
Carvel, the beloved American ice cream brand known for inventing the original soft serve, has officially entered the Indian market with the opening of its first store in New Delhi. The move brings nearly a century of dessert heritage to Indian consumers, blending nostalgia with novelty for a new generation of sweet tooths.
Founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel, the brand has become a household name across the United States, famous for its creamy soft serve, signature Flying Saucers, and whimsical ice cream cakes. Carvel's India foray is being led by Unify Foodworks, the master franchisee responsible for the brand’s expansion in the region.
Unify Foodworks has ambitious plans, aiming to launch 100 Carvel locations across major Indian cities in the coming years. The company sees the growing demand for global dessert experiences in India as the perfect opportunity to introduce the brand’s playful, comforting treats to a wider audience.
“Carvel has always stood for joy, celebration, and togetherness—values that transcend cultures,” said Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks. “Our vision is to create warm, welcoming spaces where people can pause from their day and enjoy a moment of indulgence, whether they’re families, students, or working professionals.”
The New Delhi store will showcase Carvel’s signature offerings, including classic soft serve in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, and coffee, as well as their iconic ice cream cakes. The brand aims to strike a balance between the familiarity of comforting desserts and the excitement of international flair.
Steven Yang, Senior Vice President, APAC at GoTo Foods International, expressed optimism about Carvel’s entry into the Indian market. “India is an exciting and promising landscape for Carvel. We see a strong match between the brand’s enduring legacy and the evolving taste preferences of Indian consumers. Partnering with Unify Foodworks gives us the local expertise to grow intentionally and meaningfully.”
Carvel’s debut in India marks more than just the arrival of another dessert chain—it’s a cultural crossroad of classic Americana and India’s fast-evolving food scene. With its focus on accessible indulgence and emotional connection, the brand aims to become part of India’s everyday celebrations.