Nostalgic desserts such as Arctic Roll and Jam Roly Poly are enjoying a renaissance, as new sales data from Ocado has revealed rising consumer spending on frozen desserts.
Sales across Ocado’s frozen dessert range have grown by 31% across the first two months of the year as it appears that consumers are prioritising puddings as an affordable luxury, with frozen and suitable-to-freeze products allowing them to reduce food waste amidst the cost–of-living squeeze.
The newly released data also suggests that the increase in sales of frozen desserts ties closely with a rising popularity for nostalgic classics. Sales of Viennetta, a staple of many childhoods, are up by 55%, with Viennetta Mint more than doubling at 124%. Arctic Roll has also performed strongly despite the chillier weather, with sales up 143% on the same period last year.
M&S Frozen Meringue Roulades (+33%), Coppenrath & Wiese Apple Strudel (+63%) and Aunt Bessie’s Jam Roly Poly (+59%) have also enjoyed a renaissance, with consumers increasingly looking to fill freezers with longer-lasting foods.Chilled classics that are suitable for freezing have also performed well, with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bread & Butter Pudding both more than tripling in sales, up 201%.
Helen Munro, buying manager for frozen at Ocado Retail said: “Demand for frozen desserts has grown significantly since the start of the year, despite the colder temperatures. Many of our customers are looking to waste less so are opting for products that last longer, and frozen desserts fit that bill nicely. Desserts are one of life’s little luxuries that allow us to enjoy a sweet treat, and with almost 600 desserts to choose from on Ocado, we offer everything from new and exciting to classic and nostalgic.”
Ocado has launched a new promotion – Fill Your Freezer with 5 for £10 – which runs until 14th March, and gives customers the chance to stock up on everything from popular nostalgic classics like the Coppenrath Apple Strudel, as well as frozen fruit, veg, sides and proteins.
