Core Viewpoint - The Chinese ice cream market is increasingly characterized by innovative and multi-layered products, with brands striving to enhance consumer experience through diverse flavors and textures [16][19][60]. Group 1: Product Innovations - New products such as the seven-layer ice cream from Unilever's "可爱多" and the six-layer "巧乐兹" from Yili showcase the trend of adding more layers and ingredients to ice cream [8][9][28]. - The "醇巧筒" from Unilever's "梦龙" features a rich chocolate flavor and a unique cone design, indicating a shift towards more sophisticated offerings [22]. - Domestic brands like 德华 are also capitalizing on this trend, with products that combine various flavors and textures, such as the "烤瓜子雪糕" [27]. Group 2: Consumer Trends - The "心" consumer group, particularly those born between 1995 and 2007, prioritize emotional satisfaction and diverse sensory experiences in their purchases [50][51]. - The demand for rich, multi-layered ice cream has surged, with the flow heart ice cream experiencing a 333% growth in 2022 [52]. - Social media plays a significant role in promoting ice cream products, with visually appealing designs driving consumer interest and repeat purchases [54][57]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The ice cream industry is undergoing significant advancements in production techniques, leading to innovative product designs and flavors [58]. - Increased competition among brands is pushing for higher quality and better value, benefiting consumers through improved product offerings [60]. - The ice cream category is evolving beyond seasonal consumption, becoming a staple in social settings and everyday life, as evidenced by sales during traditionally off-peak seasons [68][69].