TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's ice cream industry hit a record-high production value in 2022, reaching NT＄2.8 billion, with a year-on-year average growth of 8.3% over the past five years, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced Monday (Nov. 6).
The substantial growth of the ice cream sector was bolstered by Westernized eating habits, health-conscious consumption, and a consistent introduction of new flavors meeting Taiwan's hot climate, the MOEA explained.
These factors have not only accelerated the rise of ice cream manufacturing but have also fueled the steady growth of Taiwanese dairy consumption, which reached a consecutive peak production value of over NT＄40 billion in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
According to the MOEA's Department of Statistics, from January to August 2023, the dairy consumption value reached NT＄285 million, marking a new high in the same period for past years.
Despite such growth, the country primarily relies on dairy imports, with an annual increase of 11.1%.
New Zealand remains the top import source, followed by the U.S., France, and Australia, accounting for 12.6%, 8.7%, and 7% respectively, the department added. These imports predominantly consist of cheese, dry cheese, and dairy-based spreads.