Most people would think that a slow economy would translate into slower sales for ice cream and other dessert related sales.  Those types of sales have historically been looked at as "luxury" items and not the "staples" like milk and bread.

But the thinking now is that trips to the ice cream store tend to be events.  Instead of going to the movies or going out for dinner, people will treat ice cream as a luxury they can afford.

And that is good news for the $23 billion frozen dessert industry along with the leveling of dairy prices after a price hike last year.

But there are still obstacles to face in the frozen dessert market.  For example, some of the more high profile ice cream chains are said to be experiencing franchisee problems, with some of the zees unhappy with corporate suport among other things. 

Further, there is now more than ever competition for the frozen dessert dollar and not only from concepts in their niches but from larger companies like McDonald's and Starbucks.  These larger companies have added to their product line to attract consumers for the dessert dollars with frozen drinks among other things. 

And the underlying tone is that there is a convenience with a McDonald's where the consumer can pick up his dessert after dinner or in the drive thru with his dinner.  And sometimes convenience plays a greater factor in where to purchase a product than the actual product itself especially when talking about soccer moms with young kids.