This report explores the ice cream and frozen novelties market in complete detail. Our expert analyzes the market and consumer in over 80 pages of content, diving deep into the market size, share, consumer trends, and opportunities/strategies that brands can utilise today.
Below, we reveal the key topics analysed in this report, and handpick insights from the full document.
Key Topics Analysed
- Types of frozen treats purchased and generational differences in purchase behaviour.
- Purchase location – where consumers shop for ice cream.
- Attributes of interest – which ice cream/frozen novelties factors sell best.
- Flavours of interest, including innovation and consumer preferences.
- Frozen treat occasions – when and how consumers eat ice cream and frozen novelties.
- Attitudes toward mix-ins and toppings – appeal of customisation.
Ice Cream Industry Overview
Ice cream sales saw a 7% increase in 2022 due to stay-at-home orders and record-high inflation. Despite this, sales are expected to dip 6% overall by 2027. 94% of US consumers remain engaged in the category, showing the power of enjoyment and highlighting the need for category players to capitalise on it.
- Ice cream industry market share: Unilever leads ice cream sales with brands like Ben & Jerry’s, followed by Froneri International Limited (Häagen-Dazs).
- Ice cream industry market size: Ice cream sales surpassed $17 billion in 2022.
Find a full breakdown of the ice cream industry market share and size inside this report, alongside expert analysis.
Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Consumer Trends
Frozen treats are a universal purchase, but some groups go a step further
As mentioned above, the vast majority of US adults purchase frozen treats. However, some groups are more likely to partake than others. This report reveals that consumers under age 45, non-White shoppers, parents, and shoppers who are in less comfortable financial situations are all more likely to purchase frozen treats.
Ice cream vs frozen novelties, is the winner clear?
Ice cream leads category participation, but frozen novelties overtook its market share dominance in recent years. Novelty purchases are increasing, likely due to their association with solo eating and expanded consumption occasions. Ice cream shoppers are still engaging with the category, but there is an opportunity to limit future losses for ice cream brands (see “Brand Opportunity”).
Brand Opportunity
Expanding into smaller formats suitable for individual consumption and connecting with everyday moments may help ice cream reduce future losses. For example, the greatest growth in participation and sales was experienced by sherbet/sorbet, due to the introduction of indulgent and thrilling choices.
Continue to explore our expert’s breakdown of the latest market opportunities and competitive strategies inside the full report. Looking for something else? Try our forward-looking Future of Ice Cream Report, or browse our library of food market research.
Products and Companies Discussed
Products: Ice cream/frozen dairy dessert (including gelato), frozen novelties (e.g. ice cream bars, sandwiches, cones, popsicles), frozen yoghurt and dairy alternatives, and sherbet/sorbet and ices.
Companies/brands: Froneri International (formerly Nestlé), Tillamook, Oreo, Yasso, Unilever, Halo Top, Oatly, Talenti, and more.
Additional Features Included in Your Report
Different Digital Formats: PDF for conveniently sharing with your team, PowerPoint for quickly including in your presentation, as well as an Infographic and an Excel Databook.
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Expert Analysis from a Food Specialist
This report, written by Michele Scott, a leading food analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the ice cream and frozen novelties market, and adds expert context to the numbers.
Frozen treats enjoy a place of importance in the eyes of US consumers. Even amid price hikes and sugar concerns, 94% of shoppers purchase products in the category, speaking to the power of enjoyment. Brands must capitalise on the value of enjoyment but avoid going too far into treat or indulgence positioning, which can limit relevant occasions.
Michele Scott
Associate Director