BDSI notes significant increase in German vegan ice cream sales
Mackies Ice Cream - New Flavours, White Chocolate & Raspberry and Strawberry Swirl.
Germany’s BDSI confectionery trade body has highlighted a key rise in vegan ice cream sales, as the ‘veganuary’ movement continues to gain in global popularity, writes Neill Barston.
With manufacturers developing an ever-wider range of sweets and snacks catering to the segment, Europe has proved a particular centre for the market’s ongoing development.
Studies from the market research institute NielsenIQ have shown that increased sales German food retail for multipacks and household packs went from around €75.0 million in 2020 and €81.0 million a year. In 2021, sales of vegan ice cream in 2022 have already reached €88.8 million. The market share in the ice cream sections of the German trade in terms of sales developed from 4.3% to 4.9% in the same period.
As the BDSI noted, consumers are now spoiled for choice when it comes to these products too. There is a wide range of vegan ice cream, both the classic varieties and private label manufacturers, but also many start-ups.
The basis for plantbased ice cream variants can be almonds, oats, peas or soy, and serves as a protein alternative (instead of milk protein), with vegan ice cream containing pea protein used. To underline the popularity of veganuary, its latest campaign last year saw a total of 629,000 people in 200 countries try eating vegan food only for a month.