Kerala’s ice cream market, valued at ₹1,000 crore in 2024, thrives on local brands that dominate 80% of sales. Here’s a curated list of Kerala’s top ice cream brands, combining tradition, innovation, and regional popularity:
1. Camerry Ice Cream
- Key Fact: Known for its “heavenly scoops” made with real fruits, fresh milk, and natural flavors. The brand emphasizes freshness and taste, positioning itself as a premium choice for health-conscious consumers.
- Unique Offering: Signature flavors like Tender Coconut and Jackfruit highlight Kerala’s tropical produce.
2. Milma Ice Cream
- Key Fact: Produced by the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF), Milma offers 13 flavors and saw a 22% sales surge in 2024 due to its affordability and regional trust.
- Sustainability: Supports local dairy farmers and uses ethically sourced milk.
3. Pappai (Fruto)
- Key Fact: A subsidiary of Rime Rich Foods, Pappai’s Fruto line uses 100% real fruit pulp and European technology to produce 1 lakh+ liters daily. Flavors like Passion Fruit and Blue Berry cater to adventurous palates.
- Market Reach: Exports to the Middle East and serves over 1 crore customers in South India.
4. Falcon Ice Creams
- Key Fact: Kerala’s fastest-growing brand (ISO 22000-certified) focuses on customer-centric practices and hygiene. Started as a distributor, it now produces popular flavors like Mango Mastani.
- Production: Operates from Thiruvananthapuram with a focus on tamper-proof packaging.
5. Meriiboy Ice Cream (Supreme Food Industries)
- Key Fact: A pioneer since 1990, Meriiboy is famed for ice creams in real fruit shells (e.g., coconut, pineapple). Collaborates with Danish consultants for quality assurance.
- Innovation: Introduced milk lollies and fresh fruit ice creams.
6. Vesta Ice Cream (KSE Limited)
- Key Fact: Renowned for creamy textures and flavors crafted with “pure love.” Uses finest ingredients to deliver smiles, per its motto. Popular in Thrissur and Ernakulam.
- Specialty: Kesar Pista and Dark Chocolate flavors.
7. Lazza Ice Cream
- Key Fact: A legacy brand since 1972 with 28 factories across South India. Known for its overseas operations in the Middle East and Africa.
- Capacity: Among India’s top 5 producers by volume.
8. Boogies Ice Cream
- Key Fact: Specializes in hand-packed quarts and event catering. Flavors like Real Chocolate and Vanilla Excellence are crowd favorites in Kattappana.
- Ethos: Focuses on creating “wonderful memories” through ice cream parties.
9. Uncle John Ice Cream
- Key Fact: A household name in Padoor, Uncle John offers nostalgic flavors like Rose Magic and Badam Carnival. Operates through a network of local retailers.
- Legacy: Family-run business with over 40 years in Kerala.
10. Kiwi Ice Cream
- Key Fact: Distributed by Inspire Distributors, Kiwi is a budget-friendly brand with flavors like Fruit Blast and Choco Chips. Targets both urban and rural markets.
- Accessibility: Available in wholesale and retail across Trivandrum.
Market Insights:
- Local Dominance: Over 80 regional brands operate in Kerala, with ₹800 crore of sales attributed to local players.
- Top Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Butterscotch lead, followed by Tender Coconut.
- Growth Drivers: Severe summers, expanding cold chains, and premiumization of flavors.
