The Russian ice cream market shows exceptionally high consumer engagement: 97% of the country’s population regularly consumes this dessert. According to a study by the Analytical Center NAFI, Russians’ preferences remain largely traditional. Classic cream ice cream confidently holds the leading position, chosen by 40% of buyers, followed by chocolate ice cream with 29%. Less in demand are vanilla varieties (10%), fruit flavours (8%), berry options (6%) and other non‑standard concepts (5%).

The choice of a particular flavour is directly influenced by the gender and age profile of consumers:

1. Men tend to be conservative in their choices: 44% prefer classic cream ice cream.

2. Women more often opt for chocolate ice cream (31%) and show greater interest in vanilla, fruit and exotic flavours.

3. Fruit ice cream (fruit ice and sorbets) is most popular among younger consumers.

4. Berry flavours are purchased most actively by people aged 25 to 34.

Taste preferences are also clearly segmented by Russia’s macro‑regions. In the Volga Federal District, the highest share of cream‑ice‑cream lovers has been recorded — 52%. Southern regions of the country lead in consumption of chocolate desserts (38%), while in the North Caucasus 18% of residents prefer fruit varieties.

As for consumption frequency, in the Volga region, the South and the Far East, almost 99% of the population eats ice cream. In Siberia this figure is 95%, in the North‑West 94%, and in the Caucasus 92%. Analysts note that the level of education does not affect flavour preferences; however, as income levels rise, consumers tend to move away from basic cream ice cream in favour of other varieties.

For Chinese exporters of food ingredients and ice cream manufacturers, these statistics represent a ready‑made demand map for the Russian market.