Although China is currently the worlds biggest ice cream market, in terms of individual ice cream consumption, Mintel research finds that Norwegian consumers are the biggest ice cream eaters, consuming 9.8 litres per capita in 2016, followed by Australia (9.4) and Sweden (8.9).

Alex Beckett, global food and drink analyst at Mintel, says, "Food historians credit China with inventing ice cream and Marco Polo for introducing it to Italy on his return from the Far East. Skip forward to the 21st century, and the rate at which Western ice cream makers are looking to the East for inspiration promises to see renewed momentum."

In Europe, ice cream eaters are increasingly acquiring a taste for the exotic. As many as 20% of Italian, 17% of Polish and 16% of French consumers would be interested in trying ice cream with ethnic-inspired ingredients, such as wasabi, green tea or saffron.
Mintel research also shows that ice cream aisles throughout the world have been experiencing a dairy-free makeover. The share of global dessert and ice cream launches featuring a vegan claim has increased from 2% in 2014 to 3% in 2015 and 4% in 2016, with Europe accounting for 59% of all launches in 2016.

The rise in innovation comes as many consumers are looking to cut down on their dairy consumption. As many as three in ten (29%) Italians say they are actively reducing their consumption or are avoiding dairy, followed by a quarter (23%) of French consumers, 16% of Polish consumers and 14% of Germans.

Germany, meanwhile, is renowned for its non-dairy ice cream innovation, and accounted for 19% of global vegan dessert and ice cream launches in 2016 – more than any other country. This reflects Mintel research that 63% of German ice cream consumers express an interest in non-dairy versions.

"Consumers aspirations to live healthier and cleaner lifestyles are motivating them to increasingly prioritise fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, spices and botanicals. Consequently, plant ingredients and vegan claims are becoming more prominent in a variety of food categories – including ice cream," Beckett concludes.