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Record Ice Cream Spending in Japan Soars Amid Heatwave and Lifestyle Shifts

By: MerxWire

Ice cream has evolved from a seasonal treat to a year-round desserts, with rising demand driven by extreme heat, lifestyle changes, and cross-generational appeal.

Hot weather and rising prices have pushed Japanese consumers to record highs in spending on ice cream. (Photo via MERXWIRE)

TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – The Statistics Bureau of Japan released a household income and expenditure survey, showing that in 2024, the average spending on ice cream for households with more than two people reached 12,295 yen, representing an annual growth rate of 106.2%, a record high. Ice cream consumption has exceeded 10,000 yen for the fifth consecutive year, indicating its growing significance in household food spending. For the fifth straight year, ice cream accounted for more than 1% of food spending, reaching 1.14%, indicating that it has gradually transitioned from a seasonal product to a year-round dessert.

In addition to the continued rise in raw material prices, the surge in ice cream spending is also influenced by extreme climate conditions. In 2024, Japan experienced its worst heatwave since records began in 1898. The average temperatures in both summer and autumn hit new highs at 153 observation stations across the country, leading to a significant increase in ice cream consumption. Ice cream spending increased almost every month compared to the same period in previous years, especially from July to October when abnormally high temperatures continued.

Ice cream consumption is growing faster than overall food expenses, highlighting its increasing popularity among consumers. (Chart via MERXWIRE)

In addition to climate factors, the increase in overall food spending also drove the growth in ice cream sales. In 2024, the average food spending of Japanese households reached 1,079,228 yen, an annual growth rate of 103.9%. However, the annual growth rate of ice cream spending was higher than the overall growth rate of food, indicating that consumers’ preference for ice cream has a clear upward trend. Ice cream sales increased by 113.3% year-on-year, and candy and dessert products as a whole also grew by 110.6%, showing that the overall popularity of the dessert market has increased.

From a long-term perspective, in the ten years from 2015 to 2024, ice cream spending increased by 141.1%, far exceeding the 115.1% growth in food spending during the same period. This not only reflects the price increase but also indicates that ice cream has evolved from a seasonal product to an integral part of the family’s diet. Ice cream, which was initially regarded as a favorite of children, has become a common preference across all age groups.

It is worth noting that the middle-aged group in their 40s has become the primary consumer of ice cream, with an expenditure amount 1.3 times the average household’s, indicating that this group not only has economic strength but also regards ice cream as an integral part of life enjoyment. In addition, the spending growth of the group under 29 and over 70 has also grown significantly, reflecting that ice cream has crossed the generational boundary and has been widely accepted.

In terms of regional differences, although the temperature in the south is generally higher, the consumption volume may not increase accordingly. Southern cities such as Kobe, Kitakyushu, and Naha have relatively low spending on ice cream. On the contrary, the northern region has shown strong consumption power for many years. Kanazawa City, which has been the champion for many years, fell to second place in 2024 due to the impact of the earthquake. Yamagata City ranked first in the country, with an annual expenditure of 14,747 yen per household, exceeding 14,000 yen for the second consecutive year, indicating strong local consumption power and a high preference for ice cream.

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