Celebrate National Ice Cream Day Sunday, July 17

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2011 -- The International Ice Cream Association encourages consumers to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 17, by enjoying one of America's favorite treats. July is National Ice Cream Month.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

"Ronald Reagan lived and led with a spirit of optimism and good humor. As we celebrate the Centennial of his birth, National Ice Cream Day, designated by President Reagan, is a great time to honor his life and legacy and enjoy this wonderfully American treat," said Stewart McLaurin, executive director of the Reagan Centennial for the Reagan Foundation. "Here at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, we have a large cooler of ice cream treats, and I always think of Ronald Reagan and National Ice Cream Month when I enjoy one."

Approximately 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream, including both hard- and soft-serve, are produced each year. The U.S. ice cream industry generates billions in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. About 9 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation's dairy industry.

Founded in 1900, IICA is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of ice cream and other frozen dessert products. The association's activities range from legislative and regulatory advocacy to market research, education and training. Its 80 member companies manufacture and distribute an estimated 85 percent of the ice cream and frozen dessert products consumed in the United States. IICA is a constituent organization of the International Dairy Foods Association.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies representing a $110-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's 220 dairy processing members run more than 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.