Glico to Halt Ice Cream Sales in Thailand by 2025

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Glico, the renowned Japanese confectionery firm, has announced it will halt its ice cream sales in Thailand by the end of 2025. This strategic move, announced on Thai Glico’s Facebook page, reflects careful consideration of market trends and past performance.

Though ice cream fans in Thailand can purchase Glico products until the end of this year, the shift will allow the company to redirect resources towards new growth opportunities. Other Glico products will remain available in the country.

Glico's decision is part of a broader strategy. The company historically relied on Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreements with local factories for ice cream production in Thailand. However, the evolving market landscape has prompted this reevaluation.

Financial data from the Department of Business Development (DBD) presents mixed results. While 2020 saw a revenue of 3.91 billion baht and a profit of 394.58 million baht, the years that followed showed varied outcomes. Notably, 2022 ended with a slight net loss of 1.27 million baht, and another loss of 112.94 million baht was recorded in 2023. Nevertheless, 2024 saw a recovery with a profit of 67.35 million baht.

Thailand's ice cream market has become increasingly competitive. The rising popularity of soft-serve ice creams and the entrance of local brands have shifted consumer preferences. Glico’s products, once a Thai sensation due to their popularity and frequent shortages, have faced stiff competition.

This move allows Glico to adapt to the changing landscape and seek new opportunities, ensuring sustained growth and innovation in other product lines.

As the company pivots from its beloved ice cream offerings in Thailand, it will focus on strengthening its presence in other areas. This reflects not just a change in strategy, but an adaptation to a dynamic marketplace, appealing to a new generation of consumers.

For now, Glico enthusiasts in Thailand will have until year-end to enjoy their favourite ice creams, as the brand transitions towards its future direction.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-07-04