
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."
The International Ice Cream Association - IICA encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2017, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 16.
The ice cream industry in the United States contributes more than $39.0 billion to the national economy and creates more than 188,000 jobs in communities across the country.
Founded in 1900, IICA is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of ice cream and other frozen dessert products. The organization's activities range from legislative and regulatory advocacy to market research, education, and training. Its 60 member companies manufacture and distribute an estimated 85 percent of the ice cream and frozen dessert products consumed in the United States. IICA is a constituent organization of International Dairy Food Association - IDFA.
What's you favorite flavor(s)?
According to the IDFA, Vanilla continues to be America's flavor of choice in ice cream and novelties, in both supermarket and foodservice sales. This flavor is the most versatile, mixing well with toppings, drinks and bakery desserts. America's top five favorite individual flavors are vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough.
However, the IDFA claims ice cream flavors are only limited by the imagination. Manufacturers, scoop shops, and chefs constantly come up with new and exciting flavors for their customers. For example, Sweet Me Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Ice Cream, Honey Roasted Peanut Butter Ice Cream, and Cool Mint Sandwiches were named the most innovative ice cream products at the IDFA's annual Innovative Ice Cream Flavor Competition in 2017. Unusual smoky and spicy flavors also made a splash in the competition along with creative takes on caffeinated drink favorites like coffee and tea.”
To keep consumers looking to see what's next in the freezer case, individual ice cream makers often release limited time "seasonal" flavors, such as gingerbread and peppermint for the holidays. Strawberry, vanilla and blueberry scoops create a patriotic treat for the 4th of July.
IDFA states, while the majority of ice cream sales have long been regular-fat products, ice cream manufacturers continue to diversify their lines of frozen desserts to fit into various lifestyles – often called "better for you" products. Consumers can find an array of frozen desserts to fit specific dietary needs or wants, such as reduced-fat, fat-free, low-carb, "no sugar added," added calcium or other nutrients, or lactose-free ice cream. Novelty/single-serving products are also an important part of this trend, as some consumers prefer the pre-packaged portion when counting calories, carbs or fat grams.
However, the IDFA verifies that most consumers are looking for an indulgence when eating ice cream. Therefore, ice cream manufacturers make sure to offer a full selection of premium and super-premium products in innovative flavors and with such mix-ins as cookies, brownies, candies, and cake.
So take a break today and cool off with a co-worker, family member or friend to your favorite ice cream flavor or combination - banana split or sundae. No matter what your choice - ENJOY!
Let the Team at Meliora show you how to add 'flavor and variety' to your wellness program with our unique and customizable wellness platform.
Call Bill Johnston TODAY at 817-546-2953 or via email at wjohnston@melioratech.com - Put our imagination, passion, innovation and creation to work for your company!
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