Everyone screams ice cream! While German consumers may not be prone to going that far for one of the most popular desserts on the planet, they certainly show their appreciation. Ice cream can be enjoyed not just in warmer weather, with
all year round. The
among consumers were Magnum, Cremissimo and Ben & Jerry's. Still, spring and summer are special seasons for ice cream consumers. Germany is virtually transformed through ice cream vendors and cafes opening across the country. The population lines up for a scoop or two of the treat, often with children in tow, and enthusiastically compares opinions. This period is a lucrative time for ice cream businesses, which often sublease their location during the colder months, when the German appetite for eating ice cream outside mostly disappears. By the way, Düsseldorf is on the list of cities with the
The cost of a small package
As in many other countries, Germans also delight in the epitome of ice cream enjoyment in Europe, namely the Italian experience, or
gelato. Fluctuating amounts of gelato were
imported in recent decades, with a decrease recorded in 2023. Amid the rising energy costs of the last two years, as well as the cost of keeping
cows producing milk, agricultural difficulties connected to ongoing climate change issues, one of the leading desserts associated with being happy and carefree may be in for a challenging time on the market. Additionally, while ice cream has been a dairy product for a long time, new consumer preferences are influencing shifts. One of these shifts is due to the growing interest in vegan ice cream. Sales of
plant-based ice cream in Germany are predicted to increase noticeably by 2026 compared to 2024. Generally, companies either retain their familiar products and develop vegan options, or new companies are founded which concentrate solely on vegan production. Some companies stick to traditional dairy ice cream, but focus more on marketing their products as organic, fairly produced etc.
No meltdowns
Despite existing challenges, the ice cream market is anything but frozen. Competition will likely increase as companies vie to adapt their product selection amidst shifts in
consumer trends. Smaller businesses serving
locally produced ice cream may still account for a lesser sales share compared to their branded counterparts, but they also have the advantage of more independence and therefore quicker accessibility for consumers in terms of trying out new offers, be it vegan ice cream or simply a new twist on traditional flavors. In any case, the treat best served cold continues to warm the imagination of consumers. A survey conducted in 2024 on
consumer attitudes towards ice cream showed that 40 percent of respondents got excited about the dessert.
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