Expensive ice cream: Many Germans complain about increased scoop prices

Cologne. When temperatures approach or even exceed 30 degrees Celsius, there's only one thing that helps many consumers: head to the nearest ice cream parlor. But for some, there's something that dampens their anticipation a little: The price of a scoop is causing discontent in many places.

Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of people in Germany consider them too high, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the German Press Agency. Approximately 2,000 people aged 18 and over were surveyed representatively.

According to the study, six out of ten people "always" or "occasionally" order fewer scoops than they did five years ago due to increased prices. For 28 percent, however, the price of ice cream has no influence on the number of scoops. Most buy two (50 percent) or three (23 percent).

In some regions, ice cream has become more expensive compared to last year. "Some ice cream parlors have raised their prices," says Annalisa Carnio, spokesperson for the Association of Italian Ice Cream Manufacturers in Germany (Uniteis). Overall, however, the price level is relatively stable, as inflation – as with other food products – has recently eased again.

According to the association, complaints are rare in ice cream parlors. "Customers know that everything has become more expensive. Some complain, but that's only a minority," says Carnio. Uniteis represents the interests of 900 members, including approximately 2,000 ice cream parlors that produce their own ice cream. The total number of establishments in Germany is higher. According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), there were around 5,000 in 2023.

According to a survey, two-thirds of customers complain about high ice cream prices.

Source: Michael Brandt/dpa

According to Carnio, the prices for a scoop of ice cream fluctuate greatly. It's more expensive in an ice cream parlor with a large terrace and a large staff in the center of a big city than in a small ice cream parlor in the countryside. The range extends from €1.30 in rural areas to €2.80 in big cities like Hamburg or Munich. Last year, prices were at a similar level or only slightly lower.

According to a survey by the "coupons.de" portal among 176 ice cream parlors in 60 cities, the average price per scoop in spring was €1.81. It is most expensive in holiday resorts such as Sylt and St. Peter-Ording, with prices up to €2.50. It is cheaper in Halle (Saale) and Dortmund, where prices are less than €1.50. By comparison, the average price for a scoop was €1.72 a year ago; in 2023, it was €1.62.

"Ice cream is fascinating," says consumer psychologist Jens Lönneker. He sees a similar effect to chocolate. "Its captivating sweetness provides a soothing contrast to the harsh normality of life. Its coldness tempers the heat. But the crowning glory is the melting experience," says the founder of Cologne's Rheingold Salon. Lönneker therefore doesn't believe that a price increase will permanently impact demand.

Like many restaurateurs, ice cream parlors are also facing challenges. Higher costs for staff, energy, rent, and ingredients such as milk, cream, and fruit are putting pressure on businesses. According to the association, the ongoing staff shortage and the minimum wage are particularly burdening. Added to this are the recent sharp rise in coffee and cocoa prices.

Eating ice cream in Athens: In other countries, prices are sometimes even higher than in Germany.

Source: Socrates Baltagiannis/dpa

Chocolate remains the most popular ice cream flavor in Germany, according to a YouGov survey, followed by vanilla and stracciatella. Some manufacturers have introduced higher prices for premium flavors and specialty creations in recent years. This includes flavors like pistachio, whose ingredients have become more expensive.

Some ice cream parlor owners are watching the excitement surrounding prices with surprise. Compared internationally, ice cream in Germany is still relatively cheap, says Uniteis spokeswoman Carnio. In France, a scoop costs between €3.50 and €5, in Italy €2.50 to €4, and in Spain €3 to €4. In Switzerland, it's even more than €5, according to "coupons.de."

And how much should a scoop of ice cream cost? According to a YouGov survey, six out of ten respondents in Germany consider a price between €1 and €1.50 to be reasonable. 28 percent would also accept €1.50 to €2. Only 6 percent would consider it more expensive.

RND/dpa