India’s Top Ice Cream Brands: A Scoop of Excellence in 2025

India’s ice cream market is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, innovation, and nostalgia, with a projected value of USD 3.46 billion in 2024, expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% to USD 14 billion by 2034. Fueled by rising disposable incomes, improved cold chain infrastructure, and evolving consumer tastes, brands like Amul, Havmor, Top ‘N Town, Cream Bell, Vadilal, and Mother Dairy dominate this dynamic industry. These companies blend tradition with modernity, offering everything from classic kulfis to innovative sundaes. This blog delves into their histories, market presence, top-selling products, and cultural impact, particularly in regions like Bhilwara, where ice cream is a beloved treat.

The Indian Ice Cream Landscape

India’s per capita ice cream consumption is just 400 ml, compared to 22 liters in the US, yet the market is booming, driven by urbanization and a growing middle class. The top six companies—GCMMF (Amul), Unilever (Kwality Wall’s), Wells Enterprises, Devyani Foods, Hatsun Agro, and Havmor—hold 68% of the market share in 2022. Homegrown brands like Amul and Vadilal compete fiercely with global players like Baskin Robbins, catering to diverse palates with affordable and premium offerings. Posts on X, like @crimsonambit’s list of trusted brands, reflect consumer loyalty to Amul, Havmor, and others, underscoring their cultural significance.

Top Ice Cream Brands in India

1. Amul

Founded in 1946 by the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Amul is India’s largest dairy brand, with a 2022-23 turnover of ₹72,000 crore. Launched in 1996, Amul’s ice cream division quickly captured market share with affordable, vegetarian products made from camel milk and natural ingredients. With 1,500 parlors and exports to 60 countries, Amul is a household name.

2. Havmor

Established in 1944 by Satish Chona in Karachi, Havmor relocated to Ahmedabad post-partition. Acquired by Lotte Wellfood in 2017, it boasts 72,000 retail outlets and 216 parlors across 20 states. Known for creamy textures and innovative flavors, Havmor serves 36 million units daily, earning a National Award for Excellence in Frozen Desserts.

3. Top ‘N Town

A regional powerhouse in Central India, Top ‘N Town, based in Madhya Pradesh, is celebrated for its quality ingredients and diverse offerings. Competing with Vadilal and Dinshaw’s, it has carved a niche with kulfis, shakes, and ice cream cakes, resonating with local tastes in states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

4. Cream Bell

Launched in 2003 by RJ Corp in collaboration with French dairy giant Candia, Cream Bell holds a 15% market share. Operating in 19 states with 35,000 retail outlets, it offers 136 varieties, from tubs to cones, and has expanded to Nepal and Africa. Its focus on quality and innovation drives its rapid growth.

5. Vadilal

Founded in 1907 by Vadilal Gandhi as a soda fountain in Ahmedabad, Vadilal pioneered India’s ice cream industry. With 550 distributors, 50,000 retailers, and 250 parlors, it offers over 150 flavors, including kulfis and ice cream cakes. Vadilal exports to 30 countries, maintaining a strong presence in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

6. Mother Dairy

Established in 1974 under the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Mother Dairy is a major player in Delhi-NCR, with 300 Safal outlets and 1,500 milk booths. Known for affordable, high-quality ice creams made with pure milk, it offers unique flavors like Paan and Kesar Pista, embodying its “Happy Food, Happy People” slogan.

Top-Selling Products

The following table highlights the top-selling products of these brands, based on market data and consumer preferences in 2025:

Source: Web data from paisawapas.com, citywity.in, and expertmarketresearch.com

Brand Histories and Market Strategies

Amul: The Dairy Giant

Amul’s ice cream journey began in Gujarat in 1996, expanding nationwide by 1999 with outlets in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Its vegetarian ingredients, affordable pricing (starting at ₹20), and diverse range—tubs, tricones, camel milk ice creams—make it India’s top brand. Amul’s 15–20% market share stems from its integrated supply chain, with 18,000 dairy cooperatives and cold storage networks. Its focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities ensures accessibility, as noted by Technopak.

Havmor: The Artisanal Innovator

Havmor’s relocation to India in 1947 marked the start of its ascent. With 160 flavors like Pink Guava and Nutty Belgian Dark Chocolate, Havmor emphasizes freshness and premium ingredients. Its 72,000 retail outlets and Lotte’s backing have fueled global ambitions. The World Cone’s easy-peel packaging, lauded on X by @HavmorIndia, enhances consumer appeal. Havmor’s merger with Lotte India in August 2024 aims for ₹6,000 crore in sales.

Top ‘N Town: Central India’s Pride

Top ‘N Town thrives in Central India, competing with Dinshaw’s and Vadilal. Its kulfis and shakes, made with high-quality milk, cater to regional preferences. With a focus on affordability (₹20–100), it dominates Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, leveraging local distribution networks. Its limited national presence, however, restricts broader market share.

Cream Bell: The Fast-Growing Contender

Cream Bell’s partnership with Candia brought international standards to India. With 130+ variants like Sacch Mucch Aam and Royal Affair, it targets diverse age groups. Its 15% market share and presence in 40 cities reflect rapid expansion. Cream Bell’s awards for quality and exports to Africa highlight its global potential.

Vadilal: The Pioneer

Vadilal’s century-long legacy began with a soda fountain, evolving into a frozen foods giant by the 1970s. Its 150+ flavors, including Meetha Pan and Kesar Mohini, appeal to traditional and experimental tastes. Vadilal’s 15–20% market share in western India, especially Gujarat, stems from its 550 distributors and innovation in sugar-free variants.

Mother Dairy: Nostalgia and Quality

Mother Dairy’s ice creams, launched in 1995, focus on Delhi-NCR, with 300 Safal outlets. Flavors like Elaichi and Raas Gulla evoke nostalgia, while affordable pricing (₹20–200) ensures mass appeal. Its vegetarian, high-quality milk-based products and NDDB backing make it a trusted name, with a 2022 turnover of ₹12,583 crore.

Market Dynamics and Consumer Trends

India’s ice cream market is moderately consolidated, with Amul, Vadilal, and Mother Dairy leading due to affordability and distribution. The rise of premium brands like Naturals, focusing on fruit-based flavors, and health-conscious options like Get-A-Whey’s protein-rich ice creams, reflects evolving preferences. Regional flavors—Vadilal’s Rajbhog, Havmor’s Kulfi—resonate with India’s cultural diversity, while global brands like Kwality Wall’s introduce Cornetto and Magnum for urban consumers.

Cold chain improvements have expanded reach to semi-urban and rural areas, as seen with Arun Ice Creams’ suburban focus. Bhilwara’s growing smartphone adoption and youth culture drive demand for branded ice creams, with Amul and Havmor outlets thriving. X posts like @crimsonambit’s highlight consumer trust in these brands for quality and taste.

Strengths and Challenges

Strengths

• Amul: Nationwide reach, affordable pricing, and vegetarian ingredients ensure dominance.

• Havmor: Innovative flavors and Lotte’s global resources boost growth.

• Top ‘N Town: Strong regional loyalty and diverse products cater to Central India.

• Cream Bell: Rapid expansion and 130+ variants appeal to varied tastes.

• Vadilal: Legacy, 150+ flavors, and western India dominance drive loyalty.

• Mother Dairy: Nostalgic flavors and NDDB’s trust enhance market presence.

Challenges

• Amul: Intense competition from premium brands like Baskin Robbins.

• Havmor: Limited penetration in eastern India compared to Gujarat.

• Top ‘N Town: Restricted national presence limits scalability.

• Cream Bell: Faces pressure from larger players like Amul in tier-2 cities.

• Vadilal: Needs to counter premium gelato brands in urban markets.

• Mother Dairy: Heavy reliance on Delhi-NCR restricts broader growth.

Cultural and Economic Impact

In Bhilwara, ice cream is a cultural staple, with families flocking to Amul and Havmor parlors during festivals. These brands boost local economies through franchise outlets, employing youth and driving tourism. Amul’s 1,500 parlors and Vadilal’s 250 franchisees create jobs, while Cream Bell’s exports to Africa enhance India’s global dairy footprint. Mother Dairy’s Safal outlets promote sustainable dairy farming, resonating with Bhilwara’s agricultural ethos.

Innovations and Future Outlook

Amul’s camel milk ice creams and Vadilal’s sugar-free variants cater to health-conscious consumers. Havmor’s seasonal flavor launches and Cream Bell’s Pina-Orange variant reflect innovation. Top ‘N Town’s kulfi sticks and Mother Dairy’s cookie crumb tubs tap into nostalgia and convenience. The market’s 15% CAGR signals robust growth, with brands expanding into tier-3 cities and rural areas. Technopak predicts premium segments like gelato will grow, challenging traditional players.

Comparison with Global Players

While Amul and Vadilal rival global brands like Kwality Wall’s (Hindustan Unilever), their focus on Indian flavors gives them an edge. Kwality Wall’s Cornetto and Magnum target urban youth, but Amul’s ₹20 cups and Mother Dairy’s kulfis dominate mass markets. Havmor’s Lotte-backed global push and Vadilal’s exports position them as international contenders, though Baskin Robbins’ premium positioning challenges urban market share.

Consumer Preferences and X Sentiment

Posts on X, like @crimsonambit’s, list Amul, Havmor, Vadilal, Cream Bell, and Mother Dairy as trusted brands, reflecting consumer preference for quality and affordability. Amul’s Choco Almond Kesar Badam and Havmor’s Chocolate Truffle Bar are fan favorites, while Vadilal’s Rajbhog evokes cultural pride. Cream Bell’s Crunchy Butterscotch and Mother Dairy’s Cookie Crum appeal to younger audiences, with Top ‘N Town’s kulfis resonating regionally.

The Road Ahead

By 2034, India’s ice cream market will likely see increased competition from premium and health-focused brands. Amul’s expansion into tier-3 cities, Havmor’s global ambitions, and Vadilal’s innovation will drive growth. Cream Bell’s international exports and Mother Dairy’s NCR dominance ensure steady progress, while Top ‘N Town may expand nationally. Bhilwara’s youth will continue fueling demand, with parlors becoming social hubs.

Conclusion

India’s ice cream industry, led by Amul, Havmor, Top ‘N Town, Cream Bell, Vadilal, and Mother Dairy, is a blend of tradition, innovation, and accessibility. From Amul’s affordable tubs to Vadilal’s premium kulfis, these brands cater to diverse tastes, dominating a USD 3.46 billion market. Their top-selling products, like Havmor’s Chocolate Truffle Bar and Mother Dairy’s Cookie Crum, reflect India’s love for creamy, flavorful treats. In Bhilwara and beyond, these brands are cultural icons, creating jobs and memories. As the market grows at 15% CAGR, their focus on quality, affordability, and innovation ensures a sweet future, making every scoop a celebration of India’s dairy legacy.