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.

Many consumers have been turning to their favorite comfort foods to help combat stress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And one of those favorites certainly appears to be ice cream.

It's a sweet state of affairs for the retail ice cream/sherbet category. Dollar sales jumped 7.6% to $7,298.8 million during the 52 weeks ending May 17, 2020, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

The U.S. retail ice cream segment certainly has seen easier times. According to "Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties - U.S.," a report published in May 2019 by global market research firm Mintel, the mature and diverse category is "finding growth elusive."

Dollar sales in the ice cream/sherbet category rose 2.2% during the 52 weeks ending April 22, 2018, to $6.9 billion, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI. Unit sales increased 1.6% to 1.8 billion.

Baskin-Robbins releases new Sherbet Flavored Bars, its first freezer bar treat available in major retailers nationwide.