**European Suppliers Dominate Cyprus' Ice Cream Market**
Cyprus has become increasingly reliant on European suppliers for its ice cream trade, as revealed by a recent Eurostat report. In 2025, the island imported approximately 3.40 million kilogrammes of ice cream and other edible ice, with the vast majority—3.31 million kg—coming from other European Union (EU) member states. This trend highlights Cyprus's significant dependence on the EU for its ice cream supply, with only a small fraction, 89,978 kg, sourced from non-EU countries.
The report also noted that while Cyprus did engage in ice cream exports during the same period, the volume was considerably lower than its imports. The total exports amounted to 28,983 kg, with 6,157 kg sent to other EU countries and 22,826 kg to destinations outside the EU. This indicates that Cyprus is not only a net importer of ice cream but also has a limited presence in the international market.
The figures for Cyprus are part of a broader increase in ice cream production and trade across the EU. In 2025, EU countries collectively produced 3.44 billion litres of ice cream, marking a 1.9 percent increase from the previous year’s production of 3.38 billion litres. Germany led the production with 608 million litres, followed closely by Italy at 549 million litres and France at 525 million litres. Spain and Belgium also contributed significantly, producing 457 million litres and 274 million litres, respectively.
Notably, all five of the EU's largest ice cream producers saw an increase in their output compared to 2024. Italy experienced the most substantial growth, with production rising by 10 percent. Belgium's output increased by 6 percent, while France, Spain, and Germany recorded more modest gains of 4 percent, 2 percent, and 0.2 percent, respectively.
In addition to increased production, the EU also saw a rise in ice cream trade with non-EU countries. In 2025, EU nations exported 289.8 million kg of ice cream to countries outside the bloc, reflecting a 10 percent increase—an additional 26 million kg—compared to 2024. Imports from non-EU countries also rose by 12 percent, totaling 77.8 million kg.
France emerged as the largest exporter of ice cream to non-EU destinations, sending 59.1 million kg abroad, which accounted for 20 percent of all extra-EU ice cream exports. Italy followed closely with 55.2 million kg, representing 19 percent of the total, while Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands contributed 34.5 million kg, 29.9 million kg, and 26.5 million kg, respectively.
The data underscores Cyprus's heavy reliance on the EU market for its ice cream imports, with the vast majority of its total imports coming from member states. The relatively small volume of imports from outside the EU and the modest export figures indicate that Cyprus is still developing its position in the global ice cream market.
As the ice cream industry continues to grow within the EU, Cyprus may need to explore ways to enhance its production capabilities and expand its export potential. The current statistics reflect a significant opportunity for local producers to tap into the increasing demand for ice cream both within the EU and beyond, potentially reducing reliance on imports and boosting the local economy.