Ice Cube Tray Market

Ice Cube Tray Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The ice cube tray market, as of 2024, is valued at USD 81.8 million globally. As more and more consumers seek convenient products that make their day-to-day lives easier, the demand for ice cube trays is very likely to surge. The industry is slated to reach an overall valuation of USD 134.6 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9%. The demand is also attributed to the growing disposable incomes in the hands of the middle class.

Ice cube trays are typically consumed by individual as well as commercial consumers. When it comes to residential applications, the industry is highly influenced by the preferences and lifestyle trends of consumers.

Consumers in today’s day and age are increasingly preferring reusable, silicone ice cube trays as they are more durable. These trays are also more visually appealing. These factors have made ice trays one of the must-haves on the general populace’s shopping list.

The expanding sales routes are another key driver benefiting the ice cube tray market. In countries like China, India, Brazil, etc., where eCommerce has finally made its way, the industry is experiencing significant growth.

Here, consumers can browse through a multitude of options before making a purchase. The retail sector has also contributed positively to the industry. Convenience stores like Mr. DIY, Under 99 Store, Walmart, etc., have played a crucial role in making ice trays readily available to consumers.

The growing hospitality sector in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, etc., has also impacted the industry positively. Hospitality organizations such as hotels, restaurants, bars, cocktail pubs, etc., generate a huge demand for ice cube trays.

They use these trays to serve beverages to their customers. Artistic ice cube shapes are the next big thing in the hospitality industry, with establishments increasingly looking for unique and eye-catching ways to present their drinks.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Ice Cube Tray Market Size (2024E)	USD 81.8 million
Projected Global Ice Cube Tray Market Value (2034F)	USD 134.6 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	4.9%

Key Industry Highlights

Ice Trays Made from Eco-friendly Materials to Flood Retail Shops

The sustainability trend has influenced the ice cube tray market as well. To respond to the demand from eco-conscious consumers, manufacturers involved in the industry are curating ice trays made from sustainable materials.

Companies are also using materials such as silicone, stainless steel, and biodegradable plastics to produce eco-friendly ice cube trays. This has not only helped them diversify their product portfolio but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Seasonal Demand Fluctuations and Limited Innovation to Hamper Industry Growth

Ice cube trays are very simple, and hence, there are not a lot of things that can be done to make the product significantly different from competitors. This limitation in the innovation side of ice trays poses a significant threat in front of the manufacturers.

The seasonal demand for ice trays also makes the industry inherently cyclical, with peak demand during the summer months and lower demand during the winter.

Environmental Concerns to Further Impede Adoption

Ice cube trays also generate a substantial amount of non-biodegradable waste at the end of their lifecycle. This is another serious concern for the consumers of ice trays. This shift in consumer preferences has led to an increased interest in alternative products like reusable silicone ice cube trays.

Stainless steel ice cube trays are also gaining popularity due to their durability and eco-friendly nature. These options are seen as more sustainable compared to traditional plastic ice cube trays.

2019 to 2023 Global Ice Cube Tray Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

Various reasons have shaped the ice cube tray market in the recent past. First and foremost are the changing consumer preferences and lifestyle trends. The increasing trend of home entertaining and the popularity of DIY cocktails and mocktails have boosted the demand for ice trays with innovative designs and features.

The growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness has also led to a shift toward reusable and eco-friendly ice cube trays among environmentally conscious consumers.

The industry in the past few years has seen a series of ups and downs. During the pandemic, when the world faced sudden shutdowns, the demand received a big blow.

This was primarily because of the closing down of restaurants, bars, and eateries all over the world. These were some of the largest consumers of ice trays. The eCommerce stagnation due to the disruptions in supply chains also negatively impacted the sector.

But with the opening of the economies, the ice tray market also picked up some pace. As eateries began to open up, the demand soared. With the trend of artisanal ice cube shapes, manufacturers also started curating ice trays in various shapes and sizes. The eCommerce sector revival also benefitted the overall supply of ice trays in developing and developed countries.

Category-wise Insights

The ice cube tray market is mainly categorized into four: on the basis of material, capacity, design, and sales channel. The section discusses the top two categories in the industry with their growth factors and industry share.

Plastic Ice Cube Trays are Still in Great Demand despite Environmental Concerns

The ice cube tray industry, based on the material, is segmented into plastic, rubber, silicone, etc. The plastic segment is further classified into polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. The segment holds a market share of 45% as of 2024.

Segment	Plastic (Material)
Value Share (2024)	45%

The demand for plastic ice trays has touched the skies despite the ongoing trends of sustainability because of their affordability, durability, and widespread availability. Many consumers still prefer plastic ice trays due to their convenience and ease of use.

Besides this, these trays are favored over trays made of other materials because they are lightweight, easy to clean, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This makes them a preferred choice for many households and commercial establishments.

Consumers Prefer Buying Ice Cube Trays from Retail Shops over Online Ones

On the basis of sales channels, the ice cube tray sector is bifurcated into two: retail and online. As of 2024, the former dominates the industry with a share of 73%.

Segment	Retail Sales (Sales Channel)
Value Share (2024)	73%

Consumers in both the residential as well as commercial sectors increasingly prefer purchasing ice trays from retail stores despite their availability online. This is primarily due to the immediacy and tangibility offered by retail stores. Consumers also prefer the convenience of being able to purchase ice trays along with other household or kitchen items while they are shopping at a physical retail store.

Country-wise Insights

The section discusses the region-wise analysis of the ice cube tray market from 2024 to 2034. According to these analytics, it can be inferred that Asian countries, such as India, China, and Thailand, are doing extremely well in the global scenario. The United States and the United Kingdom are also not far behind performance-wise.

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
India	6.8%
China	6%
Thailand	5.4%
United Kingdom	3.3%
United States	3.3%

India’s Growing Hospitality Sector to Influence Industry Growth

The ice cube tray market in India is highly lucrative, projected to report a CAGR of 6.8% through 2034. India, in the last few years, has experienced a tremendous surge in the number of tourists visiting the country on an annual basis.

Thanks to the initiatives by the government, the country has become one of the extremely preferred destinations for Westerners looking for a vacation. This has put massive pressure on the hospitality sector, which is one of the largest consumers of ice trays in the country. Hotels, bars, pubs, casinos, etc., use ice cube trays for serving beverages to customers.

The United Kingdom Ice Cube Tray Market Benefits from its Mixology Trend

The United Kingdom is also one of the highly profitable countries in the global ice cube tray industry. The country is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.3% through 2034. The ongoing trend of mixology and cocktail-making has gained popularity in the United Kingdom, thanks to the growing interest in artisanal and craft cocktails.

This is significantly driving the demand for ice trays in the country as consumers seek to replicate the cocktail bar experience at home. Besides this, the expansion of online retail in the United Kingdom has made ice trays more accessible to consumers.

The United States to Exhibit Sluggish Growth in Ice Cube Tray Market

The United States also is a promising country in this industry. Over the next ten years, demand for ice trays in the United States is projected to rise at 3.3% CAGR.

The home entertainment trend in the United States has appreciably contributed to the ice tray industry. Individuals here are increasingly hosting parties and gatherings at home. This, in turn, has increased the demand for ice cube trays in the United States.

Competition Outlook

Although the ice cube tray market is slowing down because of the limited room for innovation, the competition to gain international dominance is quite fierce. Companies are increasingly focusing on differentiation through design, materials, and features. They are also introducing unique and patented designs, eco-friendly materials, and innovative features so that they can stand out in the sector.

Industry Updates

• In June 2023, Miller Lite introduced beer ice cubes to keep drinks cold without dilution. The Miller Lite Beer Cube Tray allowed consumers to freeze beer into miniature Miller Lite cans, preserving the flavor while keeping drinks cool during the hot summer months.
• In March 2024, Tovolo® introduced two innovative Mini Ice products, allowing consumers to make nugget-style ice at home easily. The Mini Ice Cylinders featured a squeeze-and-release design, while the Mini Ice Trays had a unique diamond shape for easy ice removal.

Leading Ice Cube Tray Brands

• Tovolo
• OXO
• Rubbermaid
• Peak Ice Works
• W&P Design
• Silicone Ice Cube Trays
• Samuelworld
• Kitch
• Komax
• Adoric
• HIC Harold Import Co.
• Mumi&Bubi
• Lekue
• True Cubes
• Chillz Ice Ball Maker Mold
• Chef Craft
• NiceCube
• glacio
• Kootek
• Urban Green

Key Segments of Market Report

By Material Type:

Based on material type, the industry is segmented into polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and other plastics, including rubber, silicone, and metal.

By Capacity:

Ice cube trays are categorized by capacity: some hold up to 10 ice cubes, others accommodate 10 to 16 ice cubes, and some are designed for more than 16 ice cubes.

By Designs:

Ice cube trays come in different designs, including cuboidal, spherical, and oval, catering to various preferences and needs.

By Sales Channels:

Ice cube trays are sold through different sales channels, including retail stores and online platforms, to reach a wider range of consumers.

By Region:

As per region, the industry is divided into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Overall Global Valuation of the Ice Cube Tray Market?

The global valuation is USD 81.8 million as of 2024.

What does the Future of this Industry Look Like?

The market is expected to reach USD 134.6 million by 2034.

How is the Growth of this Industry in Terms of CAGR?

The market is set to surge at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2034.

Who are the Prominent Leaders?

Tovolo, OXO, Rubbermaid, and Peak Ice Works, are some of the key players.

What was the Ice Cube Tray Market Value in 2023?

In 2023, the global market was valued at USD 78.5 million.