New sales data from Ocado shows nostalgic desserts such as Arctic Roll and Jam Roly Poly are enjoying a renaissance as consumers look to save money and reduce waste by shopping in the frozen category.
Sales across Ocado’s frozen dessert range grew by 31% during the first two months of the year, with classic options proving the most popular. Sales of Viennetta, a staple of many childhoods, were up by 55%, with Viennetta Mint more than doubling at 124%. Arctic Roll has also performed strongly, with sales up 143% on the same period last year.
M&S Frozen Meringue Roulades (+33%), Coppenrath & Wiese Apple Strudel (+63%) and Aunt Bessie’s Jam Roly Poly (+59%) also enjoyed a renaissance,
Meanwhile, chilled classics that are suitable for freezing also performed well, with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bread & Butter Pudding both more than tripling in sales, up 201%.
Helen Munro, buying manager for frozen at Ocado Retail, said: “Demand for frozen desserts has grown significantly since the start of the year, despite the colder temperatures. Many of our customers are looking to waste less so are opting for products that last longer, and frozen desserts fit that bill nicely.”
