Global ice cream sales grow despite consumer focus on health.

Despite growing consumer concerns over healthy diets, the global ice cream market managed to maintain growth last year thanks to product innovations and dynamic developments in the emerging markets. According to a recent report by market analyst Euromonitor International, global retail sales of

ice cream were worth $59 billion in 2006, 4 percent higher than the year before. Western Europe and North America were the biggest markets, accounting for 36 percent and 28 percent of the total respectively. However, the report says emerging markets proved the most dynamic, with sales in Eastern Europe and Latin America increasing by 9 percent and 8 percent respectively. In developed countries, manufacturers are being faced with challenges ranging from maturity of demand, growing concerns over dietary issues and increased competition from private label ice cream.

As own-label products are predominantly offering traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate, many manufacturers of branded products are focusing on introducing new and more unusual flavor combinations. These ice creams are aimed at more demanding consumers who are willing to experiment and pay a premium for new taste experiences. Euromonitor points out that this trend is also having an impact in emerging markets.

Meanwhile, better-for-you and added benefit ice creams are also becoming more numerous, with a wide variety of products from probiotic yoghurt ice cream to soy-based brands and ice cream containing botanical extracts like green tea. Low-fat and reduced-calorie offerings also continue to grow in popularity.