Consumer prices: is ice too expensive? Falling ball prices frustration

When the temperatures scratch the 30-degree brand again in many regions at the weekend, only one thing helps: off to the next ice cream parlor. But there is something for some that clouds the anticipation a little. The prices for a ball cause displeasure in many places.

Almost two thirds (64 percent) of the people in Germany think they are too high, as a YouGov survey on behalf of the German Press Agency shows. Around 2,000 people aged 18 and over were interviewed for this.

Due to the increased prices, six out of ten people order “always” or “occasionally” fewer balls than five years ago. For 28 percent, however, the ice price has no influence on the number of balls. Most buy two (50 percent) or three (23 percent).

Cash price between 1.30 and 2.80 euros

In some regions of Germany, ice has become more expensive compared to the previous year. “Some ice cream parlors have increased prices,” says the spokeswoman for the Italian feeding ice cream manufacturer’s association in Germany (Uniteis), Annalisa Carnio. Overall, however, the price level is relatively stable, since the inflation – as with other foods – has weakened.

According to the association, complaints are rarely made in the ice cream parlors. “Customers know that everything has become more expensive. Some complain, but that’s just a minority,” says Carnio. Uniteis represents the interests of 900 members with around 2,000 ice cream parlors who produce their ice cream themselves. The total number of companies in Germany is higher. According to the DEHOGA hotel and restaurant association, around 5,000 in 2023.

According to Carnio, the prices for a ball fluctuate strongly. In an ice cream parlor with a large terrace and lots of staff in the center of a big city, it is more expensive than in a small ice cream parlor in the country. The range of 1.30 euros in the country ranges up to 2.80 euros in large cities such as Hamburg or Munich. Last year the prices were at a similar level or only slightly below.

Psychologist: The coronation is the experience of melting

According to a survey by the Portal Coupons.de under 176 ice cream parlors in 60 cities, the average ball price in spring was 1.81 euros. It is therefore most expensive in vacation locations such as Sylt and St. Peter -Ording – with prices up to 2.50 euros. It is cheaper in Halle (Saale) and Dortmund, where less than 1.50 euros are due. For comparison: A year ago, the average price for a ball was 1.72 euros, in 2023 it was 1.62 euros.

Is less ice eaten because of the higher prices than a few years ago? The market researcher NIQ has no sales data, it says on request. The Italian ice cream manufacturers observe changing consumption behavior, but no falling demand.

“Ice is fascinated,” says consumption psychologist Jens Lönneker. It sees a similar effect to chocolate. “Its engaging sweetness forms a soothing contrast to the tart normality of life. His cold alleviates the heat. But the crowning glory is the experience of melting,” says the founder of the Cologne Rheingold Salon. Lönneker therefore does not believe that a price increase will permanently affect demand.

Favorite variety of chocolate

Like many restaurateurs, the ice cream parlors also have to deal with challenges. Higher costs for personnel, energy, rents and ingredients such as milk, cream and fruits put the companies under pressure. According to the association, the ongoing lack of personnel and the minimum wage are particularly stressful. Added to this are the recent prices for coffee and cocoa.

Calculated chocolate. It is still the most popular ice cream variety of people in Germany, as the YouGov survey shows, followed by vanilla and stracciatella. Some gait has introduced higher prizes for some premium varieties and special creations in recent years. This also includes varieties such as pistachio, whose ingredients have become more expensive.

Some ice cream parlor operators pursue the excitement for prices with astonishment. In international comparison, ice cream in Germany is comparatively cheap, says Uniteis spokeswoman Carnio. In France, a ball cost between 3.50 and 5 euros, in Italy 2.50 to 4 euros, 3 to 4 euros in Spain. According to Coupons.de, there are even more than five euros in Switzerland.

What “may” cost an ice cream? According to YouGov survey, six out of ten respondents in Germany find a price between 1 and 1.50 euros. 28 percent also accept 1.50 to 2 euros. It can only be more expensive for 6 percent.