Scots now buy almost as much ice cream during the coldest months as the summer, industry figures have revealed.
October to March sales at Mackie’s of Scotland accounted for 47% of its total ice cream sales in the most recent full year– with revenues in those six months also up 8% year on year.
Marking the highest proportion of ‘winter’ sales the firm has ever recorded, Mackie’s data corresponds with wider Mintel market research that shows that more than 40 per cent of Scots now eat ice cream ‘at least two to three times per month’ in autumn and winter.
In a separate poll conducted by the firm, of 4,615 respondents a staggering 57 per cent confirmed that they eat the ‘same amount of ice cream all year round’.
Stuart Common, Commercial Director at Mackie’s, said: “It’s interesting to see the gap closing to such an extent, between sales at different times of the year, as it suggests a tangible shift in consumer habits.
“What it does tell us is that attitudes towards the way people enjoy ice cream are changing – something we’ve seen building for some time – and this goes beyond having milder winters.
“We’re finding that consumers are increasingly looking to alternatives to the traditional flavours – and are more inclined to try adventurous combinations that make ice cream a dessert in itself.”
