Quoting a jazz standard song from as early as 1927 and it equally holds true today. The ice cream category, of course, has gone through multiple stages of innovation and change since then, yet consumers’ love for ice cream remains unchanged until today. Many people treat themselves with a scoop (or two) during hot summer months, many others equally enjoy indulgent ice cream desserts during colder months as well.
In the UK, it is the top 2 food typically consumed after a meal with 35% of consumers enjoying ice-cream, only overtaken by fruits at 37% and ahead of other desserts or hot drinks, as Mintel reports. Correspondingly, the European ice-cream market is expected to reach a projected revenue of US $32.53 billion by 2023 from US $21.95 billion in 2024, Statista estimates, growing at a rate of 4.47%
How can brands keep up with consumers’ strong interest in ice cream and create dairy-, water- and plant-based products that stand out in an increasingly diversified and partially saturated market?
In an increasingly digital world where information is readily available at one’s fingertips, consumers’ attention to food labels and ingredients continues to strengthen. With smartphones at hand, it has become simple to quickly check out ingredients that consumers are not familiar with. Driven by the growing importance of what goes into food and beverage products, consumers are equally looking for better-for-you alternatives in desserts and ice cream.
Consumers do have a growing interest in natural ingredients, yet in addition, are attracted by ice cream and dessert products that are visually appealing and sometimes simply stunning. Bright and vibrant shades in ice cream and desserts indicate richness in flavour, taste appeal, and create eye-catching looks that match a respective flavour concept. Often limited editions or seasonal positioning is underlined with visual differentiation.
Do you have any questions regarding the application of natural colouring in your frozen dessert? Request a consult with our colouring experts who would be more than happy to help you in finding the best solution for your specific needs.
