Picard’s Ice Cream Still Tops Sales Charts After 50 Years

When you go grocery shopping, you follow a set path. After filling up on gas, you swing by to pick up your groceries at the drive-through (it’s much quicker than getting lost in the aisles) and then you always stop by your local Picard. The French frozen food retailer, which has been popping up everywhere, opened near you five years ago. Since then, it’s become indispensable. You stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables, lasagnes, and breaded fish… In your freezer, there’s even a whole section dedicated to ice creams and sorbets. You’ve been loyal to these products for years.

Even though Picard often introduces new items, the clientele isn’t thrown off balance. The strength of this French frozen food chain lies in its balance between innovation and the consistent availability of certain flagship products year after year. For example, the pack of two chocolate fondants has been available since 2000. For over a quarter of a century, this item has topped the sales charts in the individual frozen dessert category every year. Similarly, an ice cream launched over 50 years ago continues to charm customers. Rated 4.5/5, it is often recommended by regulars for its “excellent value for money,” “not overly sweet” flavor, and its perfectly creamy texture.

Neither pistachio nor chocolate… At Picard’s ice cream section, the best-seller is… the “Crazy for Vanilla” ice cream! This product, introduced with the inception of Picard stores in 1974, sells like hotcakes. The brand indicates that it is the top seller in the ice cream tubs category, ahead of the rum raisin and chocolate ice creams. Priced at 3.49 euros for a 550 g tub, it is made with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Like most commercial ice creams, it also contains emulsifiers and stabilizers, which make the ice cream smoother.

While some customers wish the vanilla flavor was more pronounced, many see this product as an everyday treat, perfect to enjoy with an apple pie or cake, or even on its own.