Posh ice cream in vogue as consumers downsize

Cold and sweet trend: A customer taking a photo of ice cream flavours at a Dal Cuore store in Shanghai. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: Chinese consumers are typically known for lavish spending on high-end handbags, clothes and accessories that sustain Western luxury brands.

This year, however, economic ill winds have sapped much of their urge to splurge and it’s the littler luxuries in life – artisanal food and drinks as well as smart trendy appliances – that have caught their eye.