January 6, 2025 – In Germany, ice cream and frozen yogurt are preferred for their perfect balance of indulgence and comfort and their ability to satisfy cravings. Innova’s 360 research into ice cream and frozen yogurt trends highlights the latest product launches, market insights, top brands and companies, and what may develop in the market.
Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Launch Trends
Ice cream and frozen yogurt market has displayed a rise in launches over the past two years, driven by the growing demand for indulgent yet healthier options. In Germany, 30% of consumers believe using natural or less artificial ingredients is the key to making indulgent food healthier. This is reflected in the rise of clean-label products featuring organic certifications, no additives or preservatives, and available in the ice cream and frozen yogurt launches. This reflects Innova’s top annual trend of 2024, ‘Indulging in Health,’ which highlights how brands are blending indulgence with wellness, offering comforting treats that balance satisfaction and nutrition.
The organic certifications launch, claiming to be made with naturally sourced ingredients and free from artificial flavors/colors, supported by options flavored with real ingredients like vanilla, fruits, and nuts, has supported the new product development.
Dairy-based ice cream and frozen yogurt lead the cluster, accounting for 82% of launches in the past year.
Top Brands and Companies
The ice cream and frozen yogurt market in Germany is penetrated by both branded and private label companies. Branded products display 81% of ice cream and frozen yogurt market launches in Germany.
Unilever is the top company for cluster launches over the past year. Recognizing the growing consumer preference for smaller, more frequent meals, Unilever has tapped into the snacking trend with its brand Magnum.
Magnum’s introduction of bite-sized Bon Bons aligns with this preference, joining Ben & Jerry’s and Yasso in leveraging micro-formats. These Bon Bons are available in three of Magnum’s most popular flavors, like white chocolate and cookies, gold caramel billionaire, and salted caramel and almond. They are accessible both in-store and online across Germany and other European markets. This approach not only caters to evolving snacking habits but also reinforces Magnum’s commitment to innovation in the frozen dessert space.
Florida Eis Manufaktur, Froneri, Gelato Classico Die Eismanufaktur, and Bruno Gelato are other notable companies in the market. These top 5 companies account for 39% of ice cream and frozen yogurt launches in Germany.
Claims and Positionings Trends
Ice cream and frozen yogurt trends show that gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, organic, and no additives or preservatives are the top 5 positionings for the ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster in Germany.
In Germany, 45% of consumers show interest in plant-based versions of familiar foods and beverages, driving the popularity of vegan ice creams and frozen yogurt. This ice cream and frozen yogurt trend aligns with Innova’s 2024 top trend, ‘Plant-Based: The Rise of Applied Offerings,’ where modifying well-known dishes and formats gives consumers a sense of comfort and understanding as they seek to adopt plant-based products. Innovations using grains like rice and oats, along with plant-based milk, have supported the new product development in Germany.
Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Flavor Trends
Milk chocolate is the top flavor for the ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster launches in Germany. This is followed by vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and white chocolate.
In Germany, 44% of consumers seek sweet flavors in desserts and ice cream over the past year. To satisfy these cravings, brands are offering a diverse range of options, including rich brown flavors like chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter, alongside fruity choices such as berry blends, lemon, mango, and banana. Vanilla remains a classic favorite, while cross-category creations like brownies, cookie dough, and cheesecake bring indulgence and variety to ice cream and frozen yogurt offerings.
What’s Next in the Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Trends?
In Germany, consumers believe using natural/fewer artificial ingredients is key to making indulgent foods healthier. Reflecting ice cream and frozen yogurt trends, this belief is reflected in clean label claims like organic, no additives or preservatives, and natural in ice cream and frozen yogurt launches. Organic certifications and products made with real ingredients like vanilla, fruits, and nuts drive product development.
Vanilla is the most preferred flavor in dairy-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, and frozen desserts. Brands can capitalize on this trend by offering diverse vanilla profiles, including bourbon, Tahitian, and Madagascar varieties. Blending vanilla with complementary flavors like chocolate, caramel, almond, or strawberry further elevates the indulgence. As consumer interest in natural indulgence grows, innovative vanilla pairings and premium ingredients are likely to elevate frozen dessert experiences.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Overview in Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Germany report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
