Unilever expands ice cream line with new snackable formats

UK – Unilever has announced its plans to expand its ice cream product line with new snackable formats aimed at the growing snacking market in the UK, valued at US$3.9 billion. 

The company said it is introducing several products, including Magnum Bonbon, upgraded Ben & Jerry’s Peaces, and Carte D’Or Mini Indulgence, all available from September.

“Magnum Bonbon is a bite-sized treat that features the brand’s signature chocolate coating and creamy dairy ice cream, along with various sauces and crunchy inclusions,” it noted.

“This product is designed to cater to consumer preferences for smaller, shareable snacks, particularly during social occasions like movie nights.”

In addition, Ben & Jerry’s will revamp its Peaces line, introducing a new Salted Caramel Brownie flavor and an improved Cookie Dough variant. 

Both products come in resealable zip-lock bags, enhancing convenience for on-the-go snacking. 

Meanwhile, the Carte D’Or Mini Indulgence range will offer smaller pots of ice cream in flavors such as Eton Mess and Vanilla Caramel Pecan, allowing consumers to enjoy indulgence without committing to larger tubs.

According to Jennifer Dyne, head of Unilever Ice Cream UK and Ireland, ice cream continues to have huge growth potential, and new formats are key to driving this further within the category. 

Over the past few years, she added that consumers have shifted from dessert tubs into smaller formats, whether portioned tubs, handheld, or bite-sized.

She emphasized that more consumers are seeking small, sweet treats for evening snacks or during moments like working at their desks.

This rollout comes as Unilever seeks to capitalize on the rising demand for ice cream products that accommodate various eating occasions. 

The company plans to distribute Magnum Bonbon through grocery stores starting this month, while Ben & Jerry’s Peaces are already available via GoPuff and will soon enter traditional grocery channels.

Meanwhile, Unilever has decided to demerge its US$10.5 billion ice cream unit, which it cited as having unique operational demands, including a distinct supply chain and capital-intensive requirements. 

As part of this process, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. has established a committee of independent directors to evaluate the future of its ice cream division in line with Unilever’s global plans to spin off its ice cream business by 2025.

The independent committee at HUL will assess the prospects of the ice cream business and provide recommendations to ensure the best course of action for the division, considering the interests of all stakeholders involved. 

Based on the committee’s advice, HUL’s audit committee and board will make the final decision regarding the future of the ice cream unit.

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