The ice cream category has experienced diverse product innovation and creativity in Australia, with a broader range of products now available to consumers. Nielsen Homescan data shows that on average, consumers are spending more on ice cream, as well as purchasing it more frequently, with 93% of consumers purchasing ice cream in the past year.
Dairy-based ice cream is still the largest segment contributing more than two thirds to the category, however the non-dairy sector including water based ice cream and sorbet is driving much more significant growth overall.
“Australian consumers appear to have developed a more sophisticated palate, with category growth also coming from non-traditional flavors including the likes of raspberry and white chocolate, rhubarb, custard and blood orange,” Mintel says. “In fact, 62% of category’s total dollar growth came from flavors outside of the top 20. This is a reflection of the growing trend in premium, indulgent ice cream flavors – an opportunity for ice cream manufacturers to explore further.”
Findings from Nielsen’s Global Premiumisation Survey shows that almost a quarter (23%) of Australian respondents say they would consider buying or spending more than average for a premium product within the dairy category.
