CATEGORY CHECK
BY MICHELE SPONAGLE
Cold comfort
Consumers’ desire for indulgence turns up the heat for a wide range of frozen treats The frozen treat category is heating up this summer with suppliers feeling positive about the season. Their optimism is justified. Last year, despite the pandemic, some makers say sales were robust as consumers sought comfort with sweet indulgences. It’s no wonder that Canada ranked sixth among top ice cream consuming nations. In fact, sales of ice cream and frozen desserts in Canada hit $1.4 billion in 2021, according to Euromonitor International.
Better-for-you (BFY) options The healthy splurge trend has staying power. Chapman’s is introducing a new 55 ml NSA (no sugar added) lactose-free bar to its roster, suitable for diabetics, those with a lactose intolerance or keto-diet followers. “Before now, these categories of guests rarely got a treat at these occasions,” says vice president Ashley Chapman. Though healthy choices in frozen treats are expanding, ice cream still rules. “We’re seeing real ice cream items selling a lot more than frozen dessert items or water ice,” explains Mike Rogiani, president, The Ice Cream Depot, in Nisku, Alta. “We haven’t seen a lot of new innovation in the category recently and what innovation we’ve seen, such as low calorie or non-dairy items, have captured only a very small market segment.” He also notes that ice cream sales do well at the beginning and the end of the summer, with water-ice products doing particularly well in hot weather. To keep retailers engaged, the company will feature promotions for products it is focusing on. “We try to run promotions that ensure retailers are stocking up on items that sell best for the season,” he adds.
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May | June 2022
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Convenience Store News Canada
Though healthy choices are expanding, ice cream still rules
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Sweet indulgence Unilever, the world’s largest ice cream company, is confident in the category’s growth, announcing that it will roll out at least 19 new frozen treats for 2022. Its portfolio of superstar brands will grow with noteworthy mash-ups, like Breyer’s M&M’s Mini Caramel Fudge ice cream and two Klondike SKUs—Reese’s Peanut Butter Cones and Chocolate Cones. Of note is the bolstering of better-for-you options with the addition of Magnum Non-Dairy Hazelnut Crunch Bar.
CCentral.ca
