Single-serve ice-cream sales hot up

Consumer tendency to eat on the go, plus a growing demand for individual treats, has seen a global increase in handheld ice-cream sales, Innova Market Insights reports. Single-serve product launches have increased significantly, with Innova recording a 22% rise over the five years to October 2014.

Growth in single-serve ice-cream product launches has been greatest in Asia, accounting for 40% of all ice-cream introductions. By contrast, these product launches accounted for 20% and 12% of all ice-cream introductions in Europe and the US respectively.

“The handheld ice-cream market is working hard to move on from its weather-dependent summer-only image,” said Lu Ann Williams, director of innovation at Innova Market Insights.

“The sector varies across a whole range of product types, from ice lollies for children to premium chocolate snacks for adults, and encompasses a wide range of formats including bars, sticks and cones, all offering a convenient, individual snack or treat suitable for any occasion and all types of consumer.”

Increasing temperatures have been a boon for the UK handheld ice-cream market over the last two years, Innova says. Unilever has capitalised on this, launching several new variants of its Magnum and Cornetto lines and reintroducing several limited edition Magnums.

Gelato is starting to move from the foodservice to the retail market, with several new stick gelato products launched recently. Fruit bars are gaining popularity in the US as well-established ice-cream companies respond to growing consumer desires for healthier options.