Retailers must “accept the premiumisation” of the freezer aisle to foster the continued development of the frozen category, British Frozen Food Federation director general Brian Young has suggested.

Speaking to just-food at the IFE industry trade show in London today (15 March), Young predicted that frozen food sales would benefit this year from a constricting economic environment. “As consumer confidence goes down, sales of frozen food go up,” Young observed.

With continued food inflation, the pressure of worldwide population growth and issues of food security and food waste all propelling category expansion, Young predicted a wider uptake of frozen foods “for the foreseeable future”.

However, in order separate growth from wider economic and demographic cycles, frozen food manufacturers are focusing on innovation, adding value and brand building, Young said.

Young pointed to the ice cream, fish and potato categories as areas where brands – such as General Mills’ Haagen-Dazs, Young’s, Birds Eye and Aunt Bessie’s – have developed a premium offering by investing in NPD and marketing.

“Retailers could help by embracing the premiumisation of frozen food,” Young said. “Sainsbury’s has moved in this direction with the reorganisation of their frozen aisle and Morrisons is taking some steps to do similar…. Waitrose is actually the fastest growing frozen food retailer. In fact, the only one who has really struggled is Asda, who has focused on price.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.