The German market offers various flavors and options for consumers. As in many other countries, Germans also enjoy the epitome of ice cream enjoyment in Europe, namely the Italian experience, or gelato. However, fluctuating amounts of gelato were imported in recent decades, though figures have started increasing again since 2019. While ice cream has been a dairy product for a long time, newer consumer trends have reached the market as well, widespread examples being customer awareness of product origins, and the desire among some for products not originating from animals. Sales of plant-based ice cream in Germany are predicted to increase significantly by 2026 compared to 2020.
Figures from a survey conducted in Germany about the most popular types of ice cream consumed during summertime in Germany confirm a clear trend. Most respondents preferred to get their ice cream directly from an ice cream parlor. Packaged ice cream followed.
