Frozen desserts have been experiencing a revival, according to the latest research unveiled by Mintel. Sales increased by 4% in 2008 and are set to increase by a further 5% over the next year, said the market analyst.

This could potentially mean a market worth £284m by the end of 2009. Hot-eating desserts and gateaux are the frozen desserts of choice, accounting for 40% of all sales.

However, Mintel said that while chilled desserts continued to account for 70% of the sector’s sales, as many as a third of British consumers admitted to cutting back on them, due to financial reasons.

“Around 16% of all Brits have switched from buying chilled desserts to the frozen variety in an effort to reduce their grocery shopping bill,” said Mintel.

“There is no doubt that sales of frozen desserts have benefited from consumers looking for cheaper desserts during the recession,” commented Emmanuelle Bouvier, senior consumer analyst.

“Birds Eye re-introduced its famous Arctic Roll in late 2008 to take advantage of the return to frozen foods and the current popularity of nostalgic brands.”