London, UK: Frozen food volumes have returned to growth in the first quarter of 2023, according to new Kantar data from the British Frozen Food Federation.
The 12-week figures to 19 March show that volume sales of frozen food grew by 2,572,000 tonnes, compared to the same period last year.
The value of the retail frozen food sales also continued to increase in the same period, up +9.5% (£273,061,000) largely driven by inflation.
Frozen vegetables, meat and poultry, potato products, ready meals and savoury foods have all seen a jump in volume in the 12 weeks, whilst more indulgent products such as ice cream and confectionery have seen a drop in sales volume in the same period.
Kantar also reports a decrease in the volume sales of fresh and chilled foods by -5.0% in the same period.
Rupert Ashby, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “The cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on consumer spending habits over the winter months, which has likely driven sales of frozen food. However, I am confident that many consumers will now regularly return to the frozen aisle during their weekly shop as more people experience the exceptional quality and taste of frozen food.”
