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Tag: icecream

  • Ice Cream Industry Pivots: Healthier Ingredients and Smaller Portions for Guiltless Indulgence

    Ice Cream Industry Pivots: Healthier Ingredients and Smaller Portions for Guiltless Indulgence

    In the backdrop of soaring summer temperatures, ice cream companies are experiencing a surge in sales. However, they are concurrently strategizing for a future delineated by health-conscious consumers. There is a burgeoning demand for healthier food alternatives, and a rise in GLP-1 drugs that suppress appetite, which has prompted ice cream manufacturers to adjust their production methods. They are striving to reduce portion sizes, enhance protein content, and purify their ingredients lists.

    Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences

    Despite a minor decline in U.S. ice cream sales volumes, manufacturers are optimistic about the future. They believe consumers will continue to enjoy ice cream, albeit with stipulations. Modern consumers crave indulgence, but they prefer indulgence that comes with lower calorie content, increased protein, and an uncomplicated list of ingredients. Ice cream companies are seeing a shift towards “wellness indulgence.”

    Companies like Blue Bunny, owned by Ferrero, are reporting strong demand for their lower-calorie products. They are also making efforts to exclude certain ingredients from their products, like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring and flavoring. This transition reflects a broader industry-wide challenge, as evolving eating habits dictate what consumers expect from their foods.

    The Emergence of Wellness-Oriented Offerings

    Magnum Ice Cream Company, known for brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, has fast-tracked its focus on wellness, driven by the positive growth of Yasso, its frozen Greek yogurt brand. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that balance indulgence with factors such as higher protein content, fewer calories, and controlled portion sizes.

    Nearly 16 million Americans are consuming GLP-1 drugs, and this number is expected to rise significantly by the end of the decade. This has led companies to reformulate their products to incorporate more protein, fiber, and nutritional benefits. The challenge for ice cream companies lies in retaining the appeal of ice cream as a treat while catering to consumers who consider nutritional value as important as taste.

    Brands like Halo Top, which offers a similar ice cream experience with half the calories of leading competitors, have seen a significant increase in sales over the last two years. The brand is focusing on offering flavors that consumers crave, coupled with a good source of protein and fewer calories than traditional ice cream.

    The wellness trend is not restricted to the U.S., raising questions about how ice cream brands can stay relevant as global eating habits evolve. Companies worldwide are recognizing the growing demand for smaller portions, premium products, and lower-calorie alternatives that align with health and wellness goals.

    Questions & Answers

    What changes are ice cream companies making to adapt to consumer health preferences?
    They are reducing portion sizes, increasing the protein content of their products, and cleaning up their ingredients lists.

    What is the wellness trend in the ice cream industry?
    The wellness trend involves creating ice cream products that offer indulgence but with fewer calories, more protein, and simpler ingredients.

    How have consumer preferences impacted the ice cream market?
    Healthier consumer preferences have led to a slight decline in sales, a surge in demand for healthier alternatives, and a shift in production methods to accommodate these preferences.

  • Golden Gaytime and Cinnabon Blend Nostalgia and Indulgence in New Frozen Treat for Australia

    Golden Gaytime and Cinnabon Blend Nostalgia and Indulgence in New Frozen Treat for Australia

    Golden Gaytime, a well-loved brand belonging to Streets Ice Cream, has teamed up with the renowned bakery chain, Cinnabon, to debut a co-branded frozen dessert in Australia. Named “Junior,” this innovative dessert fuses Cinnabon’s signature cinnamon and cream cheese flavors with Golden Gaytime’s chocolate coating and biscuit crumb outer layer.

    Meeting Consumer Demands with a Sweet Collaboration

    The launch of this novel frozen treat is in response to the increasing consumer preference for nostalgic food combinations and rich, indulgent products. The promotional campaign for the dessert humorously portrays a fictional romance between the two brands. This unique narrative is designed to not just attract but also engage consumers, sparking conversations and fueling a sense of camaraderie among fans.

    The single-serving of this dessert will be available at petrol stations and convenience stores across Australia. Furthermore, a four-pack variant of the treat is slated for release on August 24 in supermarkets throughout the country.

    Kalli Swaik, the Managing Director for Streets Ice Cream ANZ, said, “Golden Gaytime has always maintained a light-hearted brand image, so representing this collaboration as a love story seemed like the perfect way to generate buzz.”

    Cinnabon’s Growth Strategy

    For Cinnabon, which operates over 2,400 bakeries in 65 countries worldwide, this project aligns with its ongoing multi-channel licensing strategy. The bakery chain emphasizes on extending its growth beyond physical outlets by infiltrating commercial grocery channels.

    In a similar vein, Streets Ice Cream also previously partnered with home fragrance brand Dusk, broadening their product range to include home fragrances, bath, and personal care products.

    Questions & Answers

    What unique features does the new dessert from Golden Gaytime and Cinnabon offer?
    The dessert combines Cinnabon’s cinnamon and cream cheese flavors with Golden Gaytime’s chocolate coating and biscuit crumb outer layer.

    Where can consumers purchase this new frozen treat?
    The dessert can be purchased at petrol stations and convenience stores across Australia, and a four-pack variant will be available in supermarkets from August 24.

    What is Cinnabon’s approach towards growth?
    Cinnabon focuses on driving growth outside its physical storefronts by entering commercial grocery channels as a part of its multi-channel licensing strategy.

  • Magnum Ice Cream: Sweet Independence Ahead as Unilever Spinoff Approaches Amid Health Trends and Trade Challenges

    Magnum Ice Cream: Sweet Independence Ahead as Unilever Spinoff Approaches Amid Health Trends and Trade Challenges

    Unilever’s ice cream subsidiary, Magnum Ice Cream Company, is preparing for a significant spin-off worth billions next month. As it separates, the business is set to navigate various obstacles, including logistics issues and the emerging popularity of weight loss medications. The head of its supply chain, Sandeep Desai, discussed these challenges and the company’s strategies.

    Positioning as an Ice Cream-Focused Business

    Magnum Ice Cream Company is gearing up for its listing in Amsterdam on December 8th, a move that will put its sugar-rich products to the test in terms of investor interest. This comes at a time when GLP-1 weight loss drugs are shifting consumer behaviors and amidst a health campaign in the U.S. The company is presenting itself as a business centered around ice cream and is banking on the lingering appeal of ‘treat’ foods that consumers continue to desire. It includes its own Magnum ice creams and other brands like Solero, Viennetta, and Ben & Jerry’s.

    Desai stated, “We are focused on ice cream and ice cream only.” He mentioned the company-wide mindset of finding ways to produce and sell more ice cream, arguing that this provides a unique level of focus.

    Addressing the Impact of Weight-Loss Drugs

    Magnum recognizes the potential impact of GLP-1 drugs on its business but remains optimistic about the long-term demand for its products. Desai acknowledged the importance of the weight-loss drug trend but emphasized that ice cream remains a sought-after indulgence.

    In an effort to adapt, the company is introducing products that emphasize hydration and protein. Jamie Farrell, the head of the company for UK and Ireland, highlighted the lower-sugar options and smaller portions that Magnum has already introduced. When asked about the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs, Farrell stated, “We see it as a challenge. Can we create… more new products that move with the times?”

    Overcoming the Impact of Tariffs

    The company has invested 50 million pounds ($66 million) in its Gloucester factory in West England, as part of a 350-380 million euro ($403-438 million) plan to overhaul its supply chain as it separates from Unilever. This investment is projected to increase capacity by 50% from 2023 levels by 2027, with the factory currently churning out 600 million ice creams annually.

    The singular focus on ice cream increases Magnum’s exposure to price fluctuations in cacao bean and sugar but also offers an opportunity to tailor its commodities hedging and risk management strategies. Although trade restriction could disrupt its supply chain and escalate costs, Desai mentioned that local production in the U.S. has largely protected the company from the impact of U.S. tariffs on imports.

    Questions & Answers

    How is Magnum Ice Cream Company positioning itself in the market?
    Magnum is positioning itself as a business solely focused on ice cream, relying on the enduring appeal of indulgent treats.

    How is Magnum responding to the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs?
    Magnum recognizes the challenge but remains optimistic about long-term product demand. Adaptation strategies include the introduction of products more focused on hydration and protein, as well as lower-sugar options and smaller portions.

    How is Magnum handling the impact of trade tariffs?
    Despite potential disruptions to its supply chain and increased costs due to trade restrictions, local production in the U.S. has largely mitigated the impact of these tariffs, according to Sandeep Desai.

  • Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits, citing loss of independence

    Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits, citing loss of independence

    Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the renowned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his departure from the company. His exit comes as a result of the eroding independence that he and fellow co-founder Ben Cohen had established within the company’s governance structure when they sold the enterprise to Unilever over 20 years ago.

    An Emotional Departure

    In a public statement, Greenfield conveyed his deep sadness and regret over his decision to leave the company. He stated, “It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s.” Greenfield clarified that his decision to leave was not due to a loss of affection for his colleagues at the company, but rather due to the company’s dwindling autonomy.

    Ben & Jerry’s, which was acquired by Unilever in 2000, has a well-known reputation for advocating social justice issues. Greenfield noted that the company has traditionally used its independence to take a stance and vocalize their support for peace, justice, and human rights in relation to real-world events. He expressed his profound disappointment over the fact that this independence, which was a fundamental condition of their sale to Unilever, has disappeared.

    Unilever’s Response

    In response to Greenfield’s exit, a spokesperson for Unilever expressed the company’s gratitude for Greenfield’s tenure and contributions. Although the spokesperson mentioned that the company disagreed with Greenfield’s standpoint, they extended their appreciation to him for his decades of service and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. The spokesperson also mentioned the company’s attempts to involve both co-founders in discussions aimed at reinforcing Ben & Jerry’s value-based position in the world.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Jerry Greenfield decided to leave Ben & Jerry’s?
    Greenfield has chosen to leave due to the perceived loss of the company’s independence, which he believes was a fundamental aspect of the company’s sale to Unilever.

    What was Ben & Jerry’s reputation prior to its acquisition by Unilever?
    Prior to its acquisition by Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s was known for its outspoken stance on various social justice issues. The company often used its independent status to vocalize support for peace, justice, and human rights in relation to real-world events.

    What was Unilever’s reaction to Greenfield’s departure?
    Unilever expressed gratitude for Greenfield’s contributions and service to the company, despite disagreeing with his perspective on the company’s autonomy. The company also conveyed their attempts to involve both co-founders in discussions aimed at bolstering Ben & Jerry’s value-based position in the world.

  • Magnum Ice Cream Retains Ben & Jerry’s Amid Unilever Spin-off, Prioritizes Market Share Reclamation

    Magnum Ice Cream Retains Ben & Jerry’s Amid Unilever Spin-off, Prioritizes Market Share Reclamation

    Magnum Ice Cream announced on Wednesday that it has no intentions of selling off Ben & Jerry’s, despite recent rumors. Instead, the company plans to focus on regaining market share and enhancing sales as Unilever’s spin-off of Magnum Ice Cream Company draws near.

    Unilever anticipates that its ice cream division, which includes brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, Wall’s, and Cornetto, will account for just over one-fifth of the approximately US$88 billion global ice cream market. This places the company in direct competition with rivals like the Nestle-supported Froneri.

    Magnum has been operating independently from Unilever for some time, and following years of dwindling ice cream market share and stationary profits, CEO Peter ter Kulve stated that the shift has enabled the company to invest in supply chains, sales, and distribution.

    “We experienced a significant increase in market share last year,” ter Kulve commented.

    Ben & Jerry’s Not for Sale

    Ben & Jerry’s made headlines at an investor day preceding the mid-November listing on Tuesday, reiterating their desire for an independent spin-off following years of conflict regarding the US brand’s outspoken stance on Gaza.

    When questioned about a proposal led by co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to purchase the brand last year, ter Kulve replied, “I have not been privy to any discussion between Unilever and Ben & Jerry. Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale.”

    Following the Magnum listing, Unilever will retain a stake of less than 20 percent. As for a reported 15 billion euro (US$17.55 billion) valuation, ter Kulve responded that the market would be the deciding factor.

    Terms of Demerger

    Magnum CFO Abhijit Bhattacharya stated that the split would allow Unilever to concentrate its efforts, while providing Magnum with an opportunity to increase its margins. Bhattacharya explained that the terms of the demerger, which provide every Unilever shareholder with a proportional stake in Magnum, protect the company from the market volatility that an initial public offering might face.

    However, the newly formed ice cream business will serve as a test for investor interest in a product that is high in sugar, especially at a time when the Trump administration is advocating for healthier lifestyle choices in America.

    Ter Kulve revealed that Magnum has eliminated most artificial coloring and is working on reducing sugar content as long as it doesn’t compromise the taste. “It has to taste fabulous because actually making very healthy ice cream products that nobody likes is a useless exercise,” ter Kulve stated.

    Questions & Answers

    Is Magnum planning to sell Ben & Jerry’s?
    No, Magnum has clearly stated that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale.

    What is Magnum’s strategy for the future?
    Magnum plans to focus on regaining market share and boosting sales, particularly following the upcoming spin-off from Unilever.

    What changes is Magnum making in response to health trends?
    Magnum has removed most artificial coloring from its products and is working towards reducing sugar content without compromising on taste.

  • Magnum ice cream launches new flavours

    Magnum ice cream launches new flavours

    Self-expression comes to life in many forms – from the way we indulge in our favorite treats to the way we dress, style our hair and paint our nails. Magnum ice cream, the chocolatiers of ice cream, is collaborating with female-founded, independent beauty brand, Nails.INC to launch a line of six chocolate-scented nail polishes inspired by the new Magnum ice cream Duet Bars.

    Magnum ice cream Duet Bars are the first ice cream bar to be dipped in two different types of chocolate and are available in three indulgent flavors: Almond, Chocolate and Cookie. Inspired by the Duet Bars’ chocolate layering, Magnum ice cream x Nails.INC unveils three sets of polish duos in a variety of creamy shades that encourage fans to explore their own layers and indulge in who they are through nail art.

    Meet the polishes:

    1. Almond Duet: Recreate the sweet and crunchy coating of the Almond Duet Bar with Glazed Almond, a buttery shade of light brown and Double Chocolate, a rich dark brown.
    2. Chocolate Duet: Bring the Chocolate Duet Bar to life with Raspberry Swirl, a vibrant hot pink paired with White Chocolate, a silky light pink.
    3. Cookie Duet: Inspired by the Cookie Duet Bar, this pairing comes with Crunchy Cookie, a quintessential beige and Classic Chocolate, the perfect chocolate-y brown.
    To celebrate the launch, Magnum ice cream has partnered with celebrity nail artist, Mei Kawajiri to create three, trendy nail art designs using the Duet polishes and bring to life Magnum ice cream’s new Duet Bars in a unique way.

    “As a nail artist, I’m always looking for over-the-top ways to express myself,” says Mei Kawajiri. “I love to incorporate sensory experience into my designs, so I was thrilled when Magnum ice cream teamed up with Nails.INC to create richly pigmented and chocolate-scented, polishes – allowing me to showcase my favorite ice cream treats through three creative, unexpected designs.”

    Fans can recreate Mei’s looks at home by heading to Amazon and nailsinc.com to purchase the Magnum ice cream x Nails.INC nail polishes for $7.99 each and their local freezer aisles to purchase Magnum ice cream Duet Bars for the Retailer Suggested Price of $4.49–$4.99.

    “As the chocolatiers of ice cream, we’re always looking to push the boundaries and release innovative products our ice cream fans crave,” said Russel Lilly, general manager of Unilever Ice Cream for total North America. “Now, we’re excited to give chocolate lovers another way to express themselves, inspired by our iconic Belgian chocolate and designed with everyone in mind.”

    This June and July, New York City, Miami and Los Angeles-area fans are invited to Magnum ice cream’s Indulgence Studio to create their own #MagnumMoments at Magnum ice cream pop-ups taking place at the stylish and award-winning Freehand hotel in New York City and Los Angeles, and the Generator hotel in Miami.

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  • Ben & Jerry’s wades into Palestine controversy unexpected

    Ben & Jerry’s wades into Palestine controversy unexpected

    Ben & Jerry’s has said it will stop selling its ice cream in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The US company said sales “in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)” were “inconsistent with our values”. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said the move was “morally wrong” and would prove to be “financially wrong”.

    The West Bank and East Jerusalem have been under Israeli control since the 1967 Middle East war.

    More than 600,000 Jews live in about 140 settlements there. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

    “We have a longstanding partnership with our licensee, who manufactures Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Israel and distributes it in the region,” the statement said.

    “We have been working to change this, and so we have informed our licensee that we will not renew the license agreement when it expires at the end of next year.”

    Ben & Jerry’s also runs two “scoop shops” in Israel and said it would distribute its goods in Israel through a different agreement, the details of which would be announced “when we’re ready”.

    UK firm Unilever, which has owned Ben & Jerry’s since 2000, says the decision was taken and announced by Ben & Jerry’s and its independent board, but it remained “fully committed” to maintaining a presence in Israel.

    Ben & Jerry’s Israeli licensee was quoted by the Haaretz newspaper as saying: “Global Ben & Jerry’s decided not to renew the agreement with us in another year and a half in light of our refusal [to comply] with their demand and stop selling throughout Israel.”

    “We call on the Israeli government and consumers not to permit a boycott of Israel… Ice cream is not part of politics.”

    Israeli politicians reacted furiously to the announcement.

    “The boycott of Israel – a democracy surrounded by islands of terror – reflects a complete loss of bearings. The boycott does not work and will not work, and we will fight it with all our might,” Mr Bennett said.

    Foreign Minister Yair Lapid called Ben & Jerry’s move a “disgraceful capitulation” to anti-Semitism and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for a complete boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.

    “Over 30 states in the United States have passed anti-BDS legislation in recent years. I plan on asking each of them to enforce these laws against Ben & Jerry’s,” he said.

    A spokesman for BDS, Mahmoud Nawajaa, it welcomed Ben & Jerry’s decision and called on the company “to end all its procedures with the apartheid Israel”.

    Ben & Jerry’s – which was founded in 1978 by best friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield – has a track record of campaigning on social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and climate change.

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  • Movenpick launches three Hong Kong pop-up stores

    Movenpick launches three Hong Kong pop-up stores

    Swiss ice cream brand Movenpick has launched three pop-up stores in Hong Kong – although, as the photos show, they have a very permanent look.

    The pop-up stores feature 16 ice cream flavors, including the brand’s nine exclusive flavors, served in natural plant-based containers. The Movenpick menu will be updated with more festive dessert creations, according to the company.

    “We are so excited to bring Hong Kong a true 5-star ice cream experience with our new Movenpick ice cream pop-up stores,” said Montha Khongkrurphan, Hong Kong ice cream & chilled business director of Nestle Hong Kong.

    “The opening of the pop-up stores is also the perfect opportunity to debut our environmentally friendly takeaway packaging.”

    The Hong Kong Movenpick pop-up stores are located at ParknShop supermarkets in Pacific Place (top image), Cheung Kong Centre (second image) and Quarry Bay (above).

  • Indian debut for Make-your-own Magnum retail concept

    Indian debut for Make-your-own Magnum retail concept

    Magnum has launched its first two pop-up stores in India, offering customers Make Your Own Magnum experience.

    The stores have opened at Phoenix Market City malls in Mumbai and Chennai.

    Like consumers before them in Bangkok Kuala Lumpur and many other cities across Asia-Pacific, customers now can design and assemble their own ice creams with their favorite flavors and toppings.

    “The concept has been an international hit and as we approach the festive season here, we saw so better way to make our loyalists dive into pure indulgence by creating their own delectable version,” said Himanshu Kanwar, head of Ice-creams India.

    The customized Magnum store will feature Make Your Own Magnum campaign until late November.

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  • Little Damage Opens in Singapore

    Little Damage Opens in Singapore

    Los Angeles ice cream shop Little Damage has launched in Singapore with a second outlet already in planning.

    Decked out in black-and-white checkered prints, the first outlet at Wheelock Place mainly caters to takeaways. The walls are decorated with neon phrases seen in its LA outlet, such as “I Like Love You” and “Cute But Psycho, But Cute” for photo ops.

    A second outlet will be opened by the end of this year. Stores also sell goods including tumblers and bags, with plans to add apparel soon.

    Little Damage has been brought to Singapore by Caerus Holding, which also operates other F&B local franchises, including cake boutique Lady M.

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  • Dairy Queen seeks growth througout Asia

    Dairy Queen seeks growth througout Asia

    Ice cream/fast-food restaurant Dairy Queen seeks to expand in Asia, first focussing on South Korea.

    CEO Troy Bader says the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary has more than 450 locations in Thailand and more than 800 in China.

    “Asia, and really Southeast Asia, have been wonderful markets for us,” he says. And despite worsening trade relations between the US and China, it is not likely the company’s plans to expand into Asia will be affected, reports DevDiscourse.

    Dairy Queen opened its first store in Seoul at the end of last year and has just launched its third outlet.

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  • Magnum Pleasure Store Singapore introduces coffee

    Magnum Pleasure Store Singapore introduces coffee

    A flagship for Magnum Pleasure Store Singapore has opened in Ion Orchard, offering Magnum coffee for the first time in Asia.

    Its design features special art installations such as the Singapore skyline made out of Magnum ice-cream bars and the sticks.

    There is also a Magnum Pleasure Bar where visitors can customise their ice-cream treats. Eighteen toppings available, including chopped almonds, cocoa nibs, rose petals, goji berries and chili flakes.

    In five styles, the new coffee is made from Magnum chocolate-infused coffee beans.

    Merchandise can also be bought at the store including a Magnum tumbler, notebook and a leather pouch.

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