Detailed Findings: The "Iced Insight" report by Carpigiani UK reveals that 98% of the UK population has consumed ice cream out-of-home in the past year. The report highlights that ice cream consumption is a year-round activity, with most consumers (87%) indulging throughout the year. It details the frequency of consumption, preferred locations (restaurants, dessert houses, gelaterias), types of ice cream consumed (soft serve being most popular), flavor preferences (traditional flavors dominate), and factors influencing purchase decisions (indulgence, innovative flavors, social experience, authenticity). The report also touches upon the consumption of milkshakes, smoothies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushes/frozen cocktails.
Key Takeaway: The report demonstrates a strong and consistent demand for ice cream in the UK out-of-home market, highlighting opportunities for food service operators to capitalize on this trend by offering a variety of ice cream options, including premium and innovative choices.
Trend Analysis
Main Trend: High and consistent demand for ice cream in the UK out-of-home market.
Name of the Trend: The UK's Enduring Ice Cream Craze
Description of the Trend: Ice cream consumption in the UK remains extremely popular, with a vast majority of the population indulging in it regularly throughout the year, across various venues. The trend highlights a strong preference for ice cream as a treat or dessert option when dining out or seeking a snack.
Consumer Insights
What is Consumer Motivation? Consumers are motivated by indulgence (50%), innovative flavor profiles or ingredients (27%), the social dining experience (20%), and authenticity (19%). They seek a pleasurable and satisfying treat, and are increasingly interested in premium and unique offerings.
What is Driving the Trend? The inherent appeal of ice cream as a treat, the availability of diverse options on the high street, the rise of dedicated dessert parlors and gelaterias, and the social aspect of enjoying ice cream with friends and family are all driving factors.
What is the Motivation Beyond the Trend? Consumers may be seeking a momentary escape or a reward, a way to connect with others, and an experience that evokes positive emotions and memories. There's also a growing appreciation for artisanal and high-quality food experiences.
Who are the People the Article is Referring To: The article refers to a broad range of consumers across the UK population, with a particular emphasis on those who eat ice cream out-of-home.
Description of Consumers the Product or Service is Referring To: Individuals and families who enjoy ice cream as a treat or dessert when dining out, visiting dedicated ice cream parlors, or purchasing from other food outlets. They are open to trying different types of ice cream and are influenced by factors like flavor, quality, and the overall experience.
What is their Age: The report indicates that 25-44-year-olds eat ice cream out of home most frequently, but the overall trend spans across age groups, as 98% of the UK population (16 years and above) consume ice cream out of home.
Implications and Conclusions
Conclusions: The UK out-of-home ice cream market is robust and presents significant opportunities for food service operators. Consumers are willing to pay more for premium and innovative ice cream experiences. The demand for ice cream is consistent throughout the year, not just limited to warmer months.
Implications for Brands: Brands should focus on offering a diverse range of ice cream options, including traditional and innovative flavors, as well as premium and artisanal choices. They should consider the social and experiential aspects of ice cream consumption when developing their offerings.
Implications for Society: The popularity of ice cream reflects its enduring appeal as a comfort food and a source of enjoyment. The trend also highlights the importance of the food service industry in providing social and recreational experiences.
Implications for Consumers: Consumers will continue to have access to a wide variety of ice cream options in the out-of-home market. They can expect to see more innovative flavors, formats, and experiences catering to their preferences.
Implications for the Future: The demand for ice cream is likely to remain strong, with potential for further growth in the premium and artisanal segments. The trend may also see an increased focus on healthier and more sustainable ice cream options.
Specific Trend Deep Dive
Big Consumer Trend:
Name: Premiumization of Treats
Detailed Description: Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for higher quality, artisanal, and unique versions of their favorite treats, including ice cream. They seek better ingredients, more interesting flavors, and a more elevated experience.
Consumer Sub-Trend:
Name: The Soft Serve Revival
Detailed Description: Soft serve ice cream, particularly "Mr Whippy" style, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by nostalgia, its smooth texture, and its versatility for innovative toppings and mix-ins.
Big Social Trend:
Name: The Sweet Social
Detailed Description: Sharing desserts and sweet treats, including ice cream, has become a popular social activity, often documented and shared on social media platforms.
Local Trend:
Name: High Street Gelato Boom
Detailed Description: Within the UK, a growing number of independent gelaterias and ice cream parlors are opening on high streets, offering artisanal gelato and unique flavor combinations.
Worldwide Social Trend:
Name: Global Indulgence
Detailed Description: A worldwide trend of consumers seeking moments of pleasure and indulgence through food and treats, despite economic or other pressures.
Social Drive:
Name: Experiential Consumption
Detailed Description: Consumers are prioritizing experiences over material possessions, and this extends to their food choices, seeking out memorable and shareable moments centered around food and treats.
Actionable Recommendations
Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025: Companies should invest in developing premium and innovative ice cream offerings. They should focus on creating a positive and engaging customer experience. They should also explore opportunities in related categories like milkshakes and frozen cocktails.
Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:
Introduce new and exciting ice cream flavors, including seasonal and limited-edition options.
Offer a range of formats, such as tubs, cones, and sundaes, to cater to different preferences.
Highlight the quality of ingredients and the craftsmanship involved in making the ice cream.
Create visually appealing and "Instagrammable" presentations.
Consider offering healthier options, such as low-sugar or dairy-free alternatives.
What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend and How to Do It: Brands should launch premium ice cream lines using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They can create interactive experiences in their stores or at events, such as ice cream tasting or customization bars. They should partner with other food businesses to offer ice cream as part of a broader dessert menu. They should use social media to promote their products and engage with customers. They should invest in high-quality equipment such as Carpigiani machines to produce the best quality ice-cream.
Final Synthesis
Final Sentence (Key Concept): The Carpigiani report underscores the enduring strength of the UK's out-of-home ice cream market, driven by consumers' desire for indulgence, innovation, and social experiences, making "The UK's Enduring Ice Cream Craze" a defining trend for the food service industry.
Final Note:
By implementing these strategies, brands can successfully take advantage of The UK's Enduring Ice Cream Craze trend. They can market to consumers who are looking for a delicious, indulgent, and potentially premium treat and are interested in exploring new flavors and formats while enjoying a social experience. They can be a part of The UK's Enduring Ice Cream Craze trend by offering high-quality, innovative, and engaging ice cream products and experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of UK consumers.
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