Sales of frozen food have seen a boost in the last few months, according to data from Kantar.
Originally reported by the BBC, ready meals, pizzas and other frozen prepared foods saw an increase in sales in the three months to mid-March, compared with 2022 figures. Frozen game meat and poultry also saw a marked increase over the same period.
Supermarket inflation rose to 17.5% in March, hitting another record high; meanwhile total grocery sales declined.
Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation said that the new data “is great news for the frozen food industry.”
He continued: “Our members have worked hard to ensure that frozen food remains an affordable option for consumers who do not want to compromise on enjoying tasty, healthy and nutritious meals at home.
“There is no doubt that the rising cost of living has squeezed household budgets and consumers are looking for better value during their weekly shop. As consumers purchase more frozen food, and some try frozen products for the first time, I am confident that the quality of frozen food will speak for itself to encourage consumers to make even more trips to the frozen aisle over the coming months.”
Ashby went onto explain that frozen food “presents a solution” to the current problems surrounding food waste, particularly for eco-conscious consumers.
He explained: “Data from WRAP shows that if UK households were to cut out food waste from cooking or preparing too much, families could save a total of £3.5 billion each year. Frozen food presents a solution to this problem, as the long shelf-life means that frozen food doesn’t go off like fresh food might in the back of the fridge, and portions can be easily controlled so you can cook what you need when you need it and save the rest for another day.
“Food waste accounts for up to a staggering 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so consumers can do the right thing for the environment and their budgets by making friends with their freezer.”
