Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Size - By Type (Standalone freezers, Display Cases, Ice Cream Dipping Cabinets, Gelato Cases, Blast Freezers, Combo Units), By Refrigerant Type, By Capacity, By Price Range, By End-use, By Distribution Channel & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Size

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market was valued at USD 12.6 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during 2024 to 2032. 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.
 

The expansion of retail outlets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and foodservice establishments globally increases the need for refrigerated storage solutions to maintain the quality and freshness of ice cream products. There's a trend towards premium and artisanal ice cream products, which often require specialized refrigerated displays to enhance their appeal and maintain their quality. The popularity of premium ice cream flavors, unique ingredients, and artisanal options necessitates dedicated storage and display units to maintain product quality and visual appeal.
 

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

There is increasing demand for ice cream products that are perceived as healthier, such as low-fat, low-sugar, dairy-free, and plant-based options. Manufacturers are responding by expanding their product lines to include these alternatives. Consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality ice cream with premium ingredients and gourmet flavors. This trend has led to the growth of artisanal ice cream brands and flavors that offer unique and indulgent experiences. Manufacturers are constantly innovating with new and exotic flavors, catering to adventurous consumer tastes. Unique combinations, seasonal flavors, and limited-edition releases are becoming popular strategies to attract consumers.
 

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Analysis

Based on type, the display cases segment was worth around USD 3.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2032. Display cases enhance the visual presentation of ice cream products, making them attractive to consumers and encouraging impulse buying. Display cases are commonly found in retail stores, cafes, and ice cream parlors where showcasing a variety of flavors and options is important for customer engagement and sales.
 

Based on refrigerant type, the fluorocarbons segment held the dominant market share of 66% in 2023. Demand for fluorocarbon-based refrigerants is influenced by regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and phasing out ozone-depleting substances. HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) have been widely used due to their effectiveness and familiarity in refrigeration systems, although concerns about their high global warming potential (GWP) are driving transitions to lower GWP alternatives.
 

North America refrigerated ice cream merchandise market size exceeded USD 3.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2032. 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 a CAGR of 6.2% through 2032. 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.
 

China is supposed to grow at the highest rate of 6.9% in the region. Increasing disposable incomes and urbanization in China contribute to higher spending on premium and imported ice cream products, driving demand for refrigerated equipment in retail and foodservice sectors.
 

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Share

Refrigerated ice cream merchandise industry seem to be consolidated in nature due to presence of local and global players across the globe. In 2023, the market players such Carrier Corporation, Dover Corporation, Thermo King Corporation, Vestfrost Solutions, Liebherr Group, Lennox International Inc., Ali Group S.p.A., United Technologies Corporation collectively held around 10%-15% market share. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broader customer base, and strengthen their market position.
 

Refrigerated Ice Cream Merchandise Market Companies

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
   

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.
   

This 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 2032, 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 1000$)
• Mid (1000$-2000$)
• High (above 2000$)

Market, By Price Range

• Low
• Mid
• High

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
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA