Ice Cream
Industry Statistics in
Ireland 2026
Ice Cream Industry Experts
The ice cream and milkshake market in Ireland continues to grow, with ice cream becoming an increasingly popular product all year round.
No longer confined to the traditional ice cream van or the summer months, ice cream can now be found across cafes, restaurants, service stations, forecourts and supermarkets throughout Ireland.
As ice cream industry experts with over 35 years of experience in the sector, we see these trends day-in and day-out. However, if you're considering entering the ice cream market, expanding your existing offering or simply want to understand the industry better, these latest statistics help paint a clearer picture of the market in Ireland and beyond.
Ice Cream Trends
€220 M
Ice cream market in Ireland
16 kg
Ice cream consumed per person in Ireland annually
2.65 %
Expected market growth in 2027
$122 B
Global ice cream market
Irish Ice Cream Statistics
The Irish ice cream market is on a positive growth trajectory, with the market projected to grow at a stable rate of 2.65% by 2027.
Ireland is also one of Europe's biggest ice cream consumers. In 2024, Ireland recorded the highest per-capita ice cream consumption in Europe, at approximately 16kg per person. Portugal was second at 7.3kg, followed by the Netherlands at 5.8kg.
Other estimates put annual consumption at approximately 8.4 litres of ice cream per person, highlighting the significant appetite for ice cream among Irish consumers.
The wider Irish market is expected to continue growing, with one forecast predicting that the market could reach a value of $514.9 million by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%.
Growth is being supported by several factors, including the development of plant-based products, convenient product formats and efforts from businesses to make ice cream less dependent on seasonal and weather-driven demand.
Ireland's ice cream industry is currently valued at more than £220 million in retail sales, demonstrating the scale of the opportunity for retailers, hospitality businesses and specialist ice cream operators.
Local Brands Remain Important
There is also a strong appetite for locally produced ice cream.
In Northern Ireland, 51% of consumers say they would be willing to pay more for ice cream made by local brands.
For businesses operating in the ice cream sector, this suggests that quality, provenance and local positioning can all play an important role when developing an ice cream offering.
Significant Summer Demand
While ice cream is increasingly consumed throughout the year, warmer weather and seasonal events can still provide a significant boost.
During the May 2026 bank holiday weekend, Irish shoppers spent an additional €2.5 million on ice creams and sorbets, demonstrating the potential for strong demand around key periods.
Ireland & Ice Cream Exports
Ireland is also an important exporter of ice cream, ranking as the fifth-largest ice cream exporter in the European Union.
The UK is the primary destination for Irish ice cream exports, accounting for approximately 75% of total exports.
This close relationship between the Irish and UK markets highlights the scale of the wider opportunity for businesses operating across the industry.
Researching or starting a business in the ice cream industry?
Whether you’re a cafe, restaurant, service station or something else, our team are industry experts and ready to help. Contact them here.