Selling ice cream in America

The U.S. ice cream market is the largest in the world

Selling Italian ice cream in the United States allows you to enter a successful business at any time of the year

The ice cream industry is one of the driving forces behind the food sector in the United States. Ice cream companies have a $13.1 billion impact on the U.S. economy and create nearly 30,000 jobs in the U.S. [Source: International Dairy Foods Association], not to mention the expansion of the artisanal ice cream market with the opening of more than a thousand ice cream parlors. In short, the ice cream business in the U.S. knows no crisis; in fact, increased spending by U.S. consumers and the stabilization of production costs are expected to stimulate revenue growth in the industry.

Ice cream imports to America doubled in 2021

Ice cream consumption in the U.S. market: The best-selling dessert in America

21% of ice cream imports to the United States come from Italy, even though many Italian companies in the industry have decided to open their production facilities in America. In any case, there are excellent reasons for choosing to enter the U.S. ice cream business:

• More than 90% of Americans consume ice cream;
• About 70% of U.S. consumers eat ice cream year-round (23 pounds per year);
• Only 17% of consumers surveyed consume ice cream when it is hot;3% buy ice cream only during the cold season;
• The popularity of healthier varieties of ice cream (lactose-free, protein, gluten-free) is driving the industry's growth even at a time of increased health awareness. Demand for premium ice cream in America has grown by 17%;
• Top selling ice cream flavors in the U.S.: vanilla, chocolate, cookies n' cream, mint chocolate chip, chocolate chip cookie dough, buttered pecan, and cookie dough;
• 88% of U.S. consumers are more inclined to try new flavors if they are seasonal.
• Between now and 2026, the ice cream industry's revenue will increase, surpassing pre-Covid levels.

What is the target market for international companies selling ice cream in the U.S.?

Below is some exciting info on geography and demographics for those who want to enter the U.S. ice cream market:

• The East Coast is the best area to sell ice cream in the United States. Florida holds the top spot for ice cream consumption in America;
• Female consumption of ice cream exceeds that of men by 15%;
• Older consumers account for 27% of impulse ice cream purchases in America. In second place are children of the Alpha generation (20%).

The ice cream industry is one of the best sectors to operate in if you want to succeed in the U.S. market

America is the most successful market for international and European ice cream companies. Ice cream consumption rates in the U.S. are high and stable, and so are revenues for ice cream operators. In short, this consumption trend has no intention of stopping, and ice cream companies will be able to find a continuous source of inspiration in the American market to innovate products and keep up with the evolution of consumers' spending habits.

[Sources: YouGov, IBISWorld, International Dairy Food Association, SIGEP Observatory]