In Japan, ice cream consumption sees a small spike in the winter. Since 2015, the concept of “winter ice cream” has appeared in the Japanese media, and as a result, many companies have focused on developing ice cream products for the winter scene. One successful winter ice cream product is Lotte Yukimi Daifuku, which became a limited-edition product in 1981 and has been a regular product since 2018.
Pay attention to consumers’ taste needs and consumption scenarios for winter ice cream
For the consumption behavior of ice cream in winter, consumers put more emphasis on the indulgent eating experience, which is reflected in the product characteristics, that is, the pursuit of taste and texture to give people a sense of enjoyment.
A research shows that in winter, Japanese consumers prefer “silky texture”, “rich taste” and “melt-in-your-mouth”, while in summer, “light taste”, “crispy texture” and “easy to eat” are the main preferences.
In addition, winter ice cream also has a strong correlation with the user scene, such as “I want to eat cold food when the room gets warmer”, “after dinner”, “after showing” and so on.
Self-rewarding and comforting products are more suitable for winter ice cream
Below we have listed some products from Mintel Global New Product Database (GNPD), hoping to inspire your product innovation:
Popular sweet cake
Meiji Essel Super Cup Sweet’s
(Strawberry Short Cake / Mont Blanc)
Cake & bread style
Ohayo Melon Pan Ice
Imuraya Dorayaki Roll Ice Vanilla
A combination of soft Dorayaki dough with rich vanilla ice cream and sweet red bean paste.
Akagi Cheeeese Basque Cheese
Crispy caramel coating contains rich and smooth cheese ice cream.
High calories ice cream
Morinaga Calories Monster Cheerio – Creamy Mayonnaise / Triple Cheese
First mayonnaise flavor ice cream in Japan. A chocolate bar ice cream, it is coated with crispy chocolate mixed with toppings. Combined taste of sour, salty and rich.
Tapioka drink
Seven-Eleven Royal Milk Tea Bar
Andico Tapioka Berry Berry (FamilyMart limited item)
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Mintel Reports Japan covers consumer lifestyles and attitudes towards the beauty and personal care sectors.
