Northeast Brazil: heat, growth, and more ice cream on the table

According to the study, the Northeast is now the second-fastest growing region in ice cream consumption, accounting for 19% of the national volume, just behind the Southeast (52%).

Per capita consumption jumped from 5 to 9.1 liters per year in 2024, including both ice cream and popsicles. A significant increase — but one that also highlights the enormous room for growth.

For comparison, in the United States — the world’s largest consumer — the average is 20.8 liters per person per year. In other words, Brazil still consumes less than half of what the U.S. does.

A growing market demands better infrastructure

This growth demands that the entire cold chain — from production to point of sale — be prepared to ensure thermal quality, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

At Polus Brasil, we’re already seeing this shift take shape. The Northeast is currently our second-largest customer region, behind only the Central-West, where our headquarters is located. This indicates a clear rise in investment in refrigeration infrastructure across the region.

An example of operational maturity

A great example is BRA SORVETES, the largest ice cream manufacturer in Brasília, which operates across the Federal District, Goiás, and Minas Gerais. Working with them highlights how smart refrigeration management is crucial for brands that handle high volumes of frozen products and need consistent performance across every step of the operation.

The message is clear

Rising demand requires a mature cold chain. And that maturity is built through technology, connectivity, and data — essential ingredients to ensure thermal performance and financial sustainability.