Nugget Ice Machine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Countertop, Undercounter/Built-In), By End-use (Food Service, Hospitality, Healthcare, Residential, Others), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Nugget Ice Machine Market Size & Trends

The global nugget ice machine market size was estimated at USD 291.99 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for convenient and portable ice-making solutions, technological advancements in smart ice maker features, the rising popularity of nugget ice for its texture and flavor retention, and the expanding applications of nugget ice in both residential and commercial sectors.

Technological advancements, such as smart app control and voice integration with Alexa and Google Assistant, are significantly enhancing the user experience in the nugget ice maker market. These innovations are driving the development of more compact, efficient, and convenient ice makers, meeting the growing demand for portable and budget-friendly products.

For instance, ecozy, a global home appliance brand, introduced the World's First and Most Compact Smart Nugget Ice Maker on Amazon in May 2024. This smart ice maker offers chewable ice, controlled via the EcozyHome app or voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant. It produces up to 35 lbs of ice daily with 40% smaller size and 37.5% larger ice production capacity than conventional models. The advanced features, such as scheduling, timing, remote control, automatic cleaning, and seamless hands-free operation, have set a new standard in convenience and performance, making it a preferred choice for both personal and professional use.

Nugget ice machines are expensive due to the complex engineering required to produce clear, perfectly shaped cubes. Additional functionalities such as self-cleaning, auto shut-off, and water filtering further drive up the cost. The high price of nugget ice machines is challenging to its market growth.

Product Insights

In 2023, countertop nugget ice machines dominated the market with a significant market share of 76.48%. This is attributed to their compact size, convenience, and advanced features that cater to modern consumer demands for portable and efficient ice-making solutions. Companies are launching new countertop models to cater to the growing demand from commercial sector.

For example, GE Profile announced the launch of its GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker in June 2024. Building on the wild popularity of Opal Nugget Ice Makers, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra features new industry-leading enhancements to reduce maintenance and a refreshed design for the ultimate chewable, crunchable pellet ice.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra includes innovative features like a scale-inhibiting water filter, a reusable air filter, and an updated user interface that alerts owners when it’s time to sanitize or descale the machine. These features, along with an updated design and sleek touch display, ensure fresh ice and optimal performance. The Opal 2.0 Ultra can produce up to 38 pounds of ice per day and includes built-in Wi-Fi and voice control technology, making it a top choice for commercial use.

The demand for undercounter/built-in nugget ice machines is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to increasing adoption in commercial settings like restaurants and bars, where space optimization and high ice production capacity are critical. Additionally, the trend towards integrating seamless, high-end appliances in modern kitchens is driving its demand in the residential sector.

End-use Insights

Nugget ice machine sales in the food service sector held a revenue share of more than 50% in the global nugget ice maker market in 2023.The demand for nugget ice machines in the food service sector is driven by their ability to enhance beverage service with soft, chewable ice nuggets that improve drink cooling and texture. These machines are crucial in bars, restaurants, and other establishments where beverage quality and customer satisfaction are paramount.

Scotsman Nugget Ice Machines in the food service industry are renowned for their ability to produce soft, chewable ice nuggets preferred in various beverages, revolutionizing drink cooling and texture. Recent innovations in the machine include improved energy efficiency, advanced sanitation technologies, and increased production capacities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of beverage joints.

Nugget ice machine sales in the residential sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030.This growth is attributed to increasing consumer preference for high-quality, chewable ice at home, advancements in compact and efficient ice maker designs, and the integration of smart features enhancing convenience and usability

For example, NewAir offers a variety of nugget ice makers tailored to residential needs. Their countertop models, such as the NewAir 44lb. Nugget Countertop Ice Maker and NewAir 15” Undercounter Ice Maker with self-cleaning function and refillable water tank, offer an affordable and efficient solution. NewAir’s range includes options from under USD 200 to over USD 400, catering to different budgets and preferences, ensuring fresh, high-quality ice for home use.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline sales of nugget ice machines accounted for a share of over 71% in 2023.This is attributed to the hands-on experience and immediate availability offered by physical retail channels, which appeal to consumers seeking to see and test products before purchasing. Furthermore, discounts offered by hypermarkets drive sales by providing substantial price reductions and promotional deals, making high-quality nugget ice machines more accessible and appealing to a broad range of customers.

For example, Walmart offers the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank on sale for USD 182 off during Deals Week in July. The convenience of purchasing in-store at Walmart, combined with limited-time discounts and additional perks like free shipping and 90-day returns, highlights that offline channels will remain a dominant force in the nugget ice maker market.

Online sales of nugget ice machines is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 5.7% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing preference for convenient shopping experiences, broader availability of product options, competitive pricing, and the ease of comparison online. Additionally, advancements in e-commerce platforms and logistics contribute to the expanding market reach of online retailers, catering to a tech-savvy consumer base.

Regional Insights

Nugget ice machine market of North America accounted for a revenue share of 45.60% of the global market revenue in 2023. The region's robust food service industry, coupled with increasing adoption of premium kitchen appliances, drives demand for nugget ice makers.

U.S. Nugget Ice Machine Market Trends

The U.S. Nugget ice machine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. The technological advancements in ice-making technologies and the presence of key manufacturers innovating specifically for the U.S. market contribute to its large market share in North America and the global market.

Europe Nugget Ice Machine Market Trends

The nugget ice machine market of Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to increasing consumer preference for innovative and premium kitchen appliances. Europe market is further supported by environmental concerns promoting energy-efficient appliances, and a growing awareness of the benefits of nugget ice for both residential and commercial applications across Europe.

Asia Pacific Nugget Ice Machine Market Trends

Asia Pacific nugget ice machine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing foodservice industry across the region. As lifestyles become more fast-paced, there is a greater demand for convenient and efficient kitchen appliances, including nugget ice makers, which offer quick ice production and versatile usage options.

Key Nugget Ice Machine Company Insights

The market is concentrated due to the presence of leading players such as Scotsman Ice Systems, Manitowoc Ice, and GE Appliances. Key players such as GE Appliances are revolutionizing the products for nugget ice enthusiasts by introducing the first countertop nugget ice maker for home use, creating a new category of countertop home appliances.

Companies like Manitowoc Ice are focused on advancing ice machine technologies to cater to the increasing consumer demand for high-quality ice solutions across diverse sectors like food service, hospitality, and residential applications. Manitowoc Ice's integration into Pentair Foodservice in April 2023 highlights a strategic move aimed at enhancing smart and sustainable ice machine solutions across global markets, including EMEA.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, GE Profile launched the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker, an enhanced version of its popular countertop appliance. It features new scale-inhibiting water and air filters to maintain ice freshness and reduce maintenance needs. The updated design includes premium finishes, a magnetic scoop storage, and a sleek touch display with intuitive controls. With capabilities to produce up to 38 pounds of chewable ice per day and built-in Wi-Fi for smart functionality, it's available in multiple colors starting at USD 579.

• In July 2023, ecozy, a global home appliance brand launched a compact nugget ice maker. This space saving model is claimed to be perfect for outdoor events such as camping and picnics, parties, as well as home use, offices, and bars. The company has sold over 50 million products in more than 20 countries.

Nugget Ice Machine Market Report Scope

Global Nugget Ice Machine Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nugget ice machine market report based on product, end-use, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Countertop

  • Undercounter/Built-In

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Food Service

  • Hospitality

  • Healthcare

  • Residential

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Offline

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • UAE