CHICAGO -- According to new consumer research from Mintel International Group Ltd., nine in 10 people (89%) enjoyed a scoop of ice cream in the past year. In comparison, only three in five (59%) ate novelties such as ice cream sandwiches or bars. Less than two in five ate sherbet or frozen yogurt (37% and 34%, respectively).
"Ice cream remains one of America's favorite treats," said David Morris, senior analyst at Mintel. "Slow churn and super-premium innovations have brought exciting new variety to the taste and texture people know and love."
Ice cream's familiarity is what drives [image-nocss] sales. In 2007, ice cream accounted for nearly 60% of total sales from ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt combined. Frozen novelties made up over a third of sales (36%), while sherbet and frozen yogurt accounted for just 5%.
Behind those figures, however, it seems people may be cooling towards old-fashioned ice cream, Mintel said. Though ice cream sales dominated the market in 2007, they were also 3.9% behind sales levels from 2002. The culprit? Frozen novelties, sales of which grew 7.2% from 2002 to 2007.
"Convenience and healthy eating trends drive more people to frozen novelties to satisfy cravings," added Morris. "These products are portable and portion-controlled. Plus, rapid new product development is giving consumers many new frozen novelty dessert choices."
Morris believes that frozen novelties may be the key to continued success. With today's health-conscious consumer looking for a balance between nutrition and indulgence, "options such as light, portion-controlled ice cream bars or lower calorie frozen yogurt are sure to resonate," he said.
Mintel forecasts the market for ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt through all retail channels to grow 15% from 2008 to 2012.
International consumer, product and market research firm Mintel has U.S. offices in Chicago.
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