The global artisanal ice cream market size is expected to reach USD 94.98 Bn by 2032, from USD 68.41 Bn in 2025, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global artisanal ice cream market has been expanding dramatically with growing demand among consumers for individualized, quality, and decadent desserts. Consumers are preferring artisanal ice cream more now due to the high-quality ingredients used, uncommon flavors, and absence of synthetic additives. Concentration on the use of locally produced, organic, and environmentally friendly ingredients is also a prime reason for growing popularity of artisanal ice cream.
|
Current Events |
Description and its impact |
|
Rise of Health-Conscious and Low-Sugar Options |
|
|
Technological Integration for Customization |
|
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
Over the past few years, demand for organic ice cream has been gradually increasing as consumers become more aware of the food ingredients that include in their food. Organic ice cream provides a healthier option compared to conventional ice cream since it is produced from organic milk, cream, and natural, pesticide-free ingredients. The trend tracks along with the larger movement towards clean-label, sustainable, and health-oriented products.
Organic ice cream flavors are also becoming increasingly popular for their capability to provide raw, unadulterated taste. Organic fruits, herbs, spices, and even superfoods such as matcha and acai replace artificial flavourings and colouring. Vanilla bean, chocolate, strawberry, and even more exotic choices such as lavender honey or coconut milk-based options are common organic ice cream types. More adventurous consumers may try dairy-free varieties such as lavender honey or coconut milk-based offerings.
Artisanal ice cream production emphasizes handcrafted, small-batch processes that emphasize quality, creative flavors, and high-end ingredients. In contrast to mass-produced ice creams, artisanal ice cream is often produced in smaller batches, which enables more attention to detail and personalization. The process usually employs the use of traditional churns or batch freezers, which add to the rich, creamy consistency that characterizes artisanal ice cream.
Key to production is the procurement of quality, frequently local, ingredients like organic dairy, fresh fruit, and natural flavorings. Much artisanal production focuses on the use of sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients in order to target eco-aware consumers. Furthermore, with the booming trend towards plant-based and dairy-free products, the industry needs more non-dairy bases like almond, coconut, and oat milk.
Production potential is typically lower than that of mass manufacturers, but this is balanced by premium pricing and niche market. Exclusivity is the focus of many artisanal ice cream manufacturers, producing limited volumes of specialty flavors that tie into local food trends or seasonal produce. As food technology continues to evolve, the potential to produce innovative flavors based on new ingredients, such as probiotics or adaptogenic herbs, has further enhanced production potential.
The need for artisanal ice cream has increased enormously globally in last few years. More people are now realizing the high quality and freshness of artisanal ice creams prepared using quality, natural, and locally produced ingredients compared to commercial ice creams. There is an increasing demand for foods that are felt to be natural, organic, locally made and handcrafted.
In May 2024, Van Leeuwen launched a line of premium dog-friendly ice creams in collaboration with Ollie, featuring flavors like Peanut Butter and Banana made with high-quality ingredients such as real peanut butter, bananas, coconut cream, and oat milk.
This industry is growing rapidly fuelled by the demand for new and unusual flavours. Today's consumers desire variety and are open to trying new, bold, and unconventional flavours created with high-end, seasonal ingredients. Artisan ice cream manufacturers are responding by continuously innovating and introducing new, exciting flavour profiles.
Many ice cream shops are introducing low-sugar or sugar-free varieties made with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or fruit purees instead of conventional sugar.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) reported that 72% of consumers are trying to reduce or eliminate sugar from their diets, indicating a strong demand for low-sugar ice cream products.
The growing popularity of artisanal ice cream cafes among both consumers and businesses is directly fuelling growth in the global market. Specialty shops require unique, small-batch recipes versus mass-produced generics.
The global market was boosted by the increase in artisanal ice cream cafes and parlours. Specialty stores, including Salt & Straw in the U.S., have brought out of the ordinary, small-batch recipes to satisfy consumer desire for new and creative flavors. Salt & Straw, famous for its innovative menu items such as Caramelized Turkey & Cranberry Sauce and Black Olive Brittle and Goat Cheese, has grown to more than 40 stores in seven U.S. states
Expansion geographically into new and untapped markets offers immense scope for growth in this market. With consumer tastes changing towards premium and handcrafted products, most developing countries are experiencing increasing disposable incomes and expanding middle class populations. These socio-economic developments are generating growing demand for premium ice cream experiences.
Based on flavour, Chocolate segment is expected to hold 41% market share of global artisanal ice cream market. This growth is driven by growing demand for chocolate among various age groups and demographics. Growing demand for premium chocolate and its indulgent experience will lead to growth in the market. Moreover, innovations made in chocolate-based variants including dark chocolate, ethically sourced cocoa, and vegan chocolate will lead to drive growth.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
North America is expected to be the largest market for artisanal ice cream, accounting for 41% of the market share in 2025. Factors such as strong consumer preference for premium and natural food products and growing demand for unique and locally sourced flavors will drive demand. In addition, growing emphasis on health among consumers also fueled demand for high-quality, low sugar content, and high-quality ice creams.
The United States is a major market for artisanal ice cream, fuelled by a rising demand for high-end, exclusive flavors using natural ingredients. The U.S. market still booms as consumers increasingly focus on sustainability and authenticity in their meals. Artisanal ice cream stores, especially in metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, are now trendy spots for customers looking for new and high-quality ice cream experiences.
Europe boasts an extended heritage of premium ice cream, with nations such as Italy, France, and the UK ruling the art-of-the-cone ice cream market. Italy, whose claim to fame is gelato, takes the top spot with a centuries-long history of handmade, local ingredients-based ice cream, followed by France, whose boutique ice cream stores feature creative flavors based on natural, organic foods.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 68.41 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 4.8% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 94.98 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
|
||
| Segments covered: |
|
||
| Companies covered: |
Unilever, Nestle, Van Leeuwen, Nestlé S.A, Fiasco Gelato Cafes Ltd., Bi-Rite Creamery, Carmela Ice Cream Co.,True & 12 Handmade Ice Cream, Boho Gelato, Gracie's Ice Cream, High Road Craft Brands |
||
| Growth Drivers: |
|
||
| Restraints & Challenges: |
|
||
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
*Definition: An artisanal ice cream is a handmade ice cream made by an artisan or skilled craftsperson. The ingredients used in artisanal ice cream include milk, butter, cocoa, dried fruit, eggs, and cream, which are blended together and whisked to make a light, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Share
Share
About Author
Sakshi Suryawanshi is a Research Consultant with 6 years of extensive experience in market research and consulting. She is proficient in market estimation, competitive analysis, and patent analysis. Sakshi excels in identifying market trends and evaluating competitive landscapes to provide actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Her expertise helps businesses navigate complex market dynamics and achieve their objectives effectively.
Missing comfort of reading report in your local language? Find your preferred language :
Transform your Strategy with Exclusive Trending Reports :
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining thousands of companies around the world committed to making the Excellent Business Solutions.
View All Our Clients
Schedule a meeting with report Author
