Ice cream sales nearly doubled year on year in June as record temperatures drove demand, The Grocer can reveal.
As average temperatures peaked at 26°C in the week to 27 June, ice cream value sales rocketed 87.9% to £118.7m compared to 2025, on volume sales up 93.2% to 47.9 million units, according to exclusive NIQ data.
The same week last year was 6°C cooler, with average temperatures of 20°C, according to Met Office data.
Over a month of high temperatures, year-on-year value sales rose 13.2% to £272m, while ice cream units increased 15.1% to 108.3 million [NIQ 4 w/e 27 June 2026].
In the convenience sector, the ice cream category experienced record sales in the week ending 27 June, with value sales reaching £18.2m, up 56% on the same period last year when sales were £11.6m, according to retail insight agency Talysis.
Gelato bites brand Doughlicious said its year-on-year value sales had soared by 50% in June. “It has been a great summer for us,” said Kathryn Bricken, founder of the brand. “That momentum has continued into July, helped by the ongoing warm weather along with new flavours and promotions.”
Little Moons said value sales of its Refreshos Sorbet range were up 38% year on year in June as “shoppers sought lighter, fruity treats during the warm weather”. It also cited “strong growth in its fan-favourite Strawberries & Cream flavour, supported by a timely Wimbledon-themed activation with Co-op”.
Elsewhere, Cheshire-based ice cream brand Snugburys reported a 20% increase in value sales in June compared with last year, with higher footfall at its farm and stronger online demand.
Meanwhile, Northern Bloc director Josh Lee said the heatwave was “both a blessing and a challenge” for ice cream brands.
“During extreme heat, like we’ve seen this June, shopping missions change: people are more likely to stay close to home, look for ease and convenience and make quick top-up trips rather than linger in retail or out-of-home environments,” he said.
“The weather also adds pressure to manufacturing and logistics. That said, at Northern Bloc, we’ve seen record months this summer and last, given that both have been record-breaking when it comes to the weather.”
Meanwhile, Hackney Gelato said demand outstripped retailers’ ability to replenish stock, with freezer breakdowns at some of its retail partners hampering sales.
As reported by The Grocer, June’s heatwave also drove a surge in demand for dog ice cream, with Ocado searches for the product soaring 833% year on year.
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