IDFA’s 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party Celebrates America’s Favorite Treat as Nation Approaches 250th Birthday

IDFA's 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party Celebrates America's Favorite Treat as Nation Approaches 250th Birthday

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2026- As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, one tried-and-true American tradition continues to bring people together on Capitol Hill: ice cream.

Thousands of lawmakers, staff and federal officials gathered Wednesday for the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, celebrating America's favorite frozen treat and the dairy industry's continued leadership in delivering products families know, trust and enjoy. Nearly all Americans (97%) say they like or love ice cream, underscoring its status as one of the nation's most beloved treats.

Held at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, this year's celebration featured ice cream and frozen dairy desserts made with real milk and without certified artificial colors, consistent with the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment. The voluntary, industry-led commitment brings together U.S. ice cream makers working to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk and sold at retail by the end of 2027. Recent consumer research by IDFA and Morning Consult shows that while flavor remains the top driver of ice cream purchases, interest in ingredients and nutritional information continues to grow, showing how the industry is responding to evolving consumer preferences.

"The IDFA ice cream party is a signature tradition that brings people together over one of America's favorite dairy treats," said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA. "This year, we are especially proud to showcase ice cream that reflects the industry's continued commitment to real dairy, product innovation and appealing to consumers, who are increasingly focused on what goes into the foods they enjoy. America's ice cream makers are leading with action, and this celebration is a great reminder that dairy delivers for families, communities and the economy."

Over the course of the two-hour celebration, guests enjoyed:

• 6,000 cups of ice cream
• 1,200 root beer floats
• 400 slices of ice cream cake
• 1,250 ice cream sandwiches and other ice cream novelties

Now in its 42nd year, the IDFA Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party remains one of Washington's most cherished bipartisan events, bringing together policymakers across the political spectrum. The event provides an opportunity for federal workers to learn more about the jobs, wages and economic contributions of the dairy industry to communities across the United States. The ice cream industry has an $11.6 billion impact on the U.S. economy, supports nearly 27,000 direct jobs, and generates $1.93 billion in direct wages, according to IDFA's Dairy Delivers®. Dairy Delivers is an interactive, data-driven resource that shows how dairy supports jobs, wages and economic activity in every state and congressional district showing firsthand how dairy delivers for Americans and their communities.

For pictures from the event, visit here.

For more information about the ice cream industry, including fun facts, trends, and historical information, visit https://www.idfa.org/icecream.

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Contact: [email protected]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.