Ice cream for dogs? Even Pets are Eating their Pandemic Feelings.
Updated: Jan 20, 2021
The Washington Post | January 15, 2020
Ben & Jerry’s introduces Doggie Desserts: four-ounce cups of mostly nondairy frozen treats. During the pandemic, ice cream sales have surged. Over the 52 weeks ending Sept. 6, in-home ice cream expenditures were up 13.4 percent and unit sales increased by 8.4 percent, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI. Creamy, frozen treats have provided comfort during these difficult times. And we want man’s best friend to be right there with us on the couch, eating our feelings.
Spending on dog treats alone has jumped 44 percent from 2015 to 2020, with pet owners spending $5.5 billion on them last year, according to data firm Euromonitor. The treats — offered in mini-cups or multipacks priced between $2.99 and $4.99 — will debut next week but won’t be located in the B & J section next to Cherry Garcia or Chunky Monkey. They will be in the frozen “novelties” section next to bars and ice cream sandwiches.