GCC Ice Cream Market Report 2025 | Growth, Size, and Trends Forecast by 2033

GCC Ice Cream Market Overview

Market Size in 2024: USD 1.8 Million

Market Size in 2033: USD 3.3 Million

Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 6.1%

According to IMARC Group’s latest research publication, “GCC Ice Cream Market Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2033”, the GCC ice cream market size reached USD 1.8 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.3 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of GCC Ice Cream Market

• AI-driven supply chain tools in the GCC ice cream market are cutting raw material waste by up to 10%, optimizing costs and improving production efficiency significantly.
• AI-enabled freezer cabinets, like those deployed by Unilever, track stock in real time and boost retail orders by up to 30% through data-driven restocking.
• Government initiatives across the GCC support food tech innovation and local production, with investments exceeding $3.8 billion, driving the growth of AI in ice cream manufacturing.
• Expansion of smart factories, such as Pure Ice Cream’s AED 80 million AI-automated plant in Dubai, is enhancing quality control and sustainability in the GCC ice cream market.
• Rising consumer demand for premium and healthy ice cream sees AI helping brands like House of Pops grow via franchising and distribution partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

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GCC Ice Cream Market Trends & Drivers:

The GCC ice cream market benefits significantly from the region’s hot climate, encouraging high ice cream consumption year-round. Temperatures often climb beyond 45 degrees Celsius, making frozen treats a preferred refreshment. Governments actively encourage local manufacturing under initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s 'Made in Saudi' program, supporting factories such as Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company’s new ice cream plant. This local production boost helps meet rising demand and creates jobs. Moreover, consumer preferences are shifting towards indulgent yet healthier frozen desserts, pushing manufacturers to innovate with protein-rich and low-fat options that align with growing health consciousness across the GCC.

Health and wellness trends are reshaping the GCC ice cream market with consumers increasingly choosing low-fat, sugar-free, and dairy-free alternatives. Rising concerns about obesity and diabetes, reported by health ministries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are steering demand toward nutritious options. Brands like Brooklyn Creamery have introduced protein-rich ice creams with reduced fat and calories, capturing health-conscious buyers. Retailers are expanding shelf space for these products, positively influencing market dynamics. This trend drives companies to reformulate products and engage in targeted marketing, ultimately boosting variety and availability of healthier ice creams in the GCC.

Distribution channel advancements also fuel the GCC ice cream market’s growth as retailers and producers strengthen their supply chains. New franchising models, seen with Dubai-based House of Pops expanding in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, enable brands to tap emerging markets efficiently. Investment in new manufacturing facilities, such as Pure Ice Cream’s Dubai factory project creating around 300 jobs, adds production capacity and regional presence. Additionally, premium and artisanal ice cream demand grows with consumers willing to pay for unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, supported by a rising youthful population with disposable income. These factors together stimulate innovation and competition in the market.

We explore the factors propelling the GCC ice cream market growth, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes.

GCC Ice Cream Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Breakup by Flavor: 

• Chocolate
• Fruit
• Vanilla
• Others

Breakup by Category: 

• Impulse Ice Cream
• Take-Home Ice Cream
• Artisanal Ice Cream

Breakup by Product:

• Cup
• Stick
• Cone
• Brick
• Tub
• Others

Breakup by Distribution Channel: 

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Ice Cream Parlours
• Online Stores
• Others

Breakup by Country:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in GCC Ice Cream Market

• 2025: Pure Ice Cream announced an AED 80 million investment in a new manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City, expected to significantly boost production capacity and create around 300 jobs. This technologically advanced plant emphasizes sustainability and automation, setting a new standard for the region’s ice cream production.

• 2025: Al Ain introduced a novel line of camel milk-based ice cream in the UAE, featuring unique flavors like date, saffron, and cardamom. This innovation taps into local culture and health trends, offering a dairy alternative with a distinct taste profile that is gaining traction among consumers seeking novel and nutritious options.

• 2025: Unilever’s Magnum brand expanded its regional operations by setting up a new headquarters in Mumbai, which also acts as a hub for the Middle East and GCC markets. This strategic move supports enhanced distribution and marketing efforts across the GCC, reflecting strong multinational investment and growth commitment in the regional ice cream sector.

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IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

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