With mercury rising, the only thing that does not melt pleasantly this summer is the prices in ice cream. Consumers are faced with one more unpleasant surprise, as increases in certain types of ice cream reach up to the 40%compared to last year.
The cool dessert they love young and old becomes increasingly expensive, while the phenomenon of shrinkflation – That is, the reduction of quantity while increasing the price – spreads to this sweet market sector.
Shrinkflation: You pay more for less ice cream
The shrinkflation phenomenon has been established in the daily life of the consumer. Companies, pressured by increasing costs, reduce the weight of the products, maintaining or increasing prices.
Typical examples
| Parfait | Weight 2024 | Price 2024 | Weight 2025 | Price 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stick | 68 gr. | 2,78 € | 66 gr. | 3,84 € | +38% |
| Packaging of 6 pcs | 240 gr. | 9,31 € | 234 gr. | 11,74 € | +26% |
This means that the cost per gram of ice cream is now multiplewith the consumer paying more for less product.
Financial pressures and… melting profits
Overall production costs has increased dramatically:
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Energy costs
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Rents and Maintenance of Equipment
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Staff insurance contributions
The above factors lead to ratings of up to 38%which explains why the price of an ice cream now looks more … frozen for the wallet than to the palate.
Pastry shops: not so sweet prices
In neighborhood pastry shops, where many consumers are looking for handmade flavors, the situation is not significantly better.
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The simple flavors (vanilla, chocolate) start with 2 euros
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The more premium flavors (parfait with nuts or pieces of chocolate) reach up to 4 euros per ball
It is noteworthy that the price is formed with Differences of 20 minutes depending on the materials.
Bulk Ice Cream: More expensive than ever
The bulk ice creammore economical choice in previous years, now follows the same upward orbit.
| Year | Minimum price (€/kg) | Maximum price (€/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15,00 € | 18,50 € |
| 2025 | 16,50 € | 20,00 € |
The increase over 10%combined with the use of substitute materials (such as imitation chocolate), it concerns the most traditional consumers.
Raw Material Increases: A chain that does not break easily
Raw materials affecting the final price of ice cream have increased as follows:
Even with attempts to retention prices, At least 10% of increases pass on to the consumer.
Summer brings an unexpected “heat” to the prices of the most beloved sweet. With shrinkflation Make a new regularity and increases affecting all forms of ice cream, consumers are called upon to reflect their choice before each… lick.
The only sure thing? This summer, Ice cream can melt in hand but not in the cashier