Ice cream market in Austria, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Austrian ice cream market volume declined from 34 351 t to 28 301 t. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted normal consumption channels, shifting focus toward convenience products but contributing to an overall contraction. Rising inflation and global supply chain disruptions in 2022 further pressured the market by increasing costs and reducing consumer purchasing power.

Throughout this period, the market transformed with the rise of plant-based and vegan segments. Unilever's acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher in 2021 and the launch of vegan Magnum stick bars in Austria and Germany in 2022 expanded the availability of dairy-free options, catering to growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable products.

In 2024, the market rebounded sharply to 37 906 t, a 34% increase from 2022. This recovery was supported by the expansion of online distribution and direct sales channels, along with the intensified introduction of seasonal products and innovative, sustainable packaging solutions targeting health-conscious consumers.

Production ice cream in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Austria's ice cream production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 16,761 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 10.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 29.1%, when production peaked at 21,259 thousand US dollars.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Austria ranked among the world's leading ice cream producers from 2017 to 2020, holding the 28th position by production volume.

Top producers of ice cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of ice cream, 2017-2020

Austria's ice cream production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1,908 tonnes of ice cream were produced, representing a robust year-on-year drop of 10.5%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 13.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 27.4%, when production reached its peak of 2,475 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports ice cream from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Austria's ice cream exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,025 tonnes, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 22%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 52.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 65.3%, when exports peaked at 2,171 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy were the top buyers of Austrian ice cream by volume. Germany accounted for 39.2% of exports, Slovenia for 13.5%, and Italy for 12.2%, with their combined share reaching 64.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Austria exported 4,927 thousand US dollars worth of ice cream in 2020, up by 6.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 47.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 97.9%, when exports reached their peak of 8,824 thousand US dollars. From 2017 to 2018, the market experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of two times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Germany, Italy, and Slovenia—together absorbed 63.4% of Austria's total ice cream exports by value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Austria in value, 2017-2020

Imports ice cream to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's ice cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 30,172 tonnes, representing a modest contraction of 8.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 6.5%, when imports peaked at 34,047 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Italy remained the key partners for Austria's ice cream imports by volume. Germany accounted for 60.1% of imports, Belgium for 6.7%, and Italy for 6.5%, together making up 73.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Austria's ice cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 84,473 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decline of 1.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.7%, when imports peaked at 91,322 thousand US dollars.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Italy together accounted for 70.8% of Austria's total ice cream imports by value. Germany represented 53.8%, Belgium 9.2%, and Italy 7.8%, remaining the main sources for ice cream imports to Austria.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Austria in value, 2017-2020