Ice cream market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian ice cream market from 2018 was characterized by a stable duopoly of domestic producers, Diplom-Is and Hennig-Olsen Is, which together commanded over 80% of the grocery segment. Their focus on nationwide distribution and relaunches of nostalgic classic products helped maintain consumer engagement. A major shift occurred in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in at-home consumption, driving category sales up by more than 20% and significantly boosting market volume through retail and ice cream vans.

The post-pandemic period saw the market adjust to new economic realities. Soaring costs for raw materials, dairy, and electricity in 2022 pressured producers' profits, leading to financial losses for Hennig-Olsen and a dip in production volume to 50.3 thousand tons. This year also marked a consolidation as Nestlé exited ice cream production in Norway, reinforcing the dominance of the two major local players. Despite these cost headwinds, the total market size remained resilient at around 54.3 thousand tons, supported by steady imports.

By 2024, the market volume recovered to 57.8 thousand tons, indicating a return to growth. This was supported by sustained consumer demand and producers' investments in modernizing production equipment and packaging to meet environmental standards. Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards low-calorie and sugar-reduced ice cream options. The market also adapted to regulatory changes, including a new trademark law effective from 2023 that harmonized rules with the EU, affecting branding and marketing strategies.

Production ice cream in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Norway ranked 24th globally in ice cream production volume.

Top producers of ice cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of ice cream, 2018-2021

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

Exports ice cream from Norway

Exports in kind, t

Norway's ice cream exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 526 tonnes of ice cream, representing a 32.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 273 tonnes, which marked the largest decline of 41.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a 45.5% rise.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden and Denmark were the primary destinations for Norway's ice cream exports in volume terms, together accounting for 80.8% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Norway's ice cream export value reached 11 402 thousand US dollars in 2021, a sharp increase of 91.8% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 032 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 36.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a 475.8% rise. Overall, export levels varied 11-fold between the low of 2019 and the high of 2021.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden was the dominant buyer of Norwegian ice cream in value terms, accounting for 87.3% of total exports. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports ice cream to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's ice cream imports increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 845 tonnes, up 30.6% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 16.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 001 tonnes, which marked the largest decline of 27.7%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Sweden, and France were the main sources of ice cream imports to Norway in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 35.3% of imports, Sweden for 10.5%, and France for 10.3%, together making up 56.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's ice cream import value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 35 874 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 53.5% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 62.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 048 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 31.8%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a 55.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Sweden, and France accounted for the largest share of Norway's ice cream imports in value terms. The Netherlands represented 25.0% of imports, Sweden 23.5%, and France 12.0%, together comprising 60.5% of total import flows.

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

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