BFFF PRESIDENT SAYS FROZEN FOOD ‘PERFECTLY PLACED’ TO OFFSET COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

The chairman and president of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Ian Stone has said that the frozen food industry is perfectly placed to help consumers offset some of the effects of the cost of living crisis.

Speaking at the Federation’s Annual Luncheon in London on the 22 November, at which the organisation celebrated its 75th anniversary, Stone said prolonged shelf-life, reduced wastage and competitive pricing mean frozen food can help consumers and foodservice operators cope with pressures of double-digit food inflation.

He commented: “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. 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 also highlighted the challenges BFFF members have faced saying: “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.”

Stone concluded by informing members and their guests that 2023 will be the 75th anniversary of the BFFF, saying: “What an achievement for this great organisation. To have been in existence for 75 years, championing and promoting an industry is exceptional, something to be proud of. We will be celebrating this unique milestone next year. And in our 75th year we will grasp every opportunity to be part of a solution to any problems.”

For more frozen food news, click here

Join us at SIAL Paris as exhibitor Join us at SIAL Paris as visitor