Category Analysis - Ice Cream
Overview of the Ice Cream Industry
The ice cream industry has long been a staple of indulgence and a marker of childhood nostalgia. With origins tracing back to ancient times, when frozen desserts made with snow and salt were consumed by the elite, modern ice cream emerged in the 18th century as access to refrigeration changed consumption patterns. The industry has since evolved into a multi-billion pound global market characterized not only by traditional flavours but also by innovative varieties and unique consumption experiences.
Recent Trends and Changes
In recent years, the ice cream market has witnessed several trends that are reshaping consumer preferences and product offerings. A defining trend is the rise of artisanal and premium ice cream brands, which emphasize quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations. Innovative flavors such as salted caramel and vegan options have become increasingly popular, reflecting a growing consumer inclination towards health-conscious choices. Additionally, the rise of food delivery apps has expanded accessibility to a wider audience, allowing ice cream brands to tap into new markets and demographics, especially during the pandemic.
The Economics of the Industry
The global ice cream market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a rise from approximately £56 billion in 2020 to over £85 billion by 2025. This growth can be attributed to an increase in disposable income, the expanding food service industry, and innovations in product development. However, the market has faced challenges, particularly the tightening of regulations regarding sugar content and food labelling, which could impact production costs and consumer prices.
Major Players in the Industry
Notable names in the ice cream market include conglomerates like Unilever, which owns iconic brands such as Ben & Jerry's and Cornetto. Nestlé is another heavyweight, with products ranging from Häagen-Dazs to Drumstick. These giants dominate the landscape, but they face stiff competition from smaller, innovative companies like Ben & Jerry's, known for its quirky flavours and social activism, and Häagen-Dazs, celebrated for its commitment to high-quality ingredients. Furthermore, niche players emphasizing organic or plant-based offerings are gaining traction as consumers expand their palates and preferences.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Behaviour
Consumer behaviour in the ice cream sector is influenced by the growing trend of experiential dining and the quest for unique flavour experiences. Brand loyalty plays a critical role in this market, with consumers often swayed by the emotional narratives that brands promote alongside their products. Furthermore, the influence of social media cannot be understated, as visually appealing ice cream creations often go viral, pushing brands to innovate in both flavour and presentation.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global pandemic had a mixed impact on the ice cream industry. While on-premise sales in restaurants and parlours plummeted as lockdowns ensued, there was a notable spike in retail sales as consumers sought comfort foods during uncertain times. This shift catalyzed brands to develop and enhance their online offerings, further embedding the digital shopping experience into consumer habits.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability has emerged as a significant focus in the ice cream industry, with companies striving to adopt greener practices. Major players have committed to sourcing dairy responsibly and reducing plastic waste, with initiatives aimed at using biodegradable or recyclable materials for packaging. Brands like Unilever aim to halve their environmental footprint by 2030, reflecting broader societal expectations for corporate responsibility.
Future Outlook for the Industry
Looking forward, the ice cream market is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory. Emphasis on health and wellness will likely spur further innovation in low-calorie and functional ice creams, infused with protein, probiotics, and other healthful ingredients. Additionally, the growing popularity of vegan desserts is expected to push traditional ice cream producers to diversify their offerings and cater to a broader audience.
Conclusion
In sum, the ice cream industry is a vibrant and evolving segment of the global food market. Driven by diverse consumer demands, economic shifts, and innovative practices, it presents both challenges and opportunities for established brands and newcomers alike. As we step into a future that prioritizes sustainability and health without sacrificing indulgence, the ice cream sector is poised to continue delighting taste buds while navigating the intricacies of a rapidly changing market landscape.
Example Products in this Category:
Brands in this Category:
| Name | Story | Brand Categories | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Story | Brand Categories | |
| Noto Gelato | Noto Gelato is dedicated to crafting authentic gelato using the finest ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience for all dessert lovers. Noto Gelato gives you a feeling like no other. Always authentic. Handcrafted by artisans in Calgary, with expert Italian technique. We use only the finest imported ingredients. We pour zeal into every recipe, such that each spoonful transports you into our beloved Italian lifestyle. Savour the true taste of Italia. Noto Gelato is dedicated to creating authentic gelato using high-quality ingredients, focusing on unique flavors and a memorable experience. | Ice Cream,Gelato,Frozen Desserts,Beverages,Desserts | |
| Marble Slab Creamery | Marble Slab Creamery is a global franchise group that specializes in high-quality ice cream and desserts made fresh in-store with 100% real Canadian dairy. The brand is independently owned and operated in Canada by Canadian Ice Cream Company Inc. | Cakes,Ice Cream,Vegan Desserts,Gourmet Popcorn,Candles & Sparklers | |
| van | Daan Go Cake Lab is dedicated to creating innovative and high-quality desserts, focusing on fresh ingredients and unique flavors. The brand aims to provide a delightful experience for dessert lovers in Vancouver and Toronto. | Cakes,Macarons,Pastries,Ice Cream,Gifts | |
| Mini Melts | Mini Melts is delicious ice cream made with 14% butterfat, cryogenically frozen into little beads of different shapes and sizes. We use the best ingredients and most crave-able mix-ins to create joy in every flavor. We’re the #1 selling frozen novelty product in the U.S. for a reason! | Frozen Desserts,Novelty Ice Cream,Snacks | |
| Kohu Road | Kohu Road was established in 2007 by director Greg Hall, who began experimenting with a simple ice cream recipe at home. The brand focuses on using only natural ingredients, and it has grown from its first factory in Auckland's CBD to its current location in New Lynn. Kohu Road has received several awards for its flavors, emphasizing a commitment to quality and natural ingredients, with a philosophy centered around simple pleasures and clean flavors. | Ice Cream,Sorbets,Dairy-Free Ice Cream,Limited Edition Drinking Chocolate | |
| Nobó | Since 2012 we have been on a mission to reinvent the classic treat, and create simpler, kinder plant-based alternatives that are better for you and better for the planet. Just using a few simple ingredients, sourced from the best suppliers, made in small batches, and as sustainably as possible. But as food lovers, it still has to deliver on taste. From our kitchen to farmers market, to our own store. It has been a great journey, and we are thankful to everyone who shared it with us. | Chocolate,Ice Cream,Snacks,Gifting,Pantry | |
| Lewis Road Creamery | Lewis Road Creamery is a New Zealand company dedicated to producing high-quality dairy products. It is run by four New Zealand directors and focuses on sustainability and ethical practices in dairy production. | Milk,Butter,Cream,Flavoured Milk,Ice Cream,Powdered Milks,Honey | |
| Booja-Booja | At Booja-Booja we’ve been making delicious vegan and organic treats, right here in Norfolk, since 1999. We’ve always been pioneers in the world of vegan confectionery. Every chocolate truffle and tub of ice cream we make is vegan, organic, and dairy-free, as well as gluten-free and soya-free too. We focus on creating sweet treats from a small number of simple organic ingredients without using animal products, and we have developed an enthusiastic following and many awards for taste and quality. | Dairy Free Chocolates,Dairy Free Ice Cream | |
| Zeroll | The Zeroll Company has been scooping ice cream since 1935, when Sherman Kelly invented the Zeroll Ice Cream Dipper to make serving ice cream easier and more efficient. The company has a rich history of innovation and resilience, having adapted through the Great Depression and WWII, and continues to be a pioneer in smallwares for the food service industry. | Ice Cream Scoops,Food Portioners,Kitchen Tools | |
| daango | Daan Go Cake Lab is dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative desserts that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. We focus on fresh ingredients and unique flavors, ensuring every product is a delightful experience for our customers. | Cakes,Pastries,Macarons,Ice Cream,Cookies,Gifts | |
| Afters Ice Cream | Afters Ice Cream is a one-of-a-kind dessert experience created by its founders to revolutionize the ice cream market. Since its opening in Fountain Valley, California in February 2014, it has made a mark in pop culture as a pioneer in the emerging food trend scene, known for its handcrafted ice cream and the signature 'Milky Bun'. The brand embodies a sense of culture, lifestyle, and belonging, thriving in the age of social media and breaking through traditional ice cream shop marketing. | Ice Cream,Catering,Merchandise | |
| Seed + Mill | Seed + Mill was founded in 2016 by three women who share a passion for food and healthy eating. They opened the first store in the U.S. dedicated to sesame products in New York's Chelsea Market, aiming to inspire the community to explore the world through food. Their products are made with high-quality Ethiopian sesame seeds and are beloved by chefs and home cooks alike. | Halva,Tahini,Ice Cream | |
| WheyHey | At WheyHey, we believe wellbeing doesn't have to be wellboring. Our mission is simple: to create high-protein, balanced meals that taste indulgent while truly supporting a healthy lifestyle. We are committed to improving health, one meal at a time—deliciously and effortlessly. | Ready Meals,Ice Cream,Yogurts,Bundles,Pizzas,Wraps | |
| Lewis Road Creamery | We're starting a butter revolution! In beautiful and fertile corners of New Zealand, working closely with nature, our very own farms adhere to a suite of best-in-class farm practices where regenerative is at our heart. Using these high standards we have created a unique set of values, independently certified to bring butter lovers worldwide our 10 Star Certified Values premium butter. | Butter,Milk,Yoghurt,Ice Cream | |
| Sundae Donuts | Sundae Donuts offers a delightful range of donuts, ice cream, and sweet treats, available for local pickup or shipping. They also provide custom orders and catering services for events. | Donuts,Ice Cream,Beverages,Catering,Franchise | |
| Stonebarn | Stonebarn is committed to providing the best possible customer service experience and offers a range of gourmet truffle products sourced from their farm. They emphasize freshness and quality in their offerings, shipping products worldwide. | Truffle Oils,Truffle Salts & Seasoning,Truffle Sauces,Truffle Spreads,Truffle Alcohol,Truffle Condiments,Preserved Truffle,Truffle Slicers & Knives,Gift Hampers,Fresh Truffle,Truffle Ice Cream / Gelato,Truffle Hunts | |
| Little Island Limited | The Little Island story began back in 2010 when friends, Tommy and James, set about creating tasty plant-based foods to satisfy the most discerning of fans, their children. It was a roaring success, and so began the mission to provide great tasting, healthier, ethical, and organic plant-based foods. Little Island makes its products in New Zealand from natural ingredients, taking great pride and care in our selection. From single origin coffee to vanilla bean, all our raw ingredients are certified organic by Biogro NZ and are GMO free, with no synthetic additives. This means everybody gets a good deal all the way from the farm to your fridge and freezer. Here at the Little Island HQ we take great pride in how we run things. With a natural sense of fairness, we commit to paying all our staff an independently audited living wage. In the fields and on the farms we make sure farmers and workers are paid what they’re worth by ensuring we only buy from Fairtrade affiliated suppliers and engage in direct-trade everywhere else. This is a big part of what makes Little Island products more than just how great they taste! | Ice Cream,Milk,Yoghurt,Cream | |
| Craig's Vegan | Craig's Vegan is a dairy free frozen dessert company born out of Craig’s Restaurant in West Hollywood. We’ve perfected the use of cashews to make the most creamy and delicious dairy free frozen desserts in all your favorite classic flavors. | Vegan Ice Cream,Dairy-Free Desserts | |
| Fudgy Pop | Fudgy Pop was created by Nicole and Deborah, two chocolate lovers and food founders inspired by their childhood memories of pudding and fudge pops. They wanted to make a gourmet, plant-based version of these treats, leading to the birth of Fudgy Pop, which offers rich, vegan fudge pops made with clean ingredients. After a decade of building their brand from a small NYC apartment to major retailers, they focus on delivering nostalgic flavors with a modern, health-conscious twist. | Vegan Ice Cream,Frozen Treats,Desserts | |
| Urban Pops | At Urban Pops, we’re dedicated to making delicious pops that bring people together. Our pop flavors are hand-crafted with the finest ingredients and always 100% Kosher and dairy-free. Founded by Sophia Cohen, who aimed to create healthier, dairy-free treats for her family, Urban Pops has grown to offer over 85 unique flavors of pops, logs, and sammies, available for local pick up and delivery in the tri-state area. | Ice Cream,Popsicles,Gelato | |
| chiasmash | Deliciously Nutritious Superfood Jams. Meet peanut butter's new soulmate. Chia Smash is a superfood jam that's good for you, your tastebuds & the planet. No added sugar, packed with superfoods and made using 'imperfect' fruits that are perfectly delicious. | Food,Health,Snacks,Superfood,Condiments,Spreads,Jams,Health Foods,Superfoods,Organic,Sustainable,Yogurt,Oats,Smoothies,Toast,Pancakes,Waffles,Ice Cream,Baking,Cheese,Savory Sauces,Organic Foods | |
| Marshfield Farm Ice Cream | Marshfield Farm is a family home and farm known for creating deliciously indulgent ice cream to make the whole family happy - even the dog! Three generations of our family have been working together to make ice cream for over 35 years. We tend to our farmland in the South West using regenerative, sustainable farming methods. Every drop of milk in our multi-award-winning ice cream can be traced right back to the fields we call home. | Dairy Ice Cream,Vegan Ice Cream,Sorbets,Ice Cream for Dogs | |
| Awfully Chocolate | In 1998, we decided to make the Perfect Singapore Chocolate Cake. We decided to give the boot to fancy French pastries, and resolved to put the cake back into cake - and we would make it chocolate. It was a simple resolve and didn't want to complicate it. Our Original All Chocolate Cake is still our favourite cake although we have created hundreds of recipes of new and delicious cakes. | Cakes,Chocolates,Cookies,Gifting,Catering,Ice Cream |
