Core Insights - The 27th China Ice Cream and Frozen Food Industry Expo in Tianjin attracted over 500 well-known enterprises and more than 2000 overseas buyers, indicating a growing international interest in China's ice cream industry [2][4] - The Chinese ice cream market is projected to reach a scale of 183.5 billion RMB in 2024 and is expected to grow to 233.4 billion RMB by 2030, reflecting a robust growth trajectory [2] - The trend of incorporating Chinese cultural elements into ice cream products has gained popularity, with international buyers showing strong interest in culturally themed ice creams [2][4] Industry Growth and Opportunities - The number of overseas buyers at the expo doubled compared to the previous year, highlighting the increasing global attention on China's ice cream market [2] - Major foreign ice cream brands such as Unilever, Nestlé, Häagen-Dazs, Mars, and Meiji have entered the Chinese market, creating significant opportunities for global food ingredient suppliers [4] - The demand for high-quality ingredients from various countries, such as cocoa from Southeast Asia and milk powder from New Zealand and Australia, is on the rise, with imports of cocoa expected to reach 1.336 billion USD in 2024, a 29.3% increase year-on-year [4][6] Equipment and Technology - The expo featured over 120 Chinese ice cream equipment and accessory companies, showcasing a wide range of machinery and automated solutions for ice cream production [6] - The demand for ice cream equipment is strong in developing countries, driven by rapid market expansion and the establishment of new factories [6][7] - Chinese ice cream equipment has captured a 40% market share in Southeast Asia, with companies offering comprehensive solutions that include packaging and technical support [7]