Introduction – Pakistan’s Ice Cream Market: A Quantitative Overview
Pakistan’s ice cream industry has been churning out more than just delightful frozen treats — it’s also becoming a notable player in the global frozen dessert economy. As of 2025, the country’s domestic ice cream production has seen impressive growth, reaching a market value of $X million, backed by dominant local and multinational brands.
The giants in the game? Unilever’s Walls with a commanding 68% market share, followed by Omoré, a brand of FrieslandCampina Engro, at 19%. Others like Igloo, Hico, and Yummy have carved out their own loyal consumer bases, keeping the competition tight and flavorful.
On the export front, Pakistan’s ice cream trade is making a comeback. After two sluggish years, 2024 saw an increase of X% in export volume, totaling X tons, with Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates as key destinations. Despite challenges, Pakistan is strategically positioned to expand its export footprint, especially in the regional markets.
However, the industry isn’t without its hurdles. Regulatory actions by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) have drawn attention to misleading marketing practices — particularly penalties totaling Rs170 million on Unilever and Engro for branding “frozen desserts” as “ice cream.” This crackdown has emphasized the need for transparency and quality assurance.
Further complicating the landscape is taxation. The 18% sales tax on packaged milk introduced in early 2025 has rippled across the dairy sector, impacting input costs for ice cream manufacturers.
In a global context, the ice cream market is on a steady upward trajectory, with global production forecasted to hit 27 million tons by 2035. That’s a lot of scoops — and opportunity.
For businesses looking to tap into Pakistan’s frozen goldmine, choosing the right supplier is everything. With platforms like Freshdi offering real-time supplier verification, RFQ trends, and buyer reviews, navigating this market has never been smarter.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s dig deeper into the numbers driving Pakistan’s ice cream market.
In 2024, Pakistan’s ice cream industry showed signs of resilience with a production increase, rebounding from previous declines. While exact export volumes aren’t publicly disclosed, the X% jump to X tons marks a significant turnaround.
The Afghan market remains the go-to for Pakistani exporters, gobbling up a whopping 85% of all exports. The UAE trails behind at 15%, but with consistent demand, it remains a strategic secondary market.
So, what’s fueling this resurgence?
Platforms like Freshdi reveal a notable uptick in RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for ice cream and frozen dessert categories, particularly from buyers in Central and South Asia. These RFQ trends correlate directly with export spikes — suggesting that buyer interest is translating into real trade momentum.
By analyzing RFQ patterns on Freshdi, businesses can spot demand surges, seasonal preferences, and even preferred product variants — from classic vanilla cones to nutty kulfis.
Top 9 Verified Ice Cream Suppliers in Pakistan – Proven Export Performers
Finding the right supplier isn’t about luck — it’s about data-backed decision-making. Based on export performance, verified profiles, certifications, and buyer feedback on Freshdi, here are the top 9 ice cream suppliers in Pakistan as of August 2025:
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Ziauddin Burky
Known for premium quality ice cream exports and consistent delivery timelines. Ziauddin Burky has built a strong presence in Central Asia. -
Millennium International And Mines
A versatile exporter with a diversified frozen dessert portfolio. Their certifications and packaging standards meet international benchmarks. -
Hilal Foods Pvt Ltd
A household name in the Pakistani FMCG sector. Their ice cream division is rapidly expanding into UAE and Gulf markets. -
United King Foods (Pvt) Ltd
United King is not just a bakery brand — their foray into ice cream is gaining traction with international buyers focusing on quality and hygiene. -
Multi Food Industries
A robust player with HACCP and ISO certifications. Their customizable offerings make them a favorite among private label buyers. -
Chaman Ice Cream
One of the oldest and most trusted brands in Pakistan. Their nostalgic flavors and traditional recipes appeal to diaspora communities abroad. -
Yummy Ice Cream
A mid-sized but fast-growing player. Known for colorful branding and strong regional distribution. -
Hico Ice Cream
With decades of experience, Hico has a loyal domestic base and is now expanding into new B2B markets internationally. -
Igloo Ice Cream
Igloo continues to capture market segments with innovative products and export-friendly SKUs.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that these rankings are dynamic. Platforms like Freshdi frequently update supplier listings based on real-time performance, buyer feedback, and trade activity. Be sure to check out Freshdi’s “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” feature to stay on top of emerging leaders.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Ice cream isn’t just about vanilla vs. chocolate anymore. Buyer preferences are evolving, and the data backs it up.
Variants like kulfi, frozen yogurt, and vegan ice cream are gaining traction across export markets. According to aggregated demand insights from Freshdi, there’s a seasonal surge in RFQs between April and August, peaking during summer.
Price dynamics also follow this curve. Export prices tend to climb by 8-12% during peak demand months due to supply bottlenecks and increased cold chain logistics costs. Conversely, buying during off-peak seasons can offer cost advantages for bulk importers.
Historical trade data further reveals that Afghanistan’s demand peaks during Ramadan and Eid, suggesting that aligning production and logistics with religious calendars can optimize trade cycles.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Pakistan’s ice cream industry is more than just a sweet treat — it’s a data-driven, export-ready opportunity waiting to be scooped up.
From strong domestic production numbers to a recovering export market, the indicators are clear: Pakistan is well-positioned to serve the growing global appetite for frozen desserts.
But choosing the right supplier is crucial. Businesses must rely on verifiable metrics — not just glossy brochures. That’s where tools like Freshdi come in. With supplier verification, RFQ analysis, and export performance tracking, Freshdi empowers buyers to make confident, data-backed decisions.
So, whether you’re a distributor in Dubai or a retailer in Kabul, Pakistan’s ice cream suppliers — backed by platforms like Freshdi — are ready to serve you the best.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan’s ice cream market is dominated by Walls and Omoré, but local brands are gaining ground.
- Exports are rebounding, with Afghanistan and UAE as the primary buyers.
- Regulatory actions have raised the bar for product labeling and quality standards.
- Supplier selection should be based on real-time performance data and verified credentials.
- Platforms like Freshdi offer unmatched insights into RFQ trends, pricing, and supplier reliability.
Checklist for Ice Cream Buyers
- ✅ Verify supplier certifications (HACCP, ISO, Halal)
- ✅ Check RFQ trends on Freshdi for seasonal demand spikes
- ✅ Monitor regulatory updates affecting dairy and frozen desserts
- ✅ Compare buyer reviews and performance metrics on Freshdi
- ✅ Evaluate price trends and time your purchases accordingly
Future Outlook
As global demand for innovative ice cream flavors grows, Pakistan’s exporters are poised to tap into niche markets. With proper infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and digital platforms like Freshdi, the path forward looks frosty — in the best way.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
- 🔍 Verified Suppliers: No more guesswork — every supplier is vetted with trade history and certifications.
- 📊 RFQ Trends: See what buyers are requesting in real time to anticipate market shifts.
- 🛠️ Customization: Filter suppliers by region, certification, and export capability.
- ⭐ Buyer Reviews: Learn from others before committing to a deal.
- 📈 Trade Analytics: Make smarter decisions with access to historical data and forecasting.
References
- PBR Journal – Ice Cream Market Report
- IndexBox – Pakistan Ice Cream Export Analysis
- Brecorder – CCP Penalty Report
- Dairy News – 18% Sales Tax Backlash
- IndexBox – Global Ice Cream Market Trends
FAQs
1. Which country is the top importer of Pakistani ice cream?
Afghanistan leads the way, accounting for 85% of Pakistan’s ice cream exports.
2. What certifications should I look for in a Pakistani ice cream supplier?
Look for HACCP, ISO, and Halal certifications to ensure quality and compliance.
3. How does Freshdi help in selecting a reliable supplier?
Freshdi offers verified supplier profiles, trade analytics, and buyer reviews to help you make informed choices.
4. Are prices of ice cream exports from Pakistan stable?
Not entirely — prices tend to spike during summer and religious festivals. Planning purchases around these cycles can save costs.
5. Can I get private label ice cream manufactured in Pakistan?
Yes, several suppliers like Multi Food Industries offer private label solutions with customizable packaging and flavors.
