Ice-cream consumption has risen by 11.7% in Spain, exceeding 151 million litres

Ice-cream consumption in Spanish households continues to reflect a positive trend. Between June 2025 and May 2026, households purchased 151.97 million litres of ice cream, an increase of 11.7% compared with the same period the previous year, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The market value reached 762.68 million euros, up 16.3%, whilst the average price stood at 5.02 euros per litre.

On a per capita basis, each resident in Spain consumed an average of 3.23 litres of ice-cream and spent 16.2 euros on its purchase. Consumption per person rose by 11.2% and average spending by 15.7%.

Demand peaks in spring and summer

This concentration is also evident in monthly consumption per person. In July, each resident consumes an average of 0.65 litres, while in August this figure falls to 0.56 litres. During the winter months, monthly consumption falls to between 0.06 and 0.09 litres per person.

Out-of-home consumption is on the rise

According to the same report, 31.24 million kilos or litres were consumed, 5.2% more than in 2024. On average, each person eats ice cream outside the home about seven times a year, mainly during the second and third quarters.

Eating out is the most popular option (61.3%) for consuming it, followed by eating it on the street, at 18.6%. When it comes to favourite times of day, afternoon tea (31.8%) and lunch (30.5%) stand out, followed by dinner (15.9%) and consuming after dinner (10.1%). Furthermore, ice-cream has a strong social aspect: on one in every two occasions, it is shared with the family.

BICA is bringing together Madrid’s artisan ice-cream makers

Against this backdrop of growing consumption, Bakery & Ice Cream Attraction (BICA) will be focusing on the development and opportunities within the artisan ice cream sector. The new trade fair, which is taking place from 16 to 18 February 2027 at IFEMA MADRID, will be bringing together ice-cream makers, pastry chefs, manufacturers, distributors and other professionals working in the sector.

The exhibition will feature a programme specifically dedicated to ice-cream, including the official launch of the ‘Arte Heladero Guide to Spain’s Best Ice Cream Parlours 2027–2028’, and Ice Cream of the Year 2027, an initiative promoted by the National Association of Artisan Ice Cream Makers (Anhcea) which will highlight creativity and technical innovation in the field of ice-cream.

One of the main attractions will be Taste the Winners, a showcase where trade visitors will be able to discover and sample some of the sector’s award-winning and acclaimed creations. The speakers confirmed to date for the ice-cream conference are Migue Señoris (Gelática Ice Concept, Valencia) and Albert Soler (Can Soler). Badalona), Pol Marginedas (Esneu, Novelda), Mario Masiá (Masiá, San Vicent del Raspeig) and Albert Roca (El Gelat, Barcelona).

Through this programme, BICA aims to become a meeting point for the artisan and professional ice-cream industry, fostering exchange between the various players in the supply chain and introducing visitors to the trends, techniques, products and business models that are transforming the sector.

Photo caption: Photo courtesy of Albert Roca, participating chef in the Taste the Winners programme. Copyright: Xavi Olmo.