Ice cream in Germany - statistics & facts

While ice cream is a dessert that can definitely be enjoyed not just in warmer weather, with a multitude of packaged flavors available in supermarkets all year round, spring and summer are special times for ice cream consumers. Germany is virtually transformed through ice cream vendors and cafes opening across the country. The population lines up for a scoop or two of the treat, often with children in tow, and enthusiastically compares opinions. This season is a lucrative time for ice cream businesses, who often sublease their location during the colder months, when the German appetite for eating ice cream outside virtually disappears. Indeed, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some establishments even rented out their spaces to rapid testing centers.

The German market offers various flavors and options for consumers. As in many other countries, Germans also enjoy the epitome of ice cream enjoyment in Europe, namely the Italian experience, or gelato. However, fluctuating amounts of gelato were imported in recent decades, though figures have started increasing again since 2019. While ice cream has been a dairy product for a long time, newer consumer trends have reached the market as well, widespread examples being customer awareness of product origins, and the desire among some for products not originating from animals. Sales of plant-based ice cream in Germany are predicted to increase significantly by 2026 compared to 2020. Amid the rising energy costs of recent years, as well as the cost of keeping cattle producing milk, agricultural difficulties connected to ongoing climate change issues, one of the seemingly most carefree desserts in the world may be in for a challenging time on the market.

This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Dec 21, 2023

Key insights

Per capita consumption of ice cream in Germany
8.1 l
Production volume of ice cream in Germany
493.95m l
Number of people in Germany going to ice cream parlors more than once a month
10.15m
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Annual production volume of ice cream in Germany from 2009 to 2022 (in million tons)

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Annual production volume of ice cream in Germany 2009-2022

Production value of ice cream in Germany from 1970 to 2022 (in million euros)

Confectionery

Production value of ice cream in Germany 1970-2022

Number of people in Germany who bought ice cream from the frozen food section within the last 14 days from 2019 to 2023 (in millions)

Convenience Food & Frozen Food

Consumption of ice cream from the frozen food section in Germany 2023

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