. Mintel’s leading-edge reports and insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors are an important input as we develop and execute strategy.
Alana Gavin, VP Research and Insights, Jackman
Working in a customer-obsessed organization means that data and insights have to be at our fingertips. Mintel’s reports help us support anecdotes with real quantifiable insights. The summary sections (which I really like) helps save time by giving a birds eye view of the content before spending time combing through the pages.
Our business review discussions are strengthened by the relevancy of the reports to help us better understand our customers. In addition, the customer service received from the team (especially in crunch periods) makes the process of understanding customer behavior even better.
Ngozi Ngonadi-Nkwoji, Senior Marketing Manager, Amazon
We have such a great working relationship with Mintel on lots of different levels. As an insight partner, they have helped us to develop our business planning in specific categories as well as supporting our creative process but they’ve also been super helpful with facilitating our events in their inspirational offices near St Paul’s.
They’re an innovative company, with a client-focused team that always delivers.
Abby Carvosso, Group Managing Director, Bauer Media Group
We use Mintel to inform our thinking and reinforce strategy. If you’re presenting new ideas, it’s essential they are underpinned by robust data and evidence, and clearly rooted in fact.
Mintel gives us all that. It’s a great brand and one that is trusted by clients.
Marie Stafford, European Director, The Innovation Group, VML
Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.
When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.
The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.
Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave
Need help before you buy?
Our research specialists can answer your questions and recommend the reports that best match your business needs.
Contact us
