Although some may not consider its sales gains gangbusters, the butter and creamer dairy subcategories are led by refrigerated butters and refrigerated coffee creamers, according to Chicago-based market research firm Circana. Conversely, the other three subcategories, refrigerated butter blends, refrigerated dairy half-and-half, and refrigerated dairy cream, exhibited mixed-to-negative results for the 52-week period ending May 19. 

Let’s start with the good news. Refrigerated butter sales exceeded $4.25 billion for the previously stated one-year period, a year-over-year (YoY) gain of 1%. Unit sales advanced by 3% YoY to 914.4 million. Private label easily led the way in this subcategory, accounting for approximately half of all dollar sales ($2.29 billion). Private-label refrigerated butter sales rose 2% YoY, while unit sales had an even better year, increasing 6% to 522 million.