Ice cream sales have reached their highest level in Iceland's 56-year history as the UK prepares for what could be the hottest day ever, with temperatures potentially hitting 41C in the coming weeks. The frozen food giant reported a 143% surge in ice cream sales during last week's record-breaking heatwave, when temperatures reached 37.3C. Bags of ice cubes saw an even larger increase, soaring by 266% as shoppers stripped freezers bare.
Record-Breaking Sales at Iceland and Aldi
An Iceland spokesman said: “Last week’s heatwave sparked a buying frenzy unlike anything we’ve seen before. Ice creams, lollies and ice cubes were flying out the freezers as customers raced to beat the heat, making it the biggest week for frozen treats in our 56-year history.” The supermarket is urging shoppers to stock up ahead of the next hot spell, warning that another buying frenzy could be on the cards if temperatures soar again.
Aldi also experienced a surge in demand, selling more than 2.5 million ice creams between Monday and Wednesday of the heatwave. Sales jumped 144% compared with the previous week. The budget supermarket also saw soaring demand for barbecue items such as burgers and hot dogs.
Forecast for More Scorching Weather
Forecasters have urged the nation to prepare for a second round of scorching weather starting this weekend. Tony Wisson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said high pressure will continue to build “across most of the UK” as it spreads from the Azores. He added: “This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales. The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high twenties across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid- to high-twenties in Wales.”
Some reports suggest the UK could hit a record 41C in the coming weeks, surpassing the previous high of 40.3C recorded in July 2022.
Iceland Urges Early Stocking Up
Iceland is encouraging shoppers to purchase frozen treats before the next hot spell begins. The spokesman added: “If more hot weather arrives, we expect demand to soar again, so we’d encourage shoppers to get stocked up early rather than leave it until the temperatures spike.” With the potential for another heatwave, the demand for ice cream and other cooling products is expected to remain high.
