At Magnum’s research and development center near Bedford, UK, food scientists create innovative ice cream recipes, test new ingredients and develop more efficient manufacturing processes for one of the world’s largest publicly traded ice cream companies.
One unusual creation that immediately stands out is a pale-yellow light glowing in the corner of the laboratory. These glow-in-the-dark ice lollies are designed to emit a visible glow under ultraviolet light.
First launched in Ibiza, the popular destination for clubs and music festivals, the product is aimed at clubbers and festival-goers. Its vitamin B2 content is naturally fluorescent, allowing the ice lollies to glow beneath UV club lighting.
Although glowing ice cream may appear to be a novelty, innovation plays a vital role in the highly competitive ice cream industry. Manufacturers must continually develop new flavors, formats and experiences to attract consumers.
Major competitors include Froneri, the company behind Häagen-Dazs, and Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest ice cream store chain. Established brands are also competing with a growing number of independent and artisanal ice cream producers.
All of these businesses face unpredictable consumer demand, volatile commodity markets and rising energy costs. In such a fast-changing industry, ice cream manufacturers cannot afford to stand still.
“We’ve experienced five years of price volatility driven by the war in Ukraine, the coronavirus pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and now the Strait of Hormuz. Pricing remains in a constant state of volatility,” said Georgia Rose, principal analyst at global market research company Kantar Retail IQ.
These rising costs affect almost every stage of ice cream production, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing, refrigeration and distribution.
“Manufacturers are facing higher prices for the dairy, cream and eggs used in ice cream, as well as key ingredients such as vanilla, chocolate, sugar and fruit. Energy costs and cold-chain storage are also significant expenses that are often overlooked,” she said.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk