Ice cream market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish ice cream market showed considerable fluctuation in volume between 2018 and 2023. After a peak of 42 253 tonnes in 2020, consumption declined steadily, reaching a low of 33 568 tonnes by 2023. In value terms, the market followed a similar downward trajectory from 2020 to 2022, before a significant rebound to $164.9 million in 2023 indicated a rise in average prices despite lower volume.

Market volume stabilized and saw a modest recovery to 34 331 tonnes in 2024. This coincided with evolving consumer preferences that began to shape the market, including a growing focus on health, climate impact, and a strong demand for convenience and take-away options. These trends supported demand for new product formats and reinforced the value placed on local Danish production and quality.

Production ice cream in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Denmark's ice cream production was valued at 90.4 million US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 10.9%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 76.0 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 101.4 million US dollars. The most substantial increase was observed in 2020, with a rise of 33.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark ranked as the 21st largest producer of ice cream globally, positioning it among the world's leading producers in terms of volume.

Top producers of ice cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of ice cream, 2018-2021

In 2021, Denmark produced 17 114 tonnes of ice cream, representing a decrease of 3.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 5.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 104 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 17 673 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a growth of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports ice cream from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year upward trend, Denmark's ice cream exports declined in 2021. Exports totaled 4 358 tonnes, reflecting an 18.3% reduction from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 2.2%, with an annualized decline rate of 0.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 331 tonnes, and the largest increase was observed in 2019, with a rise of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Finland, and Greenland were the primary destinations for Denmark's ice cream exports in volume terms. Sweden accounted for 48.1% of exports, Finland for 23.2%, and Greenland for 7.6%, collectively representing 79.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Denmark's ice cream exports in value terms declined in 2021. Exports reached 17 164 thousand US dollars, indicating a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 4.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 148 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Sweden, Greenland, and Finland were the leading destinations for Denmark's ice cream exports in value terms. Sweden held a 45.0% share, Greenland 13.9%, and Finland 13.8%, together accounting for 72.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports ice cream to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark's ice cream imports totaled 28 730 tonnes, showing a gradual decline of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 25 486 tonnes, while the peak was in 2020 at 29 911 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.4%, and the largest increase was in 2020, with a rise of 17.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland were the key sources for Denmark's ice cream imports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 19.7% of imports, Germany for 19.6%, and Poland for 16.5%, collectively making up 55.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Denmark's ice cream imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports amounted to approximately 87 033 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate increase of 3.4% over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 9.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 68 797 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 13.5%, while the largest increase was in 2020, with a rise of 22.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, the leading sources for Denmark's ice cream imports in value terms were the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. The Netherlands accounted for 20.3% of imports, Germany for 19.6%, and Poland for 14.3%, jointly representing 54.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021