Historical trends notice: This article was published in 2022 and reflects frozen-food industry forecasts and external research available at that time.
This month Bord Bia released their research on the future of frozen food in the UK. The detailed report is available to download here: The Future of Frozen Foods in the UK. The team at Bord Bia conducted extensive research and analysis and this is a quick look at the insights.
Consumers are buying more Frozen Food than ever before according to research by the British Frozen Food Association. This has been predominantly driven by the longer shelf life offered by this sector.
The report looks at ways in which frozen food businesses can continue this trend beyond the pandemic:
- More engaging convenience
- Accommodating the needs of the new generation
- Willingness to explore
- Enhancing the value for money equation
Market research found that almost 9 in 10 UK frozen food shoppers were open to switching between frozen and fresh foods especially for certain types of food and consumers felt that the selection and quality of frozen foods has improved. Many people find the amount of freezer space that they have at home is the main limiter on their purchases of frozen food.
The report breaks down the consumers into four cohorts – Frozen Embracers, Recent Engagers, Simplicity Seekers and Back Up Buyers.
It found that all segments engaged strongly in Frozen Pizza – most notably the Simplicity Seeker and Frozen Embracer cohorts. New products in the pizza aisle were increasingly focused on premium ingredients and changes to packaging formats. Any environmental claim about packaging should identify the material or component concerned and be supported by relevant evidence.
Frozen Bakery frozen bakery product launches have focussed on convenience and indulgence whilst Ice Cream product launches have focussed on bringing something different.
The report also noted growing consumer interest in plant-based products, local ingredients and product information. These preferences varied between shoppers and product categories and should not be interpreted as proof that a product has a lower environmental impact.
In terms of future growth in the Frozen Food Sector the report suggests that businesses consider four key aspects to focus marketing on:
1. Better than you think
2. Better for you
3. Better for the world
4. Better choice
It analyses how each of those four statements can be applicable to the four frozen food consumer cohorts.
To read the report in full click here
This article summarises third-party research published in 2022 and does not constitute an environmental claim about Ingredient Solutions or its products.
