India’s love for ice cream goes far beyond summer cravings. Whether it’s a family celebration, an after-dinner treat, or a quick dessert on the go, ice cream remains a crowd favorite across all seasons and age groups. With the Indian ice cream market projected to reach 751.79 million kilograms by 2030 and a steady volume growth forecast of 0.5% in 2026, this sector presents a dependable and scalable business opportunity.
As consumer preferences shift toward premium, healthier, and more experimental frozen desserts, entrepreneurs are finding new ways to tap into this evergreen demand. Ice cream franchises, in particular, offer the ideal business model — combining widespread customer appeal with relatively low startup and operational costs. Whether you’re an experienced food operator or a first-time investor, the right franchise can help you build a profitable dessert business with long-term growth potential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of starting an ice cream franchise in India, the different models available, and the top-performing brands you can consider.
The ice cream industry in India is growing steadily, driven by changing consumer preferences, health-conscious trends, and rising disposable incomes. Here's why an ice cream franchise continues to be a smart business decision:
Ice cream is no longer just a seasonal treat. Whether it’s post-dinner, during festive celebrations, or as an everyday indulgence, frozen desserts are now enjoyed across all seasons. With the rise of delivery and takeaway, brands maintain steady sales even in cooler months.
Customers are moving beyond classic flavors. There’s a growing appetite for vegan, sugar-free, artisanal, and regional options. Franchises that innovate and offer variety can cater to a wider audience, especially health-conscious and urban buyers.
Compared to full-service restaurants, ice cream franchises need less real estate, fewer staff, and reduced overhead. This means a more affordable entry point and quicker returns — ideal for first-time entrepreneurs.
Most reputable ice cream franchises offer robust support in the form of branding, marketing, training, and day-to-day operations. This simplifies setup and helps ensure smoother execution even if you’re new to the food business.
From rolled ice creams and dessert bars to festive specials, there’s plenty of room to innovate. Franchises that keep offerings fresh and engaging can create strong customer loyalty and repeat sales.
Now that we know why ice cream is a smart business option, the next step is figuring out what kind of franchise fits your goals and budget best.
Not all ice cream businesses operate the same way. Your choice depends on your budget, target market, and business goals. Below are the most common ice cream franchises in India.
These outlets prepare ice cream in-store, often in front of customers. It adds freshness, transparency, and opportunities for customization, appealing to customers looking for a premium product.
These businesses offer pre-made ice creams stored at low temperatures, served via scoops, machines, or vending setups. They allow for consistent quality and a wide variety of flavors, including dairy-free options.
Growing awareness of health and sustainability has fueled demand for clean-label desserts. Organic or preservative-free ice cream brands use responsibly sourced ingredients to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Brands that specialize in unique or regional flavors attract curious eaters. This model works well in tourist areas or urban markets where customers seek novelty and authenticity in their dessert options.
Simple, convenient, and popular with on-the-go buyers, popsicle-focused outlets offer fruit-based, dairy-based, or yogurt-based ice creams in takeaway formats that do well in malls and high-footfall locations.
Once you understand the models, it's easier to evaluate which brands stand out in the current market. Here are some of the most trusted names to explore.
India’s ice cream market offers a wide variety of franchise options, from legacy brands to new-age formats. Below are some of the most popular and trusted names to consider if you're exploring franchise opportunities.
Investment: ₹12–20 Lakhs
Sundae Everyday operates on a cloud-kitchen model, meaning there’s no need for dine-in space. This reduces rent and setup costs while focusing entirely on gourmet sundaes made with premium ingredients. It’s ideal for those looking to enter the food delivery space with lower overheads.
Investment: ₹15–25 Lakhs
Backed by Hindustan Unilever, Kwality Walls enjoys a broad national footprint. Its wide flavor range, recognizable branding, and established operational systems make it attractive for entrepreneurs looking for scale and stability.
Investment: ₹10–20 Lakhs
Amul is one of India’s most recognized dairy brands with strong customer loyalty. Its ice cream franchise offers an affordable entry point, consistent demand, and strong profit margins thanks to the brand's nationwide reputation.
Investment: ₹20–40 Lakhs
Known for its famous “31 flavors,” Baskin-Robbins combines global brand recognition with a diverse product range. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing support, and strong consumer recall.
Investment: ₹12–20 Lakhs
Vadilal has a strong presence in Western India and is known for its diverse range of traditional and modern ice cream varieties. Its deep-rooted brand recognition makes it a reliable option for new franchisees.
Before you decide on a brand, it’s worth understanding the practical side of running a franchise. Here’s what to consider before signing any agreement.
Also read: Top 8 Food and Beverage Franchise Opportunities in India
Choosing the right franchise is about more than liking the product — it’s about finding a partner that aligns with your business goals, local market, and growth vision. Here’s what to consider:
1. Understand the Total Investment
Look beyond headline numbers. Factor in franchise fees, equipment costs, initial inventory, and setup expenses. Some brands like Kouzina help reduce these with central vendor tie-ups and efficient, delivery-first formats like cloud kitchens.
2. Clarify the Fee Structure
Some franchises charge royalties, advertising fees, or commissions on delivery orders. Choose a model where costs are transparent and margins are healthy, especially if you’re relying on third-party delivery platforms.
3. Evaluate Brand Support
The best franchises provide more than just recipes. Look for brands that offer training, tech integration, marketing assistance, and location support. For example, Sundae Everyday by Kouzina includes training, delivery platform onboarding, and staff management systems, making it easier to launch and scale.
4. Choose a Strategic Location
Success in this space depends more on delivery zones than footfall. Prioritize high-density residential areas or zones near schools, offices, and apartments. Some franchisors even help shortlist sites using data-backed insights.
5. Match Menu to Market
Know your audience — do they want indulgent desserts, affordable scoops, or health-conscious options? A versatile, trend-aware menu improves local traction and long-term customer loyalty.
6. Plan for Scalability
The right franchise should give you the ability to expand, whether through multi-brand operations or low-risk satellite units. Some models even let you add other food categories over time, building long-term profitability from a single kitchen hub.
If you’re looking to grow your ice cream franchise in India with structured guidance and dependable support, partnering with Kouzina gives you a strong foundation. We help you get listed on major delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, and also enable direct order capabilities through our own channels.
Our team supports you with onboarding, performance tracking, and day-to-day operations. We provide access to real-time data dashboards that help you make smarter pricing and discounting decisions. We also assist with marketing creatives, social media campaigns, and packaging solutions — all designed to boost customer engagement and drive consistent order volume.
Getting started is easier when you follow a clear process. These steps help you make informed decisions and set up your business with confidence.
Also read: A Complete Guide to Franchise Content Marketing Strategy + 10 Tips
Starting an ice cream franchise in India is one of the most accessible ways to enter the food business with lower setup costs and steady customer demand. With so many models and brands to choose from, it's important to find the right fit for your budget, location, and long-term goals.
The good news is, building a successful ice cream franchise in India doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Kouzina’s proven systems, ongoing support, and data-driven guidance, you can launch with confidence and scale your business smoothly.
Ready to run a profitable dessert business with minimal setup time? Get started with Sundae Everyday by Kouzina — where premium ice cream meets low-overhead cloud kitchens. Talk to our franchise team today.
Q1: How much does it cost to start an ice cream franchise in India?
The investment typically ranges from ₹10 to ₹40 lakhs, depending on the brand, outlet size, and business model. Factors like equipment, franchise fees, and location also influence the total setup cost.
Q2: Is an ice cream franchise profitable in India?
Yes, ice cream franchises can be highly profitable due to steady demand, low operational costs, and the ability to cater to all seasons. Profit margins improve with strong branding, efficient operations, and strategic location selection.
Q3: Do I need prior food industry experience to open an ice cream franchise?
Not necessarily. Many leading brands provide comprehensive training, setup assistance, and operational guidance, making it accessible for first-time entrepreneurs.
Q4: What are the most popular ice cream franchise options in India?
Some of the top choices include Amul, Kwality Walls, Baskin Robbins, Vadilal, and Sundae Everyday by Kouzina. Each offers different formats, investment levels, and target audiences to suit various business goals.
Q5: Can I run an ice cream franchise from a cloud kitchen setup?
es, brands like Sundae Everyday by Kouzina offer cloud-kitchen models that reduce overhead by focusing on delivery-only operations. These formats require less space and are ideal for high-demand urban markets.
