Dippin’ Dots is entering the frozen food aisle for the first time with the launch of its Ice Cream Sundaes, a new product that will bring the iconic beaded ice cream into homes across the country, the company announced to Food Dive.
This expansion marks a significant step for the brand, offering Dippin’ Dots fans a new way to enjoy the treat at home, while also opening up new distribution opportunities. Lynwood Mallard, Chief Marketing Officer of J&J Snack Foods, which owns Dippin’ Dots, emphasized the importance of this move. “This is huge for the brand,” Mallard said in an interview. “We’re really bullish on this.”
For decades, Dippin’ Dots has been a mainstay at outdoor fairs, theme parks, and sporting events. In recent years, the brand has expanded its reach into movie theaters, indoor amusement centers, and convenience stores with specially designed ultra-cold freezers. However, grocery store distribution has long been a goal for the company, one that presents unique challenges due to the product’s need to remain at a precise temperature.
Dippin’ Dots must be stored at minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain its signature beaded form, while most grocery store freezers are set to minus 32 degrees. If the temperature is too high, the ice cream can clump together. To solve this issue, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream Sundaes will feature a carefully designed cup that includes ice cream, cookie pieces, and a flavored sauce, with the packaging acting as an insulator to preserve the product’s unique texture.
The new sundae cups, available in the popular Cookies ’n Cream and Cotton Candy flavors, will debut at Kroger stores starting in January, with plans to expand to other retailers later in the year. Mallard believes the new offering will not only attract new customers but also grow the brand’s market share without detracting from its existing sales. “Many consumers have tried Dippin’ Dots before, but this lets them experience it in an entirely new way,” he said.
Dippin’ Dots was acquired by J&J Snack Foods two years ago and has since seen record sales and profitability, reaching its highest levels in the brand’s 36-year history. Mallard noted that the brand enjoys nearly 95% consumer recognition, giving it a strong competitive edge in the highly competitive ice cream market.
Looking ahead, Mallard hinted at more innovation to come, signaling that the launch of the new Ice Cream Sundaes is just the beginning. “Innovation is the strength of this brand,” he said. “Big things will be coming behind this.”
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