The official start of the ice cream season at Lake Balaton on Saturday has brought renewed optimism for local confectioneries and restaurants, signaling a period of economic recovery, according to the Balaton Tourism Association.
One of the highlights of the season is the return of Balaton Mámor, the walnut and fig-flavored ice cream that won last year’s Ice Cream of Lake Balaton competition. With over 20,000 scoops sold in 2024, the flavor remains a crowd favorite.
Jenő Vadócz, the confectioner behind the winning creation at Promenád Kávéház in Balatongyörök on the northern shore, is once again preparing an exciting lineup of treats. This year’s offerings include a plum sorbet with cardamom, quark-flavored ice cream, and a yogurt ice cream topped with sour cherry sauce. Vadócz expressed his belief that the ice cream season does more than delight customers—it plays a key role in driving economic growth for the Lake Balaton region.
The Balaton Tourism Association’s president, Tamás Fekete, highlighted that some local confectioners participating in last year’s competition saw their turnover rise by an average of 15 percent. He emphasized that the ice cream competition is not only a gastronomic event but a significant tourist attraction, contributing positively to the region’s economy.
Péter Princzinger, managing director of VisitBalaton365, also praised the impact of high-quality culinary festivals and competitions in boosting tourism. In 2024, Lake Balaton accommodations saw a 6.7 percent increase in guest arrivals, with 3.2 million visitors. Notably, 75 percent of these visitors were from Hungary, while 25 percent traveled from abroad.
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