Put A Cherry on Top: Ice Cream Sales Reach $25.1 Billion

ROCKVILLE, Md.If you had any doubt about Americas love for ice cream, think again. U.S. retail and foodservice sales of ice cream and frozen desserts topped 25.1 billion in 2011, up 2.4% over the previous year, according to a new report from Packaged Facts. Sales are expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2016.

According to Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts in the U.S,: Markets and Opportunities in Retail and Foodservice; 7th Edition," foodservice accounted for 57% of overall sales while retail sales rounded out the rest. Within the retail mass market for packaged products, packaged ice cream is the largest category, accounting for 55% of total retail sales, followed by frozen novelties at 36%.  The fastest dollar growth came from the frozen yogurt/tofu specialty segment.

Packaged Facts Publisher David Sprinkle said marketers, retailers, and foodservice providers can grow their businesses by creating and marketing products that speak to todays consumers on an emotional level. Along with localized strategies and niche products representing true differentiation, integrating new media into the marketing mix can create buzz and communicate brand attributes that are responsive to the desires of economic downturn-weary Americans wanting to indulge without breaking the bank.

Across the country, nonetheless, are hundreds of regional and local competitors that often go head-to-head with the industry giants like Unilever and Nestlé in particular geographic markets, with many local and regional brands commanding the loyalty of generations of customers. In addition, a slew of niche companies run by entrepreneurs are making more than a blip on the radar screen with innovative and truly differentiated products, and private label ice creams are on the upswing.

The report examines the competitive situation, with detailed profiles of trend-making marketers and foodservice providers including Nestlé Dreyers Ice Cream, Unilever, Wells Enterprises, Dean Foods, Blue Bell Creameries, Friendlys Ice Cream, Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, TCBY and many more.