A cutting in an ice cream plant is rather like reading the reviews after the opening-night performance of a concert. The quality control team (the critics) looks at the finished product and packaging created by the production team (the orchestra). QC reviews whether the process went according to plan.
Ice cream/sherbet sales had not shown signs of cooling off as of late fall 2011. Although unit sales for the category were down slightly (4.29%), dollar sales increased 3.54% to almost $4.5 billion in the 52 weeks ended Oct. 30, 2011. The average price increased 26 cents during the period. The category includes three segments: frozen yogurt, ice cream and sherbet/sorbet/ices. Private-label brands led all three segments in dollar sales and units.
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation announced today that the Company has successfully emerged from its voluntary Chapter 11 by consummating the sale of its business to Friendly's Ice Cream, LLC and its subsidiaries.
Dairy processors show they have a dairy food for every course, from appetizers (sour cream dips) to desserts (ice cream), in this week's free-standing inserts. HP Hood, Lactalis, Saputo and Land O' Lakes are featured.
Manipulating texture is the latest rage when it comes to creating a point of differentiation in the crowded drinkable yogurt category. In Brazil, Coop, a global chain of supermarkets, introduces private label Whipped Part Skimmed Drinking Yogurt with Honey. The whipped texture adds a new dimension to the category.
While grocery shopping this weekend, I noticed a display in the back of the store where packaged chocolate chip cookies with orange and black chips were discounted almost 90% from their original price.