Thursday, October 11, 2018

The Results of the National Frozen Yogurt Consumer Survey


Fro-yo girl here. Last August, the International Frozen Yogurt Association launched the Second National Frozen Yogurt Consumer Survey. Frozen yogurt consumers in the US over 13 years old were invited to share their thoughts about frozen yogurt by taking a short online survey.

The consumer survey was designed to measure the following:

  • Loyalty 
  • Brand attitudes (towards major frozen yogurt chains) 
  • Attribute importance 
  • Current & future consumption 
  • Purchasing habits 

The IFYA also wanted to compare this year’s results to last year’s.

Consumer Survey Findings


The consumer survey included questions about loyalty, current consumption, future consumption, frozen yogurt attitudes and preferences, and demographics. For example, there were questions about how much they liked the major frozen yogurt chains, what shop attributes were important, what might increase their frozen yogurt shop visit frequency, how often they consume frozen yogurt, taste preferences, etc.

The results were similar to the results of last year's survey. For example, Yogurtland had the highest love/like ratings of all the major frozen yogurt chains in both years. Yogurtland was followed by #2 TCBY, #3 Pinkberry, and #4 Menchie's. The top 3 key attributes that consumers seek in frozen yogurt shops remained the same. Even the top 2 items consumers would consider getting from a frozen yogurt shop did not change. Consumers continue to show loyalty to their favorite shops. Taste preferences showed little change.

However, there were some interesting changes. One major chain suffered a noticeable decline on several measures of liking. And more people were going to froyo shops at a different time period compared to last year.


"With the this year's findings bearing such a striking similarity to last year's, our confidence has increased that we have captured useful information that represents the frozen yogurt consumers across the US," said Susan Linton, President of the International Frozen Yogurt Association. "We are excited to share the results with those who helped us with data collection. Our National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner is currently open. Once those results are in, we'll have an even better understanding of the frozen yogurt industry." 

About the Respondents


The sample composition seems representative of US frozen yogurt consumers. It’s estimated that women account for 70% of frozen yogurt revenues and that 42% of frozen yogurt consumers are 18-35 years old.

The IFYA's 204 respondents were 64% female, 34% male, 41.2% between 18-34 years old. About 45.5% have children under 18 in the household, which means the majority of respondents do not have children under 18 living with them. Responses were received from every region in the US. 

Accessing the Survey Results


The IFYA shared its complete findings with those who shared our survey posts while the survey was open and IFYA’s advisory board.

The full results are also available for $150. To order the report or for more information, please contact info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com

A limited set of results is available for IFYA members in the members only Resources section of the IFYA website. 

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Prices Go Up at Yogurtland Pasadena (Lake) and They Changed POS Systems


Fro-yo girl here. I experienced a bit of froyo overload after creating my unlimited cup at Yogurtland Pasadena (Lake Ave.), so I missed my weekly visit.

At some point while I was away, a few things happened. First, Yogurtland changed to a new POS system, Bypass. They had been using MICROS. I noticed the receipt looked different and asked about it. The new receipt has a lot less information. It doesn’t show how many bonus points one has, the points toward the next reward, and the points for the year. It also doesn’t show existing rewards. That was all useful information.

Second, the price went up. It was 48 cents. Now it’s 52 cents. The Old Town Pasadena location is currently charging 64 cents an ounce. Ouch.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Menchie’s World Smile Day, October’s Feature Flavors, Halloween Spoons



Fro-yo girl here. World Smile Day was created by Harvey Ball, the commercial artist who created the smiley face, and it’s been celebrated since 1999. His idea was that each of us should devote one day a year to smiles and kind acts.

Menchie’s celebrated World Smile Day today, October 5, with a special buy one, get one free offer from 4 PM – 7 PM. I have to say I left Menchie’s disappointed, yet again.

I was expecting to fill my cup with October’s feature flavors, Harvest Pumpkin (a fall favorite), Caramel Frappe, and Vanilla Latte. All the flavors are returning flavors, probably chosen because they’re fall like and complementary. Mmm, Vanilla Latte + Harvest Pumpkin = Pumpkin Spice Latte? I’ve tried them all before and liked them. Well, the Menchie’s I went to did not have any of the three flavors. The flavors they had were the same old boring standard flavors. Vanilla Snow was so icy today.

Menchie’s Halloween limited edition COLOR CHANGING spoons are back. There are four different spoons – Menchie the Wizard and Menchie the Rock Star. Both are available in pink and blue. The Menchie’s I went to ran out of color changing spoons.

Also, one machine was out of order/down again. At least one machine is always unavailable when I go. This has been going on for months. Maybe that machine is broken but it’s been MONTHS. MONTHS. I wish I could tell Menchie or someone who cares.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Tutti Frutti Closes in Menlo Park, CA, Replaced by Cup O’ Tea



Fro-yo girl here. I was driving down Willow Road checking for Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. Their sign is gone. There’s a new sign for a place called Cup O’Tea. Cup O’Tea is currently having a soft opening. I noticed the froyo machines were still there. The sign says that they serve frozen yogurt, bubble tea, and treats.

It didn’t look that different inside, based on what I could see while driving by. I couldn’t find any information about Cup O’Tea online and it hasn’t been reviewed yet.

At least they still have froyo.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* CUP O’TEA: 888 Willow Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Pinkberry Introduces Pinkbee’s Tiramisu Lowfat Milk Ice Cream



Fro-yo girl here. Pinkberry just introduced a new fall flavor: Pinkbee’s Tiramisu. They recommend their Tiramisu lowfat soft serve ice cream with pairing it with whipped cream, a ladyfinger, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Pinkbee’s Tiramisu is available at participating locations from September 28 through November 15. 


I’m not a huge fan of tiramisu because it can be sweet and heavy. Typically, tiramisu is made with ladyfingers, coffee, eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese. But I think it could be good as a lighter dessert, in soft serve form.


* Pinkbee’s Tiramisu: This was quite good. The texture was very smooth and light. The flavor was not overly sweet. It tasted like mild coffee with cream. There were different flavor notes going on, which made it interesting. Pinkberry Los Feliz (2829 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA) had the new ladyfingers topping.

Interestingly, Pinkberry had a Tiramisu frozen yogurt flavor a few years ago, but it looks like it was only available in the Middle East.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Here’s the official press release:

Pinkberry Announces New Pinkbee's Tiramisu Flavor 




This Low-Fat, Indulgent Treat is Available for a Limited Time Only


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sep. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinkberry® (www.Pinkberry.com) is living La Dolce Vita with a new low-fat, milk ice cream flavor, Pinkbee's® Tiramisu. This delicious flavor will be available September 28 through November 15.

Customers are recommended to top this new flavor with a lady finger, whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, to truly enjoy everything Pinkbee’s Tiramisu has to offer.

"Pinkbee's Tiramisu is the perfect flavor to pair with fall," said Melissa Hubbell, director of marketing for Pinkberry. "You'll be living the good life once you taste this decadent and low-fat flavor!" 




About Pinkberry


Pinkberry® launched in Los Angeles, CA in 2005 as the original brand that reinvented frozen yogurt. Today, over a decade later, Pinkberry continues to create great tasting treats with fresh ingredients in an experience comprised of distinctive product, outstanding service and inspirational design. At Pinkberry you can taste the difference of an uncompromising commitment to quality and freshness. Most recently, Pinkberry was acquired by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Kahala Brands™, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of 22 quick-service restaurant brands and approximately 2900 locations in 34 countries.

For more information about Pinkberry, visit www.Pinkberry.com.

For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.KahalaBrands.com.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Where to Buy Halloween Froyo Cups and Spoons



Fro-yo girl here. Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday. To me, it’s not just one day but it’s a whole season, when the excitement of Halloween builds until the most wonderful day arrives. The season starts in late September. I hope to see froyo shops put up Halloween decorations, have Halloween events, offer Halloween flavors and toppings, and switch to Halloween cups and spoons.

Not many froyo shops offer Halloween cups and spoons. You could order custom Halloween cups and spoons but that’s extremely rare. But, there are Halloween cups and spoons that aren’t custom but will still stand out.

FrozenDessertSupplies.com has spooky cups and spoons, including color changing spoons: https://www.frozendessertsupplies.com/c-94-halloween.aspx

Frozen Solutions also has Halloween cups and spoons: https://frozen-solutions.com/halloween/

Other packaging vendors like Carryoutsupplies.com, Webrestaurantstore.com, and Myyogurtsupplies.com do not offer Halloween cups and spoons. Etsy sells frozen yogurt cups and spoons but doesn’t have Halloween specific designs.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Announcing the Launch of the Second National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey


Fro-yo girl here. The Second National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey, sponsored by the International Frozen Yogurt Association, is now open. The survey includes questions about shop performance, satisfaction with suppliers, operational practices, etc. Coupled with the National Frozen Yogurt Consumer Survey, the shop owner survey results will be used to better understand the frozen yogurt market in the United States. The consumer survey closed on September 19, 2018.

Anyone who owns a frozen yogurt shop or a business that serves frozen yogurt in the US is invited to participate. Owners who take the survey will be able to sign up to receive the survey results. The results will help froyo shop owners better understand how their shop compares to other shops. This year’s results will also be compared to last year’s results.

The anonymous survey takes about 7 minutes to complete and can be found at https://goo.gl/forms/1wqf1MQGoW6ROUtC3

The survey will remain open till October 17, 2018.

"We are excited to bring back the National Frozen Yogurt Survey and hope to see even greater levels of participation this year. Our comprehensive surveys of frozen yogurt consumers and shop operators offer insights that can’t be found elsewhere. While we kept most of the questions the same, we added a few based on feedback from last year's respondents. We are eager to see and share the results with others in the frozen yogurt industry," said Susan Linton, President of the International Frozen Yogurt Association.

Suppliers and others who are interested in the results but do not own a frozen yogurt store can receive the survey results by sharing IFYA’s pinned Facebook (@froyoassociation) post about the survey or retweeting the pinned survey tweet (@froyogirl) before the survey closes.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.