The ice cream and sorbet market - United States

As of 2020, the global market for ice cream and sorbets has been burgeoning, with the United States continuing to be a dominant player. The U.S. market demonstrates a trend towards premiumization, as consumers favor high-quality products with innovative flavors, leading to a 1% increase in sales value against a 2% decline in volumes. The shift towards healthier choices is emerging, leading to increases in low-fat and non-fat options, as well as vegan and plant-based alternatives, which align with the growing health consciousness of consumers. This shift is evident in the overall increase of imports and exports in this sector, with the U.S. maintaining a net exporter status.

The industry has observed a significant impact due to COVID-19 with a 13.4% upsurge in dollar sales over the 52-week period ending in September 2020. This rise correlates with ice cream’s "comfort food" status during the lockdown, indicating a robust market despite the pandemic. The U.S., notably Florida, has seen a development in distribution channels, particularly ice cream trucks, which appear to be more prevalent per capita than in the rest of the country. Prices have generally stabilized, with a notable 33.6% increase since 2005, reinforcing the upscale trend in the market. Lastly, the number of franchise stores has increased by 21.2% from 2011 to 2020, reflecting the growing accessibility and popularity of branded ice cream experiences.

Ice Cream and Sorbet Market Dynamics in the United States: Navigating Consumer Preferences and Industry Trends

In the indulgent world of ice creams and sorbets, the United States presents a rich tapestry of consumer preferences and market trends that shape the industry. At the heart of the American ice cream market lies a distinct inclination for individual specialties such as cones and sticks, with bulk products like sorbet tubs trailing closely. Affections for snacking variants surge during summertime, emphasizing the seasonal nature of consumption influenced heavily by climatic variances. The U.S. market has embraced a consistent trend towards premiumization, with sales values witnessing a modest elevation by around 1% in recent years, despite a slight dip in volume. This premiumization is particularly notable with the introduction of protein-infused ice cream segments that have gained traction. Vanilla reigns supreme as the nation's darling flavor, closely followed by the ever-popular chocolate. On a global scale, the ice cream and sorbet market, estimated to be worth between $60 billion and $65 billion, is projected to grow robustly, approaching values between $80 billion and $85 billion by the mid-2020s.

This growth is attributed to the development in emerging markets, notably in Asia, and an evolving product range tailored to health-conscious consumers. In this panorama, the United States, although no longer the largest market—overtaken by China—continues to hold a significant position bolstered by an average individual consumption of over 20 pounds of frozen desserts yearly. When delving into ice cream consumption habits, traditional regular ice cream leads, chosen most often by around 250 million Americans, according to recent surveys. This preference is a testament to ice cream's role as a classic comfort food, even as trends indicate a burgeoning demand for healthy and premium products. Responding to the growing health consciousness, the market has seen a considerable rise in the consumption of low-fat ice cream in recent decades, indicating a consumer base that is slowly pivoting towards healthier alternatives. Yet, echoing the sustainability and ethical concerns of modern consumers, vegan and plant-based ice creams have carved a niche, with major players aiming to expand their vegan offerings substantially. Industry-wise, the U.S. ice cream market is no stranger to concentration with entities like Dreyer's and Unilever capturing a significant market share that hovers around one-third of sales. This structure, however, hasn't stifled innovation, with dynamic players continuously churning.

Key Players Shaping the US Ice Cream Market Landscape The US ice cream market showcases a blend of time-honored brands with deep-rooted histories and contemporary players that have quickly risen to popularity. Navigating through the competitive landscape of this segment, we have a number of major entities that have left indelible marks on consumer tastes and preferences.

• Unilever stands as a titan in the ice cream industry, with its ownership of Ben & Jerry's, a brand celebrated for its innovative flavor combinations and socially conscious business model. Ben & Jerry's has consistently pushed the envelope with its quirky and ever-evolving list of products, and the company’s commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable practices has earned it a loyal customer base.
• General Mills is another prominent figure in the market through its ownership of Häagen-Dazs. This brand has been synonymous with premium quality and luxurious indulgence since its inception. Known for its rich textures and dense flavors, Häagen-Dazs has established itself as a go-to for consumers seeking a high-end frozen treat experience.
• On the other end of the spectrum, Private Label ice creams have captured a significant share of the market by providing a cost-effective alternative to the name brands. These store-brand products often manage to balance quality and affordability, making them a staple in many households.
• Blue Bell sits among these influential names as well, famed for its traditional approach to ice cream production. With its deep Southern roots, Blue Bell's flavors evoke nostalgia and comfort, earning it a distinct space on the shelves and in the hearts of many Americans. Stepping outside of the supermarket, the industry is also characterized by the prevalence of ice cream franchises.
• Ben & Jerry's and Häagen-Dazs are not only found in retail stores but also operate their own specialty shops where they serve up their iconic flavors in a more personal and experiential setting. While not explicitly mentioned earlier, it’s worth acknowledging other notable players such as Baskin-Robbins, known for its “31 flavors” slogan and widespread franchise model, and Dairy Queen, which offers a fast-food twist on frozen treats with its famous Blizzard product line.

These key participants underscore a diverse market structure. They operate within a complex interplay of tradition, innovation, premiumization, and price competitiveness, catering to a vast array of consumer preferences and ensuring the continued dynamism and growth of the US ice cream industry.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/07/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Marché mondial des crèmes glacées et des sorbets
• Part de marché des principaux vendeurs de glaces
• Revenus de l'industrie de la fabrication de crèmes glacées et de desserts glacés
• Recettes de l'industrie pour la fabrication de glaces et de desserts glacés
• Dépenses potentielles moyennes pour l'achat de glaces lors d'une journée à la plage
• Importations, Exportations et Taux de couverture pour le code HS 2105
• Répartition des importations de crème glacée, par principal pays fournisseur
• Répartition des exportations de glaces, par principal pays client
• Croissance des ventes en dollars de la crème glacée, par type
• Évolution de la consommation de glace ordinaire par habitant
• Réponse à la question : quelles marques de glaces et de sorbets consommez-vous le plus souvent ?
• Réponse à la question : quels types de glaces et de sorbets consommez-vous le plus souvent ?
• Évolution du revenu personnel disponible
• Principaux facteurs pris en compte lors du choix d'une glace
• Index des tendances de Google pour la recherche en ligne : "Crème glacée"
• Évolution de la consommation intérieure de glaces allégées en matières grasses
• Nombre d'établissements pour la vente de glaces, par type d'établissement
• Évolution du prix de détail des glaces (préemballées, en vrac, ordinaires)
• Ventes des principales marques de crème glacée
• Évolution du nombre d'entreprises dans le secteur de la franchise de magasins de glaces.