Where’s the cheapest ice cream in the UK? Survey shows highest and lowest prices

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

The ICA survey looked at prices for a two-scoop vanilla ice cream in a tub. Pic: Getty Images/magone
The ICA survey looked at prices for a two-scoop vanilla ice cream in a tub. Pic: Getty Images/magone
The Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2022 surveyed UK ice cream parlors to determine the prices of quality ice creams around the country.

The East Anglia region came out most expensive at £4.50 ($6.14) for two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tub, with the Midlands the cheapest at £2.00 ($2.73).

Other results from the survey showed Scotland at £3.30 ($4.50), Wales £3.20 ($4.36), the South £3.15 ($4.29), the North East £2.98 ($4.06), and in the North West, £2.50 ($3.41).

The show, which takes place in Harrogate from February 8 to 10, is organized by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA).

The survey, which took place in 2021, gave 450 respondents – all members of the ICA – the opportunity to select multiple reasons for their price increases. It revealed 61% of respondents had raised prices in the last 12 months due to increased ingredients costs (95%), greater staffing costs (89%), and rising rents (10%).

Some parlors also raised their prices to try and recoup losses sustained during the pandemic (10%). The survey also showed many of those who had not yet raised prices were expecting to do so soon.

“The last two years have been tough for the hospitality sector, and ice cream businesses are no exception,”​ said Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show and Ice Cream Alliance CEO, Zelica Carr.

“They are now being hit by a variety of increased costs some of which are having to be passed on to consumers. But our Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show will be the perfect place for the industry to regroup and start its recovery.”

The show is free to attend for those in the ice-cream trade if registering before January 22. After that date, a £10 ($13.63) fee, and additional booking fee will apply. Attendance for children under 12 is free.

Related topics Retail & shopper insights Ice cream

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