Top 10 Ice Cream Franchise in India

India’s love for ice cream is so much that it doesn't depend on the weather. Whether it’s hot summer or cool winter, people of all ages enjoy ice cream. From busy city streets to quiet neighborhoods, ice cream sales keep growing. That’s why starting an ice cream franchise is a fun and profitable business in India.

As people earn more money and look for trusted brands, ice cream franchises are growing very fast. For new business owners, working with a well-known brand means getting a ready-made business plan, loyal customers, and full support to run the store smoothly.

Here, in this blog we will discuss the Top 10 Ice Cream Franchise opportunities in India.

Why Start an Ice Cream Franchise in India?

Before diving into the top brands, let’s understand why ice cream franchising is a smart move:

• Year-Round Demand: Ice cream is no longer seasonal. With new flavors and formats, it’s enjoyed throughout the year.
• Low Entry Barrier: Many brands offer flexible formats like kiosks, carts, and parlors with affordable investment.
• High Profit Margins: Premium pricing and low production costs make ice cream a profitable product.
• Brand Recognition: Well-established brands command immediate trust and footfall.
• Support System: Franchisors offer training, marketing, and supply chain assistance.

Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises in India

1. Amul Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹3–5 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1.5–3 years
• Ideal For: Small-town businessmen and cost-conscious investors

Amul is India's largest dairy cooperative and a household name. Reputed for its affordable prices and diverse flavors, Amul has a low-investment franchise model with strong brand identity. Its extensive distribution network and cold chain logistics provide a secure option for new businessmen. 

2. Baskin-Robbins

• Investment: ₹25–50 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Urban entrepreneurs and upscale retail locations

Baskin-Robbins is a worldwide brand name with more than 31 flavors and a variety of sundaes, shakes, and cakes. It has complete franchise support such as site selection, employee training, and national marketing programs.

3. Havmor Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹4–20 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 0.5–1 year
• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs looking for flexible formats

Now owned by the Lotte Group, Havmor has more than 160 real milk-based flavors. Its formats vary from kiosks to parlors, so it can be operated with different budgets and spaces.

4. Naturals Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹10–20 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Health-conscious and premium market entrepreneurs

Naturals has made a name with fruit-based, artisanal ice creams without artificial additives. With offerings such as tender coconut and sitaphal, it targets quality-conscious consumers. The brand aims to have 30+ stores by 2025.

5. Vadilal Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹5–15 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Mass-market appeal and regional expansion

Vadilal is one of India’s oldest ice cream brands, offering everything from kulfis and scoops to ice cream cakes. With a robust cold chain and affordable pricing, it’s a great option for entrepreneurs targeting a wide customer base.

6. Giani’s Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹10–20 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Entrepreneurs in North India and metro cities

Founded in Delhi in 1956, Giani’s is famous for its rich, creamy desserts like Rabri Faluda and Belgian Chocolate. It offers a mix of traditional and modern flavors, along with shakes and ice cream cakes.

7. Cream Stone

• Investment: ₹20–40 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: High-end retail locations and mall setups

Cream Stone is famous for its personalized ice cream styles and live preparation counters. It provides a high-end experience with flavors such as brownie fudge and fruit overload, making it highly sought after by young clients.

8. Kwality Wall's

• Investment: ₹5–10 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Urban and semi-urban entrepreneurs

With Hindustan Unilever as the owner, Kwality Wall's deals in a variety of frozen products like Cornetto, Magnum, and kulfis. Its franchise model operates through carts, kiosks, and parlors, and hence is extremely flexible.

9. Roll Over Ice Cream

• Investment: ₹10–15 lakhs
• ROI Timeline: 1–2 years
• Ideal For: Fashionable urban markets and youth-oriented locations

Roll Over deals in rolled ice creams in Thai-style and dessert jars. With their contemporary setup and photogenic presentation, they appeal to younger crowds and socially active customers.

10. The Brooklyn Creamery

• Investment: ₹15–25 lakhs
• ROI Timeframe: 1–2 years
• Best Suits: Premium and health-conscious markets

Brooklyn Creamery provides low-calorie, vegan, and keto ice creams. It's ideal for businesses with the intent of serving health-aware consumers in metro cities. The company is growing via cloud kitchens and retail stores.

How to Select the Best Ice Cream Franchise

Following are some guidelines to enable you to select the best franchise for your objectives:

• Budget: Opt for a brand that is within your investment level.
• Location: High-end brands perform well in malls and high streets; value brands are appropriate for small towns.
• Target Audience: Know your local market's taste buds.
• Support System: Opt for brands that provide training, marketing, and supply chain support.
• Brand Reputation: A recognized brand name causes quicker customer trust and traffic.

What You Need to Start

• Space: 200–1000 sq. ft. based on the format
• Staff: 2–6 staff for operations and customer support
• Equipment: Freezers, POS machines, display shelves
• Licenses: FSSAI registration, GST, local licenses
• Marketing: Local promotions, social media, and launch events

Final Thoughts

Ice cream is not just a dessert – it's a happy experience. As India's passion for frozen desserts continues to grow and branded outlets become increasingly popular, franchising ice cream is a good and profitable business idea.

Whether you're aiming for a low-cost model such as Amul or an upscale configuration such as Baskin-Robbins, there is a franchise out there for any budget and market. With the proper brand, location, and customer orientation, you can scoop up success in 2026 and beyond.

FAQ

1. Can I run an ice cream franchise seasonally or part-time?

Yes, some brands offer flexible formats like mobile carts or kiosks that can operate seasonally or during peak hours. This is ideal for tourist spots, fairs, or summer-only setups.

2. Do ice cream franchises offer cloud kitchen models?

Yes, a few modern brands like The Brooklyn Creamery and Roll Over are exploring cloud kitchen setups, allowing you to sell online without a physical storefront.