When we last covered sales within the retail ice cream/sherbet category (in our January 2021 issue), the segment was enjoying double-digit growth in both dollars and units. Eight months later — with stay-at-home dictates over and many consumers no longer indulging in as many comfort foods — retail ice cream/sherbet sales are not soaring quite as high.
That being said, sales are still pretty darn impressive. The total category saw dollar sales jump 6.5% to $7,814.1 million and unit sales rise 4.6% to 1,966.8 million, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI for the 52 weeks ending May 16, 2021.