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RECORD-BREAKING HEATWAVE SEES ICE CREAM INDUSTRY PROFITS SOAR

A survey conducted by the Ice Cream Alliance, the UK’s trade association for ice cream manufacturers and retailers, reveals that 80% of respondents saw profits increase this summer, when compared to the previous 3 years.

England’s average temperatures were the highest since records began. The UK as a whole enjoyed the joint hottest summer on record according to the Met Office, with temperatures soaring throughout much of June and July.

The survey, which was distributed to all members of the Alliance, also showed that over 84% of members agreed that the heatwave had a positive impact on their business.

One member commented: “We opened our ice cream parlour in June and took our six monthly forecasted takings in the first month!”

In addition, more than 50% of members surveyed reported an increase in the sale of non-traditional ice cream products such as ice lollies and soft drinks, as the rocketing temperatures sent people in search of hydration fast.

Vanilla was still the standout bestselling flavour, but several members noted the hugely increased popularity of salted caramel flavoured ice cream in comparison to previous years.

Zelica Carr, CEO of the Ice Cream Alliance, commented: “It’s great that our members have enjoyed such a successful summer period. The extreme temperatures we enjoyed across the UK, particularly in June and July, lead to everyone in our industry working really hard…some of our members reported working 12 hour days to cope with demand!”

Ben Govier, an ICA member and owner of Dylan’s Ice Cream in Haslemere, Surrey, said: “It was an amazing summer, we traded like every day was a Saturday! We’ve been open for 10 years and this is the best season we’ve had yet!”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Smith .