Summer is over and the temperatures are beginning to drop. Before we know it, the warm summer will be replaced with the cold of the winter. Some people prefer the cold winter over the hot summer. However, many seasonal businesses may suffer as the temperatures begin to change. Take ice cream, for example. Ice cream is one of the most popular treats and snacks, during the summer months. People enjoy cooling off with a cold ice cream treat. Although ice cream sales may still be existent during the winter months, the numbers drastically decrease. Ice cream shops and distributors need to find unique ways to keep their sales of ice cream snacks steady.
In any given two week period, according to research by NPD Group, 40% of Americans will eat ice cream. However, this number decreases when the temperatures drop and the ground is covered in snow. A lot of smaller ice cream businesses may even close during the winter months, as they do not get enough customers to stay in business. 90% of U.S. households regularly indulge in a sweet, frozen treat. The trick is finding ways to still promote ice cream products to these ice cream enthusiasts, regardless of the weather outdoors.
Ice cream cups can actually sell ice cream snacks. Most ice cream cups are made out of bright and colorful materials, promoting the happy feeling of summer. An ice cream business can change their ice cream cups to reflect more fall and winter themed items. For example, ice cream cups that involve Halloween or Christmas decorations and colors can help to promote these snacks during the off months. Using popular children?s characters can also be helpful in promoting. When children and parents see characters they like, they are more likely to purchase, regardless of the weather.
In addition to custom ice cream cups, ice cream businesses can promote fall and winter seasons with other dessert supplies. The cups for ice cream are not the only needed accessory. Colored spoons can also promote the purchase of ice cream snacks. Colored spoons can mimic the fall and winter holidays and colors. They can also be free prizes included inside the purchase of an ice cream snack.
There are about 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream and similar desserts produced in the United States every year. With less customer?s purchasing ice cream during the winter months, ice cream businesses need to focus more on competition. They need to find ways to promote and make their product better than the other options in the store.
Offering discounts and coupons can also be a great way to promote ice cream sales in the colder months. When people feel like they are getting a good deal, they are more likely to make a purchase. It can even be helpful to include things like coupons for future purchases inside of the box or container. Also, including recipes with the purchased ingredient can help people find new ways to include ice cream into their fall and winter meal plans.
Some people may choose to snack healthier during these months. Ice cream just kind of goes with summer. However, people may be more hesitant to eat ice cream during the colder months. Promoting other products like frozen yogurt, can be helpful in gaining more purchases. It can always be beneficial to include the health benefits of the product on the outside of the box, as well.
Ice cream is one of the most popular summer snacks. However, its sales decrease greatly during the fall and winter months. Most ice cream businesses need to find new ways to promote their ice cream products during these months. Seasonal and colored cups and spoons can help people associate them with these months. Offering discounts, coupons and menu cards can also be helpful. Finally, it can be beneficial in providing shoppers with a healthier alternative to the ice cream option.