Is the cost of ice cream a financial burden?
Ice Cream Scoops: Stepping Up the Cost
Summer is heating up, and craving a chilly treat is inevitable, but the wallet might beg to differ. The increase in ice cream prices is a growing concern for many.
- [Source 1]
Cologne - As the mercury rises once more, the plan to hit the local ice cream parlor seems like the perfect escape. But some may find the high prices of a scoop ice cream a sour patch.
A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency reveals that 64% of people in Germany believe the prices are too steep. Over 2,000 individuals aged 18 and above were polled for this research.
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The lean pockets of six out of ten people have led them to indulge in fewer scoops than five years ago, while 28% claim the cost of ice cream doesn't sway their decision on the number of servings they order. Most people buy either two (50%) or three (23%) scoops.
The Cost of a Smiley Face
Various regions in Germany see a spike in ice cream prices compared to last year. "Some ice cream parlors have jacked up the prices," reveals Annalisa Carnio, spokeswoman for the Association of Italian Ice Cream Manufacturers in Germany (Uniteis). Although inflation has taken a hike, the overall price level remains somewhat stable, like other edibles.
According to Uniteis, complaints are scarce, with most customers understanding that prices are on the rise. The association represents the interests of 900 members running around 2,000 ice cream parlors that produce their own ice cream. The total number of such businesses in Germany stands roughly at 5,000.
The cost of a scoop of ice cream extends from €1.30 in the countryside to €2.80 in larger cities like Hamburg or Munich. In comparison, last year's prices held a similar position but were slightly lower.
Meltingly Marvelous
The average scoop price hovers around €1.81, according to a survey by coupons.de among 176 ice cream parlors in 60 cities. The priciest locations are popular vacation spots like Sylt and St. Peter-Ording, with prices reaching €2.50, while cost-conscious consumers can find prices below €1.50 in Halle (Saale) and Dortmund.
The rising ice cream prices appear to have little impact on consumption habits, according to market researcher NIQ. Italian ice cream manufacturers observe a shift in consumption patterns but not a decrease in demand.
Consumer psychologist Jens Lönneker believes that an increase in ice cream prices will not permanently affect consumer demand. In his opinion, the fascination of ice cream lies in its ability to offer a momentary escape from the drudgery of everyday life, providing an enticing balance of flavors, textures, and a unique melting experience.
In the Face of Challenges
Ice cream parlors face numerous hurdles, including rising labor, energy, rent, and ingredient costs. Milk, cream, fruit, and even chocolate play a crucial role, but their prices are on a steady climb.
Interestingly, chocolate remains the most popular ice cream flavor, as shown by the YouGov survey, followed closely by vanilla and stracciatella. Premium and specialized flavors have inched up in price over the years, like pistachio, whose raw materials have become expensive.
Italian ice cream manufacturers find Germany's average ice cream price relatively inexpensive compared to their counterparts in France (€3.50 - €5.00), Italy (€2.50 - €4.00), Spain (€3 - €4), and Switzerland (prices exceeding €5.00).
What should a scoop of ice cream cost? The survey indicates that six out of ten respondents in Germany find a price ranging between €1.00 and €1.50 suitable. A smaller 28% percent would accept €1.50 to €2.00, while only 6% believe the price could be higher.
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/372406/ice-cream-prices-in-selected-countries/[2] https://www.housemethod.com/cost/ice-cream-cost/[3] https://www.reuters.com/business/consumer-goods/ice-cream-producers-scramble-offset-higher-costs-rising-power-prices-2021-10-03/
In light of rising ice cream prices, many individuals in Germany are reconsidering their purchases, with 64% of those surveyed finding the prices too high. People's budgeting decisions have led to a decrease in the number of scoops they purchase, as the cost of ice cream becomes a personal-finance concern. Despite the increasing prices, the fascination of ice cream remains, offering a momentary escape and enticing balance of flavors, textures, and melting experience, as per consumer psychologist Jens Lönneker.
