Thai Ice Cream Market Forecast to Grow 4% This Year
Thais spend about 12 billion baht annually on ice cream to beat the heat, and the Trade Policy and Strategy Office forecasts the domestic market will grow 4% this year to 12.6 billion baht. Thailand remains Asia’s largest ice cream exporter and the 12th largest globally, with key markets in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea. To sustain growth, producers are urged to adopt influencer‑driven marketing, flavor innovations, premium‑accessible products and healthier options.
Thais spend roughly 12 billion baht per year on ice cream to cool down, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (SNC) of the Ministry of Commerce. SNC Director Nanthapong Jirawatphong said that in 2025 Thailand exported ice cream worth 4.477 billion baht, a slight decline of 0.77%, yet the country remained Asia’s top exporter and ranked 12th worldwide with a 1.9% share of the global market, mainly to Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea.
Looking ahead to 2026, the domestic ice cream market is expected to rebound strongly to 12.6 billion baht, representing a 4% increase, fueled by hotter weather linked to El Niño and a recovery in consumer purchasing power. Currently, instant‑consume ice cream accounts for over 90% of sales, reflecting the Thai habit of buying and eating ice cream throughout the day from convenience stores and community shops.
Nanthapong added that to meet global demand, Thai ice cream producers must adjust their marketing strategies to four consumer trends: leveraging fan power and influencers, innovating flavors and formats such as mochi ice cream, ice‑cream sandwiches and limited editions, offering accessible premium products with attractive packaging, and developing healthier options with reduced sugar, fat or added fruit.
