Your Ultimate Guide to Starting an Ice Cream Franchise in India

Ever found yourself staring into the freezer at midnight, thinking, "I could totally sell this stuff"? Well, you might be onto something! 

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The ice cream scene in India is blowing up, and it's not just a summer fling anymore! It's a year-round love affair. 

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Seriously, the Indian ice cream market is projected to skyrocket to a whopping ₹1,078.0 billion by 2033. 

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If you're looking to dive into the business world, investing in an ice cream franchise could be your golden ticket. 

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We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from the hottest brands to the nitty-gritty of getting started.

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Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises in India

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Ready to find your perfect match? Here’s a rundown of some of the top ice cream franchises in India, from old-school legends to new-age innovators. 

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1. Amul

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Amul is practically a member of every Indian family. It’s a brand built on trust and nostalgia. An Amul parlour is a safe and reliable bet, backed by immense brand loyalty. It's a great low-cost ice cream franchise to start your journey.

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• Key Products: Classic cups and cones, fruit-based ice creams, Rajbhog, Kesar Pista, sundaes, and family packs
• Investment Required: ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh
• Profit Margin: Around 20% on products

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2. Kwality Wall's

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With its iconic heart logo, Kwality Wall's is all about spreading happiness. Backed by Hindustan Unilever, this brand has a massive distribution network and strong marketing power. It's another fantastic low-cost ice cream franchise.

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• Key Products: Cornetto cones, Magnum bars, Feast bars, and a wide range of family packs
• Investment Required: ₹3 lakh – ₹5 lakh
• Profit Margin: Can go up to 30% on some products

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3. Vadilal

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With a legacy spanning over a century, Vadilal is a household name in India. They offer a massive range of products, ensuring there's something for everyone. A Vadilal ice cream franchise connects you with a deeply trusted brand.

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• Key Products: Ice cream in unique flavours such as green tea and falooda 
• Investment Required: ₹5 lakh – ₹15 lakh
• Profit Margin: Between 10% – 20%

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4. Giani's Ice Cream

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A legend in North India since 1956, Giani's is famous for its traditional Indian desserts and rich ice creams. 

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They perfectly blend heritage with modern tastes, which makes them a hit across generations.

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• Key Products: Traditional Kulfi Faluda, a wide array of ice cream flavours, stone sundaes, and Indian sweets.
• Investment Required: ₹10 lakh – ₹15 lakh
• Profit Margin: A very attractive 30%–40%

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5. Baskin-Robbins

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Known for its "31 flavours" concept, Baskin-Robbins brought an international flair to the Indian ice cream scene. 

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This brand is all about innovation, constantly introducing new flavours, ice cream cakes, and desserts.

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• Key Products: International flavours like Mississippi Mud, ice cream cakes, sundaes, and waffle cones
• Investment Required: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh
• Profit Margin: Approximately 15%–20%

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6. Havmor

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Starting from a handcart in 1944, Havmor has grown into a beloved brand known for its rich, creamy ice creams made with real milk. With over 160 flavours, they offer a mix of classic and innovative options.

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• Key Products: Signature cones, ice cream sandwiches, kulfis, and ice cream cakes
• Investment Required: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh
• Profit Margin: Roughly 15%–18%

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7. Natural Ice Cream

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As the name suggests, this brand is famous for its ice creams made from real fruits, milk, and sugar, with no artificial stuff! Their commitment to fresh and natural ingredients has earned them a loyal following.

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• Key Products: Signature fruit flavours like Tender Coconut and Sitaphal, seasonal specialities, and milkshakes
• Investment Required: ₹12 lakh – ₹20 lakh
• Profit Margin: Approximately 20% – 25%

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8. Pabrai's Fresh & Naturelle Ice Cream

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Pabrai's is all about gourmet, 100% natural artisanal ice creams. They source the finest ingredients to create unique and exotic flavours for a discerning palate. Their Nolen Gur and Tender Coconut flavours are to die for, according to their fans! 

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• Key Products: Unique flavours like paan, sugar-free and vegan options and sorbets
• Investment Required: ₹15 lakh – ₹25 lakh
• Profit Margin: Approximately 25% – 30%

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9. Cream Stone Concepts

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Cream Stone revolutionised the ice cream experience in India with its "cold stone" concept. Customers can create their personalised ice cream masterpieces. It is an interactive and fun experience, especially for young people.

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• Key Products: Customisable ice cream creations with various mix-ins and thick shakes 
• Investment: ₹25 lakh – ₹40 lakh
• Profit Margin: Around 25% – 35%

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10. Keventers

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Famous for its iconic glass-bottled milkshakes, Keventers has successfully expanded into the ice cream space. This brand combines vintage charm with a modern vibe. 

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It is a huge hit with the younger crowd. This is a great ice cream franchise for those targeting a trendy audience.

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• Key Products: Classic and thick milkshakes, ice cream scoops, sundaes, and waffles.
• Investment Required: ₹20 lakh – ₹35 lakh
• Profit Margin: Roughly 20%–25%

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Key Things to Consider Before You Invest in an Ice Cream Franchise

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Jumping into an ice cream franchise is exciting, but you've got to do your homework first. Here are a few things to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

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• Brand Power: Go for a brand that people already recognise and trust. A strong brand name gives you a head start from day one.
• Supply Chain: Make sure the brand has a reliable system for delivering high-quality ingredients and products to your store on time.
• Profitability: Get a clear picture of the ice cream franchise's profit margin and how long it might take to see a return on your investment. 

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Getting Your Paperwork for an Ice Cream Franchise 

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Running a business means dealing with some paperwork. To operate your ice cream franchise legally, you will need to sort out a few things.

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The most crucial step is to carefully review the franchise agreement with a lawyer. Beyond that, the primary license required for an ice cream business includes an FSSAI license (since you're in the food industry), GST registration, a trade license under the Shop and Establishment Act and a fire safety certificate.

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Wrapping It Up

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The ice cream franchise market in India is full of opportunities. Whether you choose a brand with a long history or an innovative concept, you will enter a rewarding and delicious industry. 

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By creating a fantastic customer experience and running a tight ship, you can scoop up your share of success because you're selling moments of joy!

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Frequently Asked Questions 

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1. What is the minimum investment required to start an ice cream franchise in India? 

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The investment required for an ice cream franchise can be as low as ₹2-6 lakh for a low-cost ice cream franchise like Amul or Kwality Wall’s, and can go up to ₹40 lakh for premium brands like Cream Stone.

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2. Do I need prior experience in the food business? 

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Not necessarily! While it helps, most franchisors provide comprehensive training and support to their partners, so you’ll learn everything you need to know.

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3. What is the average ice cream franchise profit margin? 

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The ice cream franchise's profit margin typically ranges from 15% to 40%, depending on the location and operational efficiency.

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4. What is the most important license required for an ice cream business? 

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The FSSAI license is the most critical one, as it’s mandatory for any food business in India. You'll also need GST registration, a trade license, and a fire safety certificate.

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5. How critical is the location for an ice cream franchise? 

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Location is very critical! The best locations are high-traffic areas like malls, busy markets, residential hubs, and areas near schools or colleges where customers can easily find and access your parlour.

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