Ice Cream and gelato are resilient categories; even when budgets are tight, ice cream remains an affordable luxury, a reward and a treat.
Dene Brosnan, Board Chair, NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Association
According to the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Association's estimates, the total New Zealand ice cream and gelato market is worth approximately NZD 550 million to NZD 600 million annually at the retail level. In terms of volume, Kiwis have continued to consume around 65 to 70 million litres a year.
The 28.4-litre per person figure has been New Zealand’s ‘claim to fame’ for years, and came from a global survey, ranking all countries in the world.
“As far as we can tell, Kiwis' love of ice cream and gelato endures, and our country remains one of the highest per-capita consumers of ice cream globally,” said Dene Brosnan, Board Chair.
Over the last 12 months, the NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Association has observed value growth of around five percent in supermarket sales, excluding the foodservice and convenience channels.
Brosnan said this meant that while people aren't necessarily eating more ice cream, they are spending more on the products they choose. It also reflects the wider business trading environment with escalating input costs.
Historically, the split has been roughly 70 to 75 percent retail and 25 to 30 percent foodservice (including scoop shops, restaurants, and hospitality), but there was a swing toward retail during the post-pandemic years as home-indulgence peaked.
However, over the last 18 months, foodservice has also begun to recover as tourism has returned to New Zealand and Kiwis head back out for social experiences and enjoy their favourite treat.
Growth is predominantly value-driven rather than volume-driven, and although inflation has led to price increases, Brosnan highlighted that premiumisation was the real story.
He said that New Zealanders have become increasingly discerning about the ice cream and gelato they enjoy, trading up to premium tubs and handmade/batch-made varieties. This was further evident in the growing number of scoop stores opening across the country and entries in the various awards, which continue to grow in the gelato categories.
Additionally, supermarkets have moved to give more freezer space to premium formats.
Brosnan said that multipacks and premium single-serve options are standout performers. The convenience of a pre-portioned, high-quality treat aligns with the modern lifestyle and drives consumer demand. He also saw smaller/mini formats gain traction, allowing for indulgence without guilt.
Conversely, the traditional 2-litre tub is under some pressure as households become smaller and consumers prioritise flavour and quality over volume.
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