The ice cream and sorbet market - UK

The global ice cream market has been projected to grow, driven by increasing demand, especially in emerging countries with rising living standards, such as those in Asia. The Asia-Pacific ice cream and sorbet market, in particular, is expected to expand significantly. Health consciousness among consumers has led to a surge in demand for premium, high-quality ice cream with exotic flavors and organic ingredients. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK ice cream market saw a 17% increase in demand in 2020, with Scottish producer Mackie's achieving a substantial 37% sales growth, taking over 6% of the market share. Seasonal consumption remains paramount, with warm summer months being peak periods for sales. The UK has also shown a growing interest in low-calorie, non-dairy, and customizable ice cream options. However, full numerical data regarding market size, growth rate, and specific figures from 2020 onwards is not available in the text and, therefore, cannot be provided.

The British Ice Cream Market: Insights and Consumer Preferences

In recent years, the United Kingdom has seen a significant evolution in its ice cream market. With an appetite for ice cream that is not only undiminished but growing, Britons have demonstrated a clear preference for a variety of flavors and types of ice cream products. The UK market is discerning, with an inclination towards luxury and premium segments, as well as a burgeoning interest in low-calorie and plant-based options. Despite fluctuations in consumption volumes over the years, a number of factors have contributed to the ever-changing landscape of ice cream demand in the UK. For instance, the UK has an established practice of importing more ice cream than it exports, with imports primarily coming from other European countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. The volume of imported ice cream amounts to three to four times the volume of ice cream that the country exports. It's worth mentioning that, exports increased by more than 65%, which reflects a growing competitiveness of British ice cream abroad despite the continued preference for foreign products domestically. When it comes to flavor preferences in the UK, vanilla reigns supreme with around 84% of Britons favoring it, followed by chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, and cookie dough.

The structure of the market is dominated by individual specialities such as cones and sticks and bulk products like sorbets and fruit tubs. Ice cream's popularity surges in the warmer months, approximately from mid-May to the end of August, with sales during this period accounting for around half of the annual total. The COVID-19 pandemic had a surprisingly positive effect on ice cream sales in the UK. Lockdown measures and the resulting increased time spent at home saw a surge in ice cream consumption. Warmer summer weather contributed to this uptick in consumption as well. Looking at the brands, Magnum sits atop the hierarchy of consumer preference, being the choice of almost a third of ice cream consumers in the UK. The preferred modes of ice cream include cones and tubs, while bars and sticks are less in vogue. British consumers also show a high loyalty to certain brands, with significant market shares held by international players like Unilever, Mars, Nestlé, General Mills, Lotte, and Dunkin' Brands.

Giants of the Frozen Dessert Arena: Industry Stalwarts Steering the UK's Ice Cream Market

Delving into the frosty domain of the UK's ice cream market, one cannot help but notice the dominance of a few prominent international brands. These titans not only rule the retail shelves but have also managed to secure a special place in the preferences of British consumers.

• Magnum, an icon of indulgence and Unilever's flagship brand, leads the pack with its luxurious chocolate-coated ice cream bars that have garnered a stalwart following. The Magnum brand has become synonymous with premium quality, offering a wide range of flavours and continuously innovating with new tastes and textures that cater to the sophisticated palate of the UK's ice cream lovers.
• Ben & Jerry's is another formidable contender, capturing both hearts and market share with its whimsical flavour names and a commitment to social justice. Their tubs, packed with chunky mix-ins and swirls, offer consumers an escape into a world of flavour, where cookie dough pieces and chocolatey chunks reign supreme.
• Haagen-Dazs, under the umbrella of General Mills, continues to enchant with its rich and creamy offerings. It's a brand that focuses on simplicity and quality, often highlighting just a few key ingredients to create an intense and satisfying taste experience.
• Carte D'Or, also part of the Unilever portfolio, offers a broad array of flavours from classic vanilla to more exotic varieties, catering to the diverse preferences of ice cream connoisseurs across the UK. Their presence affirms the consumers' love for tradition blended with innovation.
• Not to be overshadowed, the Scottish producer Mackie's has made significant inroads into the market, priding itself on locally-sourced ingredients and family-run business charm. Their growth has been notable, capturing the hearts of those who lean towards supporting regional brands and wish to indulge in the authenticity of Scottish flavours.
• Additionally, the rise of Halo Top has been a testament to consumers' growing health consciousness. Specializing in low-calorie ice creams without sacrificing taste, Halo Top has resonated with those who keep an eye on their fitness and waistlines, successfully tapping into the healthy lifestyle segment.
• Beyond the giants, brands like Rowntrees and Calippo bring fruity and refreshing treats to the mix, thriving during the warm summer months and appealing to those who seek a sweet apart from the creamy richness of traditional ice creams.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/04/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Average price of one ice cream scoop
• World ice cream and sorbet market
• UK manufacturer's volume and evolution of ice cream sales
• UK manufacturer's sales and evolution of sales of ice cream
• Total revenues of the ice cream market
• Evolution of retail value and volume of ice cream
• Imports and Exports of ice cream
• Average consumption of ice cream, per person per week
• Search interest for 'ice cream'
• Consumption of ice cream, by frequency
• Preferred type of ice cream
• Favourite hand held ice cream
• Most consumed tub ice cream brands
• Consumptions of supermarket-brand tub ice cream
• Most consumed ice cream brands (all typologies of ice cream)
• Where Britons eat their ice cream
• Ice cream brands sales and year-on-year growth
• Most valuable ice cream brands and year-on-year growth
• Market share of premium ice cream
• Value and evolution of ice cream segments
• Market share of ice creams, by segment
• Market share of ice cream distribution
• Average price per litre of ice cream
• Producer price inflation
• Consumer price inflation
• Share of ice cream producers by annual turnover