Milk major Aavin hikes prices of popular ice creams in T.N.

Aavin ice cream prices increase due to rising cocoa costs, impacting consumers and retailers, sparking concerns about quality and affordability.

Four variants of Aavin ice cream that have chocolate as the main component, will cost a few rupees more from Sunday, March 3, 2024, onwards.

The Tamil Nadu Co-Operative Milk Producer’s Federation Ltd. (Aavin) has increased the prices of the popular chocobar (65 ml) from ₹20 to ₹25; the vanilla ball (125ml) from ₹28 to ₹30; the classic vanilla cone (100 ml) from ₹30 to ₹35 and the classic chocolate cone (100 ml) from ₹30 to ₹35 each. 

Sources in Aavin said that the prices of cocoa had increased in the international market, leading to the commensurate hike in ice cream prices. “We could not absorb the hike and could not replace quality chocolate with anything else. In other products like chocolate milk we use milk power and a milk and chocolate compound. Vanilla prices too, have gone up,” explained the official. 

Retailer commissions for these ice creams have also been hiked so that retailers will see additional benefits, and the products will not get spoilt by lack of proper cold storage. 

Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said that it was not fair that ice cream prices have been hiked just before summer when demand is set to increase. A hike of ₹5 for 65 ml is a little too steep and it should be reconsidered, he said. “People buy Aavin because it is nominally priced and is of good quality; such hikes will only drive consumers towards food items that are not of good quality,” he said.

Chitra Devi, a resident of Perungudi, said that Aavin could perhaps offset this increase by giving offers on purchases to customers. “Children look forward to a summer vacation with ice creams and snacks. Sometimes we don’t get enough ice creams, flavoured milk and even buttermilk. The cooperative should ensure their availability,” she said.