Storage space for cold and frozen products remains limited following a flux in demand from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Cold Chain Federation (CCF).

The Federation has revealed that cold storage occupancy rates are likely to remain high for the near future until the UK’s foodservice sector returns.

In its latest market commentary, the Federation said there was around a 20% uplift in grocery sales in April, with people shopping once a week rather than the three or four trips per week before.

“There is still a lot of flux in demand for fresh and frozen food from different sectors, and cold stores are still very full. We can expect this to continue until food service – restaurants, cafes, bars, catering – starts to resume.”

It also reported that sales of frozen ready meals have declined by 15%, but products for home cooking have gone up. The CCF also stated that supermarkets have doubled their capacity, with more than 100% growth in older people using home delivery and local shops are now doing 600,000+ home deliveries from pretty much a standing start.

Chief executive for the CCF, Shane Brennan, said: “There is still a lot of flux in demand for fresh and frozen food from different sectors, and cold stores are still very full. We can expect this to continue until food service – restaurants, cafes, bars, catering – starts to resume.

“Like their customers, the businesses storing and distributing chilled and frozen food around the country are doing their best to prepare for the economic rollercoaster ahead.”

Food Management Today spoke exclusively with Shane Brennan in its May/June edition which can be seen here.