Vorarlberg ice parlours report record summer sales

Ice parlours in Vorarlberg are reporting exceptionally strong sales during the hot summer, with some telling ORF Vorarlberg they are experiencing a record season and an increase of about 20 percent compared with previous years.

Philipp Plankensteiner, an ice cream seller in Dornbirn, said he was selling more ice cream this year than ever before. His street sales of ice cream in cups and cones are up by about 20 percent. He fills the display with 24 tubs every day, which are usually sold within a day.

About 1,000 scoops are served daily to customers of all ages. At the Dolce Vita ice parlour in Hohenems, saleswoman Bettina Jabornig also described the summer as a record season. The business produces 2,000 litres of ice cream each day for restaurants and direct sales.

The afternoon heat can deter some customers from visiting, Jabornig said. However, the parlour becomes much busier in the evening. As customers are arriving later, it now remains open until 10 p.m.

Traditional flavours are no longer the most popular. Chocolate and vanilla are among the least frequently ordered flavours, Plankensteiner said. Customers are increasingly choosing less sugary and more refreshing varieties. He recommends combining one creamy flavour with one fruit-based flavour, while noting that tastes differ.