Are you looking forward to running a business where every scoop you serve puts a smile on someone’s face? Ice cream is one of those universal treats that never go out of style. Whether it’s summer heat, a weekend plan, or just a mid-day craving, people love indulging in their favourite flavours throughout the year.
What makes it even more attractive is its growing market size. In 2025, the Indian ice cream market is anticipated to generate over $2.4 billion in revenue, with steady growth projected through the next five years.
In this blog, we will discuss the best ice cream franchise opportunities in India for 2025. We have covered everything you need to help you choose the right scoop for your entrepreneurial journey, from investment requirements and profit margins to brand reputation and franchise support.
Why Are Ice Cream Franchises India’s Next Big Business?
What Makes an Ice Cream Franchise Top-Performing?
From Metro Cities to Small Towns: List of Top Ice Cream Franchises
Why Are Ice Cream Franchises India’s Next Big Business?
Before jumping into the best franchise options, let’s first understand why the ice cream business is attracting so many investors in India:
- Rising demand: Ice cream consumption in India is growing at 12–15% annually, driven by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes. IICMA reports that the Indian ice cream market has grown fourfold over the past decade, with projections to reach INR 45,000 crore in the next three years, highlighting rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences.
- Simple operations: Running an ice cream outlet doesn’t require heavy staffing or complicated infrastructure, making it easier to manage compared to restaurants or QSRs.
- Attractive profit margins: Depending on the brand and model, ice cream franchises offer 40–60% profit margins, making it a high-yield food business.
- All-season indulgence: Once limited to summers, ice cream is now enjoyed year-round as a dessert, snack, or even a café-style offering.
- Low entry barrier: With flexible investment models and comparatively lower setup costs, ice cream franchises are among the safest choices for first-time entrepreneurs.
What Makes an Ice Cream Franchise Top-Performing?
Before investing, it’s essential to understand what separates the most profitable ice cream franchises in India from the rest. Here are the key factors to evaluate:
- Brand recognition: A strong, well-loved brand name ensures customer trust and repeat business.
- Support and training: The best franchisors provide end-to-end assistance, from store setup to staff training and marketing support.
- Return on Investment (ROI): A good franchise allows you to recover your investment faster through consistent sales and strong profit margins.
- Franchise cost: Consider whether the franchise falls into the low-cost model or requires heavy upfront investment, and balance this with expected returns.
From Metro Cities to Small Towns: List of Top Ice Cream Franchises
Here’s a detailed look at the Top ice cream franchise opportunities in 2025 you can invest in. Each entry includes a business overview and key financial details to help investors make informed decisions.
Baskin Robbins
| Investment Amount | INR 10–20 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 200–400 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | High (35–40%) |
A premium global brand, Baskin-Robbins is synonymous with indulgence and variety, offering over 1,300 flavours worldwide. It has a strong presence in metros and malls, attracting urban customers willing to pay for quality. With established marketing and training, it’s ideal for investors seeking a premium food brand.
Naturals Ice Cream
| Investment Amount | INR 15–20 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 500–800 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | High (35–40%) |
This brand is exclusively known for its fruit-based, preservative-free flavours and a “flavour of the season” concept. Naturals commands high customer loyalty in premium urban zones. Strong repeat demand gives it a competitive edge among discerning customers.
Amul Ice Cream Parlour
| Investment Amount | INR 2–5 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 100–500 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Moderate (Approx 20%) |
Amul’s commission-based model offers high margins on scoops, with franchisees keeping up to 50% on recipe-based items, thanks to zero royalty fees and strong supply backing. This low-capital, high-footfall model is ideal for small towns and transit hubs. With minimal setup, you’re backed by one of India’s most trusted dairy cooperatives.
Giani’s Ice Cream
| Investment Amount | INR 13–16 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 80–400 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Moderate to High (30–35%) |
A legacy brand loved in North India, Giani’s offers a diverse menu comprising faloodas, shakes, and sundaes, helping you increase average ticket value. Ideal for dine-in outlets with moderate investment and returns.
Vibhavari Madki
Gelato Vinto
| Investment Amount | INR 5–10 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 50–300 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | High (30–35%) |
Gelato Vinto brings the authentic taste of Italian gelato to India, appealing to premium and health-conscious customers. It positions itself as a boutique dessert brand, perfect for high-end malls and urban hubs. Its international-style presentation adds to the brand’s aspirational value.
Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Creams
| Investment Amount | INR 20–30 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 400–600 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Not disclosed |
Pabrai’s is famous for unique, Indian-inspired flavours like Nolen Gur and Tulsi, making it stand out from mainstream brands. The brand emphasizes natural ingredients, attracting health-conscious customers. With strong demand in East India, it’s now expanding into new markets.
Sakshi Jadhav
Cream & Fudge
| Investment Amount | INR 25–30 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 250–500 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | High (50%) |
Cream & Fudge offers marble-slab style ice creams and sundaes, creating an experience-driven model. Its focus on customization and presentation makes it appealing in metros. Investors benefit from brand support in marketing and operations.
Cream Stone
| Investment Amount | INR 20–30 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 600–1,000 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Not disclosed |
Cream Stone is known for its live ice cream preparation and customized mix-ins, a concept highly popular with young audiences. Its outlets often serve as a hangout destination, leading to high customer footfall. Ideal for tier-1 cities, the brand thrives in high-traffic locations.
Chennai Kulfi
| Investment Amount | INR 10.19 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space | 300 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Moderate (20–30%) |
Chennai Kulfi brings authentic South Indian kulfi flavours with over 120 varieties, from traditional to inventive, like blue velvet and Red Velvet. The brand offers a scalable, low-investment model with no royalty fees and strong support for setup and operations. Its rapid growth across Tamil Nadu reflects high demand and an investor-friendly structure.
Bombay Kulfi
| Investment Amount | INR 5–10 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Space Required | 100–300 sq. ft. |
| Profit Margin | Very High (ROI up to 100% in 1–2 years) |
Bombay Kulfi has carved a unique space by offering over 45 authentic kulfi and natural ice cream flavors, with A2 buffalo milk and no preservatives. Its promise of an experience rooted in nostalgia and quality has driven expansion into more than 40 cities across India and Singapore. Their franchise model includes no royalty fees and delivers a high share of revenue back to franchisees, making it a lucrative choice.
Conclusion
If you are planning to step into the food and dessert industry, 2025 is the perfect year to bet on ice cream franchises. There are countless opportunities in the gelato industry, from budget-friendly parlors to luxury stores. Furthermore, the best part is that there is a clear path to healthy profits for top-performing ice cream brands that offer solid training and setup support.
But remember that choosing the right franchise is more than just looking at the investment amount. Think about your target audience, location, and long-term vision. A brand that fits your budget and matches your ambition will always deliver better results.With the right mix of planning, passion, and a strategic spot, your ice cream shop could become one of the most-loved dessert hubs in your city, and maybe even one of the best ice cream franchises in India.
Apoorva Bajj
FAQs
Which is the best ice cream franchise in India?
The best ice cream franchise in India are:
- Baskin Robbins
- Naturals Ice Cream
- Amul Ice Cream Parlour
- Giani’s Ice Cream
- Gelato Vinto
- Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Creams
- Cream & Fudge
- Cream Stone
- Chennai Kulfi
- Bombay Kulfi
Is the ice cream franchise business profitable in India?
Yes, ice cream franchises in India are highly profitable, offering 40–60% profit margins depending on the brand.
What factors should I consider before investing in an ice cream franchise?
Key factors include brand recognition, franchise cost, training support, ROI timeline, target market, and location suitability.
