Nigel Broadhurst, chairman of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) board, celebrated the success of the frozen food industry during his speech at the Federation’s Annual Luncheon.
Speaking to over 900 industry representatives at London’s Hilton on Park Lane, Broadhurst said a number of factors had contributed to frozen food becoming an £8.5bn industry.
“While consumer confidence has seen a knock in the light of Brexit negotiations, with spending reined in, the frozen food market has remained the most buoyant part of the grocery sector,” he explained.
“We have seen 5% market growth in the last 12 months, putting frozen foods ahead of both chilled and ambient. We are also the best performing retail category online and are seeing mirrored success in foodservice.”
He also took the opportunity to thank BFFF members who made contributions to create a new marketing campaign. ‘Fresh from the Freezer’ will showcase the benefits of frozen food to both consumers and chefs.
The video-centred campaign will last for six months and will be built on next year.
Broadhurst continued: “We put these successes down to our innovation, a move into premium quality products and the convenience of our everyday products which save food waste every day.
“The frozen food industry is offering highly relevant products to consumers’ kitchens, delivering solutions to problems whether in the home or the restaurant kitchen and this is being recognised.”
Broadhurst announced, during a comment regarding Brexit, that due to the uncertainty around an outcome next spring, BFFF has created a new Brexit legal helpline, as well as an improved monthly information service for members.
He added: “John [Hyman, BFFF chief executive] will be attending monthly meetings with Government to ensure your key issues and opportunities are expressed and understood.
“We should rightly celebrate a year of significant growth and progress for our industry, as we look forward to achieving our industry growth figure of £10bn.”
BFFF is a trade association for the frozen food sector. Its mission is to promote and protect the interests of the frozen food industry.
