Ice cream sales report sharp uptick as Pune swelters under high temperatures

Pune: Ice cream sales have witnessed a significant surge across the city, with parlours, grocery stores and premium dessert chains reporting a sharp uptick in demand as Pune swelters under rising summer temperatures.Choosing from artisanal gelatos to low-sugar alternatives, consumers are increasingly indulging to beat the heat. Ice cream manufacturers are expecting a 25%-30% increase in demand this summer, while company representatives also said the April sales in 2026 have been unprecedented.Managing director of Havmor Ice Cream Debabrata Mukherjee told TOI: "We are seeing a huge demand and noticing a willingness in consumers to try innovative differentiated offerings. Categories such as cones, sticks and single-serve cups are seeing accelerated off-take, especially driven by quick commerce and immediate consumption occasions. Ice cream cakes are emerging as the fastest-growing category, driven by the rise of home celebrations and consumers choosing premium options."Mukesh Singh, who runs a grocery store on NIBM Road, said, "A lot of delivery and courier agents as well as construction workers stop by to grab a quick ice cream candy or cone. We also get orders from nearby residents for party pack sizes or ice cream tubs."Amul saw a 50% growth in ice cream sales in April and is expecting the momentum to continue in May. Managing director of Amul Jayen Mehta told TOI: "The most significant spikes are occurring in our clean label and low-sugar options. Consumers are selecting flavours like jackfruit and sitaphal that offer authentic fruit textures over synthetic flavourings. Low-sugar options are seeing traction among urban, gym-going, health-conscious cohorts. Matka kulfis are popular for family gatherings, while the Ice Lounge and Cake Magic series target consumers looking for a café-like experience at home."Rekha Halwai, a resident of Kothrud, said that in the last two weeks, her family has consumed three big tubs of ice cream. "We are ice cream lovers, so our consumption peaks, especially in the summer when there are new launches," she said.Amol Jadhav, a delivery executive, said, "I buy almost five ice cream candies a day as it is quite dehydrating in the afternoons these days."Ice cream parlours are also seeing a surge in footfalls. "The biggest spike in demand is in our fruit-forward and seasonal flavours — with mango leading strongly, followed by kala jamun and tender coconut. Mango with malai has seen exceptional traction. We have also introduced ice cream shakes on our online channels and the category is already showing nearly 100% growth since the launch," said Siddhant Kamath, director, Naturals ice cream, which is seeing a 30% growth across key markets.