Ice cream is a very popular dessert option all over the world. In fact, it is one of the most consumed desserts anywhere. There are many flavors of ice cream available. There are even ice cream alternatives to those who are allergic or want lower calorie ice cream dessert options. There are endless opportunities to flavors and candy additions. Most people have their favorite and preferred ice cream option, with flavors like vanilla and chocolate being the most consumed. It can be difficult for a company to break into the market with a new flavor or brand of ice cream.
In any given two week period, according to research by NPD Group, 40% of Americans will eat ice cream. Of these people, most will stick to their favorite brand and flavor of ice cream, with vanilla being the most popular flavor. According to a recent survey of International Ice Cream Association member companies, vanilla remains the most popular flavor among their consumers at 28%. Many companies may offer multiple ice cream flavor options, but may struggle with marketing their new flavors. It can be very difficult to get customers to switch from their favorite brand or flavor to try a new one.
Companies that want to push a new flavor or their ice cream brand need to be present to their customers. Simply marketing to them through television ads, mail prints and online marketing is not enough. These efforts may be enough to gain awareness of the new product, but is often not enough to encourage customers to switch from their favorite and try it.
Being present with customers allows businesses to speak individually with customers, informing them of the new flavors and informing them of any new ingredients or benefits of the new flavor. Tasting spoons and disposable ice cream cups can even allow businesses to provide taste tests to their customers. Many customers may not want to spend the money to try a new flavor or brand when they already have a favorite flavor. However, offering them with free tasting spoons of the new flavor gets the flavor in front of them.
The average American will consume ice cream 28.5 times this year. There is room for brand or flavor switching, if the business can grab the attention of the customer. Tasting spoons are perfect because it provides them with small colorful spoons of a taste, but leaves them wanting more. If they were provided with cups for ice cream, for example, they may be too full to desire more of the flavor. They may forget about the product by the next time they return for grocery shopping.
Sometimes offering free tasting spoons may not be enough. Offering customers with coupons or free items is another great way to encourage customers to try a new flavor. Most grocery shoppers will purchase an item if they can save money on it, or if they can get it for free. They are more likely to try the item if it is sitting in their fridge. They may even choose the reduced or free item over their regular brand or flavor. This is a great strategy for both ice cream and frozen yogurt dessert options.
Many people enjoy ice cream as a dessert. However, many people find a brand and a flavor that they enjoy, and they tend to stick with that flavor for many years. They may not try new flavors. It can be very difficult for a business to encourage customers to try new brands or flavors. Offering small tasting spoons worth of the new flavor may entice them to switch brands. Also, offering discounted coupons or free items of the new flavor may encourage customers to try the new flavors, potentially causing them to switch to a new favorite flavor.