India’s ice cream industry is witnessing one of its strongest growth seasons in recent years as soaring temperatures and changing consumption habits fuel unprecedented demand across the country. Leading brands are rapidly expanding production capacities, operating plants at full utilisation, and preparing for possible price hikes amid rising input costs and supply-chain disruptions.
Among the biggest growth stories this summer is HOCCO Ice Cream, which expects to nearly double its summer sales compared to last year. The company, which reported revenues of ₹530 crore in FY26 with a massive 130% year-on-year growth, is now targeting close to ₹1,000 crore revenue this financial year, positioning itself among India’s fastest-growing food brands.
According to founder and managing director Ankit Chona, consumer demand began accelerating as early as March, with Holi marking the seasonal shift towards indulgence products like ice cream. The Ahmedabad manufacturing facility, capable of producing 2 lakh litres daily, has been running at near-full capacity during peak summer weeks. Meanwhile, HOCCO’s newly operational Panipat plant has further boosted production as nationwide demand surges.
The broader industry is also experiencing exceptional momentum. Vadilal Industries reported double-digit volume growth this season, with plants operating at full capacity across categories. However, the boom comes alongside mounting cost pressures. Industry players are grappling with nearly 40% higher packaging costs, tight cone supplies, rising imported ingredient prices, and delays in machinery imports due to geopolitical disruptions. These pressures may eventually translate into price hikes across the ice cream category.