PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Dairy-based ice cream to continue to thrive
Retail value sales of ice cream are expected to continue to increase in Japan over the forecast period. As consumer expectations for taste, such as smoothness and richness, continue to rise, there is a growing preference for dairy-based ice creams in Japan, particularly during the warmer months.
Mass brands maintain buzz with diverse collaborations
In 2025, Japanese food brands continue to actively engage in collaborations with other brands, anime, and celebrity endorsements, particularly with long-selling brands where such partnerships are well-matched and contribute to increased sales. These collaborations are primarily designed for in-store purchases rather than digital platforms.
Eclipse Foods expands to Japan
In March 2024, Eclipse, an American 100% plant-based ice cream brand, made its entry into the Japanese market under the name, eclipseco, with a debut at FamilyMart stores in Tokyo. This introduction is part of a broader trend where Japanese ice cream manufacturers are increasingly turning to plant-based milks, such as soy and almond milk, instead of animal-derived milk.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Ice Cream industry in Japan with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Ice Cream industry in Japan, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Ice Cream in Japan report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Ice Cream in Japan?
- Which are the leading brands in Ice Cream in Japan?
- How are products distributed in Ice Cream in Japan?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Ice Cream?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Japan?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Ice Cream in Japan - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Ice cream sales hit record high
Lotte stays out in front
Supermarkets and convenience stores lead the way in retail ice cream sales
Dairy-based ice cream to continue to thrive
Mass brands maintain buzz with diverse collaborations
Eclipse Foods expands to Japan
Snacks in Japan - Industry Overview
Snacks in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive Landscape
Channel developments
What next for snacks?
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Ice Cream
- Frozen Yoghurt
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- Single Portion Dairy Ice Cream
- Single Portion Water Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Unpackaged Ice Cream
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- Bulk Dairy Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Desserts
- Multi-Pack Dairy Ice Cream
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- Bulk Water Ice Cream
- Multi-Pack Water Ice Cream
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Ice Cream
Ice cream is the aggregation of frozen yoghurt, impulse ice cream, plant-based ice cream, unpackaged ice cream and take-home ice cream. Frozen desserts is included in Passport’s Staple Foods research. Please note that soft serve ice cream from ice cream dispensing machines sold at foodservice outlets (e.g. fast food or ice cream parlours) is entirely excluded.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Ice Cream research and analysis database.
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