Frozen Food Sector ‘Part Of The Solution’ To Cope With Inflation Pressures

 Namnews, 23rd November 2022

The frozen food industry is “perfectly placed” to help consumers and foodservice operators offset some of the effects of the cost of living crisis, according to Ian Stone, President and Chairman of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF).

Speaking at the Federation’s Annual Luncheon in London yesterday, Stone highlighted that prolonged shelf-life, reduced wastage and competitive pricing mean frozen food can help families and foodservice operators cope with the pressures of double-digit food inflation.

“I believe that we, the frozen food industry, are perfectly placed to be part of the solution, not the problem. But only if we act as one and be stronger together,” said Stone.

“Surely, we can garner the newfound enthusiasm for frozen food gained during the pandemic. An enthusiasm that saw retail sales increasing by £1bn and sales of freezers rise by nearly 50%.”

He added: “For the consumer, we must constantly strive to offer the highest quality, best value nutritional food that provides the longest shelf life, reduces waste, and allows consumers to only cook what they want, when then want it.

“For the foodservice operator, we must provide the finest quality, nutritious ingredients that minimise waste, increase yields and provide utmost flexibility for the caterer. And we need to ensure that all caterers – whichever sector – see frozen food as an aspirational option, not just the option of last resort.”

Stone, who is Chief Commercial Officer at frozen meals maker Apetito, also highlighted some of the challenges BFFF members have faced: “We may have put the pandemic behind us, but we have faced other ‘once in a generation challenges’ with inflation and the energy being the main headlines of late. However, we have additionally had to face labour shortages and supply chain issues, resulting in huge and constant pressures on input costs and ingredients for all of us.”

Back in September, the BFFF launched its first Frozen Food Week, which encouraged consumers to reduce food waste by switching to frozen products.

NAM Implications:

• Many already know the benefits.
• Key is getting repeat sales as evidence of satisfaction
• i.e. maintain the quality…
• …and deliver more than it says on the tin, every time.