Dippin’ Dots a Summer Win for Independent Grocers

Dippin’ Dots is no ordinary ice cream. Crafted by flash-freezing beads of ice cream at –40 °F, it's an engaging novelty rooted in nostalgia. With 97% brand recognition and 91% purchase intent, it’s not just a novelty — it’s a reliable revenue driver.

“The great thing about Dippin’ Dots is the memories and the emotions that are tied to it," Dippin' Dots National Account Manager Matthew Stark said.

This emotional connection is then harnessed in everyday grocery settings — what Stark calls a "stellar program to drive profitable impulse purchases."

In fact, since joining as an IGA Red Oval Partner last year, many of the stores who have added the Dippin' Dots freezer to their stores are averaging more than 60 units per week in peak season, according to Stark.

It's not too late to add a Dippin' Dots freezer to your store for increased sales and a quintessential summer shopper experience. Keep reading to learn how.

How It Works: Hands-Off, Hassle-Free

1. Zero Cost, Zero Labor
   Dippin’ Dots supplies a branded impulse freezer (–40 °F), installs it, and retains ownership and maintenance. Delivery and restocking are handled by DSD through authorized franchisees.
   
   “We handle everything, from setup to deliveries and make it real easy on the retailer, so there's no labor involved, there's no equipment cost involved,” Stark says.
   
   
2. Smart, Compact Footprint
   The freezer holds eight flavors with room for 240 units (plus 150 units extra), and is designed to fit neatly near checkout lanes or freezer aisle ends. This striking presentation is key to prompting unplanned purchases.
   
   
3. Profitability with Minimal Risk
   Starter orders of 10-12 cases (24 units each) cost $600-650. With SRPs between $3.69-$3.99, and even $7 for two-pack deals, grocers can realize 30-40% profit margins on each unit. Plus, Dippin’ Dots boasts a two-year shelf life, minimizing product loss.

The Dippin' Dots freezer is 26" deep, 36.375" tall, 28.75" long, and requires 120 Volts and 3.36 Amps.

The Dippin’ Dots brand brings more than ice cream — they bring marketing muscle. With influencer partnerships, vibrant signage, window clings, and digital assets, stores gain a full support suite to help build buzz. Grocers can team with Dippin’ Dots on community events and activations, turning fleeting impulse buyers into engaged shoppers.

“This partnership is an easy lift opportunity for our members to increase store traffic, improve profit margins, and up the shopper engagement with a fun product that really becomes a win-win-win for shoppers and for retailers,” IGA’s VP of Brand Development Michael La Kier said.

Timing: Summer, Meet Opportunity

With a lead time of just two to four weeks from order to installation, grocers still have time this summer to leverage a high-season treat ideal for impulse buys.

“Taking advantage of the summer with a new impulse‑driving opportunity is still within reach,” La Kier reiterates.

How to Enroll

Joining is simple: contact Matthew Stark for details and to complete onboarding forms to join DSD. Then you'll schedule freezer delivery and setup.

At that point, it's time to start selling and enjoy new revenue! The IGA–Dippin’ Dots program offers independent grocers a rare sweet spot: no cost, no labor, low risk, high margin, and a product that truly ignites both nostalgia and impulse purchases. With full support in installation, restocking, marketing, and merchandising, it's a turnkey addition that delivers delight for customers and the bottom line.

This partnership underlines IGA's commitment to empowering independent grocers with strategic, accessible solutions, while Dippin’ Dots brings brand excitement right onto store floors. As La Kier puts it, they’ve created a “win‑win‑win”—for shoppers, retailers, and IGA.

Want more details? Watch the webinar recording below with Stark and La Kier.