During the study, operators and chefs from hotels, gastropubs and restaurants were interviewed to gain insights into perceptions and sales of ice cream in the high-end out-of-home market.
Over 70 per cent of the respondents claimed that new flavours such as grape and salter caramel are proving more popular than classic ice cream flavours such as chocolate and strawberry.
However, high quality vanilla ice cream was cited as a top seller in a number of hotels and restaurants, suggesting a demand for classics in some establishments.
Alcohol-based flavours
The research also identified an increasing ‘maturation’ of ice cream consumption, with high end operators increasing ice cream sales by offering alcohol-based flavours, ranging from ‘stout’ to Amaretto.
Almost 85 per cent of operators said that more than half of diners are now buying ice cream to finish a meal.
A further 15 per cent of respondents claimed that at least 80 per cent of customers are now indulging in desserts when they eat out.
“The perception that diners are too health-conscious to indulge in dessert is actually slightly skewed; our experience says that consumers very much enjoy dessert but aren’t willing to spend money on low quality products,” said managing director of Amore di Gelato, Mike Godwin
“Now our research backs this up. The numbers clearly show that offering exciting, modern versions of a classic concept will help dessert sales. This is a key opportunity for operators, who can use this information to develop their desserts sales numbers – an area which can typically offer excellent returns.”
Most popular ice cream flavours in hotels, restaurants and gastropubs
- Beetroot
- Almond Milk
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Honey
- Jersey Black Butter
- Mango Sorbet
- Pistachio
- Honeycomb
- Praline
- Seasonal fresh fruit
- Salted Caramel
- Malted milk
- Clotted cream
- Lavendar
- Butterscotch
- Stout
- Ginger
- Mint
- Cinnamon
- Beetroot