Italian processor Righi Foods recently debuted single serve vegetable blend gelatos that include flavors like Tomato-Strawberry, Carrot-Lemon and Pumpkin-Balsamic Vinegar.
We think the concept of sweet and savory blends of unexpected fruits and vegetables plays to a host of food trends including that of craft products and mature flavors.
The U.S. retail ice cream industry is a $10 billion dollar industry and the average American eats about 13 quarts of ice cream per year. The overall ice cream category has slowed in growth due to competition from frozen yogurt, but the premium ice cream category continues to show signs of strong sales thanks to new flavors, global trends and super premium positioning.
In upscale white table cloth restaurants, vegetables and savory concepts are often incorporated into desserts, but rarely find their way into mainstream food until they are a common place trend. It seems with the rise and popularity of healthy eating and even juicing and smoothies that incorporate both fruits and vegetables…the U.S. consumer might be ready for veggie ice cream.
In fact, Dreyer’s launched a product line extension of their Outshine bars in 2014 featuring Fruit & Vegetables. Although the products contain vegetables and are marketed as fruit and veggie bars…their names are still decidedly fruit.
The time is here…let’s unleash some great product innovation for vegetable ice cream. I see Cocoa & Kale Ice Cream in my future!
Tell us what you think would make some amazing ice cream flavors.
Written by Melinda Goodman
Managing Partner
Melinda@FullTiltMarketing.net
