Wet weather has put a slight chill on local ice cream sales. “At first, sales were really slow because it was so cold and rainy,” says Barbara Duffy, owner of the Ye Olde General Store in Midhurst. “But things have really picked up since about the second week in July.”

And a hopping ice cream counter is something that makes Duffy happy. “It’s such a fun, social treat,” says the store owner, who offers 24 flavours from Nestlé and Maypole Dairy. “I love seeing customers chat with friends, family or even their neighbours over a cone. It’s a real community meeting place.”

Dave Briand, a local contractor, stops by almost daily to indulge in a creamy cone at the Midhurst scooping shop. Not hooked on any particular flavour, he tries a new one with each visit.

“It’s refreshing and good for the soul,” explains the trim 49-year-old. “If something is bothering you, a good ice cream cone makes it go away. It’s my fix.”

Canadians per capita consumption is about nine litres per year, which is similar to larger European countries. In the U.S., it’s 22 litres, per year.

Ontario is the hub of ice cream manufacturing in Canada, with about 90 per cent of the national production. The three biggest players in Canada’s market are Chapman’s, Nestlé and Unilever, which has brands such as Breyers.

Scattered throughout Simcoe County there are several popular ice cream shops.

Enjoying a creamy cone at the Thornton Cafe and Ice Cream Parlour is a rite of summer for many folks, especially cottage-bound travellers. Located in a heritage building, and decorated with a bevy of historical photos, the 45-year-old ice cream establishment is definitely worth the trip.

On hot summer days, the popular destination often has lineups out the door. “My wife Debbie has a very strong right arm from years of scooping,” jokes Bruce (preferred not to use his last name), who owns the local ice cream institution with his wife.

Despite the crowds, the owner of the Thornton Cafe and Ice Cream Parlour says the wet weather has taken its toll on sales.  

“It’s not as good as last summer, and I think less people are driving these days because of high gas prices.”

A dandy cone can also be found at Nicholyn Farms located on Horseshoe Valley Road in Phelpston. The country market features Kawartha Dairy ice cream, which is manufactured in Bobcaygeon. Once exclusive to cottage country, this premium brand is now available across southern and central Ontario.

“People like ice cream because it’s refreshing and it satisfies so many taste sensations – it’s sweet, cold and creamy and comes in a ton of flavours,” explains Lynda Nicholyn. “It also has universal appeal because everyone, young or old, enjoys it.”

While vanilla is the most popular flavour (not just here, but at many establishments), Nicholyn says there’s a psychology behind picking flavours.

“Before people even order, I can usually guess their choice,” she laughs.  

From years of scooping experience, she says the mature clientele opt for pralines and cream or maple walnut. Younger people choose mocha almond fudge or black raspberry thunder, while little kids go for sweeter flavours.

Besides putting customers in a good mood, ice cream is also fun to sell, says Nicholyn.

“The best part is the watching little kids contemplate which flavour they should choose.”