How To Start An Ice Cream Parlor In India in 2023 – All You Need To Know

Ice Cream Parlor display

India is a land of tropical weather; with summers being the longest weather in the country. Thus, in niche food businesses, the Ice Cream business seems to be the most lucrative. Over the last couple of years, the ice cream business has seen some rapid innovation. Earlier roadside carts were common among the people and were frequented by mostly children and youngsters. Nowadays, the concept of ice cream parlors is fast gaining popularity, where people can enjoy ice cream at leisure.

The reason behind this changing trend is clear – one is the increasing disposable income of the middle-class family, and secondly, the Western culture is influencing consumer habits. These macro and microeconomic factors make the ice cream business more viable and profitable in present times.

In this particular article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to start your ice cream business in India. Unlike other formats, the market is very niche for this particular product and format. However, if done carefully and getting a few things right, you can make your ice cream business a runaway success.

1. How To Open An Ice Cream Parlor Business In India in 2023

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to open an ice cream business in India.

i) Deciding The Format

In the present time, there are a lot of ice-cream parlor formats from cold stone, Ice cream rolls, ice cream cakes, Nitrogen ice cream, live ice cream counters, and pre-packed ice cream counters there are endless. So, the first step in starting with your ice cream business plan is to decide which type of ice cream parlor you want to open.

Ice Cream Delivery- Food delivery has become quite a rage these days, and can also be a profitable business model for ice cream parlors if done smartly. Ensure that you provide your delivery boy with ice boxes equipped with dry ice. This would keep the ice cream chilled and solid for a decent amount of time, and prevent spoiling. You can get three layers of dry ice for a meager Rs 30 per day.

ii) Investments & Area Required To Open An Ice Cream Parlor

On average, an ice cream business requires a 400-500 sq ft carpet area shop or a small food truck that has the necessary arrangements for refrigeration. In both cases, the average investment required is between Rs 5 lakhs and 10 lakhs depending upon the ambiance and sitting area you want to create. High-end ice cream parlors can require an investment of up to 15 lahks. Apart from that, one has to look for a market or catchment area where there is high footfall and people are ready to splurge.

iii) Deciding The Location Of The Ice Cream Parlor

Eating ice cream is not a necessity unlike other forms of food, but it is more fun and fashionable in the crowd. So, proper market research should be done before choosing the location. An Ice cream truck being a movable property can experiment in different areas before finalizing the location.

To open an ice cream parlor, the availability of parking space is crucial. Purchasing ice cream is usually an impulse decision by customers; therefore, the ice cream parlor should be easily accessible and have ample parking space. Look for a location near businesses, such as markets, children’s clothing/toy stores or family restaurants.

iv) Procurement Of Store Types Of Equipment For The Menu 

Once the format and location are finalized, list down the number of items you want to sell at your store. Then compare it with competition around and keep the pricing low initially to penetrate the market and distribute free samples. Based on the menu, decide what all kitchen equipment you want to procure and then divide the list into two parts one with items which you want to buy new and the other with the ones which you can acquire as used or old.

v) List Of Equipment Required To Open An Ice Cream Parlor

For a Cold Stone ice cream parlor, the list of equipment  (With a rough estimation )

  • Cold stone refrigerator (Rs 2-2.5 lakhs)
  • Chest Refrigerator with a capacity of 500L (Rs 40,000)
  • Storage cupboards and utensils (Rs 30,000)
  • Raw materials including packaging (Rs 1-1.5 lakhs)
  • Miscellaneous (Rs 50,000).

For an ice cream parlor, power backup is indispensable, as the prime way wastage in an ice cream parlor happens when the ice cream melts. A good refrigerator can preserve the ice cream for a good two hours, but if there is a power outage for more extended hours, then you are in trouble. Therefore, remember to invest in an excellent noiseless generator. You can get this under Rs 1 lakh.

vi) Staff Required For An Ice Cream Business In India

In this particular format, the number of employees required is much less as you need three people including a cashier to serve or to make a specific flavor of the ice cream. One of the uniqueness of this format is that you don’t need a proper Chef or bartender whose salaries are way too high.

Anybody can learn how to make a particular style of ice cream with little training, so no skilled labor is required. The salary in this format may lie between Rs 30-40k depending upon the soft skills of the employees. You could use your restaurant POS to monitor your staff’s performance and keep track of their growth to ensure you increase your ice cream sales in the long run.

vii) Maintaining Consistency In Ice Cream Parlor Business

One thing that you must ensure when you open an ice cream business is maintaining consistency in taste. Whether you have one ice cream parlor or a chain of outlets, you must provide the same flavor, quality, and quantity in the ice cream portion that you sell.

Standardization of recipes is a must in ice cream parlors. If you have multiple outlets, then you must make efficient use of Central Kitchen Management, which ensures easy distribution of your products from the base kitchen to different outlets. Use a specific Point of Sales software that includes this feature, and also helps you manage your inventory apart from the regular billing operations.

viii) Licensing & Paperwork Needed To Open An Ice Cream Parlor

Since ice cream comes under the food category, so all the licenses required are quite similar to that of a QSR – Shop establishment licenses, FSSAI licenses, Local Municipal Authority license and Fire license.

In all of this, an expense of Rs 50,000 is incurred. It is always advisable to take the help of a consultancy to get all the required licenses. Since it is a very time-consuming process you can concentrate on other areas of business.

Since ice cream is usually consumed as a dessert item, the prime time of ice cream sales is 9 PM onwards. Therefore, get the license to keep your ice cream parlor open till at least 1 AM for late-night operations.

Here is a detailed guide on the restaurant licenses needed to open a food business in India and the steps to procuring them.

Download Restaurant Licenses E-book

Lastly, executing the ice cream business plan completely depends on the unique flavors you sell, the right pricing, and the high-footfall market. Hence, if you have the right ice cream business plan, and implement the above-mentioned points diligently, then you can be certain to have an overflowing cash register.

2. How much profit margin is ideal for keeping in my ice cream business? 

The ideal profit margin to be set in ice cream is somewhere between 30% to 40%, but it is also dependent on your market. Suppose you have created your own brand, manufacturing and selling ice creams under this brand. In that case, you will need to determine the profit margin after calculating making costs and other allied expenses. The selling price of your ice creams also depends on several other factors. Location plays a vital role in boosting the profits of your ice cream business.

The location also plays a vital role in boosting your profits. The profit margin for franchise owners, that is, if you have taken a franchise to sell ice creams of another brand, can be a bit low as a certain percentage of the total sale amount is to be given to the main ice cream factory. 

3. Do I need to create a business plan for my ice cream parlor business? 

There is more competition in the ice cream business market than you can imagine. Not every brand or upcoming ice cream business may dominate the market share, but it is very easy to find ice cream-focused brands, fast food chains that are serving the dessert, and individual sellers. Different customers are looking for different things in an ice cream parlor. Some want the classic version without experimental flavors or new fads like nitrogen. While some customers may want a more specialized experience. Irrespective of the ongoing trends, a business plan for your ice cream parlor businesses is super important to help you define the kind of establishment you want to build and the genre you are looking at, keeping your target audience in mind, location, and other key logistics.

4. How to deliver ice creams locally?

Delivering ice cream is a way more significant challenge than delivering any other food item. The packaging is of supreme importance when it comes to ice cream delivery, be it at a distance that is 5 or 25 minutes away. Use effective insulated packaging to protect your delivery against heat or other temperature variations. Using dry ice to keep the ice cream frozen is a common practice, or consider using gel packs for additional protection.

Inputs are taken from Hemant Jain, MD, Goosebumps Ice Cream, on how to open an ice cream parlor.

Rating: 4.3/5. From 75 votes.
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Daniel McCarthy is a seasoned restaurant consultant and serves as the Communication Manager at Restroworks, a prominent F&B SaaS company. Drawing from his vast knowledge of leveraging innovative technological solutions, Daniel excels at enhancing restaurant operations and revenue, thereby contributing to the ongoing transformation of the industry.

60 COMMENTS

  1. Hi everyone,
    i am from a village of maharashtra. there is not any ice cream selling shoppy in my village. Population is about 8000.
    i am basically farmer so i am thinking about ice cream shop as a side business With small risk. So i request you to please guide me about all that. I dont know ABCD of that business.

  2. Hi,
    I already have an ice cream manufacturing company running from past 20 years. I want to expand and improve my business by manufacturing more new flavors as the market is very competitive. Please suggest me where and how can i get trained by new flavors to improve my business. Thanks in advance.

    • Hi I’m an italian gelato maker expert in research and development in the ice cream field, if you’d like some advice you can get in touch at {…Redacted..} and also meet my agent in India.

      • Dear LUCA,
        Glad to read your message. Very much interested in getting your advice as our group of institutions is willing to venture into this ice cream business
        Please do reply
        If your agent is willing to visit me at Pondicherry it would be nice
        with regards

        Kathiravan T
        Project Manager
        Achariya group of Institutions
        Pondicherry
        {…Redacted..}

  3. sir, i wanted to open a nitrogen ice cream parlor in my hometown. I don’t need a franchise, I want to make my own brand. can you please help me.
    my mail id is {…Redacted..}

      • Dear Anil,
        Happy to read your success in ice cream busi
        Good that you are willing to help

        I am in Pondicherry, would like to venture into this business
        Need your details

        Kathiravan T
        {…Redacted..}

  4. Hello sir

    I am based in Delhi and want to start an ice cream parlour and my budget is very small about 2.5 -3 lacks max.

    Needs your guidance

    Thanks

    • If u want to open new icecream parolur..then contac me as we have all the assesorue like de freezer and live ice cream machine and other assessories also…feel free to contact and if really want to open…con no {…Redacted..}

      • Rimpal- can you please confirm from which state or city you are from ?
        let me know anyone from Bangalore who is ready to train & supply all the required goods for ice cream roll business, If Yes, please call me @ {…Redacted..}

  5. I have a small shop 10X10 ft in Ratlam (MP) and i want to open ice cream shop .Pls suggest me how i can open the shop and from which brand ,expenditure ,leasing etc.

  6. Hi, I am Mahesh, I want to open a ice cream manufacturing unit and i am new to this business, Could you please help me. my mail id is {…Redacted..} and my mobile no. {…Redacted..}

  7. Hi, I am Anant. I want to open a small ice cream kisok in a mall at my home town space area 50square feet.kindly suggest.

  8. Hi

    I am based in the UK and looking to open an ice creme parlour in India.

    We are looking for suitable partner. We do not need finance (we have this already), we need someone with like minded vision where we can build a brand or build upon a established business and scale up/expand in nearby cities.

    Hopefully we can talk to someone that wants to join my interest.

    About me : I am 37 and semi-retired, married with 4 lovely kids and enjoy football, cricket and swimming. I am ex Project Manager, and for the past 9 years built a successful electronics business that has enabled me to semi-retire and allowed to spend large amounts time with my family and friends.

    Anyhow, maybe someone shares the same interest in my next venture can partner us. I can be contacted via facetime (Apple users only) using my number or email.

    E:mail {…Redacted..}
    Mobile: {…Redacted..}
    As I live in London, UK you may have to drop the 0 in the number and add the international dial code.

    • Hi

      I am Neeru Kainth lives in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Like wise I have also come from a corporate world and worked 12years in a UK based company here in India as an Operations Manager- International Business. But now I have quit my job and is interested in opening an ice cream parlour here in India. I have also shortlisted the place where I need to set this up. Not sure if you this opportunity is still open. Incase you are still looking for a partner in this business then you can always contact me on email at {…redacted…} or whtsapp/call me {…redacted…}. Rest you can check my profile on linkedin as well.

  9. I have a space of around 1000 sq carpet area at a not very busy area, but some 1 kilometer away from an IT park near Kochi. I am interested to open an Ice Cream parlor there. Any offer or suggestion?

  10. Sir

    This is Mr Satish i want to start a business of ice cream parlour i have a 150 sq ft area in my hometown but i dont know anything regarding this business Please suggest me expenditure,lease etc
    either it is profitable by home made or branded items?

  11. i am looking an investor for 2000 sq. feet chocolates ice cream parlor in north Cyprus interested parties please email for more information

  12. To all whio wish to open a small or medium sized parlour. contact me on folling:
    {…Redacted..}.com or call me .
    {…Redacted..}

    we allready produce our own gelato in Goa and looking for further outlets . in south and north india.

    we allso are looking for a Business Partner.

    • I am also planning to open new ice cream parlor and I am from Karnataka can you please guide me my contact number is {…Redacted..} and mail id {… redacted …}

  13. We’re looking for business partners in Ice Cream Production. Both Investors.
    we’re based in Nigeria. And Ice Cream Business has a high ROI. With low competitors in the market. It’s still untouched. Reach us with the contact below for more information: {…Redacted…}
    We need Business oriented individuals. Thanks

  14. I am interested to start Cafe Parlor with Hot and Cold Beverages, Icecream and famous fast food at Surat or Mumbai.

    We have experience for the same and manufacturing different varieties of Pre-mixes but we need partner who have space 200 sq. Feet at good location.

    Kindly contact {…Redacted..}

  15. A very well-knit article. This will come in handy for all those who are planning to start an ice cream parlor in India. As per my experience, one of the most crucial things that can make or break this business is getting the right equipment in place, hence give due importance and get the best ones on board and see your business flourish! 🙂

  16. It’s always better to avoid high competition from other ice cream parlors in your area. It is very important to know about the market before going ahead, it is very important to have a good knowledge of the market. Getting ideas from their price quotes, varieties of ice creams served, other services provided such as home delivery options etc can help you to create your business plan accordingly. The article is quite well written and comprehensive

  17. great article on how to start an ice-cream parlor in india. its a great business opportunity, since the ice cream shop startup costs are not very high and the profit margin can go up to 60%.

  18. Opening an ice cream parlor is an excellent idea for someone who has a limited space available since ice cream parlors generally have a takeaway layout.
    Also, I would like to bust a myth around ice cream parlors, people usually think that during winters they face huge losses but I have seen certain ice cream parlor owners serving waffles, cakes, etc. during winters.
    Hope this helps!

  19. Hi,

    I already own and run a successful ice cream manufacturing and sales business in Trichy, Tamil Nadu .

    I am looking to expand and hence in the market for a suitable partnership.

    If you are genuinely interested please reply and we can proceed from there.

    Thanks and best regards.

  20. Hi , I lives in Agra n Agra is a hub of tourist . So I m planning to open a ice cream parlour near to red fort Agra . So anyone quide me help me to open an ice parlour..I m waiting for ur response….

  21. Hi.
    I’m from Ladakh. I have a shop in the main market and I want to install a ice cream parlour it. I want the best out of best machine so as materials as Ladakh is full of tourist in summer.
    I want a man also to run it as I’m ready to invest by myself. If you have a investor, then i am even ready to make a partnership.

    Regards from Ladakh
    {… redacted …}

  22. sir, i want to open a nitrogen ice cream parlor in my hometown. I don’t need a franchise, I want to make my own brand. can you please help me.
    my mail id is
    {… redacted …}
    Please call me {… redacted …} and please give me your contact number sir please

  23. Hi. Myself Varun and I want to open new ice cream parlour in pathankot, here many parlour of this and I am new in this, so if you and your team guide me to open new ice cream parlour in pathankot, so I will definitely to open this, kindly contact me asap.

  24. Hi Sir,
    I want to open ice cream parlour with my own brand. I want raw material suppliers who can teach me recipe as well.
    Please contact me if you can help.
    Regards
    Jitendra
    {…Redacted…}

  25. Sir i required to open own ice cream parlour in pune at bhugaon.

    I have my own shop 168 sqft. Pls suggest for how to start up for ice cream parlour.

  26. Hi, I am from Mumbai. I am planning to start an ice cream parlor for which I need guidance as it is all new to me. Please reply me.

  27. Hello sir

    I am based in Maharashtra and want to start an ice cream parlour and my budget is very small about 2.5 -3 lacks max.

    Needs your guidance

    Thanks

  28. Hi,
    I want to open new ice cream parlor business with my own brand. I want to learn all the aspect of ice cream manufacture(recipe, raw material, etc..).

    Please contact me if you and your team can guide and help.

    Regards
    Tasneem

  29. I have a unique idea for the starting a ice cream store. I would like to discuss on the feasibility of it. Please share the email address.

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