New Delhi, March 28 : In a novel move that will gladden the hearts of ice cream patrons across the country, the March 27 as the 1st Ice Cream Day. During an inaugural function in the Capital on Thursday, Shri S. P. Singh Baghel Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, lauded the ice cream industry’s significant contribution in the allied agro-industries, dairy and food processing sectors, employment generation and export potential.
The function was organized by the Indian Ice Cream Manufacturing
Association (IICMA) and those who graced the occasion included the Guest of
Honour Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, Mr. Sudhir Shah,
President, IICMA Management committee, IICMA Members, Media and other industry
dignitaries.
“The Indian ice cream sector has huge potential for creating a
healthier a greener future -- from adopting sustainable sourcing of raw
material and packaging, using energy-efficient technologies and using natural
products for flavours. Recognizing this, the government has already rolled out
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, FDI in food processing, and dairy
sector subsidies that are boosting investments and modernizing the industry,”
said Shri Baghel. The government is actively working to boost domestic
consumption, attract investments, and enhance the entire supply chain, which
includes farmers, suppliers, cold chain providers, and retailers.
India has seen a fourfold increase in ice cream consumption over the
past ten years. with an annual growth rate that’s making it one of the
fastest-growing ice cream markets in the world. The ice cream
industry, Q-commerce and E-commerce (Swiggy, Blinkit, Zomato and
mores) plays a significant role by addressing the demand for speed and
convenience like On-Demand and safe Delivery. Q-commerce and E-commerce
is helping ice cream brands adapt to the changing consumer demand for speed,
convenience, and personalization. By tapping into this growing trend, ice cream
businesses increase sales, improve customer loyalty, and reach new audiences and q-commerce
platforms often operate late at night or during off-peak hours, catering to
customers’ unpredictable desires.
This initiative aligns with the government’s essential objective of
creating economic opportunities and empowering the agricultural and food
processing sectors. Mr. Sudhir Shah, President of IICMA, praised the
government's initiative, stating, “Ice cream elevates dopamine and serotonin
levels, which foster happiness. This day marks the onset of peak summer, school
exams are over, birthdays, celebrations and weddings kickstart in a big way.
With the Ice Cream Day, we are not just promoting a product, but are also
creating an annual tradition that celebrates happiness, togetherness, and
economic growth.”
The stability of prices for essential ingredients, such as milk solids
and packaging materials, has enabled manufacturers to maintain competitive
pricing and enhance profitability. Consumers are increasingly attracted to
premium, health-oriented, and innovative Flavors, leading brands to launch
plant-based, low-sugar, Vegan ice cream and high-protein ice creams.
The government is also offering incentives to draw investments into the
food processing sector, including subsidies, and infrastructure support. This
strategic approach positions India as an attractive destination for both
domestic and international investors looking to capitalize on the growing ice
cream market. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving consumer
preferences are fuelling demand, especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities.
Media Contact:
Samrat A. Upadhyay,
info1@iicma.in
+91-73833-54764
Website: www.iicma.in