August 30, 2024 – Globally, consumers prefer frozen desserts and ice cream for their indulgence and taste, offering a range of textures and flavors. Innova’s 360 research into frozen desserts and ice cream trends reveals the latest market shifts and innovations, paving the way for brands to make strategic decisions in the category across the globe.
Product Launch Trends
There has been a 16% rise in other frozen desserts and ice cream launches as a percentage of desserts and ice cream category over the past five years. Products catering to allergen concerns, clean label claims, and low/no/reduced fat options with 0% trans and saturated fat have significantly boosted new product development in the past year.
Latin America leads globally in frozen dessert and ice cream launches over the past two years, followed by North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. In Latin America, launches specifically crafted for children (5–12 years), featuring popular animated characters and interactive packaging, support new product development in this category.
This highlights that brands are blending indulgence with health-conscious options and engaging experiences for younger consumers.
Water Based Ice Lollies, Pop and Sorbet Trends
Water based ice lollies, pop and sorbet is the leading subcategory and has experienced a 4% rise in launches over the past five years. The Middle East and Africa is the top region for launches in the past two years. Concentrated versions of premium sorbets and ice lollies with a combination of cola and fruit flavors have sustained new product development in the Middle East and Africa.
Unilever has been the leading company for water based ice lollies, pop and sorbet launches, driven by its brands Talenti, Calippo, and Streets. Unilever has partnered with Disney to launch a line of kid-friendly treats including fruit-flavored ice pops in various flavors. Additionally, a range of confectionery bars featuring chocolatey eyes adds significance to the company’s product development.
Frozen Desserts Trends
Over the past five years, there has been a 5% CAGR growth in frozen desserts launches, fueled by the rising popularity of health-conscious options. Plant based smoothies, cheesecakes, and frozen desserts made with fruits like blueberry, banana, and strawberry, combined with various nuts and seeds, cater to diverse taste preferences, and promote a healthier lifestyle globally.
North America leads globally in frozen desserts launches over the past two years. There is a growing demand for vegan-friendly ice cream reflecting the increasing embrace of plant-based diets among consumers, providing dietary options for individuals in frozen desserts.
Claims and Positioning Trends
Gluten free is the top claim in other frozen desserts and ice cream category, followed by no additives or preservatives, vegan, vegetarian, and halal.
In Europe, indulgent and premium, low/no/reduced fat, and no added sugar claims are on the rise. Asia Pacific consumers are inclined towards limited edition, indulgent and premium, and seasonal—other claims. In the Middle East and Africa, seasonal—other claims are growing. Consumers in North America prefer no added sugar, plant based, and GMO free claims. Meanwhile, in Latin America, natural, traditional, and children (5–12 years) claims are gaining popularity. This highlights the diverse consumer interests and dietary needs across the globe in the frozen desserts and ice cream category.
Flavor Trends
The top 5 flavors are mango, strawberry, red raspberry, lemon, and orange. Strawberry flavor stays ahead in Europe, North America, and Latin America.
In Asia Pacific, there is a rising interest in fruit, coconut, and white peach flavors. North American consumers prefer flavors like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. Meanwhile, in Europe, dark chocolate, vanilla, and caramel flavors are gaining popularity. In the Middle East and Africa, fruit flavor is growing. These different and indulgent flavor preferences across the globe reveal that brands are launching products to cater to regional tastes and preferences.
What’s Next in Global Frozen Desserts & Ice Cream Trends?
Latin America is leading in other frozen desserts and ice cream launches, with brands focusing on launches crafted for children, featuring popular animated characters and interactive packaging.
Frozen desserts new product development in North America features plant-based launches like smoothies, cheesecakes, and products prepared using fruits, nuts, and seeds. This highlights the way for brands to innovate and experiment in plant-based frozen desserts to cater to the desires of health-conscious consumers.
Globally, fruit and indulgent flavors are prominent in the other frozen desserts and ice cream market. Brands can develop more fruit flavors for indulgent experiences. The global frozen desserts and ice cream market is likely to witness an increased emphasis on healthy claims and indulgent flavors to meet evolving consumer preferences.
This article is based on our report, “Overview of Other Frozen Desserts & Ice Cream – Global .” If you are interested in reading this report, feel free to request a demo.
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