Over the past decade, the Indian ice cream sector has transformed into a year-round indulgence, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences. The market is projected to grow from approximately USD 3.46 billion in 2024 to around USD 14.00 billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.00% during 2025–2034. This robust growth presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in ice cream franchises, making it one of the most promising ventures in India’s food and beverage industry today.
Businesses operating in the ice cream market can thrive across the nation due to expanding urban centers, increasing income levels, and shifting consumer tastes. The market caters to a diverse range of preferences, offering traditional flavors, premium artisanal creations, vegan options, and innovative fusion varieties. This comprehensive report examines the ten highest revenue-generating ice cream franchise options available in India to guide your investment decisions.
Why Choose an Ice Cream Franchise Business in India?
Several benefits of operating an ice cream franchise in India turn it into a rewarding business venture.
Year-Round Demand
The consumption of ice cream in India has shifted from being a one-season delight into a year-round practice. Premium ice cream products along with creative flavors now make ice cream an everyday dessert selection which means steady sales throughout twelve months.
Established Brand Recognition
By joining a successful ice cream franchise you instantly receive brand recognition which eliminates having to establish trust in your product from beginning-to-end. A well-recognized brand allows you to receive faster returns from your investment than a new independent business would achieve.
Comprehensive Support System
Franchise businesses for ice cream enterprises offer complete assistance which includes helping franchisees find their storefronts and construct their stores as well as providing instruction on staffing and advertisement planning and daily business operations. A planned system provides all new business owners with simple paths towards operational success and lessens startup startup learning difficulties.
Innovation and Adaptation
The Indian ice cream industry reveals an ongoing process of developing revolutionary products with creative flavors while providing well-constructed health-oriented alternatives to address modern consumer patterns. Franchises which lead their industry put major resources into research and development work so their products stay interesting for different types of customers
Scalability
An ice cream business becomes easily expandable once you achieve franchise success since additional locations can emerge from one outlet without major difficulties. Franchisors provide several benefits to investors who want to open multiple locations by charging reduced fees on additional units.
Diverse Business Models
Different sizes of ice cream franchises exist in the market to accommodate investors at various levels of capital and space needs ranging from portable kiosks to extensive parlor restaurants.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Profitable Ice Cream Franchise
You must scrutinize these essential factors before deciding on an ice cream franchise in India.
Brand Reputation and Market Presence
Conduct research about how the brand stands in the market together with evaluation of customer feedback and its marketplace position. Positive brand perception from existing customers leads to substantial success for your business. Assess the operating length and market positioning and growth direction of the franchise.
Study all investment components which encompass both franchise fees and equipment expenses and inventory expenses and set-up and capital costs. Similarly vital to achieving success is performing a realistic evaluation of when earnings will be gained through investment (ROI) while determining the point at which the business will become profitable. Profitable Ice Cream Franchises must present clear financial projections which reflect actual results experienced by other franchisees.
Territory Rights and Exclusivity
Your franchise agreement must clearly show the territorial boundaries you have received. The exclusive rights granted to your business operational areas defend both your current customers and future market potential from competition under the same brand.
Training and Operational Support
Assess both the depth and performance quality of training initiatives offered by the franchisor. Your business needs an extensive training curriculum to teach franchisees about products, and how to control equipment and manage inventory and deliver customer service and handle staff plus design marketing plans. Long-term achievement requires continuous operational assistance throughout the business period.
Supply Chain Management
Brands should understand how their suppliers operate including how they obtain materials and handle storage and distribution and control stock capacity. The reliable functioning of a supply chain provides continuous product quality and accessible products that customers need to experience satisfaction and continue their business relationship with a company.
Marketing and Branding Support
Analyze how the franchisor supports marketing efforts through their national promotion efforts along with their local market support systems and social media marketing programs and promotional resources and seasonal promotional programming. The commitment to market the brand through multiple channels helps businesses reach many potential customers.
Franchise Agreement Terms
The franchise agreement requires thorough examination for terms that govern contract duration and renewal options as well as exit clauses and royalty fees and performance expectations. Learning about contractual responsibilities in your agreements stops future disagreements while creating equal value from the business relationship.
10 Most Profitable Ice Cream Franchise in India
1. Amul Ice Cream Franchise
Amul is the nation’s dairy giant, with over 75 years of history, making it one of the most trusted brands in India. Their ice cream division was set up in 1996 to take advantage of both massive goodwill and a pan-India distribution network to provide franchisees with a well-established business model. What makes Amul so attractive as an Ice Cream Franchise is the cooperative structure that enables it to sell competitively while respecting the quality of the product. With urban and rural reach, the brand assures a wide choice of customer bases for franchisees and steady demand throughout the year.
The ice cream franchise model of Amul is very easy and accessible, requiring far less initial investment than the other premium brands. Franchisees enjoy enormous marketing support from Amul via countrywide campaigns involving the famous mascot of the company. Along with brands, the company runs training sessions for all areas of operations, including handling and storing products, sales patterns, and subsequent strategies for customer service.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 2 Lakhs to INR 6 Lakhs depending on location and outlet format
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: No initial franchise fee; royalty typically ranges from 3-5% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Over 150 products across classic flavors, premium selections, regional specialties, frozen desserts, and ice cream cakes
- Location Support: Assistance with site selection, store layout planning, and equipment procurement
- Profit Potential & ROI: 15-25% profit margin with potential ROI in 18-24 months depending on location and sales volume
2. Naturals Ice Cream
Naturals Ice Cream introduced a new standard in the Indian ice cream market through the launch of its operations by Raghunandan S. Kamath in 1984 while prioritizing real fruit pulp and natural ingredients. Through its focus on fresh, high-quality, and authentic ingredients, this ice cream franchise in India established its unique place in the premium segment of the market. Naturals Ice Cream expressed its mission to make desserts from real fruit content which attracts consumers focused on healthy choices.
Naturals follows a business format that produces fresh daily ingredients to create superior ice cream than standardized commercial products which franchisees serve to their customers. Every seating within the company follows independent quality control systems that monitor both flavor and texture consistency throughout all locations. Naturals generates between INR 150-200 crores yearly in revenue while continuing its nationwide expansion through strategic strategies and keeping a premium artisanal image in the market.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 30 Lakhs to INR 50 Lakhs including store setup and equipment
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: Approximately INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with 5-8% monthly royalty
- Menu Highlights: Signature fruit-based flavors including Sitaphal, Tender Coconut, Mango, seasonal specialties, and classic selections
- Location Support: Comprehensive assistance in store selection, interior design, and operational setup
- Profit Potential & ROI: 20-30% profit margins with potential ROI within 2-3 years due to premium positioning
3. Arun Ice Cream
The inception of Arun Ice Cream dates back to 1971 by R.G. Chandramogan as a division of Hatsun Agro Product Ltd, eventually becoming one of the kings in the South India ice cream market. With a stronghold all over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, this Profitable Ice Cream Franchise offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to operate under a well-known brand with very deep root in the region. What makes Arun different from the competition is its tie-up to the dairy operations of Hatsun, guaranteeing the use of prime quality milk and cream right at the source.
The aim of the franchise model is to go for a wide range of reasonably priced ice cream products appealing to the mass market segment while not compromising on standards. Arun employs its distribution house to the fullest to ensure uninterrupted supply and, hence, product freshness right across all outlets. The company trains franchisees thoroughly in all dimensions, starting with equipment operation and also including stock controls, customer engagement strategies, etc. With overall revenues of Hatsun Agro crossing INR 1000 crores, Arun Ice Cream is a financially strong franchise option with huge potential to grow.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 5 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs based on outlet size and format
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: INR 2 Lakhs to INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty at 4-6% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Diverse range of classic and specialty flavors across various price points, including cones, cups, family packs, and ice cream cakes
- Location Support: Assistance with location analysis, store design, and equipment installation
- Profit Potential & ROI: 15-20% profit margins with potential ROI within 12-24 months due to high sales volumes
4. Meridian Ice Cream
After its founding in 1993 Meridian Ice Cream developed a nationwide footprint across India and earned distinguished achievements for its innovative and high-quality ice cream market products. This ice cream franchise in India operates by developing branded outlets exclusively while maintaining retail distribution through its optimized distribution system. The attractive aspect of Meridian for potential franchisees stems from its ability to deliver both premium and cost-effective products which attracts different types of customers. Through its business plan Meridian delivers both standard quality control policies and exceptional customer service at every franchise establishment.
The company maintains close partnerships with its franchisees to establish stores correctly as well as operate effectively and implement marketing plans. All franchisees can benefit from full product-related learning programs combined with education about equipment upkeep and stock control along with service protocols for customers. Meridian maintains its market leadership by advancing into new markets and creating innovative products while generating annual revenue between INR 50-100 crores.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 10 Lakhs to INR 25 Lakhs depending on location and store size
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: INR 3 Lakhs to INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with 5-7% monthly royalty
- Menu Highlights: Wide range of classic and premium flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and specialty frozen desserts
- Location Support: Detailed guidance on site selection, layout planning, and store ambiance design
- Profit Potential & ROI: 18-25% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 18-30 months
5. Giani Ice Cream
Giani Ice Cream emerged in Delhi’s 1956 launch as one of North India’s most treasured ice cream brands since its establishment. The brand expanded its operations from its initial Delhi market outlet to establish a chain throughout the country without giving up its signature thick and creamy product elements and unique taste profiles. The Ice Cream Franchise model of Giani permits potential business partners to join an esteemed brand identity through its fusion of time-tested classics and newly invented products.
Franchisees can expand their revenue streams by adopting the franchise model since it incorporates faloodas, kulfi and milkshakes into the primary ice cream menu. Giani helps franchisees create premises with uniform designs that maintain the brand’s cozy feel. Fanchisees access preformed operational procedures alongside training programs and marketing support that follows specific market conditions in their locations. Giani maintains its annual revenue projection between INR 80-120 crores as it expands its operations strategically while guarding the traditional taste that made it famous.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 15 Lakhs to INR 30 Lakhs based on store format and location
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: Approximately INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with 6-8% monthly royalty
- Menu Highlights: Classic Indian flavors, unique seasonal offerings, sundaes, milkshakes, and traditional desserts like falooda
- Location Support: Assistance with site selection, store design, and equipment procurement
- Profit Potential & ROI: 20-28% profit margins with ROI possible within 2-3 years in prime locations
6. Apsara Ice Cream
Apsara Ice Cream was established in 1951 in Mumbai by the Late Shri Premjibhai Chauhn, creating a heritage brand that manufactures eco-friendly natural handcrafted ice cream products. Apsara Ice Cream was established in 1951 in Mumbai by the Late Shri Premjibhai Chauhan, creating a heritage brand that manufactures eco-friendly, natural handcrafted ice cream products. Considered a highly profitable ice cream franchise in India. It distinguishes Apsara by preparing special flavors from fresh seasonal and best-quality ingredients to exalt native taste sensations. Under the franchise model, handcrafted premium experiences in ice cream are promoted by establishing elite destinations in the markets.
Franchisees under Apsara stand to gain lots of support from outlet installation mentoring to training their staff in traditional ice cream-making method and marketing support. Such a market strategy driven by traditional manufacturing processes and natural ingredients attracts health-conscious customers and fans of genuine taste. Supported by yearly revenue forecasts between INR 40-60 crores, Apsara thus strides forward while maintaining its regional legacy and quality process.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 20 Lakhs to INR 40 Lakhs depending on location and outlet size
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: Approximately INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty ranging from 5-8% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Handcrafted ice creams featuring natural fruit flavors, traditional Indian tastes, and special seasonal creations
- Location Support: Extensive guidance on location selection, store ambiance, and operational setup
- Profit Potential & ROI: 20-25% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 24-36 months
7. Milano Ice Cream
Milano Ice Cream became a sensation soon after hitting the Indian shores in 2013 by supplying people all over the country with genuine Italian gelato. Since then, the franchise has asserted a singular position in premium ice cream by organizing its operations genuinely around Italian methods coupled with top-quality ingredients with complete commitment to consumer satisfaction. The main strategy of Milano is to establish beautiful locations where customers sit and enjoy real Italian gelato and sorbets and other frozen treats.
The franchising operations are quality-focused with all franchisees receiving full authentic gelato training. Milano provides complete assistance with store design layouts, installation support for equipment, staff training, and marketing tools to ensure brand consistency in franchise outlets. The premium presentation and seemingly authentic offering have drawn Urban dessert consumers to Milano. Milano keeps growing in the premium ice cream sector from an estimated INR 30-50 crores revenue per annum while continuing to provide franchises which truly distinguish themselves in the category.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 35 Lakhs to INR 60 Lakhs reflecting the premium brand positioning and sophisticated store design
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: Approximately INR 7 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty at 6-9% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Authentic Italian gelato in traditional and contemporary flavors, sorbets, and specialty Italian desserts
- Location Support: Expert assistance in premium location selection, upscale interior design, and equipment setup
- Profit Potential & ROI: 22-30% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 2.5-3.5 years due to premium pricing
8. Havmor Ice Cream
Since 1944 in Karachi, the company has branched out into an important Indian ice cream brand being created once in Ahmedabad. After 2017, when South Korean confectionary company Lotte Confectionery bought Havmor, the brand enhanced its market position and received better opportunities for expansion. This ice cream franchise in India brings Indian tradition together with international business expertise via strong corporate support and proven operating methodologies.
The franchising model opens exclusive brand accounts and enters independent traditional retail outlets. Havmor extends franchise support to all of its partners with site selection and store construction plus staff training and marketing support. Franchisees are able to maintain strong flexibility as there are strong opportunities of taste and price discriminations amongst a range of over 500 varieties of products from Havmor. The franchise is continuing its growing presence in Indian states through the consortium of global progression from Lotte and the Indian evolution account by Havmor.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 15 Lakhs to INR 35 Lakhs depending on store format and location
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: INR 3 Lakhs to INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty at 5-7% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Over 500 flavors ranging from classic to premium options, regional specialties, ice cream cakes, and novelty items
- Location Support: Detailed assistance with site selection, store layout planning, and visual merchandising
- Profit Potential & ROI: 18-25% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 18-30 months depending on location
9. Baskin Robbins
Since 1945, Baskin Robbins started its functioning in California, and an arrival to India since 1993 has converted it into a strong global ice-cream brand. Profitable Ice-Cream Franchise runs under the “31 flavors” marketing concept, meaning an ice cream flavor has been provided for each day in the calendar. The brand has a strong potential as it can synergize global expertise with local modifications to make food items appealing for Indian consumers. Presenting unparalleled quality standards, promising flavor developments with a unique shopping experience that treats the customer, this franchise model adapts Baskin Robbins’ international playbook into specific Indian market tastes together with adapted conditions.
The well-assisted operational setup of the company transfers some valuable elements to the franchise owners who then translate international marketing principles into their local markets. The brand uses this focus on celebrations in its marketing to help foster its brand identity, which includes a premium experience on retail floors, fittingly calibrated to Indian consumers. Baskin Robbins, a multinational brand, remains strong in big Indian metros as well as a second-tier market due to its extensive activities in the Indian market and the multi-billion dollar financial growth therein.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 25 Lakhs to INR 50 Lakhs based on location and store format
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: INR 7 Lakhs to INR 10 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty typically between 6-8% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Signature 31 flavors rotation, premium sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes for celebrations, and personalized dessert options
- Location Support: Comprehensive location analysis, store design assistance following global standards with local adaptations
- Profit Potential & ROI: 15-22% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 24-36 months
10. Mio Amore
Although, Mio Amore is best known for their bakery goods, they also leveraged their brand into the ice cream segment, with the result being an unusual one-stop shop in sweet delights. Originating from Kolkata, this ice cream franchise in India gained significant brand recognition in, and throughout, Eastern India prior to its other expansions. What makes Mio Amore particularly appealing as a Franchise is its dual profit centers with bakery product and ice cream products together creating organic cross-selling and average customer order value. Their Franchise Model has product line extensions through the classes of business entailing and ensuring the same level of quality service with both bakery and ice cream.
Support of the franchisee involved everything from a store opening to employee training and advertising efforts specific to the local market. Mio Amore’s presence in Eastern India gives a significant launch pad to expand while involving owner operated logistics and supply chain, local to produce and reliable availability of product. With estimated annual income ranging from INR 100-150 crores, Mio Amore provides a single, unique franchise opportunity with all the benefits from Bakery and Ice Cream.
- Initial Investment Required: INR 15 Lakhs to INR 30 Lakhs depending on store size and location
- Franchise Fee & Royalty: INR 3 Lakhs to INR 5 Lakhs franchise fee with royalty between 5-7% of monthly sales
- Menu Highlights: Wide range of ice cream flavors alongside cakes, pastries, and other bakery items, creating a complete dessert destination
- Location Support: Assistance with location selection focused on high-visibility areas with appropriate customer demographics
- Profit Potential & ROI: 18-25% profit margins with ROI typically achieved within 18-30 months due to diverse product offerings
Tips to Run a Profitable Ice Cream Franchise in India
The initial step toward franchise ownership leads to a new challenge of operating the franchise business efficiently. Operational success alongside strategic brilliance are essential for running such a venture. These tips will help you maximize profitability for your ice cream franchise:
Strategic Location Selection
Where you place your ice cream franchise operation will either create exponential success or complete failure. You should position your franchise where people gather such as shopping malls, commercial complexes together with entertainment zones and tourist locations along with heavy populated residential neighborhoods. Business locations need to be selected based on how customers walk through areas and how easy it is to see the venue and reach it through good parking spots near related businesses like movie theaters or family restaurants. A strategic place evaluation needs to occur before investing in a franchise.
Seasonal Planning and Inventory Management
Year-round ice cream consumption has become better regular but seasonal patterns in demand still occur. The franchise should create peak summer strategies which should involve enough staffing, larger inventory stocks, and targeted promotions. The slow sales periods require managers to bring in hot beverages together with desserts and special winter-themed ice cream varieties. The business can reduce unnecessary waste by properly managing inventory but also maintain all goods available for purchase.
The combination of Digital Marketing with Social Media Presence
Any successful ice cream franchise must develop an active online presence as we continue into the digital era. You should post eye-catching content which focuses on your beautiful products and temporary promotions together with factory tour footage. Your marketing strategy should focus on finding customers in the geographic area that you serve. Link up with food delivery companies to market your products to customers who do not visit your establishment. Allow your customers to post reviews and use user-created material to establish trust among your patrons.
Staff Training and Customer Experience
Your organization depends on well-trained personnel who understand products and both adhere to hygiene protocols and provide exceptional customer experiences. Schedule regular training programs that teach staff members to enhance their product understanding and customer engagement while teaching sales strategies and complaint resolution skills. Attractive ambiance together with comfortable seating and juvenile décor and pleasing music will stimulate guests to spend more time and return often.
Product Innovation and Local Adaptations
Within franchisor standard requirements search for local food items and limited-time special flavors that will appeal to regional consumers. You should request permission to test new product formulations that specifically target your customer types. Monitor new trends within the dessert business sector so you can propose innovative ideas to your franchisor.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Supplement traditional ice cream business with waffles and coffee alongside milkshakes and ice cream cakes. The company should build a selection of corporate gift packages with event catering services and specific offerings for celebrations. You should explore volume deals for dessert products with neighborhood eating establishments and hotels lacking dessert preparation facilities. Getting money from diverse sources enables businesses to become stable financially and generate better profits altogether.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Control
Put into practice operational processes which minimize waste and enhance energy performance and operational cost effectiveness without affecting the product quality. Financial statements require repeated analysis to discover potential areas that need improvement. You should work with your suppliers to secure improved conditions while upholding your quality standards. Develop technology solutions to handle inventory management and sales tracking together with customer relationship management within the organization.
Community Engagement and Local Marketing
The establishment of local connections will thrive through neighborhood celebrations and through funding educational programs and by uniting with businesses in your area. Facilitate loyalty programs both for existing customers and as a way to generate references from satisfied clients. Your business should prepare special promotions targeting community associations along with local corporate headquarters and educational organizations near your premises.
Conclusion
Worldwide market research shows entrepreneurs can seize a profitable business possibility in the Indian ice cream franchise sector of food service establishments. Various investment profiles and site types interact with different customer groups in the ice cream sector through Indian legacy brands as well as American international brands Top Local and Baskin Robbins. One must thoroughly assess each available Profitable Ice Cream Franchise because they present different market positions and advantages during their investment assessment.
To succeed in this highly competitive venture franchise choice serves as only one element of critical importance. A successful business requires effective location selection alongside operational quality together with innovative marketing approaches and customer-oriented strategies. The combination of market trend analysis and implementation of best practices and franchisor support brings about successful ice cream businesses which generate attractive investment returns.
A combination of urban growth together with increasing household wealth and shifting customer tastes will create many lucrative opportunities in the Indian ice cream franchise sector. The ice cream franchise sector presents a tasty business opportunity for entrepreneurs with various levels of experience who wish to start or expand their businesses.
FAQs
What are the highest earnings an ice cream franchise can achieve across Indian territories?
Profitability depends on several elements including operational performance alongside market variables of location together with procurement efficiency. As a result of their strong brand standing and effective supply systems and affordable pricing approaches Naturals, Havmor, and Amul emerge regularly as leading Profitable Ice Cream Franchise options.
How much capital is necessary to start an ice cream franchise business in India?
An Amul ice cream franchise requires a minimum investment of INR 2 Lakhs for establishing small kiosk formats in India. Premium ice cream brands investing more than INR 50 Lakhs must consider elaborate store designs and import merchandise for their franchise operations. These expenses along with the franchise fee spend on equipment together with initial inventory and store setup expenses and work capital support for the first three months.
What are the possibilities of launching a franchise location for ice cream in a small urban setting?
Several ice cream franchise brands currently operate outlets in various smaller towns throughout India. The flexible business models of Amul and Arun and Havmor accommodate the needs of markets in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. To be successful in a small town you must choose a franchise with costs that match the budget of your target market.
What level of monthly profits can a Profitable Ice Cream Franchise generate?
The profit margins of a Profitable Ice Cream Franchise depend on brand reputation and location and operational capability and seasonal market trends and typically produce 15% to 30% of total revenue. The net profits for a well-located retail outlet reaching monthly sales of INR 5-8 Lakhs can produce returns ranging between INR 75,000 to INR 2 Lakhs once expenses for royalties, rent, staff, utilities and operational costs are factored in.
Do ice cream franchise organizations supply both training and advertising assistance to their network?
Acceptable ice cream franchise operations supply their franchisees with complete training and marketing assistance. A franchisees’ educational program includes thorough instruction about products alongside equipment operation handlings and inventory management, quality control practices, customer care and minimal financial administration.
