UAE Ice Cream Market

Market Introduction

Ice cream, a sweet frozen delicacy, is usually prepared from cream or milk and sweetened with sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweetening agents. It is added with flavoring agents such as vanilla and cocoa to impart characteristic flavors. Ice creams became more common after the development of cold warehouses, and HVAC and refrigeration systems. The burgeoning popularity of ice cream has led to the introduction of a number of variations, including frozen yogurt, frozen custard, and non-dairy versions made with ingredients such as coconut milk. Ice creams with less than 10% milk fat content are classified as ice milk and widely known as low fat ice cream. Ice creams with high milk fat content have a smoother texture and rich appearance as they contain low water content and a fewer ice crystals.

UAE Ice Cream Strategic Insights

Strategic insights for the UAE Ice Cream provides data-driven analysis of the industry landscape, including current trends, key players, and regional nuances. These insights offer actionable recommendations, enabling readers to differentiate themselves from competitors by identifying untapped segments or developing unique value propositions. Leveraging data analytics, these insights help industry players anticipate the market shifts, whether investors, manufacturers, or other stakeholders. A future-oriented perspective is essential, helping stakeholders anticipate market shifts and position themselves for long-term success in this dynamic region. Ultimately, effective strategic insights empower readers to make informed decisions that drive profitability and achieve their business objectives within the market.

UAE Ice Cream Report Scope

UAE Ice Cream Regional Insights

The geographic scope of the UAE Ice Cream refers to the specific areas in which a business operates and competes. Understanding local distinctions, such as diverse consumer preferences (e.g., demand for specific plug types or battery backup durations), varying economic conditions, and regulatory environments, is crucial for tailoring strategies to specific markets. Businesses can expand their reach by identifying underserved areas or adapting their offerings to meet local demands. A clear market focus allows for more effective resource allocation, targeted marketing campaigns, and better positioning against local competitors, ultimately driving growth in those targeted areas.

The UAE ice cream market is projected to reach US$ 157.46 million by 2028 from US$ 126.21 million in 2021; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2021 to 2028. Ice-cream is one of the favorite frozen desserts in the UAE owing to the subtropical arid climate in the country with long hot summers and briefly warm winters, and thus, it is consumed throughout the year by expatriates, tourists, and locals. The consumption is further likely to increase with the entry of multinational ice-cream manufacturers such as Mars GCC and Unilever Middle East. A large number of ice-cream manufacturers have been instrumental in introducing new ice-cream varieties and flavors. Moreover, the growth of the tourism sector and restaurant businesses is also expected to support the growth of the ice-cream market in the country.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on UAE Ice Cream Market 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected economies and industries in various countries due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business shutdowns. The UAE also implemented a country-wide lockdown that resulted in the shutdown of restaurants, malls, retail outlets, and manufacturing plants, which adversely affected the food & beverage industry, including the ice cream production. Moreover, there has been an increase in panic buying and confusion among the consumers amid the pandemic, which disrupted the standard demand estimations of food and beverage products in the UAE. The demand for long-shelf-life products gained ~20–25% while categories such as ice cream and confectionaries experienced a decline of 30–35%. The economy is recovering with the relaxations in lockdown, and reopening of supermarkets, malls, and other retail outlets. Moreover, various ice cream manufacturing companies are also resuming operations in the UAE.

Key Market Segments

Based on type, the UAE ice cream market is further segmented into impulse ice cream, take-home ice cream, and artisanal ice cream. In 2021, the impulse ice cream segment dominated the market. Impulse ice cream varieties are almost always bought on a whim or at the spur of a moment. They are a single-serve ice cream purchased for immediate consumption. They can be readily consumed without the need for portioning or preparation. Impulse ice creams include ice cream cones, ice cream sandwiches, chocolate coated ice creams, and single serve ice cream tubs that are sold in individual packages, while the traditional ice cream products such as ball in the wafer are sold without packages. Impulse ice creams segment dominates the ice cream market owing to its high popularity among individuals of all age groups. They offer the convenience of eating ice cream whenever and wherever one wants.

Major Sources and Companies Listed

Key players operating in the UAE ice cream market include Desert Chill; Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.; General Mills Inc.; IFFCO Group; Maras Turka; MARS Incorporated; MINI Melts Inc.; Nestlé S.A.; Pure Ice Cream Co. LLC.; and Unilever.

Reasons to Buy Report

• To understand the UAE ice cream market landscape and identify segments that are most likely to guarantee a strong return
• To comprehend the ever-changing competitive landscape of the market 
• To efficiently plan merger and acquisition, and partnership deals in the market by identifying segments with the most promising probable sales 
• To take knowledgeable business decisions from perceptive and comprehensive analysis of market performance of various segments
• To obtain revenue forecast for the market based on various segments from 2019 to 2028

Based on type, the UAE ice cream market is subsegmented into impulse ice cream, take-home ice cream, and artisanal ice cream.  In terms of distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and others.

Company Profiles

• Desert Chill
• Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.
• General Mills Inc.
• IFFCO Group
• Maras Turka
• MARS Incorporated
• MINI Melts Inc.
• Nestlé S.A.
• Pure Ice Cream Co. LLC.
• Unilever