Top Ice Cream Brands Across the UAE

Introduction: Role of Key Players in Industry Expansion

With one of the highest per capita ice cream consumptions across the Middle Eastern region, the UAE has developed as a hotbed for frozen dessert innovation. Driven by rising disposable incomes, tourism growth, and evolving consumer preferences, the market is progressively transformed by the strategies of leading players. From premium indulgent brands to halal-certified & vegan options, ice cream companies in the UAE are redefining product offerings and retail experiences.

List of Leading Companies in the UAE Ice Cream Industry

Detailed Overview of the 5 Major Ice Cream Companies Across the UAE

IFFCO Group (London Dairy, Quanta, Igloo)

IFFCO Group has built a strong ice cream presence in the UAE through brands like London Dairy & Igloo, targeting both premium & mass-market consumers. Its strategy focuses on product innovation, offering indulgent flavors for affluent consumers while maintaining affordability for family packs. The company leverages its vertically integrated supply chain and widespread retail distribution across supermarkets, convenience stores, and foodservice channels. Seasonal campaigns and collaborations with luxury retailers strengthen London Dairy’s premium appeal. Meanwhile, Igloo taps into multicultural demographics with halal-certified, value-oriented offerings, positioning IFFCO as a versatile player in the UAE ice cream landscape.

Unilever Middle East (Magnum, Cornetto, Carte D’Or, Walls)

Unilever dominates the UAE Ice Cream Market by blending global scale with local adaptation. The company strengthens brand loyalty through localized marketing campaigns and partnerships with quick commerce platforms for faster delivery. Sustainability initiatives such as eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing further enhance its brand image. Further, with a robust retail network across hypermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce, Unilever secures a leading position in the UAE frozen dessert industry.

Mars GCC FZE (Galaxy, Snickers, M&M’s Ice Creams)

Mars GCC leverages its globally recognized chocolate brands to expand into the ice cream category, creating strong brand synergies in the UAE market. Its strategy centers on leveraging the brand equity of Galaxy, Snickers, and M&M’s to attract chocolate lovers seeking frozen indulgence. Mars emphasizes impulse-driven sales through convenience stores, petrol stations, and quick-commerce tie-ups, while also targeting supermarkets with multipacks. Product innovation includes limited-edition flavors and portion-controlled packs for calorie-conscious consumers.

Galadari Ice Cream Co. LLC (Baskin-Robbins – GCC Master Franchise)

As the master franchisee of Baskin-Robbins in the GCC, Galadari operates one of the largest ice cream retail networks across the region, with over 200 outlets in the UAE alone. Its flavor diversity, offering 31+ flavors plus seasonal and region-specific variants during Ramadan and Eid. Galadari focuses on retail footprint expansion, ensuring Baskin-Robbins’ presence in malls, high streets, and delivery apps. Strong branding, affordability, and constant menu innovation sustain Baskin-Robbins’ leadership in the UAE ice cream retail market.

General Mills Inc. (Häagen-Dazs)

General Mills positions Häagen-Dazs as a luxury ice cream brand in the UAE, appealing to affluent, urban consumers. Its strategy highlights premium ingredients, artisanal quality, and indulgent textures. Beyond retail outlets, Häagen-Dazs operates boutique cafés in high-traffic locations, reinforcing its luxury lifestyle positioning. The company invests heavily in digital marketing campaigns, seasonal launches, and gifting formats, particularly during festive seasons. By strengthening its distribution through supermarkets, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms, Häagen-Dazs maintains exclusivity while expanding reach.

UAE Ice Cream Market Insights with Emerging Opportunities

According to the recent report published by “The Report Cubes”, the UAE Ice Cream Market size is valued at around USD 136.9 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 208.58 million by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.2% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32. Key opportunities include expanding plant-based and sugar-free variants, leveraging halal-certified formulations, and introducing region-inspired flavors to attract diverse demographics.

Moreover, tourism growth, together with increasing retail penetration across hypermarkets and quick-commerce platforms, offers new avenues for expansion. Further, with a young, urban population open to experimenting with international flavors, ice cream companies in the UAE can scale their reach while innovating through packaging, distribution, and technology adoption.

Integration of Quick Commerce Across the UAE Retail Landscape

Quick commerce has become a game-changer for the UAE Ice Cream Industry. With delivery apps such as Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem Now, consumers can access frozen treats in under 20 minutes. For manufacturers, this ensures strong demand consistency during peak summer months while reducing reliance on traditional retail channels. Also, by integrating AI-driven logistics and efficient cold-chain solutions, quick commerce is now central to sustaining growth for both international and local ice cream brands in the country.

Key Factors Limiting the Growth of the Ice Cream Industry in the UAE

• High refrigeration and energy costs are affecting margins.
• Rising artisanal competition targeting niche consumer segments.
• Raw material dependency on imports exposes players to global supply risks.
• Consumer shift toward healthier snacks, impacting traditional ice cream demand.

Future Outlook of the UAE Ice Cream Industry

The future emphasizes a premiumized and diversified market. Companies are expected to focus on plant-based, functional, and indulgent innovations, coupled with eco-friendly packaging. Quick commerce and AI-driven personalization would define retail strategies, while halal and regionally inspired flavors would ensure local relevance. Further, with international giants and homegrown brands investing in the UAE, the industry is poised for sustainable double-digit growth over the next decade.