PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The early arrival of rainy weather has led to a decline in the sales of ice cream, sugarcane juice and other similar beverages in Dehradun, which typically help people cope with the heat. Many vendors have voiced their worries over this drop in sales, noting its negative impact by a few per cent of their profits this season. It is evident that during hot weather, there is a rise in demand for products like sugarcane juice, ice creams and other drinks in general. However, fluctuations in temperature and the early start of rainy weather has directly affected sales.
Prayank, who runs a sugarcane juice stall expressed his worries about the drop in sugarcane juice sales this year. He said that compared to last year, sales have decreased by a few per cent, as people tend to prefer sugarcane juice during hot weather rather than during rainy spells. This year’s frequent rain and premature monsoon onset have severely impacted his business. He said that he usually sells sugarcane juice for Rs 30 and operates his stall starting at 9 AM till evening.
Additionally, an ice cream vendor in the city, Vishu stated that this year’s early advent of rainy weather has negatively impacted not only beverage sales but also ice cream sales. He noted a 30 per cent decrease in ice cream sales at his shop, attributing this decline to the belief among consumers that the unpredictable rainfall could lead to illness from consuming cold desserts and beverages. As a precaution, many individuals are choosing to avoid ice cream, which has contributed to the overall drop in sales.
He also said that although he sells cold drinks at his shop, their sales have also dropped by a few per cent, as few people have been observed demanding cold drinks.
Several other vendors selling sugarcane juice, ice cream and various beverages have voiced similar concerns regarding the few per cent decline in their sales this season.
In response to this, local resident Cheena said that she enjoys eating ice cream, juices and other treats during the summer. However, this year, she has consumed these items less frequently than in previous years. The unpredictable weather and sporadic rainfall have made her hesitant to indulge, as she fears becoming unwell. She said that beverages like sugar cane juice are particularly enjoyable and visually appealing to drink on warm, sunny days, rather than during rainy weather.
