India Celebrates First Ice Cream Day on March 27: A Sweet Initiative for Growth and Happiness
New Delhi, March 28, 2025 – In a delightful move set to thrill ice cream lovers nationwide, India marked March 27 as the inaugural National Ice Cream Day. The announcement came during a grand event in the capital on Thursday, where Shri S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, praised the ice cream industry’s vital role in allied agro-industries, dairy, food processing, job creation, and export potential.
Organized by the Indian Ice Cream Manufacturing Association (IICMA), the event saw the presence of notable figures, including Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, as the Guest of Honour, Mr. Sudhir Shah, President of IICMA, along with IICMA members, media, and industry leaders.
Government Support Boosts Ice Cream Industry
Shri Baghel highlighted the sector’s potential for fostering a healthier and greener future. “The Indian ice cream industry can lead the way with sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, energy-efficient technologies, and natural flavors,” he said. The government has introduced initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, FDI in food processing, and dairy sector subsidies to drive investment and modernization. These efforts aim to enhance domestic consumption, strengthen the supply chain—benefiting farmers, suppliers, cold chain providers, and retailers—and position India as a global ice cream hub.
A Booming Market Fueled by Innovation
India’s ice cream consumption has surged fourfold over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing ice cream markets globally. The rise of Q-commerce and E-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zomato has transformed the industry by meeting consumer demands for speed, convenience, and personalization. These platforms ensure on-demand delivery, operate during late hours, and cater to unpredictable cravings, helping brands boost sales, enhance customer loyalty, and tap into new markets.
Ice Cream Day: A Celebration of Joy and Opportunity
Mr. Sudhir Shah, IICMA President, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “Ice cream boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, spreading happiness. With summer peaking, school exams ending, and celebrations like birthdays and weddings in full swing, Ice Cream Day is more than a promotion—it’s a tradition celebrating togetherness and economic growth.” Stable prices for essentials like milk solids and packaging have allowed manufacturers to offer competitive pricing while introducing trendy options like plant-based ice creams, low-sugar variants, vegan options, and high-protein ice creams to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities
The government’s incentives, including subsidies and infrastructure support, are attracting both domestic and international investors to the food processing sector. With rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and shifting tastes, demand is soaring, particularly in tier-1 and tier-2 cities. This strategic push positions India as a prime destination for capitalizing on the expanding ice cream market.
Contact Information
For more details, reach out to Samrat A. Upadhyay at info1@iicma.in or +91-73833-54764. Visit the official website: www.iicma.in.
