The total product recall of Blue Bell Creameries will likely have an impact on ice cream sales in Baton Rouge, a market where the Texas-based creamery enjoys an estimated market share of at least 60%.
Though local retailers say they’re supportive of the company and know they will be reimbursed for the gallons of ice cream and boxes of novelty desserts now going to waste in their freezers, industry experts say the disruption in the supply chain will be a big deal with a trickle-down effect.
“Large-scale recalls like this impact retail sales significantly,” says Associated Grocers Executive Vice President Emile Breaux, who takes over as president of the Baton Rouge-based wholesaler in June. “Blue Bell represents a large portion of ice cream sales in this region. When that much demand shifts into alternative products, it throws off buying forecasts and creates out-of-stock conditions on the alternative items.”
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