The global ice maker market value reached around USD 5.52 Billion in 2023. The thriving food and beverage industry significantly contributes to demand, particularly in restaurants, cafes, and bars that require a consistent supply of ice for beverages. Major chains like McDonald's and Starbucks rely heavily on commercial ice makers to meet customer needs for cold drinks and iced coffees. Additionally, the healthcare sector's increasing requirement for ice in applications such as cold therapy and transporting medical supplies further boosts market growth. As a result, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.90% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 to attain a value of USD 9.25 Billion by 2032. Innovations such as smart ice makers from brands like Whirlpool, which offer app connectivity for monitoring ice production, are attracting tech-savvy consumers, leading to further growth in the market.
Base Year
Historical Year
Forecast Year
An ice maker or ice generator is used in both the residential and commercial sectors for the generation of ice. This utility item involves the incorporation of various components, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, motors and heating elements, among others. The product is available in different sizes, ranging from small to large, based on the requirement of the consumer.
The growth of the ice maker market is being driven by the growing healthcare sector coupled with the increased government investment in the development of healthcare infrastructure. The ice cube maker segment, among other product types, dominates the market owing to the production of rhomboid cubes, which are widely used in various restaurants globally. The product finds extensive applications in the foodservice sector, which accounts for a significant market share. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increased consumer preference for eating-out at cafes, hotels, and restaurants, particularly the urban populace.
Value in USD Billion
2024-2032
Ice Maker Market Outlook
*this image is indicative*
Focus on energy-efficient designs in ice machines, integration of smart technology, and rising demand from the healthcare sector are the key trends propelling the market growth.
There is a significant focus on energy-efficient designs in ice machines. Manufacturers are adopting advanced refrigeration systems and environmentally friendly refrigerants to minimise energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. For instance, Hoshizaki is known for its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in ice machines. Their products often feature Energy Star ratings, indicating that they consume significantly less energy compared to standard models. Hoshizaki's continuous-type ice makers are approximately 16% more energy efficient, helping businesses reduce their electricity and water costs while minimising their carbon footprint. This trend of ice maker market aligns with broader sustainability goals across various industries, as businesses seek to lower operational costs while meeting regulatory standards for energy use and emissions. Additionally, some machines are equipped with sensors that detect when the ice bin is full, preventing overproduction and waste.
The integration of smart technology is revolutionising the market. Many modern ice machines now feature connectivity options that allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics via smartphone apps. This capability enables users to track ice production, receive maintenance alerts, and adjust settings from anywhere, enhancing operational efficiency and boosting the ice maker demand. For instance, Kooler Ice offers a the IceTalk™ remote monitoring system, enabling users to manage their ice vending machines from anywhere using a smartphone or computer. This system provides notifications for low ice levels, machine malfunctions, and even allows operators to vend ice remotely or reset the bill validator without needing to be physically present at the machine. Additionally, IceHouse America offers a SmartIce technology offers cloud-based remote access to ice machines, allowing operators to manage various aspects of their equipment from a smartphone or computer. Features include real-time alerts for operational issues, sales tracking, and the ability to control ice production remotely.
Countertop ice makers are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, compact size, and affordability. These machines are particularly appealing to consumers who need quick access to ice without the need for a full-sized ice-making unit. They are ideal for home use, small offices, and outdoor gatherings. For instance, the Chefman Iceman Dual-Size Countertop Ice Maker can produce ice in just six minutes and offers two different sizes of ice cubes, catering to various preferences for drinks. Its portability and ease of use make it a favourite among consumers who value efficiency in their kitchen appliances. Similarly, the GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker integrates modern technology by allowing users to control it via a smartphone app, enhancing user experience with features like scheduling and maintenance reminders. The versatility of these machines is further exemplified by models like the Frigidaire EFIC103, which produces bullet-shaped ice that is perfect for cocktails and soft drinks. With its ability to churn out 26 pounds of ice per day, it meets the demands of both casual users and those hosting larger gatherings. As more consumers seek compact solutions that do not compromise on performance, the countertop segment in ice maker market is expected to continue expanding.
The foodservice industry is a significant driver of demand for ice makers, as establishments require large quantities of ice for beverages, food preservation, and presentation. This trend is particularly strong in restaurants, bars, and cafes where ice plays a crucial role in customer service. Many restaurants are now investing in ice makers that produce nugget or pebble ice, which has become a popular choice due to its chewable texture and ability to cool drinks quickly. The Ecozy Nugget Ice Maker is one such example of this trend as it can produce up to 33 pounds of nugget ice daily. Additionally, the introduction of machines like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 not only produces high volumes of nugget ice but also features a built-in UV light for sanitation purposes.
The global market is being driven by the rising demand from the healthcare sector. One of the major factors propelling the growth of the ice maker industry is the growing demand for ice in the healthcare sector to store organs and help with recovery procedures. Companies such as Frostline specialises in providing ice maker machines designed specifically for healthcare settings. Their hospital ice chip makers produce safe and hygienic ice chips that are easy for patients to consume, ensuring essential cooling and hydration. In addition, the product is also used in microbiology, biotechnology, and genetic engineering laboratories to store biological samples, thus, assisting in the delivery of these samples to other facilities during transportation.
There is a growing demand for various types of ice beyond traditional cubes, including nugget and flake ice. These specialty ice types are particularly popular in the food service industry for their unique textures and applications in beverages and food presentation. Manufacturers are responding by developing machines that can produce customisable ice shapes to meet specific customer needs.
The initial investment required for purchasing ice makers, particularly larger commercial units, can be a significant barrier for small businesses and startups. Many high-capacity ice machines come with substantial price tags, which can deter potential buyers who may not have the financial resources to invest upfront, affecting the ice maker demand growth. This high cost can limit market entry for new players and restrict expansion for existing businesses, especially in developing regions where capital is more constrained. For instance, Hoshizaki offers various commercial ice machines, with prices ranging from around $4,200 to $4,660 for their 320 lb air-cooled ice maker. Larger models can cost significantly more, with some units exceeding $10,000. This high cost can be prohibitive for smaller establishments looking to invest in reliable ice production equipment.
The increasing use of refrigerators with built-in ice makers poses a challenge to standalone ice maker sales. As consumers opt for multi-functional appliances that offer both refrigeration and ice production, the demand for dedicated ice makers may decline. This trend is particularly evident in residential markets where space-saving solutions are preferred.
In response to growing hygiene awareness, especially post-pandemic, touchless ice dispensing solutions have gained popularity. These machines incorporate infrared sensors and automated dispensing mechanisms to minimise contact, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and boosting the ice maker market value. Furthermore, many models now include antimicrobial features to inhibit bacterial growth, ensuring that the ice produced is safe for consumption. For instance, Easy Ice offers a range of touchless ice dispensers from leading brands like Hoshizaki, Scotsman, and Follet. Their touchless machines allow users to dispense ice without physical contact, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.
The United States is followed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada as the significant importers while China is followed by Mexico, Italy, the United States, and Korea as the significant exporters.
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“Ice Maker Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Product Type
Market Breakup by End Use
Market Breakup by Region
Market Insights by Product Type
Ice cube makers are widely used across various applications, including restaurants, bars, hotels, convenience stores, and residential settings, which impacts the ice maker demand forecast. Their ability to produce solid, clear ice cubes of different sizes makes them suitable for a wide range of beverages and food preservation needs. The consistent demand from the foodservice industry significantly contributes to their market leadership. The foodservice sector is a major driver for ice cube makers, as they are essential for serving drinks and preserving food.
Ice flake makers produce thin, flat flakes of ice used for applications such as seafood preservation, medical purposes, and food processing. According to the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), the demand for flake ice is growing, especially in regions with high seafood consumption. For instance, in Europe, seafood industries are increasingly adopting flake ice systems due to their ability to preserve fish quality for longer periods. Companies like Scotsman and Hoshizaki are leading the ice maker market by offering energy-efficient and high-performance flake ice machines.
Ice nugget makers produce soft, chewable nugget ice, popular in beverages and healthcare applications. In the U.S., demand for nugget ice machines has surged due to their preference in fast-food chains, hospitals, and convenience stores. Additionally, many restaurants are investing in nugget ice makers due to the growing consumer preference for soft, chewable ice in soft drinks. Leading companies such as GE Appliances and Manitowoc are continuously improving machine designs to provide high-capacity nugget ice machines that meet the needs of high-traffic establishments.
Market Insights by End Use
The Food Service segment holds the highest ice maker market share. As disposable incomes increase, more consumers are opting for dining experiences outside the home, which boosts demand for ice in various food service establishments. The popularity of cocktails and chilled beverages in bars and restaurants has also led to a higher demand for ice cubes, enhancing the market for ice makers specifically designed for food service applications.
Ice makers in healthcare are essential for medical procedures such as cooling injuries, preparing ice baths, and storing temperature-sensitive medicines. According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report, global healthcare infrastructure improvements, particularly in developing regions, have driven a rise in demand for ice machines. Hospitals and clinics are increasingly investing in ice makers for emergency care and for storage of vaccines requiring cold storage. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also noted a 5% increase in medical facilities upgrading their equipment to meet rising patient care demands.
The residential segment in ice maker market is gaining traction due to increasing consumer demand for convenience and home entertainment. Residential ice makers are increasingly available in compact, countertop models for easy access to ice for daily needs or gatherings. Additionally, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) statistics show a rise in smart home appliance adoption, which includes advanced ice-making systems.
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Europe Ice Maker Market Dynamics
Increased disposable incomes have led to higher spending on dining out and premium beverages, driving demand for ice makers in restaurants and bars. The tourism sector's recovery has led to increased demand for ice in hotels and hospitality services. Major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have sufficient occupancy rates. With the demand for ice machines in guest rooms and common areas increasing, these hotels are investing in high-capacity ice makers to ensure guests have easy access to ice for beverages.
As per the ice maker industry analysis, the café culture in cities like Paris and Barcelona has led many establishments to upgrade their ice-making equipment to meet the growing demand for iced beverages.
North America Ice Maker Market Outlook
Region-wise, North America is the leading market for the product, accounting for the majority of the industry share. The region's robust food service sector, including restaurants, bars, and cafes, relies heavily on ice for beverages and food preservation. The increasing popularity of chilled drinks has further fuelled this demand of ice maker market. For instance, as one of the largest coffeehouse chains in the world, Starbucks has seen a rising demand for iced beverages, including iced coffees and teas. The company has reported that iced drinks now account for over 50% of its beverage sales during warmer months. This trend necessitates a consistent supply of ice.
The adoption of high-tech kitchen appliances in both commercial and residential sectors is driving market growth. Innovations such as smart ice makers with remote monitoring capabilities are becoming increasingly popular.
Asia Pacific Ice Maker Market Opportunities
The changing consumer lifestyle, rising disposable incomes, and the need to store perishable products such as food and food supplies are some of the factors aiding the ice maker market revenue. Large fast-food chains have been increasingly adopting this product, thus, leading to the growth of the industry globally. For instance, McDonald's has been expanding its presence in Asia, particularly in countries like China and India. The chain relies heavily on ice for its beverages, including soft drinks and iced coffees.
Moreover, the improving standard of life, along with the rapid development of the restaurant and fast foodservice industry in the region, is propelling the growth of the ice maker industry. To meet the rising consumer demand for enhanced services, key players are increasingly investing in the product development activities, which is expected to further aid the industry growth over the forecast period.
Middle East and Africa Ice Maker Market Drivers
Increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure are boosting demand for ice makers in hospitals and clinics. The expanding hospitality industry, particularly in tourist hotspots, is leading to greater demand for efficient ice production systems, fuelling ice maker market opportunities. The Saudi Arabian government has been heavily investing in healthcare infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. This includes building new hospitals and upgrading existing facilities, which has led to a heightened demand for ice makers. For instance, hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital utilise ice makers to ensure immediate access to ice for patient care, enhancing treatment efficiency.
Latin America Ice Maker Market Trends
As urban areas expand, there is a corresponding increase in restaurants and cafes that require reliable ice production. The rising popularity of cocktails and cold beverages is driving demand for various types of ice makers and impacting the ice maker market dynamics and trends. In urban areas such as Mexico City and Buenos Aires, the rise of cocktail culture has led to an increase in bars specialising in craft cocktails. These establishments often require various types of ice (e.g., crushed, cubed, or specialty ice) for their drinks. For example, bars such as Limantour in Mexico City have gained recognition for their innovative cocktails, which rely heavily on high-quality ice to enhance the presentation and chill of their beverages.
Startups in the market are driving innovation by focusing on advanced technologies, customisation, and sustainability. Many of these companies are leveraging smart technology to create intelligent ice machines that can monitor performance, adjust production based on demand, and provide remote diagnostics. Companies are also pioneering compact and efficient ice-making solutions that utilise cutting-edge technology for optimal performance, further increasing the ice maker industry revenue.
Ice-Boy
Based in India, Ice-Boy is an innovative startup that focuses on producing advanced ice-making solutions. The company leverages high-end technology to manufacture a variety of ice machines, including bullet ice makers and self-cleaning models. Ice-Boy aims to elevate the beverage experience for hotels, restaurants, and cafes by providing efficient and high-quality ice production. Their commitment to innovation and quality has positioned them as a key player in the Indian ice maker industry.
Icelings
With over 40 years of experience, Icelings is a leading manufacturer of tube ice solutions in India. The company specialises in delivering turnkey tube ice plants and cutting-edge tube ice machines, focusing on hygiene and quality. Icelings produces packaged ice that meets stringent safety standards, utilising advanced water treatment processes to ensure purity. Their products cater to diverse industries, including food processing, seafood, and construction, where reliable ice supply is crucial.
The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global ice maker market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers and acquisitions, investments, capacity expansion, and plant turnarounds. Companies are focusing on sustainability by investing in research and development to create energy-efficient models that comply with environmental regulations. This includes exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional refrigerants. The growth of the food and beverage sector, further drives the demand for ice maker manufacturers across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Hoshizaki America, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer specialising in ice machines and refrigeration products. The company is recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation, producing a wide range of commercial ice makers, dispensers, refrigerators, and related products.
Scotsman Ice Systems is one of the largest manufacturers of ice-making machines globally, known for pioneering...
Manitowoc Ice is a division of The Manitowoc Company, which was founded in 1902. The Manitowoc Ice division pr...
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other major players in the ice maker market are Newair and Cornelius, Inc., among others.
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2023, the market reached an approximate value of USD 5.52 Billion.
The ice maker market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.90% between 2024 and 2032.
The market is estimated to witness healthy growth in the forecast period of 2024-2032 to reach a value of around USD 9.25 Billion by 2032.
The major drivers of the market are the thriving healthcare sector, changing consumer lifestyles, and the rising focus to store perishable products such as food for a longer period of time.
The key trends guiding the growth of the market includes the rising product development activities by key players and rising disposable incomes.
The major regions in the market are North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
The significant product types considered in the market are ice cube maker, ice flake maker, and ice nugget maker, among others.
The major end uses in ice maker are food service, retail, healthcare, and residential, among others.
The major players in the global ice maker market are Hoshizaki America, Inc., Scotsman Ice Systems, Manitowoc Ice, Newair, and Cornelius, Inc., among others.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Historical Period | 2018-2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Product Type |
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| Breakup by End Use |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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| Report Price and Purchase Option | Explore our purchase options that are best suited to your resources and industry needs. |
| Delivery Format | Delivered as an attached PDF and Excel through email, with an option of receiving an editable PPT, according to the purchase option. |
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India
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Philippines
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Vietnam
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United States (Head Office)
30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801
+1-415-325-5166
Australia
63 Fiona Drive, Tamworth, NSW
+61-448-061-727
India
C130 Sector 2 Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
+91-858-608-1494
Philippines
40th Floor, PBCom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor V.A Rufino St. Makati City, 1226.
+63-287-899-028, +63-967-048-3306
United Kingdom
6 Gardner Place, Becketts Close, Feltham TW14 0BX, Greater London
+44-753-713-2163
Vietnam
193/26/4 St.no.6, Ward Binh Hung Hoa, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
+84-865-399-124
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