South Africa Frozen Dessert Market

ID: MRFR/F-B & N/47077-HCR

128 Pages

Garvit Vyas

September 2025

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Research Report By Product Type (Ice Cream, Yogurts, Cakes, Others), By Category (Conventional, Sugar-Free) and By Application (Store-Based, Non-Store Based) - Forecast to 2035.

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Research Report — Forecast till 2035 Infographic

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Table of Contents

1. Market Overview

2. Market Trends

3. Market Segment Insights

4. Key Players and Competitive Insights

5. Industry Developments

6. Market Segmentation

7. Report Scope

8. Market Highlights

9. FAQs

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South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Summary

The South Africa Frozen Dessert market is projected to grow significantly from 2.5 USD Billion in 2024 to 5.5 USD Billion by 2035.

Key Market Trends & Highlights

South Africa Frozen Dessert Key Trends and Highlights

The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.43 percent from 2025 to 2035.
By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 5.5 USD Billion, indicating robust growth potential.
In 2024, the market is valued at 2.5 USD Billion, reflecting a solid foundation for future expansion.
Growing adoption of innovative flavors and healthier options due to changing consumer preferences is a major market driver.

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market

CAGR

7.43%

Market Size & Forecast

2024 Market Size	2.5 (USD Billion)
2035 Market Size	5.5 (USD Billion)
CAGR (2025-2035)	7.43%
Largest Regional Market Share in 2024	latin_america)

Major Players

Noble Ice Cream, Nestle, Ice Cream Delights, Clover, Ola, Dairy Maid, Pinnacle Foods, Unilever, Shoprite, General Mills, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Cremalat

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Trends

The South Africa frozen dessert market is reflecting notable shifts owing to changes in the preferences of consumers along with changes in the demographics. More health conscious consumers and frozen dessert buyers are seeking newer and healthier options with natural ingredients, lower or no sugar, and plant-based substitutes. This change is driven by the increased awareness of healthy eating and growing trends of veganism among South Africans. Local manufacturers are competing in this space by developing sorbets, dairy-free frozen desserts, and other ice creams and yogurts with local ingredients that meet these demands.

Moreover, more people migrating towards urban areas in South Africa is altering the perception of frozen desserts as balanced diets and busy lifestyles increase the need for effortless and self-indulgent snacks and meals.

Opportunities to be explored include reaching new customers through the expansion into e-commerce channels, which facilitate online shopping, a sector that has grown recently. Additionally, the tourism industry in South Africa is recovering, creating opportunities for local flavor frozen desserts with local branding that will attract tourists and locals alike. In addition, many brands are launching seasonal offerings and limited-edition flavors to sustain interest and excitement among consumers. The approaches to reduction of harmful practices in production and packaging also serves as a market driver, since consumers who buy products tend to prefer brands that are committed to sustainable practices.

All in all, these developments indicate an adaptive entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa, where innovation mixed with convenience creates a new level of health consciousness and frozen desserts.

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Drivers

Market Segment Insights

Frozen Dessert Market Product Type Insights

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market showcases a diverse range of products categorized under the Product Type segment, primarily encompassing Ice Cream, Yogurts, Cakes, and Others. This segmentation plays a critical role in the overall market landscape, reflecting changing consumer preferences and emerging trends. Ice Cream holds a significant share due to its traditional popularity and innovative flavors that attract a broad demographic, making it a staple in many households across South Africa. The rise of premium and artisanal ice cream brands has contributed to its demand, reflecting a shift toward quality and unique experiences.

Yogurts, on the other hand, have gained traction as a healthier dessert alternative, capitalizing on the growing health consciousness among South African consumers. These products offer nutritional benefits and are often marketed as low-fat or probiotic options, appealing to those seeking guilt-free indulgence. Cakes, while a traditional favorite, face competition from the other segments; however, they maintain relevance during special occasions and celebrations. The diversity in cake flavors and types, including gluten-free and vegan options, caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Meanwhile, the Others category encompasses a variety of frozen desserts, including sorbets and frozen yogurts, which continue to capture interest due to their refreshing nature and unique flavor profiles.

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market segmentation also reflects broader market dynamics influenced by factors such as evolving taste preferences, seasonal trends, and the increasing availability of diverse frozen products. Market growth is further propelled by the rising disposable income of consumers, enabling them to explore different product types. Additionally, changing lifestyles and the growing trend of on-the-go snacking support the growth of portable frozen dessert options. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and the need for constant innovation pose risks to market stakeholders.

Frozen Dessert Market Category Insights

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market is evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences and health-conscious trends. Within this market, the segmentation primarily consists of Conventional and Sugar-Free categories. The Conventional segment has traditionally dominated due to its familiar taste and wide-ranging flavors that appeal to diverse demographics, with consumers seeking indulgent treats. In contrast, the Sugar-Free segment has gained notable traction as health awareness rises, catering to a growing audience focused on reducing sugar intake without sacrificing the enjoyment of frozen desserts.

This shift is largely influenced by increasing dietary concerns stemming from lifestyle choices in South Africa, prompting manufacturers to innovate and offer options that align with the health-focused consumer behavior. The growing demand for Sugar-Free products indicates a significant opportunity for brands to expand their offerings and cater to this changing market landscape, enhancing their reach to health-conscious consumers. Overall, the segmentation within the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market highlights an important balance between indulgence and health, reflecting broader global trends.

Frozen Dessert Market Application Insights

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market is seeing significant growth driven by increasing consumer preference for convenience and indulgence. In this market, the Application segment is crucial, characterized by its division into Store-Based and Non-Store Based channels. Store-Based distribution, including supermarkets and convenience stores, plays a pivotal role, capturing a significant share of the market due to the extensive reach and the ability for consumers to physically evaluate products before purchase.

On the other hand, Non-Store Based channels, such as online retail and food delivery services, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger consumers who favor the convenience and variety offered by digital platforms.

This shift towards online shopping is supported by the growth of e-commerce in South Africa, where the digital landscape is rapidly evolving. Additionally, the rising trend of sharing experiences and social media influence is encouraging consumers to seek out unique and indulgent frozen dessert offerings. As such, both Store-Based and Non-Store Based channels are important components of the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market segmentation, presenting distinct opportunities for growth and engagement in a competitive landscape.

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Regional Insights

Key Players and Competitive Insights

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, offering a variety of options to satisfy the diverse palate of consumers. This dynamic market is characterized by the presence of numerous local and international players, each competing for market share by innovating flavors, improving product quality, and enhancing distribution channels. The rise in disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences towards convenient and indulgent food items have further fueled the demand for frozen desserts in the region.

Furthermore, the emergence of health-conscious trends has led to the development of low-fat, vegan, and organic frozen dessert options, bringing additional opportunities and challenges for companies operating in this market. As competition intensifies, brands are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and unique branding strategies to carve out a niche and attract loyal customers.

Noble Ice Cream has established a strong presence within the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market. Known for its high-quality, artisanal frozen desserts, the company emphasizes natural ingredients and unique flavor combinations, appealing to a niche segment of health-conscious and discerning consumers. Noble Ice Cream has built a loyal customer base through effective branding and a commitment to quality, setting itself apart from mass-market offerings. The company leverages social media and local partnerships to enhance its visibility and engagement with consumers.

Its strengths include a robust product development focus, allowing for seasonal and innovative flavors, and a strong emphasis on local sourcing, which resonates well with the increasing demand for sustainable practices among consumers in South Africa.

Nestle, on the other hand, holds a dominant position in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market with a broad portfolio of well-known ice cream brands and related frozen products. The company has strategically positioned itself to cater to various customer preferences through its extensive range of offerings, including premium ice creams, affordable family-sized products, and children's treats. Nestle's strengths lie in its extensive distribution network, which enables widespread availability across supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail channels.

The company has made significant investments in marketing campaigns tailored to the South African market, focusing on promotional tactics that resonate with local consumers. Nestle has also engaged in mergers and acquisitions to enhance its product offerings and market presence, which allows them to quickly adapt to shifts in consumer demands. Through continuous innovation and the introduction of new flavors and product lines, Nestle remains a key player in the frozen dessert segment, maintaining strong brand loyalty while navigating the competitive landscape of South Africa's frozen dessert market.

Key Companies in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market market include

Industry Developments

Market Segmentation

Frozen Dessert Market Category Outlook

Store-Based

Frozen Dessert Market Application Outlook

Store-Based
Non-Store Based

Frozen Dessert Market Product Type Outlook

Conventional

Report Scope

Report Attribute/Metric	Details
Market Size 2023	2.17(USD Billion)
Market Size 2024	2.5(USD Billion)
Market Size 2035	5.5(USD Billion)
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	7.431% (2025 - 2035)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Base Year	2024
Market Forecast Period	2025 - 2035
Historical Data	2019 - 2024
Market Forecast Units	USD Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Noble Ice Cream, Nestle, Ice Cream Delights, Clover, Ola, Dairy Maid, Pinnacle Foods, Unilever, Shoprite, General Mills, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Cremalat
Segments Covered	Product Type, Category, Application
Key Market Opportunities	Health-conscious dessert options, Innovative plant-based alternatives, Premium artisanal frozen treats, Customized frozen dessert experiences, Seasonal and festive flavors
Key Market Dynamics	growing health consciousness, increasing disposable incomes, diverse flavor preferences, rise of premium products, expanding retail distribution channels
Countries Covered	South Africa

Market Highlights

Author

Garvit Vyas

Analyst

Explore the profile of Garvit Vyas, one of our esteemed authors at Market Research Future, and access their expert research contributions in the field of market research and industry analysis

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FAQs

What was the current market size of the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market in 2024?

The South Africa Frozen Dessert Market was valued at 2.5 billion USD in 2024.

What will the market size of the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market be by 2035?

By 2035, the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market is projected to reach a value of 5.5 billion USD.

What is the expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market from 2025 to 2035?

The expected CAGR for the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market from 2025 to 2035 is 7.431%.

Which product type has the largest market share in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market?

Ice Cream currently has the largest market share, valued at 1.0 billion USD in 2024.

What is the projected market value for Yogurts in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market by 2035?

The market value for Yogurts is expected to reach 1.6 billion USD by 2035.

Who are the key players in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market?

Major players include Noble Ice Cream, Nestle, Clover, and Unilever, among others.

What market value is projected for Cakes in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market in 2035?

The market for Cakes is anticipated to be valued at 1.2 billion USD by 2035.

What are the growth opportunities in the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market?

Growth opportunities lie in the expanding demand for innovative flavors and healthier options.

What was the market size for Other frozen desserts in 2024?

The Other frozen desserts segment was valued at 0.2 billion USD in 2024.

How have market dynamics changed for the South Africa Frozen Dessert Market recently?

Recent trends indicate a shift towards premium and artisanal products within the frozen dessert segment.

|- TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. Market Overview 1.2. Key Findings 1.3. Market Segmentation 1.4. Competitive Landscape 1.5. Challenges and Opportunities 1.6. Future Outlook 2. MARKET INTRODUCTION 2.1. Definition 2.2. Scope of the study 2.2.1. Research Objective 2.2.2. Assumption 2.2.3. Limitations 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1. Overview 3.2. Data Mining 3.3. Secondary Research 3.4. Primary Research 3.4.1. Primary Interviews and Information Gathering Process 3.4.2. Breakdown of Primary Respondents 3.5. Forecasting Model 3.6. Market Size Estimation 3.6.1. Bottom-Up Approach 3.6.2. Top-Down Approach 3.7. Data Triangulation 3.8. Validation 4. MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1. Overview 4.2. Drivers 4.3. Restraints 4.4. Opportunities 5. MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS 5.1. Value chain Analysis 5.2. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.2.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.2.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers 5.2.3. Threat of New Entrants 5.2.4. Threat of Substitutes 5.2.5. Intensity of Rivalry 5.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis 5.3.1. Market Impact Analysis 5.3.2. Regional Impact 5.3.3. Opportunity and Threat Analysis 6. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE (USD BILLION) 6.1. Ice Cream 6.2. Yogurts 6.3. Cakes 6.4. Others 7. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY CATEGORY (USD BILLION) 7.1. Conventional 7.2. Sugar-Free 8. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY APPLICATION (USD BILLION) 8.1. Store-Based 8.2. Non-Store Based 9. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 9.1. Overview 9.2. Competitive Analysis 9.3. Market share Analysis 9.4. Major Growth Strategy in the Frozen Dessert Market 9.5. Competitive Benchmarking 9.6. Leading Players in Terms of Number of Developments in the Frozen Dessert Market 9.7. Key developments and growth strategies 9.7.1. New Product Launch/Service Deployment 9.7.2. Merger & Acquisitions 9.7.3. Joint Ventures 9.8. Major Players Financial Matrix 9.8.1. Sales and Operating Income 9.8.2. Major Players R&D Expenditure. 2023 10. COMPANY PROFILES 10.1. Noble Ice Cream 10.1.1. Financial Overview 10.1.2. Products Offered 10.1.3. Key Developments 10.1.4. SWOT Analysis 10.1.5. Key Strategies 10.2. Nestle 10.2.1. Financial Overview 10.2.2. Products Offered 10.2.3. Key Developments 10.2.4. SWOT Analysis 10.2.5. Key Strategies 10.3. Ice Cream Delights 10.3.1. Financial Overview 10.3.2. Products Offered 10.3.3. Key Developments 10.3.4. SWOT Analysis 10.3.5. Key Strategies 10.4. Clover 10.4.1. Financial Overview 10.4.2. Products Offered 10.4.3. Key Developments 10.4.4. SWOT Analysis 10.4.5. Key Strategies 10.5. Ola 10.5.1. Financial Overview 10.5.2. Products Offered 10.5.3. Key Developments 10.5.4. SWOT Analysis 10.5.5. Key Strategies 10.6. Dairy Maid 10.6.1. Financial Overview 10.6.2. Products Offered 10.6.3. Key Developments 10.6.4. SWOT Analysis 10.6.5. Key Strategies 10.7. Pinnacle Foods 10.7.1. Financial Overview 10.7.2. Products Offered 10.7.3. Key Developments 10.7.4. SWOT Analysis 10.7.5. Key Strategies 10.8. Unilever 10.8.1. Financial Overview 10.8.2. Products Offered 10.8.3. Key Developments 10.8.4. SWOT Analysis 10.8.5. Key Strategies 10.9. Shoprite 10.9.1. Financial Overview 10.9.2. Products Offered 10.9.3. Key Developments 10.9.4. SWOT Analysis 10.9.5. Key Strategies 10.10. General Mills 10.10.1. Financial Overview 10.10.2. Products Offered 10.10.3. Key Developments 10.10.4. SWOT Analysis 10.10.5. Key Strategies 10.11. Pick n Pay 10.11.1. Financial Overview 10.11.2. Products Offered 10.11.3. Key Developments 10.11.4. SWOT Analysis 10.11.5. Key Strategies 10.12. Woolworths 10.12.1. Financial Overview 10.12.2. Products Offered 10.12.3. Key Developments 10.12.4. SWOT Analysis 10.12.5. Key Strategies 10.13. Cremalat 10.13.1. Financial Overview 10.13.2. Products Offered 10.13.3. Key Developments 10.13.4. SWOT Analysis 10.13.5. Key Strategies 11. APPENDIX 11.1. References 11.2. Related Reports LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. LIST OF ASSUMPTIONS TABLE 2. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PRODUCT TYPE, 2019-2035 (USD BILLIONS) TABLE 3. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY CATEGORY, 2019-2035 (USD BILLIONS) TABLE 4. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY APPLICATION, 2019-2035 (USD BILLIONS) TABLE 5. PRODUCT LAUNCH/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/APPROVAL TABLE 6. ACQUISITION/PARTNERSHIP LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. MARKET SYNOPSIS FIGURE 2. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE FIGURE 3. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET ANALYSIS BY CATEGORY FIGURE 4. SOUTH AFRICA FROZEN DESSERT MARKET ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION FIGURE 5. KEY BUYING CRITERIA OF FROZEN DESSERT MARKET FIGURE 6. RESEARCH PROCESS OF MRFR FIGURE 7. DRO ANALYSIS OF FROZEN DESSERT MARKET FIGURE 8. DRIVERS IMPACT ANALYSIS: FROZEN DESSERT MARKET FIGURE 9. RESTRAINTS IMPACT ANALYSIS: FROZEN DESSERT MARKET FIGURE 10. SUPPLY / VALUE CHAIN: FROZEN DESSERT MARKET FIGURE 11. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE, 2025 (% SHARE) FIGURE 12. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions) FIGURE 13. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY CATEGORY, 2025 (% SHARE) FIGURE 14. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY CATEGORY, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions) FIGURE 15. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY APPLICATION, 2025 (% SHARE) FIGURE 16. FROZEN DESSERT MARKET, BY APPLICATION, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions) FIGURE 17. BENCHMARKING OF MAJOR COMPETITORS

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Segmentation

Frozen Dessert Market By Product Type (USD Billion, 2019-2035)
- Ice Cream
- Yogurts
- Cakes
- Others

Frozen Dessert Market By Category (USD Billion, 2019-2035)
- Conventional
- Sugar-Free

Frozen Dessert Market By Application (USD Billion, 2019-2035)
- Store-Based
- Non-Store Based

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Customer Strories

“I am very pleased with how market segments have been defined in a relevant way for my purposes (such as "Portable Freezers & refrigerators" and "last-mile"). In general the report is well structured. Thanks very much for your efforts.”

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market

South Africa Frozen Dessert Market Research Report By Product Type (Ice Cream, Yogurts, Cakes, Others), By Category (Conventional, Sugar-Free) and By Application (Store-Based, Non-Store Based) - Forecast to 2035.