For the first time, Mackie's have hit £20 million in ice cream sales over the latest financial year. Ambitious growth south of the border, which has increased their market share, has seen them hit this milestone, having doubled ice cream sales in 10 years.
In reaching this landmark figure, last year they sold over 13.3 million litres of ice cream – that’s enough to fill more than five Olympic swimming pools! This has all been made possible by their continued investment into their production facilities and workforce, and bolstered by an increase of product listings in England and Wales.
Strong sales figures last year were underpinned by an 11% annual increase in market penetration across the whole of the UK. This increase is tied to their successes in landing nationwide spots in major retailers for their second most popular flavour, Honeycomb, which is now across the UK in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons. The expansion of choice beyond Traditional to the rest of the UK has proved popular with the nation’s ice cream consumers, reflected in strong sales growth too.
Another reason for the strong sales rise in recent years has been the business trying to swallow the majority of the industry’s rising costs in an effort to keep prices as close as possible to those from before the cost-of-living crisis.
Stuart Common, Managing Director of Mackie's commented that: “Our recent sales success is a reflection of our team’s hard work and considered, responsible decision-making."
“While the cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the prices for our raw materials, we’ve taken every effort to limit price rises that are passed onto our customers, which has been reflected in reduced profits."
“However, our increase in both sales and market share demonstrates that consumers reward companies like Mackie’s for leaving more in their pocket without compromising product flavour, sustainability, or quality."
“We’re thrilled to have returned such an impressive increase in our sales during a difficult period for the sector. The key for us now is to continue to grow our reach while ensuring our new customers become long term advocates for us, as the economy settles.”
The growth has seen Mackie’s add half a million customers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to their significant existing share in Scotland, where they occupy 21% of the ice cream market.
