Four ice cream trends for summer 2021 (and how to package them)
The market for delicious frozen treats is heating up alongside the weather. As one of consumers’ favorite desserts, ice cream is a booming global market that promises to reach $97,301 million by 2023. What’s more, according to recent research, two-fifths of ice cream manufacturers are seeing an increase in demand for premium products. In an increasingly competitive landscape, food and beverage companies need to keep their finger on the pulse in order to continue to appeal to consumers. Here are four ice-cream trends to savour throughout summer 2021:
Indulgence
The events of the past year have encouraged people to focus on the little things. Consumers stuck at home took comfort in rich, indulgent sweet treats, and show every sign of continuing as restrictions are gradually lifted. Denser, creamier bases with a fat content of around 15% make for a richer and more intense experience. At the same time, premium ice cream based on high quality ingredients with added swirls, chocolate and candy chunks and toppings, is increasing in popularity.
Adventurous flavour profiles
Consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous when it comes to flavour and taste profiles. Blue cheese, BBQ and bone marrow are some of the more unexpected flavours offered by niche ice cream brands. At the same time, green tea, ginger and basil are increasingly seen as part of taste profiles designed to appeal to more mature, complex palates.
Healthy treats
Indulgent doesn’t have to mean “unhealthy”. “Free-from” ice cream based on milk alternatives such as almond, oat or coconut is gaining in popularity, while vegans and people with food allergies are finding it easier than ever to find sweet treats that they can indulge in. At the same time, many manufacturers are adding healthy ingredients such as pre- or probiotics, fruit and protein, making products both delicious and lower in sugar and additives.
An ethical approach
Across industries, values are playing an increasingly big role in consumers’ decisions to opt for one brand over another. Ice cream is no exception. Locally sourced, high quality ingredients and environmentally-friendly production processes are becoming major differentiators.
Sustainably sourced, recyclable packaging is an essential aspect of companies’ sustainability commitments, but one that can come at the cost of the performance and visual appeal sought after by premium brands.
AR Metallizing offers specially formulated papers for ice cream cone wrapping that deliver optimal results for manufacturers, printers and converters, are fully recyclable and offer a shiny, glossy look that is perfect for summer and beyond.
To find out if metallized paper is right for your ice cream brand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.