Because India is eating more ice cream every day, the market is getting hotter and offering many chances for businesses. Eating ice cream is now a favorite all year for people in India, not only during the summer months.
As more people show interest in ice cream and love well-known brands, making an ice cream franchise investment is looking very attractive. The market is experiencing an impressive growth and it is anticipated to increase sharply from INR 268.0 Billion in 2024 to an enormous INR 1,078.0 Billion by 2033, presenting a solid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7%.
With all this progress, every Indian still eats or drinks just 1.4 litres of ice cream in a year, much lower compared to the rest of the world. Owing to the rise of online food delivery, the market has grown even bigger, with most sales now being made digitally. It provides all the essential knowledge for future entrepreneurs by explaining the top 10 ice cream franchise in India and how they can succeed in ice cream businesses.
The Indian Ice Cream Market: A Confluence of Sweet Trends and Opportunities
The ice cream market in India is active and keeps changing as a result of changing tastes, more disposable income among people, and the introduction of new products. Important changes and trends are steering the course of this industry.
People Now Seek What They Can Eat Without Guilt
An increasing number of Indian buyers are aiming to eat tasty food but also keep it healthy. Therefore, more people are now choosing healthier alternatives to regular ice creams. Companies are developing foods that have less fat, less sugar, or no sugar at all for those who care about nutrition and health.
There has been a rapid rise in the popularity of handcrafted, all-natural ice creams because they are considered better and tastier. Franchises like the Naturals Ice Cream Franchise, which offer a healthier way to enjoy desserts, will have a real chance to make good from this trend.
The Digital Scoop: E-commerce and Q-commerce Revolution:
Because of online food platforms like Swiggy and Zomato and q-commerce, the way ice cream is bought and eaten has changed. Now, when you get ice cream delivered so fast, it becomes easy to give in to the temptation and eat it any time. For those who own franchises, there is a large source of income from deliveries, in addition to what is earned from people who dine in. It is no longer an option to have a strong online presence and team up with these platforms for a business to do well.
A Symphony of Flavors: The Fusion Revolution:
Even though vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry remain favorites, more people want to try new and different flavours. Nowadays, customers like to explore and try international and different types of flavor. As a result, many brands are now serving special desserts that blend Indian sweets with the dessert ideas popular in the West. Scoops of Gulab Jamun ice cream, flavours inspired by Paan, and Coconut desserts may surprise you here. Any eateries that give customers new, even unusual flavours on a changing menu can see greater success.
Key Factors to Consider Before Investing in an Ice Cream Franchise
Starting an ice cream franchise in India, especially in the increasingly popular food sector, has multiple factors to consider in order to maximize your return on investment. Here are some factors to examine:
- Brand Identity and Recognition: If you are investing in a franchise with a strong brand and consumer awareness, you will be starting off ahead of the game. Therefore, do some digging to check the history of the brand, its market position, and consumer opinions of the brand.
- Capital and Franchise Fees: Be clear about what your total investment is, including not only the initial franchise fee, but also startup costs, equipment and working capital.
- Training and Support: A good franchisor will provide comprehensive training related to operations, product preparation, and customer service. It is reasonable to ask what ongoing support is offered with regards to marketing, supply chain, and new products.
- Location and Site Selection: Location is everything with ice cream parlours- ask yourself if you have the opportunity to be in a high footfall location- market areas, malls, educational institutions and housing complexes.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: make sure your franchisor has a sound and responsible supply chain that can deliver the right ingredients and products consistently, in a timely manner.
- Profitability/Return on Investment (ROI): Review the potential profit margins and time frame for your ROI. Talk to current franchise owners to understand profitability and obtain realistic expectations.
Top 10 Ice cream franchise in india
1. Amul Ice Cream
Amul is often mentioned in Indian homes as the source of great dairy products that are trustworthy and high quality. An Amul ice cream parlour means more than desserts; it’s an important part of the country, where families remember happy times. Because the company is in many places and has loyal customers, buying a franchise is generally safe and offers good chances of success.
If you’re looking to enter this industry as an entrepreneur, an Amul franchise allows you to benefit from its strong heritage and way of addressing the needs of the Indian people. Having so many different kinds of ice cream, including basic cones and more, ensures all customers will find the right choice.
Key Products:
- Classic Ice Cream Cups and Cones (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry)
- Fruit-based Ice Creams (Mango, Litchi, etc.)
- Exotic Flavours (Rajbhog, Kesar Pista)
- Sundaes and Shakes
- Family Packs and Tubs
- Sugar-Free and Pro-biotic Ice Creams
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹2 lakhs – ₹6 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: No franchise fee, but a refundable security deposit is required.
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 20% on ice cream products.
2. Baskin Robbins
The world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, Baskin Robbins, has been a global icon of premium ice cream for more than seven decades. When the company entered, the Indian market saw a glimpse of a new world of international flavours and a unique ‘31 flavours’ concept, giving a new and exciting choice on each day of the month.
Innovation is synonymous with the brand, and always comes up with new yet exciting flavours, ice cream cakes and desserts with a restricted yet demanding palette. Baskin Robbins franchise is the opportunity to be a part of great global quality legacy and creativity.
It is the top Ice cream franchise in India. The brand offers tremendous support to its franchisees where it supports them right from taking stock of the store design, store setup till marketing support or operational support. Baskin Robbins presents an unusual and yet rewarding business proposition, even for entrepreneurs who have a passion for premium desserts yet seek to be associated with a globally reputed brand. Offering its vibrant and cheerful parlours to young adults, families, it is a magnet for anyone in search of a truly international ice cream experience.
Key Products:
- A wide range of international ice cream flavours (e.g., Mississippi Mud, Gold Medal Ribbon)17
- Ice Cream Cakes and Pizzas
- Sundaes and Shakes
- Waffle Cones and Toppings
- Take-home packs
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹10 lakhs – ₹20 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹4 lakhs + GST
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 15% – 20%
3. Havmor Ice Cream
Going back to 1944 in Karachi, Havmor has become very special to ice cream enthusiasts in India. For its use of real milk and superior ingredients in its products, the brand has become very famous and offers over 160 kinds of delicious ice cream. Havmor’s success comes from passion and hard work, changing from a hand-cart business to a leading brand all over India. Becoming a Havmor franchise owner lets you be a part of something encouraging and share happiness with customers in every scoop.
It is the top Ice cream franchise in India. The company gives its partners a lot of help, for example, by helping them decide on a location, organize their stores, and market their businesses. Because they mix classic Indian flavours with new trends, Havmor’s products appeal to people from many walks of life. If you’re an entrepreneur who cares about a brand’s rich past and its future vision, Havmor gives you tasty and exciting opportunities.
Key Products:
- Signature Ice Cream Cones and Cups
- Novelty products like ice cream sandwiches and roll cuts
- Kulfis and Matka Kulfis
- Ice Cream Cakes
- Tubs and Family Packs
- Sugar-free options
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹10 lakhs – ₹20 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹2-3 lakhs
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 15% – 18%
4. Vadilal Ice Cream
A legacy is not being carried by a century old icecream brand but is synonymous to ice cream which is an integral name of Vadilal in the Indian scenario. What started as a very small soda fountain in Ahmedabad in 1907, is today one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the country.
It is famous for the huge and wide range of its products that have something for everyone. It is the top Ice cream franchise in India. So, a Vadilal franchise is an opportunity to be connected with a brand name that enjoys high levels of trust and faith among the people. Proven business model, wide range of products and strong marketing support are provided to the company’s franchise partners.
It is evident that Vadilal is committed to quality and innovation since it keeps on adding new flavours and formats. If you are an entrepreneur looking for a franchise that has an Indian identity deeply rooted and is also present in India, then Vadilal provides a sweet and stable opportunity to excel in business.
Key Products:
- A wide variety of ice cream flavours in cups, cones, and sticks
- Artisan ice creams
- Kulfis and Cassatas
- Ice Cream Cakes and Tubs
- Frozen Desserts and Juices
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹5 lakhs – ₹15 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Varies depending on the model.
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 10% – 20%
5. Kwality Wall's
Kwality Wall’s, a brand under Hindustan Unilever Limited is a name that brings immediate happiness into life. The brand is a happy spreader across India with its delightful range of frozen desserts and ice creams with its iconic heart logo.
The brand, Kwality Wall’s, is famous for its creative and fun products, lovable and for all age groups from kids to adults. With its distribution network and marketing muscle, it is a franchise of Kwality Wall’s, which is a franchise of a multinational FMCG giant. The brand offers turnkey solutions to its franchisees in the form of equipment, branding and training.
Continuous innovation on the product line by Kwality Wall has been popularly driven by its product line Cornetto and Magnum, driving high customer footfall. In search of a franchise opportunity for the entrepreneur who values fun and affordability with strong brand recognition, there is profitability in a venture such as Kwality Wall’s.
Key Products:
- Cornetto cones
- Magnum premium chocolate ice creams
- Feast bars
- A wide range of cups, sticks, and family packs29
- Sundaes and shakes in their Swirl’s parlours
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹3 lakhs – ₹5 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: Included in the investment cost.
Profit Margin:
- Up to 30% on some products.
6. Natural Ice Cream
With the name formed in quite the literal sense, Natural Ice Cream is known to create ice creams using real fruits, milk and sugar with no artificial flavours or preservatives. The commitment to real and fresh is what has built a loyal following of health conscious consumers for the ‘real’ taste of ice cream. Leaving behind a single store in Juhu, Mumbai, the brand has grown by leaps and bounds to become a national icon in itself, and this has happened by virtue of just a single, powerful idea.
If you grab an opportunity of doing business with a Natural Ice Cream franchise in india, you will be in a business that means quality and natural goodness. The franchisees get the equipment from the company and comprehensive support so that the product quality and the experience of the customer is consistent.
Natural Ice Cream is a food & restaurant brand that is offering awesome products of fruit flavours, which are unique by taste and seasonal, and customers feel excited and eagerly waiting for new flavours all the time. A Natural Ice Cream franchise is the right choice for entrepreneurs who love natural ingredients and believe in launching a premium and wholesome product.
Key Products:
- Signature fruit-based ice creams (Tender Coconut, Sitaphal, Mango)
- Seasonal fruit flavours
- Classic flavours like Chocolate and Vanilla31
- Milkshakes and Sundaes
- Family Packs
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakhs
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 20% – 25%
7. Giani's Ice Cream
North India has a legendary name by the name of Giani’s in the world of ice creams and desserts and its history is rich as it has survived till Date since 1956. The brand is popular for its traditional Indian desserts and a multitude of delicacies in ice creams, and that’s how the brand started as Giani di Hatti in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Combining an established heritage with contemporary tastes, the menu appeals to all generations and Giani’s has managed to do it.
Giani’s is the name of taste and quality by which the firm manufactures and sells their ice cream products and opportunities were created for us to carry forward their legacy. The company has a well established business model in place, plus a wide variety of products and a support system going for its franchisees.
Giani’s parlor is renowned for its nice, cozy warm ambiance and the desserts that are served there which makes it a major attraction for families and chocolate lovers. Giani’s is a sweet and nostalgic business proposition that appeals for entrepreneurs seeking to buy a franchise with strong regional foothold.
Key Products:
- Traditional Kulfi Faluda
- A wide range of ice cream flavours
- Sundaes, Shakes, and Stone Sundaes
- Ice Cream Cakes
- Halwas and other Indian sweets
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹10 lakhs – ₹15 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹4 lakhs + GST
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 30% – 40%
8. Cream Stone Concepts
Introduced first in India, Cream Stone’s ‘cold stone’ concept revolutionizes ice cream experience in the country by introducing this unique concept via which customers can create their personalized ice cream creations. This has made serving of ice cream in this interactive and theatrical approach a big hit, especially among the youth.
Cream Stone does not serve ice cream as only a dessert, it serves to be an experience. The Cream Stone franchise is a chance for you to extend this one of a kind and interesting concept for more people. The franchisees of this brand get their full fledged training and a support that enables them to provide a high consistent customer experience.
A Cream Stone parlour has vibrant and modern interiors and you can create your own dessert all you want, thus it has become one of the popular hangout spots. Franchise of an exciting and innovative brand like Cream Stone is a good option for the entrepreneurs looking for trendy, fun and experiential franchise model where they can engage customers to a great extent.
Key Products:
- Customizable ice cream creations with a variety of mix-ins
- Signature creations and concepts
- Thick Shakes and Sundaes
- Ice Cream Cakes
- Waffles and Brownies
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹25 lakhs – ₹40 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹6 lakhs + GST
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 25% – 35%
9. Pabrai's Fresh & Naturelle Ice Cream
The Fresh & Naturelle label of ice cream from Pabrai is all about making 100% natural artisanal ice creams. The company takes great care to use only the best and fresh ingredients from many places to make their special and interesting flavours. A Pabrai’s franchise is created for those who enjoy premium and carefully made desserts.
Having dedicated its brand to quality and unique ideas, it offers customers both Indian-inspired and variations worldwide. Pabrai’s helps its franchisees provide customers with a quality product all the time. Pabrai’s parlour creates a pleasant atmosphere that suits admiring the shop’s unique ice creams. If someone is excited about gourmet food and wants to specialize, a Pabrai’s franchise provides an upscale business that pays off.
Key Products:
- 100% natural and artisanal ice creams
- Exotic and gourmet flavours (Nalen Gur, Paan, etc.)42
- Sugar-free and vegan options
- Sorbets
- Ice Cream Cakes
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹15 lakhs – ₹25 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakhs
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 25% – 30%
10. Keventers
Keventers has bounced back as a popular brand in India because of its imaginative glass-bottled milkshakes. Although it’s famous for milkshakes, Keventers has also started making ice creams with various classic and unique flavors. Buying a Keventers franchise gives you a place in a brand that combines classic ideals with today’s trends.
The fact that the brand is memorable and popular with young people shows that it would appeal to future franchisees. Keventers makes sure its franchisees get support through store design, marketing, and coming up with new products.
It is a great ice cream franchise in India. Keventers outlets delight customers with their vintage look, which is also modern and perfect for Instagram pictures. A good choice for entrepreneurs who want to work with a brand popular among young people and have a wide range of products is Keventers.
Key Products:
- Classic and Thick Milkshakes
- A range of Ice Cream Scoops and Sundaes
- Iced Beverages
- Waffles and Pancakes
- Snacks and Savouries
Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment: ₹20 lakhs – ₹35 lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 lakhs – ₹8 lakhs
Profit Margin:
- Approximately 20% – 25%
Strategies for Success as a Franchise of Ice Cream in India
Owning an ice cream franchise in India is not simply about selling ice cream; it’s about creating an experience! Here are some thoughts to ensure the success of your franchise:
- Use Local Ingredients: On top of the offering of the brand, consider using 1 or 2 local ingredients after speaking with the franchisor about regionally based products.
- Build Partnerships: Reach out and partner with local schools, colleges, and corporate offices to create bulk orders or events
- Get Social: Be active on social media – Instagram and Facebook are great platforms to get your brand out, create contests, show pictures of your creations and connect with your community.
- Have Events: Schedule ice cream tastings, sundae making events for kids or provide specials for local festivals and happenings.
- Customer Service: Train your front end employees to be friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. Creating a warm and welcoming attitude can bring a person back again who may only have visited once!
- Cleanliness: Cleanliness and hygiene is a given and a must in the food business. The cleanliness of your ice cream parlour should be spotless at all times!
Legal and Financial Considerations for Ice Creams Franchise
Legal and financial considerations are significant for successful and seamless franchise operations. Several factors to consider are listed below:
- Franchise Agreement: Read your franchise agreement with a lawyer. Know and understand your obligations concerning, among other things, royalties, marketing fees, renewal, and termination.
- Licenses and Permits: You will, of course, have to obtain all the necessary licenses to operate a business. As a food franchise, the FSSAI license is a must; while you must register for GST, you may consider doing this when you run the business. You will also have to complete a Shop and Establishment Act license and obtain a fire safety certificate.
- Financing and Planning: You will need to obtain the relevant funding for your investment, and finally in matters of planning you will also need to set up a business plan as well as projected revenues, expenses and profitability to make sure your franchise remains successful.
- Accounting and Taxation: You will want to ensure you are keeping up to date, written financial accounts and taxation, and other financial matters. You should consider using an accountant to manage your financial affairs.
Conclusion
The ice cream franchise in India is hugely evolving, creating a lot of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. Franchising provides a platform to enter this exciting market with structure and support. From the legacy of Amul, to the new age, innovative concepts of Cream Stone and the popular Arun Ice Cream Franchise, there are franchise opportunities for every investment and entrepreneurial aspiration.
By diligently choosing a franchise brand that works for you, ensuring a customer-centric experience, and creating a tried and true local operating plan, you will be able to scoop up your piece of the action in this sweet-smelling and rewarding market. The focus should be on not only selling ice cream, but to sell an experience — a moment of happiness, a sweet memory, and something to keep the customers coming back.
FAQs
What is the minimum investment required to start an ice cream franchise in India?
The investment could go as low as ₹2-3 lakhs in the case of brands such as Kwality Wall’s or Amul, but can go as high as ₹40 lakhs for higher end brands like Cream Stone or Baskin Robbins.
Is there any prior experience required in food to own an ice cream franchise?
Prior experience can help, but is not always required, as most franchisors are willing and do provide training and guidance to their partners.
What are the essential legal requirements for starting an ice cream franchise?
Essential legal requirements include an FSSAI license, GST registration, trade license under The Shops and Establishment Act, and fire safety certificate.
How important is location for an ice cream franchise?
Location is extremely important for an ice cream franchise. Ideal locations are high traffic areas where customers can easily see and access the brand, such as markets, malls or residential hubs.
