Ice cream consumption rises as climate change alters food trends

GLOBAL – Ice cream consumption has seen a marked increase in recent years, as rising global temperatures push consumers away from traditional hot foods like soup and toward cooling, refreshing treats.

According to a report by ING, this shift in eating habits is particularly evident in southern Europe, where unusually high temperatures are changing the seasonal patterns of food consumption.

The data reveals that while soup was once a staple during colder months, it is now steadily declining, while ice cream sales continue to rise, even in traditionally colder periods.

The report, based on 25 years of monthly data from Spanish household consumption, highlights a clear trend: as temperatures increase, soup consumption per capita has dropped, while ice cream consumption has grown.

This pattern is especially noticeable when temperature data for each month is compared with sales figures. The report notes that soup sales tend to drop significantly during warmer-than-expected months, while ice cream sales surge during the same periods.

Interestingly, the rise in ice cream consumption is not confined to the hot summer months. The report also shows that colder months such as February and November have experienced some of the strongest growth rates in ice cream sales.

“We observe shifts in how much households consume each month,” the report states. “Ice cream consumption has increased every month, with colder months, traditionally associated with warm foods, now showing the strongest growth rates.”

This shift in consumer preferences is part of a broader trend influenced by climate change. Other food and drink categories, such as beer and wine, have also been affected.

According to the report, at-home wine consumption has decreased by 35% over the past two decades, with the most significant decline occurring during the summer months.

In contrast, beer consumption has increased by 60% during the same period, with a 75% rise in sales during the winter months.

Experts believe that this shift is largely due to the warmer winters, which reduce the demand for traditionally colder-weather beverages like red wine.

As these consumption patterns continue to evolve, food and drink companies are being advised to adapt by diversifying their product portfolios.

The report suggests that manufacturers should “climate-proof” their offerings to meet the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.

The growing popularity of ice cream, particularly during colder months, presents an opportunity for manufacturers to extend their sales window, while those in the soup industry may need to adjust their products and marketing strategies to keep pace with shifting demand.

The report also cautions that extreme temperatures can be unpredictable, making it essential for companies to be agile and flexible in their approaches.

Climate change is expected to continue influencing food consumption trends, and businesses will need to stay ahead of the curve to capitalize on new opportunities while mitigating the risks associated with shifting consumer behaviors.