The Month That Has The Highest Ice Cream Sales

Everyone seems to think that ice cream sales are always high, but that’s not the case. Just as there are lows, there are also highs. Think about the rainy days and wintertime when sales are slow and low. And then there are the holidays and the hot summer season when sales are expected to be solid. Interestingly, there is a specific month when ice cream sales are at their highest.

Ice cream sales are at their highest in July since it’s National Ice Cream Month. It is essentially the sweetest month of the year when people celebrate by heading to ice cream shops to grab their favorites, holding ceremonies and fun events.

Read below why ice cream sales are at an all-time high in July and how it performs in other months as well. I also provided some pointers on how to improve sales in the months when ice cream sales are typically at their lowest.

July, The National Ice Cream Month

The Month That Has The Highest Ice Cream Sales

Every July, the United States celebrates National Ice Cream Month. Additionally, National Ice Cream Day is observed on the 15th of July each year.  Throughout these times, Americans celebrate by marching to various ice cream shops, grabbing their favorite pints, and partaking in exciting events. 

That’s why ice cream sales are at their peak during July. According to IDFA, July is the busiest month for ice cream manufacturing, accounting for about one-fifth of all ice cream made, followed by June and May.

Ice cream stores go gimmicky to attract more consumers and improve sales during National Ice Cream Month. Other shops provide ice cream discounts, some even hold contests. For example, last year, Dairy Queen offered a $1 discount on any Dipped Cone, while Baskin-Robbins gave free regular-sized scoops as in-app deals when you initially downloaded their mobile app.

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The Scoop: 

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According to data from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (US), industrial output of ice cream and other frozen desserts typically begins low in the first quarter of the year and climbs in the subsequent months, particularly in July. However, the case for each year may vary depending on factors such as the state of the economy and the shifting demand for various types of ice cream.  

Ice Cream Sales During Warmer Months 

Ice cream sales typically skyrocket during warmer months. For instance, in 2005, big names such as Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Ben & Jerry’s, and Haagen-Dazs reported that sales have increased as temperatures have risen. This is simply because ice cream is one of the best summertime treats.

When the temperature rises, the demand for ice cream and sales climb, and so will the competition. When this happens, a strategy to distinguish oneself from competitors will be greatly needed. It’s basically a competition to see which shop can attract the most customers. 

Factors That Affect Ice Cream Sale

Ice Cream Sale During Winter 
The Month That Has The Highest Ice Cream Sales

During the winter months, many ice cream shops face a decline in traffic and a loss of income. Having said that, ice cream sales in the cold are nonetheless doable. You simply need to work twice as hard as you did in the summer to ensure that your sales do not plummet as the temperature drops.

Here are some things you can do to boost sales during winter: 

  • Offer Seasonal Flavors: Offering seasonal flavors, like Walmart’s Great Value Peppermint Cookies and Jeni’s White Chocolate Peppermint, will undoubtedly appeal to your customers. It’s an example of scarcity marketing and it’s a great way for businesses to generate buzz about their products and services.
  • Upsell by Offering Other Products: Since ice cream may not be your most outstanding seller throughout the winter, consider adding winter-friendly goods to your menu. For example, you can add warm drinks such as hot chocolate and coffee to help your customers warm up. Moreover, you can sell great seasonal pastries that go well with ice creams like pumpkin pie, pudding, or warm stout brownies.
  • Offer Seasonal Promos: Offering promotions during the winter can also help draw people to your store and increase sales. This is also a good example of scarcity marketing, which works well in encouraging customers to buy before a discount expires. You could offer a limited discount on delivery so that your customers can enjoy your delectables while sitting in the comfort of their own homes.
Conclusion 
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To sum it up, the month of July has the highest ice cream sales. This is due to two factors: 1) National Ice Cream Month, and 2) July is one of the warmest months of the year.  During this month, consumers march into ice cream shops and get their favorite scoops to celebrate. Ice cream sales during colder months can still do well by offering discounts, other products that do well in winter, and seasonal promos.   

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ice cream flavors in the United States?

In America, the most popular are: 1) Chocolate, 2) Vanilla, 3) Strawberry, 4) Mint Chocolate Chip, and 5) Butter Pecan ice cream.

What was the most popular ice cream brand in 2022?

The most popular ice cream brand in 2022 was Ben & Jerry’s. For 52 weeks ending September 4, 2022, it was the top-ranked ice cream brand in the United States, with around 911 million US dollars in sales.

To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here

This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.