Cool Cash
The desire for ice cream is not only reflected in creative recipes, but also in tangible figures. Ice cream is a global market worth billions – and it is growing steadily.
Market potential
According to Statista, global sales in the ice cream segment amounted to around EUR 99.5 billion in 2025 and are expected to rise to EUR 130.7 billion by 2030. This corresponds to annual growth of around +5.5% (CAGR 2025-2030). The market potential in Germany is also huge: in 2023, the industry here generated sales of just under EUR 2.94 billion with ice cream. A market volume of EUR 3.38 billion is forecast by 2030 - an increase of around +5.9 % per year. Per capita consumption in Germany is relatively stable at around 8 liters of ice cream per year, which corresponds to around 110-120 scoops. In 2023, each German consumed an average of 7.9 liters of ice cream (including approx. 1.5 liters of ice cream parlor ice cream). In comparison: in 2022, the figure was 8.1 liters - the slight decline is partly due to cooler weather and a reluctance to buy due to high inflation. Nevertheless, sales increased significantly thanks to higher average prices (+10.5 % compared to the previous year). This trend indicates that customers are willing to spend more on quality and special ice cream experiences.
Investments
For gastronomy businesses, economic opportunities can be derived from these figures. The steady increase in sales - both worldwide and nationally - shows that investments in the ice cream business can be worthwhile. Be it through an expanded ice cream menu in the restaurant, a dedicated gelato counter in the café or innovative dessert drinks at the bar: those who offer trend-conscious and high-quality ice cream will benefit from the continuing high demand. Even in weaker years due to the weather, ice cream remains a German favorite and premium quality is gaining ground. In view of rising per capita spending on confectionery, creative ice cream offers tangible additional business - from impulse sales (e.g. ice cream to go) to image boosters on social media (eye-catching sundaes promote free advertising through guest photos). In short: icy innovations are not only a culinary benefit for the hotel and restaurant industry, but also an economic one.
Our conclusion
Whether new convenience products such as the Carte D'Or Professional varieties, creative trend varieties or in-depth specialist knowledge from books - the year 2025 has a lot in store for ice cream enthusiasts in the food service and hotel industry. Now is the time to put these ideas into practice: With high-quality ingredients and the courage to innovate, establishments can upgrade their dessert menu and surprise guests time and time again.
Ice cream novelties offer an ideal basis for this - from dark chocolate to speculoos, there is something for every taste and occasion. Combined with current trends (Hallelujah, Strauss Ice Cream Weeks & Co.), attractive promotions and seasonal specials can be developed to create a talking point. And last but not least, it's worth taking a look at the market figures: Ice cream is booming - those who focus on variety and quality now will secure a competitive edge. With this in mind, here's to a successful and enjoyable ice cream season in 2025!
From the Genusspunkt magazine May-Aug 2025
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