Freeze! Time to get the chill factor ahead of summer
Be it the soft serve or a classic lolly, ice cream is a frozen treat that delights the tastebuds of young and old – so don’t miss out on your opportunity to fill your freezers.
Ice cream remains an incredibly popular purchase for Northern Ireland consumers, indeed 91.4% of households here purchased ice cream up to week ending 18th February 2024 (Kantar), only marginally down on 93% in 2022.
Widely considered a tasty treat, ice cream has only grown in popularity as it becomes increasingly used in desserts. First invented in China almost 4000 years ago, vanilla remains the most popular flavour, although with hundreds of flavours now available, there really is something for everyone.
Such is the demand for top-quality, delicious local ice cream (on average ice cream has been bought 15.5 times across 2024, Kantar), that it has become a key industry in the province with several producers making their mark.
Big Night In occasions are as important as ever, providing retailers an opportunity to drive their sales at a time when consumers are still feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, so treats at home are a key driver.
Research conducted by Haagen-Dazs revealed that one in three shoppers were hosting a big night in occasion on a weekly basis, and 60% of consumers were planning to choose ice cream for a movie night at home.
One of the top five most impulsive categories, luxury ice cream can provide great sales in-store, so visibility is key for freezers, maximising space with year-round growth drivers.
With exciting NPD in ice cream, retailers and consumers alike can be guaranteed a cool few months ahead.
CHECK OUT THE FULL ICE CREAM FEATURE IN THE FEBRUARY-MARCH ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER HERE
