Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts in the U.S.: Markets and Opportunities in Retail and Foodservice, 7th Edition

In the mature U.S. marketplace for ice cream and frozen desserts, marketers, retailers, and foodservice providers can grow their businesses by creating and marketing products that speak to today’s 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.

Ice cream and frozen desserts is a highly competitive market, with two multinational conglomerates—Nestlé and Unilever—at the top of the heap. Across the country, nonetheless, are hundreds of regional and local competitors that often go head-to-head with the industry giants 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. Also in the mix is a generous swirl of private label, with the improved quality of store brands making them an attractive price/value alternative to premium brands.

This completely updated Packaged Facts report examines the U.S. market for ice cream and frozen desserts, analyzing market size and drivers, new product introductions, and competitive strategies for the retail and foodservice sectors. Trends at play in the market include the impact of the recession and slow economic recovery; ingredient costs; targeting adults with premium and superpremium products; and opportunities to market products to Hispanic consumers.

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

Key data sources include SymphonyIRI InfoScan Reviews quantifying retail mass-market sales at the marketer/brand share level, SPINSscan retail sales in the natural food channel, Experian Simmons national consumer surveys on purchasing patterns including brand preferences, and Packaged Facts' own online consumer survey conducted in March 2012. The report also includes dozens of images of new products and consumer advertising and marketing promotions, with a particular focus on the increasing usage of new media.