Centra sees increased demand for Moo’d Ice Cream as consumers scream for ice cream during pandemic

Covid has led to +22% increase in ice cream sales in 2020

Ice cream cone remains firm favourite while demand for premium products and toppings continues to grow

Centra, Ireland’s leading convenience retailer, has revealed a significant increase in demand for Moo’d Ice Cream products, with the brand generating €1.6m as of week 16 in 2021.

Retail sales for products in Centra’s Ice Cream offering have rebounded significantly in 2021 after COVID-19 lockdowns forced the closure of Moo’d counters for a number of weeks during 2020 with sales now up 120% year-to-date in 2021.

Figures for 2020 show the humble ice cream cone remained Ireland’s favourite form of ice cream with the range accounting for 47% of Moo’d take-home ice cream offering, amounting to €2.8m in sales. This was closely followed by sales of Moo’d Whirlies which accounted for 34% of overall sales last year. Separately, sweet treats like milkshakes, gelato and slushies brought it €1.9m in sales in 2020.

“Centra has been a massive part of our business. When we started out with Moo’d, we had three members of staff and we now have ten full time members,” said Lisa Clarke, Business Development Manager of Moo’d Ice Cream Treats commentated,Our factory is based in rural Ireland where there were limited job opportunities and prospects. Partnering with Musgrave has enabled us to grow our business and employ local people supporting over 10 families in the local area. Centra has played a massive role in growing our business and without them, we would not have been able to do this. We are delighted to be in partnership with Centra across all of Ireland and be able to deliver fantastic products to customers and make their day.”

Gerry Sheridan, Owner of Ice Cream Treats added: “While Covid had a huge impact on the Moo’d counters, Ice Cream Treats were able to continue operating as a business due to the demand for Moo’d take home tubs range. As our factory is small and we have limited staff on the production line, we were able to operate safely with social distancing. We used the time to develop new Moo’d flavours, creations and engage with our Centra retailers.”

Ice Cream Treats is a member of the Bord Bia Origin Green programme and are working towards reducing their emissions and waste in manufacturing. The company have reduced their energy consumptions by 70% over the last 4 years and are proud to say their Moo’d whirlie cups, gelato cups, milkshake cups, straws and spoons are all compostable.

Ice cream trends

The latest sales data from Centra also shows that caramel is Ireland’s favourite ice cream topping with most consumers including it in the custom swirl cups closely followed by the Bueno Whirl.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to +22% increase in total ice cream sales in 2020 with demand for multipacks growing by 50% as people look to treat themselves at home during lockdowns.

Centra has also reported a 50% increase in sales of premium ice cream products with people indulging themselves as the pandemic continues with chocolate-based products growing in popularity.

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