Ice cream market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish ice cream market expanded in volume by over 13% in 2018, a growth supported by industry consolidation as Grupo Farga's acquisition of Grupo Kalise La Menorquina strengthened production capabilities. This period also saw rising consumer interest in healthier options and artisanal offerings. The market then contracted sharply in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 40.8% decline in out-of-home consumption, though at-home consumption grew 4%, mitigating the overall volume drop.

A post-pandemic recovery began in 2021 as consumption partially returned to hospitality channels. The revival of tourism and consumer demand in 2022 drove industrial production and market value higher, aided by the dominant share of private labels and innovations aimed at reducing seasonality, such as new formats and protein-based ice creams. This momentum culminated in 2023 with a 38% surge in production value to over €1.1 billion, achieved despite rising input costs and inflation, as strong brands like Magnum and Nestlé capitalized on sustained trends toward healthier and customized products.

By 2024, Spain had consolidated its position as the fourth-largest ice cream producer in the EU, with annual at-home consumption reaching 3.33 liters per person. Prices had risen 30% over three years, reflecting ongoing cost pressures. Supermarkets accounted for 65% of sales, and the industry continued to focus on de-seasonalization and meeting demand for personalized, healthier options.

Production ice cream in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's ice cream production declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 758.8 million US dollars, but then fell sharply by 19.1% to 614.2 million US dollars in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 16.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 5.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Spain ranked as the 6th largest producer of ice cream from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of ice cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of ice cream, 2017-2020

In 2020, Spain produced 252.5 thousand tonnes of ice cream, marking an 18.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 310.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 12.4% also recorded that year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 12.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports ice cream from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's ice cream exports declined after two years of growth. In 2019, export volume reached its highest point at 48,560 tonnes, but then dropped by 21.0% to 38,378 tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The largest increase was in 2018, at 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and France were the main destinations for Spain's ice cream exports in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 24.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 21.4%, and France for 18.1%, together making up 63.8% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's ice cream exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 172.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 25.3% recorded that year. By 2020, exports had fallen to 127.7 million US dollars, a decrease of 19.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 7.2%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and France remained the primary buyers of Spanish ice cream in value terms. Portugal contributed 24.3% of export value, the United Kingdom 20.5%, and France 17.7%, collectively accounting for 62.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports ice cream to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's ice cream imports totaled 59,324 tonnes, an 18.3% decrease from the previous year. Imports had peaked in 2019 at 72,655 tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.1% also occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 13.7%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Italy were the key sources for Spain's ice cream imports in volume terms. France supplied 28.9% of imports, Germany 17.3%, and Italy 13.2%, together representing 59.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's ice cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their highest value at 204.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 2.4% recorded that year. By 2020, imports had dropped to 173.7 million US dollars, a decrease of 10.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Italy were the main suppliers of ice cream to Spain in value terms. France accounted for 30.9% of import value, Germany for 18.6%, and Italy for 14.3%, together comprising 63.9% of total import value.

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

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