Written By: Resham Daswani

Is the Lickees ice cream franchise something you, as an investor, should think about in 2026? We can simplify it.

Few industries in India's food and beverage franchising scene have been as steady as ice cream. Thanks to growing disposable incomes, a culture of constant self-indulgence, and scorching summers, frozen desserts have gone from a seasonal treat to a way of life.

Lickees Ice Cream, also known as Licksters, is the latest entrant to the market, and it's winning both customers and investors alike. The brand is gaining attention from investors looking for new prospects, thanks to its success on Shark Tank India and the fact that Google Trends predicts it will have significant search volume in 2025.

But does all that excitement really lead to sales?

The Indian Ice Cream Industry: A Sundae of Rapid Growth

Speculators should survey the landscape before honing in on Lickees.

• Size of the industry: Scientists predict that India's ice cream market will reach more than ₹25,000 crore in 2025, and they expect it to grow at a CAGR of 13-14% until 2030.
• Tier-2/Tier-3 expansion: Although major cities continue to be prestige hubs, demand is skyrocketing in smaller areas due to the availability of branded sweets to aspirational consumers.
• Change in consumer preferences: artisanal, all-natural, and Instagram-worthy ice creams are becoming more popular as a result of health- conscious millennials and Gen Z.

This setting is ideal for firms like Lickees, who aim to appeal to both the indulgent and health-conscious consumers by portraying themselves as high-quality yet fun.

So, who exactly is Lickees?

Lickees, an ice cream parlour that opened in Nagpur in 2018, isn't your average joint. What sets this brand apart is:

• No artificial flavours or colours used; just pure fruit ice cream and popsicles.
• Fresh takes on classic foods: waffle pops with a gooey centre, vegan and gluten-free alternatives, and fruity cold brew beverages.
• Instagram-worthy designs, vibrant imagery, and campaigns targeted towards young people: social-first branding.
• Expansion of Shark Tank India: Raised profile and trustworthiness on a national scale among business owners and customers.

The company's obvious franchise-first growth model, in addition to the uniqueness of its products, is what attracts investors.

Also read: Where they were rejected on Shark Tank’s but yet have been successful in the franchising industry.

Why Are Investors Searching for Lickees Franchises?

There appears to be a desire for and availability of the Lickees ice cream franchise, since the brand is attracting interest on sites like FranchiseBazar and Franchise India. This is what attracts investors:

Accessibility and Entry Cost

Lickees markets itself as a mid-range venture, costing an estimated 15–20 lakhs, in contrast to high-priced food and beverage franchises such as Baskin Robbins, which can cost 30–40 lakhs or more.

This makes it a good option for young people looking to start their own food businesses or for first-time investors.

Advanced Unique Selling Proposition

Whereas mass-market brands like Amul and Kwality Walls dominate their respective markets, the "real fruit, natural" positioning satisfies a need in the luxury international sector.

Perceived healthiness and originality both command a slight premium from consumers.

Help for Franchises

Centralised supply chains, initial training, branding, and marketing assistance all work together to reduce the risk of entry.

The brand's social media operations bring in customers to even unanticipated stores.

Impressive Level of Visibility

The "Shark Tank effect" occurs when interested customers seek out and test out businesses they've seen advertised on television or social media, which increases the businesses' initial popularity.

Sweet Returns on Investment or Fading Hype?

The most important thing for an investor to know is the return on investment (ROI) and payback duration.

• Gross margins for ice cream franchises are typically between 65 and 70 percent. Profit margins may stay strong thanks to Lickees' premium positioning.
• A reasonable payback period may be anywhere from twelve to eighteen months, depending on region.
• Unlike seasonal enterprises, Lickees enjoys recurring demand from the year-round consumption of ice cream in India, as well as impulsive purchases.
• Franchises can easily scale up to several locations once the model is successful since their operations are not as complicated as quick-service restaurants' kitchens.

But return on investment isn't a given. Local price sensitivity, rental prices, and foot traffic are major factors.

Investment Risks and Safety Tips

Investors should be cautious while considering Lickees, despite its appealing appearance:

• Cost-Reflective Pricing in a Competitive Market: Superior to mass-market brands are the products. If rivals in Tier-2 cities start undercutting prices, it might be hard to keep customers loyal.
• A relatively new brand: Lickees isn't as established as Naturals or Amul just yet. Profitability statistics for franchises over the long term is scarce.
• Level of Competition: The luxury ice cream market is very competitive, with both well-established companies like Naturals and Baskin-Robbins and up-and-coming artisanal businesses like Amul.
• Suspension to Buzz: There is no guarantee that a surge in searches following Shark Tank would lead to sustained interest. Continuous advertising is essential.

Lickees vs. Other Ice Cream Franchises: A Comparison

This demonstrates that Lickees is striking a good balance between being an accessible investment and a luxury brand.

Growth Opportunities: High Streets and More

In 2026, what kinds of opportunities will investors face?

• Metros: Target families, students, and young professionals in search of treats that will make them smile.
• Rising disposable income and the desire for branded experiences are driving factors in Tier-2 cities. With less competition compared to metros, Lickees' business has a good chance of dominating here.
• Places like food courts, malls, and multiplexes are ideal settings for small-format retailers and kiosks.
• Swiggy and Zomato's partnership expands the brand's reach beyond traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants in delivery-first markets.

What Do Investors Need to Know About Lickees Franchise?

Who would be a perfect fit for a Lickees ice cream franchise?

• An initial investment of ₹15–20 lakhs from first-time franchisees.
• Food and beverage investors seeking a high-end dessert style that can be easily scaled.
• Entrepreneurs in secondary or tertiary cities who are interested in peddling a nationally popular brand?
• Portfolio investors want to expand their holdings beyond quick-service restaurants, cafes, and bakeries...

Be wary if you're an extremely conservative investor who wants to put their money into tried-and-true brands with a revenue guarantee.

In conclusion, is this a sweet spot or merely a sugar rush?

With its creative products, Shark Tank validation, and a franchise-first expansion approach, Lickees Ice Cream has all the makings of a modern food and beverage breakout brand.

Investors should view it as a well-considered risk with substantial potential rewards. Brand positioning in the expanding luxury dessert industry makes it worth serious attention, despite constraints like pricing and competition.

If buzz was the buzzword in 2025, Lickees might finally make its mark on India's retail scene in 2026. This franchise might be a great investment for the correct person.

A franchise consultant may assist with return on investment (ROI) modelling, site selection, and brand negotiations if you are looking at food and beverage prospects and want to determine if a Lickees Ice Cream franchise is a good fit for your financial objectives. 

Get in touch with Franchisebazar, the top franchise development consultancy in India, for individualised advice on food and beverage franchises, including ice cream franchises.

FAQs

In India, how much does it cost to open a Lickees Ice Cream franchise?

Depending on factors such as store size, location, and interior arrangement, the projected investment for a Lickees Ice Cream franchise might range from approximately ₹15–20 lakhs. This places it in the middle ground, between budget-friendly worldwide names like Baskin-Robbins and mass-market brands like Amul.

How did Lickees ice cream become so popular in India?

With a focus on vegan alternatives, Instagrammable treats, and 100% real fruit popsicles, Lickees rose to national prominence following their appearance on Shark Tank India. Its surge in Google Trends searches indicates a growing interest from consumers and a need for franchises.

How lucrative is the Lickees business model?

With ice cream gross margins ranging from 65 to 70 percent, it is possible to turn a profit with a Lickees franchise. With a shop in a high-traffic area and prices that match the market, you should expect to break even in around a year to eighteen months.

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.