As U.S. consumers gravitate toward better-for-you choices, indulgent categories such as frozen desserts are losing some steam. According to data from IRI, a Chicago-based research firm, in the 52-week period ending June 16, 2019, dollar sales in the frozen desserts/toppings category fell 2.8% to $663.2 million.
Competing in the frozen dessert market can be tough, even more so during a time when so many consumers are paying close attention to labels and their food choices. Consumers are cutting back on desserts, choosing healthier options or reaching for ice cream when they want to indulge.
The picture for cheesecakes, whip toppings and frozen puddings is not pretty. Sales dropped in all those segments. Sales of frozen sweet goods show some promise.
Ice cream sales may be climbing (see our August issue), but sales for most frozen dessert segments took a beating. Unit sales of frozen cheesecakes, pudding/mousse and whip toppings all decreased. Meanwhile, frozen sweet goods sales ticked up.
Processors of cheesecakes, sweet goods and whipped toppings saw a drop in both sales and units. Frozen pudding is the exception.
September 10, 2012
The overall frozen dessert category took a hit in sales over the last year. But the frozen pudding and mousse segment saw an increase in both sales and unit sales. With the health and wellness trend continuing among Americans, it’s likely that many are looking to better-for-you options to curb their sweet tooth.