The inside scoop
As summer approaches and consumers seek both indulgence and variety, marketing campaigns that emphasize texture, flavour pairings, and high-quality ingredients prove especially effective. ShelfLife reports
Print21 April 2026
The ice cream and milkshake market is thriving year-round, found in cafes, restaurants, service stations, and supermarkets. These treats satisfy cravings in every season. A recent report from Nielsen shows impulse ice cream purchases account for 30% of total sales.
A combination of convenience, indulgence, and innovation drives the market’s strength. Seasonal flavours, limited-edition offerings, and premium ingredients are increasingly attracting consumers looking for new taste experiences. Retailers and foodservice outlets that offer both classic favourites and innovative options are seeing higher engagement, while the growth of on-the-go formats, single-serve portions, and mini tubs supports the impulse purchase trend. Health-conscious alternatives, such as low-sugar, plant-based, or dairy-free ice creams, are also helping the category appeal to a broader audience without compromising on taste. With consumers seeking both indulgence and variety, marketing campaigns that highlight texture, flavour combinations, and quality ingredients are particularly effective. As the market continues to evolve, ice cream and milkshakes remain a dynamic segment that drives footfall, repeat purchases, and overall sales growth across the Irish retail and foodservice landscape.
Smooch, more than just an ice cream parlour
Smooch Ice Cream
At Dairyglen, it understands that ice cream can become a difficult business to maintain if not managed properly. From cleaning to training to menu creation, there’s so much to consider. That’s where Dairyglen stands apart. With over 30 years of industry expertise, it understands it’s not as simple as pulling the handle. That’s why it designed a zero-hassle concept, so that you can focus on keeping margins high without any of the stress. With over 190 sites, its success speaks for itself.
Fully managed solutions
With Smooch Ice Cream, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. No more lost profits when the machine breaks down during school holidays or wasting time trying to figure out DIY repairs on YouTube. Dairyglen do it all, so that you never have to. It sticks around for the long run, so that you can ensure a profitable, reliable and straightforward ice cream offering that’s built to last. Its services include a full site survey, fit out and installation, monthly machine cleaning services, machine maintenance and repairs, direct product supply, staff training, menu development, POS and marketing support, a dedicated account manager and a free launch day to convert your community into loyal Smooch fans.
From concept to cones in two weeks!
Summer is fast approaching, and you need a turnkey solution. Look no further. Its experienced project management team begins with a full site survey and fit-out. From there, it installs the full Smooch unit, ensuring you have a slick, eye-catching stand that’s designed to capture impulse purchases. It delivers product straight to your door while its brand ambassadors provide full onsite training for your whole team, leaving them Smooch certified and confident using the machine and creating portion-controlled menu items. If you’re ready, it can have you up and running in just two weeks.
Machine cleaning just got easier
Its services don’t stop there. Its skilled service department will visit every month to clean your ice cream machine in under an hour. This means you can serve safer and cleaner ice cream without any lost profits. Its technicians pay close attention, ensuring maintenance and repairs as needed, extending your machine’s life. With advanced 4D tech, its technicians can fix problems remotely. No more waiting for onsite inspection. Keep customers satisfied and profits high all year round.
Ready to join 190 others in the Smooch family? Contact its sales team today to receive a free consultation on 01 286 5000 or email sales@dairyglen.ie for more information.
Volcanix and Magnum Sticks indulgence unleashed
Volcanix
Volcanix Caramel Lava & Crunchies
Treat yourself to a five-layer taste experience with Volcanix Ice Cream, ensuring no two bites are the same, but all are an equal delight for the senses. From the very first bite, you’re met with a deeply satisfying crunch as the outer chocolate shell breaks apart, giving way to the smooth vanilla ice cream inside. Dig deeper, and you’ll uncover a cascade of crunchies: little pockets of joy that deliver a playful pop of texture and a double hit of flavour. Just when you think you’ve reached peak indulgence, salted caramel lava oozes out into a pool of gooey deliciousness. Under this golden treasure lies a final layer of velvety chocolate ice cream, pairing harmoniously with its rich surroundings.
Magnum Sticks
Magnum La Pistache Signature
Magnum La Peche Signature
Magnum presents the Magnum Signature sticks range in two delicious flavours: Pistachio & Peach. Two refined flavour experiences crafted for true pleasure seekers. Each stick features a premium cracking shell led by its hero ingredient, whether the rich nuttiness of pistachio or the bright sophistication of peach, all finished with its signature Magnum chocolate dip for that unmistakable crack. Inside, a smooth gelato core is paired with velvety ice cream to create a layered sensorial experience that balances texture, intensity, and indulgence. Every stick begins with the iconic Magnum chocolate tip, bringing together bold flavour notes and the pleasure only Magnum can deliver. Made with cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, this duo elevates everyday indulgence with craftsmanship, texture, and unforgettable flavour.
Savour Noble’s handcrafted Artisan Ice Cream
Noble Sorbet and Ice Cream range
Noble is a family-run, small-batch producer of artisan ice cream and sorbet, committed to crafting every batch by hand with care and attention. Its range includes Vanilla Artisan Ice Cream, Chocolate Artisan Ice Cream, and two vibrant Artisan Sorbets — Raspberry and Mango.
Each product is created to highlight the natural character of its ingredients. It uses 100% natural components, with many certified organic ingredients, and selects ingredients for their exceptional quality and flavour. Its chocolate is sourced from carefully chosen cocoa varieties that bring depth, aroma and complexity. Its fruit purées are picked at peak ripeness to give its sorbets a bright, fresh taste.
Because Noble’s recipes are developed around the best available ingredients, every batch delivers a rich, distinctive flavour experience. Minimal processing ensures the purity and authenticity of each scoop. Noble’s products are designed for those seeking craftsmanship, premium quality and genuine taste in frozen desserts. Each spoonful reflects its dedication to handmade quality and thoughtfully selected ingredients, making every serving a memorable treat.
Treat yourself to the perfect bite
Haagen-Dazs Salted Caramel
Haagen-Dazs Cracking Macadamia Nut Brittle
Häagen-Dazs takes indulgence to new heights with the launch of Stickbars, available in iconic flavours to delight ice cream lovers across the nation.
The ice cream of ice creams, Häagen-Dazs, redefines indulgence for 2026 with the launch of its new Stickbars, allowing you to savour your favourite Häagen-Dazs flavours like never before.
Featuring fan favourite flavours of the luxurious ice cream, now wrapped in an extra-thick Belgian chocolate coating shell that cracks to reveal the ultimate sweet treat, the range launched in Tesco Ireland in February and is coming to freezers across the country just in time for summer.
The launch sees Häagen-Dazs’ signature flavours transformed into a convenient yet sophisticated stick form, uniquely shaped as the brand’s iconic cartouche. Going the extra mile, it collaborated with its customers to perfect the Stickbar and craft a new crowd-pleasing recipe, delivering a premium taste experience that elevates every moment.
For those craving indulgence, the sticks will be available in Salted Caramel Cracking Macadamia Nut Brittle in both 3x85ml Stick packs and Single Sticks.
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