Dippin’ Dots Launches Ice Cream Sundaes in Grocery Stores
Dippin’ Dots is making its debut in the freezer section of grocery stores with the introduction of ice cream sundaes, as announced by the company to Food Dive.
This expansion allows the beloved beaded ice cream to engage with consumers in a whole new setting – their homes. Lynwood Mallard, Chief Marketing Officer at J&J Snack Foods, the parent company of Dippin’ Dots, mentioned that the Ice Cream Sundaes launch opens up numerous new distribution points and opportunities for the brand to connect with customers.
“This is a significant milestone for the brand,” Mallard expressed. “We are very optimistic about this new venture.”
Traditionally found at outdoor fairs, sporting events, and amusement parks, Dippin’ Dots has steadily expanded into movie theaters, indoor amusement centers, and convenience stores in recent years. However, entering grocery stores has long been a goal for J&J, presenting its own set of unique challenges.
With a required storage temperature of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the frozen beads to maintain their shape, Dippin’ Dots faces the task of adapting to the average freezer temperature of minus 32 degrees in most stores. To address this issue, each Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream Sundae cup is carefully crafted with dots, cookie pieces, ice cream, and a flavored sauce, all serving as insulators to prevent clumping.
The distinctiveness of the product positions Dippin’ Dots to capture a larger share of the ice cream category without cannibalizing existing sales. Mallard believes that this new offering will provide consumers with a fresh way to experience the brand they already know and love.
Starting in January, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream Sundaes will hit shelves at Kroger, with plans to expand to other retailers later in the year. Available in popular flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream and Cotton Candy, these treats signify a new chapter for Dippin’ Dots, which achieved record sales and profitability under J&J’s ownership last year.
Mallard highlighted the brand’s impressive 95% consumer recognition and emphasized the potential for the grocery offerings to stand out in the competitive ice cream market. With Cookies ‘n Cream and Cotton Candy as initial flavors, further innovation is on the horizon for the Dippin’ Dots platform.
“Innovation is at the core of this brand,” Mallard affirmed. “This is just the beginning. Exciting developments are in store for Dippin’ Dots.”