Ice cream market in Latvia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Latvian ice cream market saw initial consolidation and adaptation to shifting consumer trends. The merger of three major dairy and ice cream producers under Food Union strengthened production capabilities, while new product launches like 'Druvas saldējums' expanded the assortment. Changing preferences toward vegan, sugar-free, and lactose-free options began shaping the niche segments. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further spurred business activity, with producers introducing single-serve formats and diversifying offerings, which supported market volume growth to 15 859 t.

The market peaked in 2021 at 18 269 t, though regulatory changes such as new EU energy labeling rules for refrigeration equipment and adjustments in tax administration introduced operational adjustments. A sharp contraction to 14 688 t followed in 2022, driven primarily by rising input and packaging costs that pushed consumer prices up by 14.9%, dampening volume demand. Concurrently, the entry of retail chains LIDL and SPAR intensified competition and fragmented market shares. Recovery began in 2023 as Food Union reported a 12% turnover increase and 49% gross profit rise, backed by brand redesign, new product development like lactose-free fermented drinks, and continued expansion into vegan and premium niches.

By 2024, market volume stabilized around 14 793 t, while value continued climbing to 50.5 million USD, indicating a shift toward higher-value products. The period from 2018 to 2024 was characterized by strong branding efforts, capacity expansions such as new production lines for ice, and a persistent consumer move toward specialty segments, which collectively reshaped the market landscape despite volume fluctuations.

Production ice cream in Latvia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Latvia's ice cream production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output value reached 44 550 thousand US dollars, marking a solid 11.8% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 33.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latvia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia ranked 20th globally in ice cream production.

Top producers of ice cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of ice cream, 2018-2021

Latvia's ice cream production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 18 936 tonnes of ice cream, up 4.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 25.7%, averaging a 7.9% annual increase.

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

Exports ice cream from Latvia

Exports in kind, t

Latvia's ice cream exports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 6 596 tonnes, an 11.3% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 64.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia were the top destinations for Latvia's ice cream exports by volume. Lithuania accounted for 53.2% of exports, Estonia for 16.8%, and Russia for 9.9%, together making up 79.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Latvia's ice cream exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value hit 18 039 thousand US dollars, a sharp 49.5% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 69.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia led as the main destinations for Latvia's ice cream exports by value. Lithuania contributed 36.4% of export value, Estonia 18.3%, and Russia 16.6%, collectively representing 71.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports ice cream to Latvia

Imports in kind, t

Latvia's ice cream imports have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 5 929 tonnes, up 58.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 34.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 710 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 15.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia were the primary sources for Latvia's ice cream imports by volume. Lithuania accounted for 47.9% of imports, Poland for 19.8%, and Estonia for 14.9%, together comprising 82.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Latvia's ice cream imports have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value reached 19 885 thousand US dollars, a 66.6% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 58.5%, averaging a 16.6% annual rise. The lowest value was in 2019 at 10 970 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia consistently served as the main sources for Latvia's ice cream imports by value. Lithuania represented 44.8% of import value, Poland 22.7%, and Estonia 12.9%, together accounting for 80.4% of total import flows.

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

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