Written By: Bandana Gupta

The love for ice cream in India is a year-round affair. From bustling city streets to quiet neighbourhood corners, the demand for delicious, frozen desserts is ever-growing. This insatiable appetite makes the ice cream franchise in Indiaone of the most promising and delightful business opportunities for 2026. For aspiring entrepreneurs, partnering with an established brand offers a proven path to success, complete with brand recognition, operational support, and a loyal customer base.

If you're looking to scoop up a share of this profitable market, you're in the right place. Here’s our curated list of the top 10 ice cream franchises in India to consider for your entrepreneurial journey.

Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises in India

‍1. Amul

Overview: A true household name, Amul is India’s largest dairy cooperative, known for delivering affordable, high-quality ice creams. With a strong presence across tier 2 and 3 cities, it leverages its vast distribution network to maintain dominance in the market. Offering a wide variety of flavours, from classics like vanilla to Indian favourites such as kesar pista, Amul combines low investment requirements with strong brand loyalty. Backed by extensive cold chain logistics and nationwide marketing, it remains one of the most reliable franchise opportunities in India.

Investment: ₹3–5 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1.5–3 years

2. Baskin-Robbins

Overview: A world-renowned premium ice cream brand, Baskin-Robbins is loved for its iconic 31-plus flavors  along with indulgent sundaes, shakes, and cakes. With strong urban visibility and a youthful brand image, it offers complete franchise support, from training and site selection to nationwide marketing.

Investment: ₹25–50 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–2 years

3. Havmor

Overview: Now part of the Lotte Group, Havmor delights customers with 160+ flavours made with real milk. Famous for its family packs, novelties, and unique Indian-inspired varieties like pan masala ice cream, it offers flexible formats ranging from kiosks to parlors. Backed by a robust supply chain, Havmor is expanding rapidly across India.

Investment: ₹4–20 lakhs ROI Timeline: 0.5–1 year

4. Naturals Ice Cream

Overview: Celebrated for its artisanal, fruit-based ice creams, Naturals has built a loyal following with flavours like tender coconut and sitaphal, crafted without artificial additives. With plans to open 30+ outlets by 2025, it continues to grow as a premium choice among health-conscious and quality-focused customers.

Investment: ₹10–20 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–2 years

5. Vadilal

Overview: A pioneer since 1907, Vadilal offers everything from kulfis and scoops to ice cream cakes and novelties. Known for its affordable pricing and strong cold chain infrastructure, it remains a popular choice for mass-market appeal while steadily expanding beyond its western India base.

Investment: ₹5–15 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–2 years

6. Giani’s

Overview: A North Indian legacy brand since 1956, Giani’s blends tradition with modern taste, offering delights like falooda, kulfi sundaes, and rabri-based desserts alongside ice creams. With strong regional loyalty and a growing footprint in metros and beyond, it continues to appeal to diverse customers.

Investment: ₹10–20 lakhs ROI Timeline: ~1 year

7. Kwality Wall’s

Overview: Backed by Hindustan Unilever, Kwality Wall’s is one of India’s most visible ice cream brands, offering affordable family packs, scoops, and impulse products. Its wide distribution network, supported by HUL’s marketing power, makes it a trusted and accessible brand across urban and semi-urban markets.

Investment: ₹5–10 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–1.5 years

8. Cream Bell

Overview: Operated by RJ Corp, the group behind KFC and Pizza Hut in India, Cream Bell benefits from strong food-service expertise and distribution. It offers a versatile range of products, from cones as well as tubs to indulgent novelties, with a growing presence in tier 1 and tier 2 cities.

Investment: ₹10–25 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–2 years

Dinshaw’s

Overview: Trusted for its creamy, fruit-forward flavours, Dinshaw’s is a Gujarat-based brand steadily expanding across western India. With affordable models for kiosks and parlors, it is known for consistency, quality ingredients, and also strong demand in tier 2 markets.

Investment: ₹5–15 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1–2 years

Arun

Overview: A popular name in South India, Arun Ice Creams (from Hatsun Agro) has earned customer loyalty through affordable, seasonal flavours as well as consistent innovation. Its pocket-friendly franchise models make it a preferred option for small towns and semi-urban regions.

Investment: ₹3–10 lakhs ROI Timeline: 1.5–2 years

Why Invest in an Ice Cream Franchise?

In India, ice cream isn’t just a summer delight anymore—it’s a year-round indulgence. Moreover, With a young, urbanizing population, rising disposable incomes, and an appetite for new flavors, the ice cream industry is growing rapidly. Add to that the high-profit margins, lower risks of a proven franchise model, and the ability to tap into evolving consumer trends like healthier or artisanal options, and you’ve got a business opportunity that’s both sweet and scalable.

What Makes the Market So Promising?

• Year-Round Demand: Ice cream is no longer seasonal—changing lifestyles and also greater availability make it a year-round indulgence.
• Rising Disposable Income: With urbanization and increasing earning capacity, thus, consumers are more willing to spend on premium and convenience products.
• Youth-Centric Market: India’s young demographic is constantly looking for trendy dessert experiences, making ice cream an evergreen choice.
• Room for Innovation:From natural fruit-based scoops to fusion desserts, the market is adapting quickly to evolving preferences for healthier and also unique options.

In short, investing in an ice cream franchise gives you a chance to blend affordable entry costs, brand credibility, and strong profit margins, all while serving a product people never stop loving.

Key Benefits of Investing in an Ice Cream Franchise in India

• Proven Business Model: Skip the trial-and-error stage and step straight into a framework that works. With established operations, marketing strategies, and also a trusted brand name, franchises drastically reduce the risks for new entrepreneurs.
• Instant Brand Recognition: Instead of building customer trust from scratch, you get to leverage the reputation of a well-loved brand. Customers already know the name, trust the quality, and also walk in with confidence.
• End-to-End Support: From choosing the right location and setting up your outlet to training staff as well as running ongoing promotions, franchise brands provide full-scale support—giving you the right tools to grow your business from day one.

Why Starting an Ice Cream Franchise Is a Smart Financial Move for Entrepreneurs

• Make More on Each Sale: You earn a good profit on every scoop of ice cream sold. Plus, since it stays frozen, very little product goes to waste, which saves you money.
• Cheaper to Start: Opening an ice cream shop is usually much more affordable than starting a full restaurant. The money you need to get started and also the monthly running costs are lower.
• Great Earning Potential: A busy ice cream shop in a good location can be very successful. This gives you a fantastic chance to earn back your initial investment and then make a healthy profit.

Adapting Ice Cream Franchise Menus to Meet Customer Preferences

• Always Something New and Exciting: Brands are constantly creating new flavors, healthier options (like vegan or sugar-free), and also different styles of desserts. This keeps customers interested and coming back to try what's new.
• People Will Pay for Quality: Many customers today are looking for high-quality, "gourmet" ice cream made with natural ingredients. Nonetheless, They are happy to spend a little more for a better-tasting, premium product.

Ice Cream Franchise Startup Costs in India

Starting an ice cream franchise in India can cost anywhere between ₹2–6 lakhs for entry-level outlets like Amul to ₹40 lakhs or more for premium international brands. Moreover, The exact cost depends on the brand, location, and size of the outlet.

Main Expenses to Consider:

• Franchise Fee: One-time joining fee paid to the brand. This can be small for budget brands or much higher for premium names.
• Store Setup: Costs for interiors, branding, and shop design (around ₹5–7 lakhs).
• Equipment: Freezers, display counters, and also other essentials (₹5–10 lakhs).
• Initial Stock: Your first supply of ice creams as well as related products.
• Ongoing Fees: Royalties or marketing contributions, usually charged as a percentage of sales.

 In short, your total investment will vary based on the brand you choose, the store’s location, and the format (kiosk, cart, or full parlor).

Factors That Affect Ice Cream Franchise Startup Costs

Several things decide how much you’ll need to invest when starting an ice cream franchise:

• Brand Choice: Premium brands need higher investment, while budget-friendly brands cost much less.

• Location: Rent and footfall at your chosen spot can make costs go up or down.
• Store Size: Bigger spaces mean higher costs for interiors, equipment, and also setup.

Understanding the Typical Investment Needed for Ice Cream Franchises

• Low-Cost Outlets: Brands like Amul or Kwality Wall’s may need around ₹2–6 lakhs.
• Mid-Range Franchises: Brands like Natural’s Ice Cream often require ₹12–20 lakhs.
• Premium Brands: High-end names such as Cream Stone can cost ₹40 lakhs or more.

What are the steps to start an ice cream franchise in India?

• Research Brands: Compare investment needs and business models.
• Pick the Right Location: Choose high-footfall areas like malls or also busy streets.
• Arrange Funding: Be prepared for upfront costs; a business loan might help.

 Conclusion:

With rising demand and strong returns, investing in an ice cream franchise in India is more than business; it’s a sweet opportunity waiting to be scooped up.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.