Peterborough, UK: Frozen food manufacturers and temperature-controlled storage specialists are witnessing significant market growth in response to market demand for frozen foods, according to John Davidson, managing director, JS Davidson, pictured above.
“It’s no secret that the cost-of-living crisis has led to a sizeable dent in the average household’s budget. To tackle this issue, there’s been a growing shift in consumers veering away from fresh produce, and instead favouring more cost-effective frozen food products.
“What’s interesting is that while inflation has gradually eased this year, there’s been a conscious realisation among British buyers that there isn’t really a need to revert back to their old shopping habits. From what we’re hearing from our customers, is that consumers have become more aware about food waste, which aligns with wanting to cut their weekly food costs and make more value-for-money choices when they’re at the supermarket.
“This position isn’t just isolated to shoppers either. If you look at it through the lens of the manufacturer, frozen food is much more cost effective in production and distribution as its extended shelf life provides much greater flexibility across the supply chain against its fresh counterparts – which need to be distributed and sold quickly to avoid spoiling.”
Frozen food has certainly long been a staple part of the shopping list in many households due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and ability to reduce food waste. However, despite this, the nutritional value of frozen food has been a topic of debate.
This preconception however is far from the truth, says John Davidson. Advances in freezing technology and food preservation have significantly improved the nutritional value of frozen foods, with modern freezing methods helping to lock-in the nutrients, flavour and texture.
“Recent studies and advancements in food technology all point towards the fact that frozen food can retain much of its nutritional value, challenging the idea that it is inherently less healthy than fresh options”, he said.
“While cost has primarily accelerated this switch to frozen, quality and taste still remain high on the agenda for consumers, so manufacturers have invested a significant amount in ensuring their products meet current demand and expectations of UK shoppers – who are increasingly seeking value without compromising on taste and health.
