Bargain Booze has reported a surge in the sale of ice creams as cash-strapped Brits pop lesser-known tubs into their baskets alongside cheap bottles of wine.

The off-licence chain introduced Unilever cabinets 18 months ago and has already noted a 16% rise in ice cream sales.

But smaller labels have been far from frozen out with one small brand - Spoony’s 480ml, significantly outperforming Ben & Jerry’s 500ml.

“Consumers will no longer pay over the odds,” said Bargain Booze acting MD Keith Webb. “A tub of Spoony’s is less than half the price of Ben & Jerry’s - £2 compared with an rsp of £5.29 - which resonates with price-conscious consumers.”