Spain is one of Europe’s biggest ice cream producers

If you live in Spain — or are planning a move — you’re in luck: you’re in one of the ice cream capitals of Europe. According to EU figures, the bloc produced 3.3 billion litres of ice cream in 2024, a 2% increase on the 3.2 billion litres recorded in 2023.

Europe's ice cream capitals

Germany kept its crown as the EU’s top producer, churning out 607 million litres last year. France followed with 501 million litres, then Italy with 492 million litres. Spain took fourth place with 378 million litres, ahead of Poland’s 298 million litres.

Eurostat

Compared with 2023, Spain’s production dipped slightly by around 6%. France and Italy also saw drops (12% and 7% respectively), while Germany’s production slipped by just 1%. Of the top five producers, only Poland recorded growth — and it was significant, with a 29% jump.

Elsewhere in the EU, several countries saw notable increases, including Belgium (+35%), Bulgaria (+19%) and the Czech Republic (+15%). Overall, more member states increased their ice cream output than reduced it, pushing the total EU production higher.

Ice cream culture in Spain

Even with a small production drop last year, Spain remains one of Europe’s ice cream heavyweights — and that’s hardly surprising in a country where sunny days are the norm for much of the year. Here, ice cream isn’t just a summer treat, it’s a year-round indulgence.

In coastal towns like Marbella, Benidorm or Sitges, locals happily enjoy a cone in January. In inland cities such as Madrid, Córdoba or Zaragoza, heladerías stay open well beyond the peak tourist season, with families stopping for a scoop after a weekend stroll.

For newcomers, one of the joys of living here is discovering the variety. Beyond familiar flavours like chocolate or vanilla, you’ll find turrón ice cream at Christmas, lemon sorbet served inside a frozen lemon in seaside cafés, and modern gelato bars experimenting with regional ingredients — think Seville orange, Rioja wine, or even Manchego cheese.

A local tip for newcomers

If you’re from a country where ice cream is mostly eaten on sweltering summer afternoons, Spain might surprise you. Here, it’s perfectly normal to order ice cream as dessert after a big Sunday lunch, even in the cooler months. You’ll also notice that many heladerías double as cafés, serving coffee alongside their cones and tubs — making it an all-weather, all-day affair.

So whether you’re living on the coast, in a bustling inland city, or in a quiet rural town, you can expect ice cream to be part of the rhythm of daily life. And with Spain producing hundreds of millions of litres every year, you’re never far from your next scoop.

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Five ice cream flavours you must try in Spain

If you’re ready to embrace your new life here — one cone at a time — make a note of these Spanish favourites:

1. Turrón – Almond nougat turned into a creamy Christmas tradition, available in many heladerías year-round.
2. Leche merengada – Sweet, spiced milk ice cream flavoured with cinnamon and lemon zest.
3. Crema catalana – Inspired by the famous dessert, with hints of caramelised sugar and custard.
4. Horchata – A frozen twist on Valencia’s famous tiger nut drink, refreshing and slightly nutty.
5. Helado de queso – Cheesecake-style ice cream, sometimes made with local cheeses like Manchego.