Islanders may want to check their loose change before heading to the beach for a summer treat, as the price of a traditional “99” ice creams varies by as much as £1.50 depending on where they’re bought.
A recent survey conducted by one of the Jersey Consumer Council’s volunteer council members has uncovered a significant disparity in prices for a standard soft-serve cone with a flake – popularly known as a “99”.
According to the data collected, the lowest-priced 99 is available from the Jersey Delight Ices van at Le Port in St Ouen, where a small cone will set you back £2.50. At the other end of the scale, visitors to Long Beach, in Gorey, are paying up to £4 for the same indulgence – more than 60% more than the cheapest option.
Consumer Council Chairman Carl Walker said that the figures highlight the importance of price transparency for consumers.
“While we all expect some variation in prices due to location, overheads and portion sizes, it’s quite surprising to see such a wide difference for what is essentially the same product,” he said.
“We’re not here to tell businesses what they should charge, but we do want to empower consumers with information so they can make informed choices – especially when many are watching their spending this summer.”
Among the other popular seaside spots surveyed, a 99 will cost £2.80 at The Guns-ite, Sandybrook, £3 at the Midbay Café in St Brelade’s Bay, and £3.80 at Le Braye Café in St Ouen’s Bay. Meanwhile, the Seaweed and Sand van, opposite Jersey Pearl in St Ouen, offers sizes ranging from £3.50 for a small to £4 for a large. At St Catherine’s Breakwater kiosk, a small 99 comes in at £2.95, with a large cone priced at £3.95.
Mr Walker added: “These treats are a highlight of many people’s summer days, and families may be paying for several in one go. We encourage vendors to display clear pricing, and we encourage consumers to shop around – even when it comes to a simple ice cream cone.”
Our volunteer drove around the entire Island but may have missed an ice cream seller without realising. If you sell a 99 – or you spot one somewhere else when you’re out and about – let us know and we’ll add it to our list. Our survey doesn’t include any ice cream vendors we visited who didn’t specifically sell a 99.
Meanwhile, the Jersey Consumer Council will continue to monitor seasonal pricing across the Island, helping consumers get value for money – one scoop at a time.
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