The ice cream/frozen novelty category clearly diverges in terms of sales. Some sub-segments are hot enough to cool off their very products, while others are as cold as the freezer that houses them.
Overall, the ice cream/sherbet market saw dollar sales increase nearly 3% to $7.8 billion in U.S. multi-outlets and convenience stores during the 52 weeks ending Oct. 30. However, unit sales declined by 4% to 1.8 billion, according to data provided by Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI). Standouts in this category were Hudsonville (sales up 95% vs. the prior year), and Tillamook (sales increasing by 24% vs. the prior year period).