Relaxnews
Innovative flavor possibilities and the rising consumer interest in healthier foods are expected to drive up demand for frozen yogurt in the UK this year.
While the healthier version of ice cream has enjoyed wild popularity in the US, spawning what’s known as ‘fro-yo’ wars between brands like Pinkberry and Red Mango, the frozen yogurt market in the UK is considered to be still in its infancy.
But in a report that examines the best business opportunities for the coming year, analysts at Startups predict that the frozen yogurt market will soar in 2012, reported online trade publicationFoodManufacture.co.uk this week.
“Frozen yogurt has a number of things going for it,” analyst Chris Brockman told the site. “It is a healthier alternative to ice cream and is particularly well connected to young consumers through innovative flavours.
“A varied range of toppings has certainly been a massive part of its success. It is a very vibrant sector that appeals to consumers of all ages.”
Meanwhile, the fro-yo wars in the US are dominated by mostly Korean-American entrepreneurs, whose import of the tangy, fat-free frozen dessert from Korea has spawned a cult following by consumers and celebrities alike.
Dubbed ‘crackberry’ by its legions of addicted fans, Pinkberry stores are a favorite Los Angeles hangout for stars like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and the Beckhams, who are often seen in celebrity magazines tucking into a cup of the dessert.
Pinkberry’s first store, located in a sleepy, affluent Los Angeles neighborhood, drew so much traffic and double-parked cars that traffic enforcement officers had to be called in.
Last year, the company announced plans to expand the brand in 17 countries around the world including Canada, the Philippines, Morocco and the Middle East.
There are also signs the frozen yogurt fad is beginning to penetrate the rest of Europe, with a wildly popular Myberry store in the heart of Paris, where lines snaking out of the store are a common sight.
Meanwhile, another frozen dessert imported from Taiwan is also poised to set new trends. Like layers of a ruffled skirt, the shaved ice dissolves like cotton candy on the tongue and has set up shop in Los Angeles, the heart of the frozen yogurt wars. Flavors at Snobar in West Hollywood include mango, strawberry, peanut butter and banana, chocolate, green tea, taro and rose.
