Indonesia's Ice Cream Love Affair
With a tropical climate and a population that adores sweet treats, Indonesia has long been one of Southeast Asia's most exciting ice cream markets. The category ranges from nostalgic colonial-era brands to global premium players and modern artisan gelato makers. Below are ten of the most loved ice cream brands in the country.
1. Campina
Campina is one of Indonesia's most iconic homegrown ice cream brands. Established in Surabaya, the company offers a wide range of products, including the famous Hula Hula, Tropicana, and Concerto cones. Its strong distribution and value pricing make it ubiquitous.
2. Walls (Unilever Indonesia)
Walls, owned by Unilever, dominates the impulse ice cream market with iconic products like Paddle Pop, Cornetto, and Magnum. Its global brand power combined with locally relevant flavors makes it a leader in convenience and supermarket channels.
3. Diamond
Diamond is one of Indonesia's oldest ice cream brands, especially well-known for its family-sized tubs. Classic flavors like cookies and cream, chocolate, and durian have made it a staple in Indonesian households for celebrations.
4. AICE
AICE rose quickly to popularity thanks to affordable pricing and creative flavors, including mochi-style ice creams, sweet corn, and matcha. It has carved out a strong presence in convenience stores across Indonesia.
5. Haagen-Dazs Indonesia
Haagen-Dazs brings a premium global experience to Indonesia, offering rich, dense ice cream and indulgent flavors. Its boutique parlors in malls are popular destinations for special-occasion treats.
6. Baskin-Robbins Indonesia
Baskin-Robbins has been a beloved family ice cream destination for decades, offering its signature 31-flavor lineup. Its colorful stores and ice cream cakes remain a favorite for birthdays and gatherings.
7. Ragusa Es Italia (Jakarta)
Ragusa is a Jakarta heritage gem, established in 1932, serving Italian-style ice cream with a distinctly Indonesian feel. Its spaghetti ice and tutti frutti are cherished by generations of Jakartans.
8. Zangrandi (Surabaya)
Founded in the 1930s, Zangrandi is one of Surabaya's most legendary heritage ice cream parlors. Its old-school sundaes, banana splits, and tutti frutti continue to attract loyal customers seeking nostalgic flavors.
9. Tempo Gelato (Yogyakarta)
Tempo Gelato is a modern artisan brand that has redefined gelato in Indonesia. Its bright Yogyakarta flagship store offers a rotating selection of dozens of flavors made with high-quality ingredients, including local fruits.
10. La Strada Gelato
La Strada specializes in authentic Italian gelato, combining traditional techniques with local Indonesian ingredients like markisa, kelapa, and ubi ungu. It has earned a strong following among gelato enthusiasts.
Flavor Innovation
Indonesian ice cream brands increasingly experiment with local flavors such as klepon, cendol, kopi susu, durian, and gula aren. This fusion of global techniques with local taste profiles has elevated the category and attracted a new generation of consumers.
Distribution and Retail Trends
Modern trade, convenience stores, and food delivery apps have transformed how ice cream is consumed. Many premium brands now offer pint-sized takeaway options through GoFood, GrabFood, and ShopeeFood, expanding access far beyond physical stores.
Health and Premium Segments
Low-sugar, lactose-free, and plant-based options are gaining traction, particularly in urban areas. Premium gelato shops continue to expand, catering to consumers willing to pay more for craft quality and unique experiences.
Conclusion
Whether you are craving a nostalgic colonial-era sundae, a budget-friendly cone from a convenience store, or a meticulously crafted artisan gelato, Indonesia's ice cream scene has something exceptional to offer. The ten brands above represent the country's rich and ever-evolving frozen dessert culture.