Iconic desserts such as Arctic Roll and Jam Roly Poly are enjoying a comeback so far this year, as new sales data from Ocado has revealed spending on frozen desserts is on the rise.
According to the exclusively online retailer, sales across its frozen dessert range have grown by 31% over the first two months of the year.
With the cost-of-living crisis putting a squeeze on household budgets, Ocado analysed that consumers seem to be prioritising puddings as an affordable luxury – as frozen items allow them to reduce food waste by lasting longer.
The newly released data also suggests that the increase in sales of frozen desserts ties closely with a rising popularity for nostalgic classics.
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Despite the colder weather, Arctic Roll has performed strongly with sales up 143% compared to this time last year. Sales of Viennetta are up by 55%, with Viennetta Mint more than doubling at 124%.
Ocado also offers a range of M&S products, including its M&S Frozen Meringue Roulades (up by 33%) and its Coppenrath & Wiese Apple Strudel (up by 63%).
Other frozen classics performed well, with Aunt Bessie’s Jam Roly Poly sales are up by 59% and Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bread & Butter Pudding both more than tripling in sales, up 201%.
Additionally, Ocado recently launched a new promotion – Fill Your Freezer – which offers 5 frozen items for £10 and includes frozen fruit, veg, and sides, and runs until 14th March.
“Demand for frozen desserts has grown significantly since the start of the year, despite the colder temperatures,” buying manager for frozen food at Ocado Retail, Helen Munro said.
She added: “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,” Munro said.
The news comes as Ocado Retail posted a £4 million loss in its full year results, with sales dropping to £2.2 billion for 2022.
Meanwhile, Ocado Group CEO Tim Steiner said its customer basket size has “gone back to pre-Covid levels,” despite inflation rising above 17% this month.
