Record temperatures spark a boom in ice cream sales, with family businesses working overtime to meet orders.
Ice cream manufacturers across the UK are experiencing a dramatic increase in demand as a heatwave causes temperatures to soar, with sales doubling in recent days.
The Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning, predicting highs reaching the mid-30s from Thursday onwards, triggering a rush for cooling treats. Supermarkets are bracing for an even busier weekend, but smaller, family-run businesses are already feeling the strain, with some working around the clock to meet the rising demand.
One such business, Mrs Dowsons Ice Cream, based in Blackburn, Lancashire, has seen a noticeable spike in orders. A spokeswoman shared that the heatwave had led to a significant increase in sales: “We’ve definitely seen orders double this week. It’s been incredibly busy, with customers flocking to our farm shop and many wholesale clients placing last-minute orders.”
The company has experienced a surge in demand for both traditional ice cream flavours and more adventurous options, such as black cherry amaretto and peardrop. Meanwhile, Joe Sharkey, an ice cream buyer for Waitrose, revealed that their Colombian Coffee flavour has been particularly popular during the heatwave.
In response to the soaring demand, Mrs Dowsons has fortified its supply chain, ensuring drivers and vans are on standby to meet customer needs. However, the strain on small businesses remains, with some, like L Lewis in Chester, working longer hours to keep up. Julia Lewis from the family-owned company commented, “People are running out of stock faster and needing replenishment quicker. We’re seeing a lot more orders coming through.”
Supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, anticipate even greater demand, forecasting a 120% increase in ice cream cone sales as the heatwave continues. With an amber heat warning in place until Sunday, temperatures could reach as high as 36°C in southern England and eastern Wales, meaning ice cream sales are set to rise even further.
