Double-digit growth in China likely to continue despite epidemic impact on other sectors

Of all things, it's the sweet, solid ice cream that is expected to keep sales hot in the upcoming summer even as other food market segments reel under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.The ice cream business has already reaped double-digit growth in China so far this year. And signs are, the uptrend is likely to sustain, experts said.

What changed the trend this year was the need for mood-enhancers, a feel-good factor, against the backdrop of epidemic-related anxiety, grief and pathos, said Linh Tay, account manager of Kantar Worldpanel China. That's where ice cream's importance comes in.

According to a joint survey by market research firms KuRunData and Mintel last year, the top three reasons for Chinese consumers to buy ice cream were these: try new taste, reward myself and after-dinner dessert. None of the reasons was related to "relieve heat".