The most recent numbers from Information Resources Inc., show that the ice cream-exclusive subcategory (this does not include sherbet or novelties), grew by 0.7% in the 13 weeks ended Dec. 26, 2004, and by 0.4% for the period ended March 27. That's not much, but it is better than the shrinkage that occurred in at least four quarters prior. Dollar sales have been growing for a longer period. All the figures referenced in this article represent food, drugstore and mass merchandiser retail sales, but do not include convenience channels, foodservice or Wal-Mart.