Kochi: For the first time, ice cream sales in Kerala are set to cross Rs 1,000 crore this year. Last year, ice-creams of various brands worth Rs 800 crore were lapped up by the state’s residents.
The unusually severe summer led to a huge demand for the delicacy, resulting in a windfall for ice cream companies, both regional and national. Significantly, local brands accounted for a staggering Rs 800 crore of the Rs 1,000 crore worth of ice creams sold. One particular brand saw its sales increase to Rs 150 crore from last year’s Rs 130 crore. The regional cooperative Milma, which offers 13 flavours, also experienced a 22% rise in sales.
A notable feature of the Kerala market is the dominance of local brands, which command an 80% market share. In fact, around 80 ice cream brands are manufactured in Kerala, and twelve of these companies have cold-chain and distribution networks across the state.
Typically, the biggest sales occur in March each year. However, this year saw a massive rise in demand in April, with sales during the month increasing by 50% compared to the same period last year.
Among flavours, the top three in demand were vanilla, chocolate, and butterscotch, followed by tender coconut.
Meanwhile, neighbouring states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka surpass Kerala in ice cream sales, driven by demand in major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. The market size in Tamil Nadu is Rs 1,700 crore, while Karnataka has seen ice cream sales worth Rs 1,300 crore.
Major regional brands in Kerala include Camerry, Mercely’s, Kiwi, Pappai, Milma, Joy, Lazza, Skei, Uncle John, Vesta, and Sonata. Top national brands available in Kerala include Amul, Kwality, Baskin Robbins, Milky Mist, and Arun.