July 16th is National Ice Cream Day in the United States but the faux holiday has gained fans across the world. Israeli chains are joining the ice cream celebrations for the first time, according to Hebrew media, and are serving up special cool treats for today’s event.
In 1984, then US President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and called for the third Sunday of the month to be celebrated as National Ice Cream Day. Since then, ice cream chains around the US have made it customary to offer discounts or free scoops in honor of the day.
But the unofficial holiday didn’t stay in US borders for long and ice cream parlors the world over are keen to celebrate their original flavors as well.
In Israel, the Anita ice cream chain told Yediot Aharonot that it would offer a special vegan ‘Doggy Cream’ sorbet free of charge for any four-legged canine to visit its stores today. The banana-flavored treat is dairy free, because according to the paper, dairy products cause digestive problems for many dogs.
Buza and Iceberg chains are promoting the summer trend black coconut ice cream treat. Iceberg is also promoting a new flower-flavored ice cream today. And Vaniglia is highlighting its new malabi with rose water flavor.
Ben and Jerry’s in Israel is giving away a free tub to anyone born on July 16. All you need to do is take your ID to the local factory and choose a flavor.
According to market reports, New Zealanders consume the most ice cream per capita: 28 liters in a year. Israelis are said to eat between eight and 10 liters per person annually.