Ice cream is always being celebrated in India, both by those young and old and by people from every season. Whilst it’s common to eat ice cream in summer, Indians today consider it a symbol of happiness, festivity, and something everyone can enjoy. Because so many consumers now love ice cream, the market for it has boomed, so opening an ice cream franchise is an attractive option for today’s aspiring business owners. Because the industry is blossoming, coming up with exciting news and delicious treats for people who love various sweets, it is considered a great place to invest in.
Those figures show clearly how the company is increasing and improving. The ice cream industry in India was worth a huge sum of ₹268.0 Billion in 2024. For the next eight years, the market is set to increase sharply, averaging 16.7% per year in CAGR, and it is likely to touch ₹1,078.0 Billion. Even though India’s ice cream market is so large, the average Indian consumes only 0.4 litres a year, which is much less than what people eat globally. The gap points to a huge opportunity for growth, so the Indian ice cream story is still at its most exciting stage.
The Indian Ice Cream Market: Trends and Opportunities
Indian ice cream has changed quickly because people’s tastes and technology improve over time. It is very important for an aspiring franchisee to be aware of these hidden aspects. Today’s Indian consumers are smarter, more interested in new things, and care about their health, which is good news for companies ready to adjust and try new things.
The Health-Conscious Scoop: A Guilt-Free Revolution
Because wellness has become a top priority for people, major shifts are occurring in the world of business. For this reason, many people are buying healthier frozen desserts. People want more low-fat, low-sugar, and gluten-free products now, but vegan ice cream leads the growing demand in this category. Since lots of people worldwide are switching to plant-based diets, the Indian market for vegan ice cream stood at USD 70.62 million last FY and is expected to expand with a CAGR of 9.3% to reach USD 143.8 million by FY2031. As more people learn about lactose intolerance, become more ethical, and want healthy meals, fast food outlets add dairy-free alternatives to keep up with customers’ wishes.
Artisanal and Gourmet: The Craft of Flavour
Flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry no longer hold the whole market. A new fad for high-quality forms of ice cream is taking over the country. Many people from these generations are searching for distinctive, hand-created moments and are ready to pay extra for them. This situation has resulted in lots of parlours offering specialty flavors like Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery), Sitaphal(custard apple), chilli-guava, and saffron-cardamom. As a result, creators are now making ice cream using only naturally sourced ingredients and new techniques, which helps turn it into a delicious experience.
The Delivery Boom: Q-Commerce Redefines Convenience
Ice cream is experiencing digital changes along with other parts of the food industry. Because of quick commerce (q-commerce) providers such as Swiggy and Zomato, buying and selling ice cream is not the same as it once was. Delivering frozen treats fast to your home has played a big role in the company’s growth. It is predicted that by 2025, there will be USD 5 billion in GMV for the Indian quick commerce industry. Therefore, modern ice cream franchises have increased their spending on reliable cold shipping, special containers for ice cream, and valuable ties with major delivery platforms, so ice cream now plays an essential role in their income.
Key Factors to Consider Before Investing in an Ice Cream Franchise
Entering the ice cream franchise business can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with a lot of considerations and an evaluation of due diligence. Below are the most important considerations to analyze before moving forward.
- Brand Awareness and Brand Reputation: The benefit of a franchise system is the opportunity to utilize an established brand. Evaluate the brand’s position in the market. How loyal are customers to the brand? What is the public perception of the brand? With a trusted and trustworthy brand, you don’t need to spend as much time worrying about marketing and building a customer base.
- The Startup Cost and Ongoing Fees: Understand what the entire financial commitment is. This would include the one-time franchise fee, and the expense of outfitting your outlet (e.g., decor, equipment, signage and initial inventory). Also, clarify what the ongoing payment structure is, such as a royalty fee, that is a percentage of revenue, and if they have ongoing marketing fees.
- Training and Support systems: A solid franchise partner will provide good training and support systems. What is the training program like? Does it cover the product preparation and quality control processes, daily operational duties and inventory management, and customer service? It is also important to know that your franchise partner will provide ongoing support in marketing and technology and ongoing support in the management of the business.
- Product Line and Innovation: An attractive and diverse menu is at the core of any business. Look into the brand’s product assortment. Do they have a good balance of traditional flavours, popular items, and unique or seasonal options? A brand that can consistently innovate is much more likely to remain relevant and generate recurring customers.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: The quality of ice cream depends heavily on a cold supply chain that is efficient and unbroken. Examine the logistics used by the franchisor. How do they ensure product and input delivery while being on time and at the right temperature?
- Target Audience and Site Strategy: Understand who the defined target demographic is and ensure that it aligns with your intended location. The franchisor should be able to provide direction as to the best site based on walk by numbers, visibility, competitors, and proximity to clientele.
- Profitability and ROI: While franchisors cannot guarantee profits, they should be able to provide you with realistic estimations based on their other stores. Challenge their stated profit margins to ensure that you understand how long it will take to break-even and start getting a good ROI.
Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises in India
1. Amul Ice Cream
People in India easily recognize Amul’s brand when it comes to ice cream, greatly trusting and accepting it. Amul Ice Cream is operated by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and thus enjoys a wide network as well as a solid reputation for being pure and of excellent quality. The brand’s ice cream parlors, called “Amul Parlours,” pull in many loyal customers because of their promise of good, healthy food for little money. Operating under the franchise system links entrepreneurs with Amul’s smooth supply, countrywide marketing, and well-known loyal customers.
For this reason, opening an Amul Ice Cream franchise is a safe option that brings great potential, especially for anyone wanting to use a well-known brand from the Indian dairy industry. The large variety of the company’s products makes it attractive to many people and their various food tastes.
- Key Products: Wide range of ice creams, kulfi, frozen desserts, sundaes, thick shakes, ice cream cakes, and other dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, and chocolates (depending on parlour type).
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs (depends on the format: Amul Preferred Outlet, Amul Railway Parlour, Amul Kiosk, Amul Ice Cream Parlour, Amul Scooping Parlour). A standard Amul Ice Cream Scooping Parlour generally requires around ₹3-5 Lakhs.
- Franchise Fee: ₹50,000 to ₹1 Lakh (varies by format and region, often adjusted for larger setups).
- Profit Margin: Approximately 20% – 30% on sales, varying with product mix and operational efficiency.
- Website: https://amul.com/
2. Baskin Robbins
Baskin Robbins is a well-known ice cream brand worldwide, it introduces Indian consumers to a global history of unique and colorful flavors. Due to its idea of 31 different flavors, the brand is famous worldwide and has managed to adapt its menu for Indian customers without losing its popularity elsewhere. Because of its rare mixtures of flavors, top quality ingredients, and modern feel, urban consumers love it. Baskin Robbins uses a master franchise agreement in India, giving sub-franchising a chance to use the updated international brand in the country. Baskin Robbins franchising makes it possible to use worldwide strategies for running the business, get outstanding support for advertising, and offer an always-changing array of ice cream flavors.
- Key Products: Over 1000+ flavors globally (around 50-60 active in India), sundaes, ice cream cakes, milkshakes, smoothies, and customized ice cream treats.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs (for a standard parlor, can go higher for prime locations or larger setups).
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs (variable based on location and store type).
- Profit Margin: 25% – 35%, depending on sales volume, location, and operational costs.
- Website: https://baskinrobbinsindia.com/
3. Cream Stone
Cream Stone has quickly gained popularity in India, mostly due to their special method of ice cream preparation called “cold stone.” The process involves ice cream lovers picking their base and any mix-in from a wide range available, and those items are instantly combined and served right in front of them. This unique way of serving, along with top quality ingredients and unexpected tastes makes every visit to this place more than just a meal. The brand has become popular among urban youth and also among families who want to have both fun and tasty food.
Cream Stone franchises provide traders with a fashionable idea that modern consumers like and an improved way of operating that keeps customers involved. One reason they do well in the premium ice cream category is their unique looks and customizable choices.
- Key Products: Cold stone ice creams with various mix-ins, ice cream sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹20 Lakhs – ₹35 Lakhs (includes equipment, interior, initial stock).
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹7 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 30% – 40%, potentially higher due to the premium pricing of customized offerings.
- Website: https://www.creamstone.in/
4. Giani’s
Since its start in 1956 in Delhi, Giani’s name has come to be linked with making traditional Indian ice creams, faloodas, and kulfis. Taking advantage of its nostalgia, Big Bazaar has become a storeAtlas across North India with modern ideas. The brand is well known for its classic tastes, soft consistency, and assorted products that please people across all ages. Its accomplishments come from not changing the recipes and always offering the best ingredients as it has over the years.
Being a Giani’s franchise partner gives you access to a well-known brand and lets you serve satisfying and tasty desserts people love. Considering that the initial expense is much lower than for some typical brand franchises, opening a McDonald’s is appealing to those looking for balance between culture and returns on their investment.
- Key Products: Traditional ice creams (e.g., Butterscotch, Vanilla, Strawberry), kulfi, falooda, sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs (for a standard kiosk or shop).
- Franchise Fee: ₹2.5 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 25% – 35%, strong potential in high-footfall areas.
- Website: https://gianisicecream.in/
5. Havmor Ice Cream
Started in Ahmedabad 1944, Havmor is an established Indian ice cream brand present in many states now. Introduction sources to Lotte Confectionery of South Korea will let Havmor build and develop its offerings without losing its true Indian character. The brand is famous for having a wide range of flavors, both traditional Indian as well as others, and the use of genuine milk in every serving it serves.
Havmor can fit into franchisees’ businesses, whether they choose a small kiosk or a large parlor. Because it has a recognizable brand in the market, sells products across fields, and guards its supply chain, it appeals to future franchisees. Because the brand serves both classic and innovative tastes, it has a wide customer base, and thanks to its strong history of serving quality food, it can grow well.
- Key Products: Large variety of ice creams, kulfi, ice cream cakes, sticks, cones, and sundaes.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹15 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs (for standard parlors, can be higher for cafes).
- Franchise Fee: ₹3 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 25% – 35%, with good margins on bulk sales and special items.
- Website: https://www.havmor.com/
6. Kwality Walls Swirl’s
In the country, Kwality Walls, a major part of Unilever’s ice cream offerings (Walls), has a remarkable share in the frozen dessert industry. Each of its parlors focuses on soft-serve ice cream that can be topped with many different goodies. This way of serving desserts gives customers a chance to customize their treats and come back again. Due to Unilever’s large marketing power, far-reaching distribution methods, and advanced research and development, Kwality Walls always comes out with new products.
Joining Kwality Walls Swirl’s ice cream franchise creates opportunities for your business, such as working with a prestigious FMCG company, strengthening the brand’s presence, providing enough products, and giving marketing assistance. Because soft serve is simple and offers many customizing options, it is easy and efficient for franchisees.
- Key Products: Soft serve ice cream (Swirl’s), sundaes, milkshakes, and various frozen desserts from the Kwality Walls portfolio.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹10 Lakhs (for a kiosk or small outlet).
- Franchise Fee: ₹1 Lakh – ₹3 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30%, driven by high volume sales and relatively lower product cost for soft serves.
- Website: https://www.kwalitywalls.in/
7. Naturals Ice Cream
The Natural Ice cream company’s choice to include only natural ingredients and real fruit flavors is why people across India love them so much. Although Naturals Ice Cream was started in Mumbai, the brand promises to never use artificial ingredients in its products. Many people who care about healthy eating and unique tastes have appreciated the nice, simple ice cream it provides. Because Naturals ice cream offers the intense and natural taste of each fruit, it is different from other kinds in the market.
When you franchise with Naturals, you benefit from customers’ trust as the brand always prioritizes natural ingredients and has a unique taste. More people in major cities are attracted to ice cream, so franchising ice cream is very appealing for those committed to giving their customers a wholesome and genuine dessert.
- Key Products: Ice creams made from natural fruits, dry fruits, and milk (e.g., Tender Coconut, Sitaphal, Mango, Jackfruit), milkshakes.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹15 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs (for a standard parlor setup, can be higher for larger formats).
- Franchise Fee: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹7 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 30% – 45%, attributed to premium pricing and unique product positioning.
- Website: https://naturalicecreams.in/
8. Vadilal Ice Cream
For over a century, people have considered Vadilal to be one of India’s oldest and respected ice cream brands. With a huge variety, from kulfis and cones to family packs and creative new choices, Vadilal serves a broad range of customers’ tastes. Because it offers quality, a wide assortment, and is very affordable, it is a familiar name in many homes in India. Thanks to its strong production and distribution processes, the product can reach many different markets.
Choosing a Vadilal ice cream franchise means you can be associated with a brand with plenty of recognition, enjoy access to the large market, and can sell something for every kind of customer. Since the brand keeps improving its offerings and knows the Indian market well, this gives its franchisees solid and dependable support.
- Key Products: Wide range of ice creams, kulfi, candies, cones, sundaes, and family packs.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹8 Lakhs – ₹20 Lakhs (for various parlor and retail formats).
- Franchise Fee: ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹3 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 20% – 30%, benefiting from economies of scale and broad market reach.
- Website: https://vadilalicecreams.com/
9. Top N Town
Top N Town is known for being present in Central and Western India, where it is especially remembered for offering only natural ingredients and fresh tastes in its ice creams. Their loyal clientele comes from the company’s wide selection of high-quality ice creams known for being rich and flavorful. The company pays close attention to manufacturing and uses genuine dairy ingredients, which makes its products enjoyable to enjoy. Many people go to fast food places, especially families and young people, because their parlors have a vibrant and open feel.
Working with Top N Town enables you to partner with a regionally popular brand that people consider reliable and that is picking up greater market share. Interest in ice cream franchises by people seeking a growing business is due to their use of creative as well as traditional flavors and a strong franchise system.
- Key Products: Ice creams, sundaes, thick shakes, ice cream cakes, and cones.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹10 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs (for parlor setup).
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs – ₹4 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 25% – 35%, strong in areas where the brand has established recognition.
- Website: https://www.topntown.in/
10. Rolls N Rolls
Rolls N Rolls is introducing rolled ice cream to India, a type of stir-fried ice cream that looks different from other ice cream products. Originating from Thailand, this cooking method has you pour a cold ice cream base on a chilled pan and put in extra ingredients before rolling it into pretty rolls. Then brings diners an original dessert, which can be customized and shared on Instagram, and has quickly become known by many younger groups and lovers of food.
Rolls N Rolls has responded to the trend by providing a dessert service that is fun, interactive, and up-to-date. At Rolls N Rolls, franchising gives you a noticeable edge with its creative way of serving food and wide variety of options for customers.
- Key Products: Rolled ice cream with customizable toppings, sauces, and mix-ins, ice cream shakes, and other complementary desserts.
- Investment Cost and Franchise Fee:
- Investment Cost: ₹8 Lakhs – ₹15 Lakhs (for a compact kiosk or small shop).
- Franchise Fee: ₹2 Lakhs – ₹4 Lakhs.
- Profit Margin: 30% – 45%, high due to premium pricing and the interactive experience.
Conclusion
Indian ice cream companies are experiencing huge prospects to capitalize on. Thanks to higher incomes, new tastes, and a huge area that hasn’t been fully developed yet, the sector can achieve great growth. For those planning to become entrepreneurs, an ice cream franchise gives them a strong path to achievement thanks to already established brands and set ways of working.
The cases mentioned before are true examples of what this opportunity is about, with each brand showcasing a distinct achievement. Since Amul draws in large crowds, Pabrai’s deserves special attention, and Cream Stone involves guests actively, there is a franchise that suits everyone at any business level. If you want to pick the ideal one, the brand’s values should be in line with your own and fit the requirements of your main customers. If you take an informed route, you can enjoy the benefits of this promising industry and create joy at every dessert sold.
FAQs
How much must someone pay to start an ice cream franchise in India?
You can get started at a minimum investment of ₹2 lakhs for a basic kiosk from Amul or Kwality Wall’s, or pay more than ₹45 lakhs for an advanced premium parlour like Cream Stone.
What kind of profits can an ice cream business bring in India?
On average, net profit margins are between 15% and 35%, and franchises tend to give a solid Return on Investment within 1.5 and 3 years.
What would be the best franchise for communities in Tier-III cities?
Companies with well-known brands and low prices, for example, Amul, Vadilal, and Havmor, are often recommended for small towns since they provide for a wider range of customers and their supplies are well arranged.
Is it required to have worked in restaurants before I can get a franchise?
Although experience is desirable, sometimes you don’t need to have it. Usually, leading franchisors provide plenty of training and assistance to assist new franchisees in running the business properly.
