Ice cream isn’t just a dessert in India—it’s an emotion that resonates across all age groups. Whether it’s scorching summer heat, festive celebrations, or late-night cravings, Indians turn to ice cream as their go-to comfort food. According to a recent GlobalData consumer survey, over 85% of Indian respondents often or sometimes try new flavors while purchasing ice creams. This experimental shift is especially common among millennials who are now driving demand for exotic, vegan, low-fat, and fruit-infused variants.
If you’re a dessert enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to invest in a growing food segment, the top 5 ice creams brand in India offer both indulgence and income. In this blog, we will dive deep into India’s leading ice cream brands, explore why they are dominating the market, and break down how you can open a franchise with them.
Why Ice Cream is a Profitable Business in India
Before jumping into the top brands, let’s understand why ice cream franchises are booming in India:
- Tropical Climate: With soaring temperatures in most parts of India, ice cream has year-round demand.
- Affordable Luxury: Ice cream offers the joy of indulgence at a relatively low price.
- Rising Disposable Income: Urbanization and rising income levels have made premium ice creams more accessible.
- Health-conscious Innovations: Brands are introducing low-sugar, low-fat, and vegan variants to meet health goals.
- Franchise-friendly Models: Minimal staff, small space requirements, and fast ROI make ice cream outlets attractive.
Top 5 Ice Creams Brand in India
Let’s break down each brand’s market share, popularity, product range, and how you can become their franchise partner.
1. Amul Ice Cream – India’s Most Trusted Dairy Brand
Market Share: 38%
Owned By: Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)
Founded: 1946
Tagline: Real Milk. Real Ice Cream.
Amul is synonymous with dairy in India. Known for its quality, affordability, and brand trust, Amul Ice Cream enjoys the largest market share in the Indian frozen dessert sector. What makes Amul different is its commitment to vegetarian ingredients—even the emulsifiers and stabilizers used in its products are 100% vegetarian.
Best-Selling Amul Ice Cream Products:
- Rajbhog
- Kesar Pista
- Choco Chips
- Tricone
- Fruit ‘n’ Nut Tub
Amul Franchise Models:
Amul offers multiple franchise formats, from kiosks to full-fledged parlors.
a. Amul Railway Parlor Franchise
- Refundable deposit: ₹1,00,000
- Equipment cost: ₹50,000
- Space: Depends on station rules
b. Amul Scooping Parlor Franchise
- Area Required: 250–400 sq. ft.
- Interiors: ₹3,00,000
- Deposit: ₹50,000
- Margin: 20%
c. Amul Kiosk with Milk Products
- Area Required: 100–150 sq. ft.
- Equipment: ₹80,000 (cooler, deep freezer)
- Total Investment: ₹1.55 – ₹2.05 Lakhs
Support Offered: Branding, supply chain, marketing, product training
👉 To apply for Amul Ice Cream Franchise, visit www.amul.com
2. Kwality Wall’s – A Brand by Hindustan Unilever
Market Share: 16%
Founded: 1993 in India
Tagline: Goodness That Brings Happiness
Kwality Wall’s is one of India’s most recognized ice cream brands, known for a wide range of products catering to every age group. Their portfolio includes Cornetto, Feast, Magnum, Paddle Pop, and Creamy Delight.
Unique Selling Points:
- Products available in over 20+ countries
- Known for softies and international flavors
- Strong marketing and branding through HUL
Kwality Wall’s Franchise Options:
Kwality Wall’s Swirl’s Exclusive Store
- Area: Minimum 150 sq. ft. with good frontage
- Investment: ₹2.5 to ₹3.5 Lakhs
- Franchise Fee: ₹0 (No Franchise Fee)
- ROI: 18–24 months
Support Offered:
- Refrigerators and coolers provided
- Complete branding material
- Sales training and business guidance
Additional Costs: Depending on city, location, and interior fit-outs
Required Permits: FSSAI, GST, local licenses
👉 To learn more, visit www.kwalitywalls.in
3. Vadilal Ice Cream – 100+ Years of Frozen Delight
Market Share: 12%
Founded: 1907
Headquartered in: Ahmedabad
Tagline: Dil Bole Waah Waah Waah
Vadilal has a rich legacy and is one of the oldest ice cream brands in India. With 150+ flavors and formats like cones, cups, candies, tubs, and ice cream cakes, Vadilal is a favorite in both metros and tier-2 cities.
Popular Products:
- Flingo Bar
- Gourmet Natural Ice Cream
- Badabite
- Cassata
- Sundae Cups
Vadilal Franchise Models:
a. Vadilal Ice Cream Kiosk
- Area: 120–160 sq. ft.
- Investment: ₹7.5 – ₹8.6 Lakhs
- Royalty Fee: ₹0 for 3 years
b. Vadilal Open Kiosk
- Area: 80–120 sq. ft.
- Investment: ₹6.45 – ₹7 Lakhs
- Royalty Fee: ₹0 for 3 years
c. Vadilal Ice Cream Shop
- Area: 200–450 sq. ft.
- Investment: ₹5.2 – ₹7 Lakhs
- Royalty Fee: ₹0 for 3 years
Support Includes:
- POS software
- Uniform branding
- Cold chain logistics
- Freezers and stock credit facility
👉 For details, visit www.vadilalgroup.com
4. Mother Dairy – Trusted Indian Dairy Pioneer
Market Share: 8%
Founded: 1974
Parent Organization: National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
Known For: Milk, paneer, butter, curd, and premium ice creams
Mother Dairy has made its way into the dessert space with a curated range of frozen delights like Black Forest, Chocolate Cakes, Kulfi, Cassata, and Fruit Bars. Their products are widely available in North India and expanding further across the country.
Franchise Model:
Mother Dairy Ice Cream Outlet
- Area Required: 500+ sq. ft.
- Franchise Fee: ₹50,000
- Investment: ₹5 – ₹10 Lakhs
- Staff: Minimum 1
- Break-even: Within 24 months
- Monthly Profit Estimate: ₹44,000
- Royalty: None
Support Offered:
- IT equipment
- Training
- Promotional support
- Refrigeration units
Multi-unit Opportunity: ₹1–₹2 Crore investment for multiple locations
👉 Visit www.motherdairy.com to apply for a dealership
5. Baskin Robbins – The Premium Global Ice Cream Brand
Established in India: 1993
Owned by: Graviss Foods Pvt Ltd (India)
Cities Covered: 190+
Number of Stores: 725+
Known For: International flavors, premium experience
Baskin Robbins is a premium ice cream chain offering 31 unique flavors, including seasonal delights. Known for their cotton candy, cookie crumble, and red velvet cheesecake, they’ve captured the high-end dessert market.
Baskin Robbins Franchise Requirements:
- Area: 250+ sq. ft.
- Frontage: 10 ft minimum
- Franchise Fee: ₹3,00,000 + 12% GST
- Security Deposit (Refundable): ₹50,000
Estimated Investment Breakdown:
| Item | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Interiors/Project Work | ₹6,00,000 |
| Equipment | ₹3,25,000 |
| In-store Branding | ₹1,75,000 |
| Furniture & Accessories | ₹75,000 |
| Misc. Purchases | ₹50,000 |
| POS Setup | ₹15,000 |
| Total Investment | ₹16,00,000 |
Operating Expenses (Monthly):
- Food Cost: 52%
- Rentals: 15%
- Salaries: 8%
- Electricity: 5%
- Misc: 2%
- Net Profit: Approx. 18%
👉 Apply at www.baskinrobbinsindia.com
Upcoming Ice Cream Brands to Watch in India
Although these are the Top 5 Ice Creams Brand, many new-age brands are gaining popularity:
- Naturals: Famous for 100% fresh fruit ice creams
- Havmor: Known for creamy textures and vibrant branding
- NIC: Gourmet dessert brand using real milk and fruit
- Giani’s: Strong presence in North India with kulfi and sundaes
- Cold Stone Creamery: International brand with a flair for customization
Ice Cream Franchise: Key Things to Consider Before Investing
- Location is King
High footfall zones like malls, markets, schools, and highways work best. - Licenses Required
FSSAI license, GST registration, local municipal permits, and shop act. - Brand Support
Choose a franchise that offers training, setup help, and marketing support. - Competition & Demand
Analyze how many ice cream stores already exist in your target location. - Scalability
Opt for a brand that allows for multiple outlets or master franchises.
Read Also :- 10 Best Coffee And Cafe Franchise Opportunities In India
Top 10 Profitable Food Franchise Opportunities in India
Conclusion
The Indian ice cream industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of health-conscious flavors, international collaborations, and aggressive franchise expansion. If you’re looking to invest in a business with low operational costs, high returns, and timeless customer demand, starting with any of the Top 5 Ice Creams Brand in India is a sweet deal—literally!
From Amul’s dominance in affordability to Baskin Robbins’ premium play, each brand has its own unique selling points and franchise advantages. Make sure to evaluate your target market, budget, and brand support before taking the scoop.
FAQs – Ice Cream Franchise and Brands
Q1. Is Amul Ice Cream made from real milk?
Yes, Amul ice cream is made from 100% real milk and dairy fat.
Q2. Are Kwality Wall’s products vegetarian?
Yes, all Kwality Wall’s products are 100% eggless and vegetarian.
Q3. Does Vadilal offer sugar-free options?
Yes, Vadilal has sugar-free ranges available for diabetic customers.
Q4. Is Baskin Robbins profitable in tier-2 cities?
Yes, especially in college towns and IT corridors with premium footfall.
Q5. What makes Naturals different from others?
Naturals uses fresh fruit pulp, milk, and sugar—no preservatives or artificial flavors.
