Chennai is becoming the meeting ground for India’s rapidly expanding ice cream industry as the 14th Indian Ice Cream Congress & Expo (IICE 2026) is taking place from September 10–12, bringing together manufacturers, technology leaders, ingredient specialists, equipment suppliers and industry professionals from India and overseas.
The three-day event is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors and is featuring over 300 stalls, with participation from 28-plus countries, making IICE 2026 one of the largest dedicated gatherings of the ice cream sector in the country.
Organised by the Indian Ice Cream Manufacturers’ Association (IICMA) in association with AIM Events, the 14th edition is taking place at a time when the industry is witnessing rapid changes in consumer preferences, premiumisation, new flavours and formats, automation, advanced refrigeration and cold-chain systems, innovative ingredients, packaging and evolving retail channels.
Sudhir Shah, President, IICMA, said the event is reflecting the new confidence emerging across the sector. “IICE 2026 reflects this new confidence. The presence of leading manufacturers, technology providers, ingredient companies, packaging specialists, refrigeration experts and innovators from India and overseas makes this edition a true celebration of the entire ice cream ecosystem.”
Rajesh Gandhi, Managing Director, Vadilal Industries and Non-Executive Chairman, IICMA, said the industry is entering a period of stronger ambition and opportunity. He noted that innovation, premiumisation and market expansion are creating opportunities across the value chain and strengthening India’s position in the global ice cream landscape.
Alongside the exhibition, an extensive knowledge programme is bringing some of the industry’s most important issues and future opportunities into focus. Opening-day discussions are covering “Vision 2035: The Next Decade of India’s Ice Cream Industry”, food safety, tomorrow’s consumer and technologies that are transforming ice cream from production to point of sale.
The second day is focusing on packaging, next-generation ingredients and the “Future Factory”, examining automation, artificial intelligence and new manufacturing technologies. Live chef-led workshops are also exploring ingredients, flavours, techniques and emerging product possibilities.
Another highlight is the launch of veteran ice cream technologist and consultant Chandra Kant Bhardwaj’s two-volume reference, Ice Cream: From Science to Business. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience, the books are covering the journey from formulation, processing and manufacturing to food safety, cold chain, distribution, branding, profitability and digitalisation.
Firoz H. Naqvi, Editor, Ice Cream Times and Organiser, AIM Events, sees the event as far more than an exhibition. Over 14 editions, IICE has grown into a major meeting ground where manufacturers, suppliers, technologists, ingredient specialists, refrigeration and cold-chain companies, packaging innovators and entrepreneurs are coming together to exchange ideas, explore technologies and build new business connections.
Across three days, IICE 2026 is bringing the entire ice cream value chain together in Chennai, creating a vibrant platform for business, technology, knowledge-sharing and networking while setting the stage for the Indian ice cream industry’s next phase of growth.