Shoppers in the United Kingdom have spent an additional £780 million on frozen food products so far this year, according to the latest Kantar figures through November 1. This is an increase of 14.7% over the same period in 2019.
“Frozen food sales are growing faster than sales of fresh and chilled foods,” said Richard Harrow, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF). “Feedback from several major supermarkets is that frozen Christmas products are selling as fast as they can be stocked.”
The foodservice sector has had a dire year because of the novel coronavirus (SARS-C0V-2) pandemic, but with government-imposed lockdown restrictions easing and the UK starting its Covid-19 vaccination program on December 8, there is hope for operators that business will pick up again in the not too distant future. Although it won’t be business as usual, consumers will be looking to indulge away from home more than ever, and frozen food always helps restauranteurs meet such demand.
“One thing that’s remained constant is people’s passion for great tasting, attractive food,” said Gordon Lauder, managing director of frozen food distributor Central Foods. “With some kitchens operating at reduced capacity, ready-made frozen products are ideal for caterers looking to simplify their menus.”
It’s often difficult to predict demand, especially in the winter, and this year will be even harder due to the ever-changing Covid-19 precautions. In these uncertain times, prepared frozen options allow outlets to cater for any dietary requirements with ease.
“We expect to see a shift in mindset for many of our customers, creating a rise in what we’ve coined A Conscious Christmas,” said Jo Johnson, senior manager for own brand innovation at ASDA. “Customers want to celebrate and enjoy Christmas with their families and indulge, even if they aren’t splashing out this year. Value and innovative products will be front of mind, and our Extra Special range will play a lead part in those all-important party food and Christmas dinner choices.”
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular and there has been extensive new product development in this area, with the Iceland retail chain offering centerpieces such as No Meat NO Bull Wellington.
“The UK-based Veganuary campaign has been boosted by a surge in people buying plant-based food during the pandemic,” said Christina Veal, director at New Forest Ice Cream. “As such, customers will be expecting delicious plant-based options on menus when dining out – more than ever before.
“Continuing the growing trend for delicious dairy-free alternatives on menus, we have a decadent Chocolate Sorbet. This dairy-free delight will ensure chocolate lovers of all dietary backgrounds can now enjoy a chocolate hit this season.”
Festive Feasts
The variety of frozen festive food on the market is phenomenal, with many new products nominated for the BFFF Frozen Food Awards. Iceland has seven entries in the running, which include Prawn Lollipops, Luxury Five Gold Rings and Luxury Wild Red Shrimp. Other products in the competition include ASDA’s Extra Special 12 King Prawn and Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites, Aldi’s Lightly Dusted Soy and Chilli Calamari and Aunt Bessie’s Large Heart-Shaped Yorkshires.
“From exciting new party foods like our Extra Special Bao Buns, Candied Pigs in Blanket and Smoked Salmon Mac ’n Cheese Bites, to our new vegan ranges that cater for those following a plant-based diet, this year’s Christmas range has something for everyone,” said Linsey Taylor, senior director for new product development at ASDA.
Morrisons is tapping into the trend for affordable indulgence with its Christmas Best range of frozen products, which features The Best Four Cheese Melting Middle Nut Roasts which retail at £5, The Best Sicilian Lemon Roulade (also going for £5) and The Best Mini Macarons (£3.25).
“The classics like tempura prawns continue to be very popular,” said Andrew Staniland, trading director at Iceland. “Crowns of turkey, instead of whole birds, have been on the rise for the last few years with waste-conscious customers. Among desserts, the classics with a twist always sell amazingly well. Our millionaire gold bar cheesecake with smoked salted caramel has been a winner so far.”
The foodservice sector needs to pull out all the stops this year, so stocking premium frozen products to impress customers is essential, particularly those with special dietary requirements.
Central Foods’ vegan-friendly, gluten-free KaterVeg! Moroccan-style cauliflower bites and Menuserve Indian snack selections are both ideal for bar snacks, starters and tapas, while the colorful and flavorful gluten-free and vegan Menuserve Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Roulade is a main course showstopper. Recently launched to cater to customers with dietary requirements this festive season is the Menuserve brie and red onion tart, which is suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diners, and the Menuserve beetroot and thyme tarte tatin, which is perfect for vegan and vegetarian customers.
It’s the time of year for socializing, and sharing platters are popular among those looking to graze while with friends and family. Products such as Harvest Farms’ Breaded Chicken Strips, Southern Fried Chicken Strips or Pop In Chicken, are ideal for sharing platters.
“These products are already cut and/or coated so they require minimal preparation and can also be cooked very quickly, straight from the freezer, to create starters, sides, mains or sharing portions for party platters,” said Nigel Parkes, commercial operations director at Creative Foods. “In addition to reducing the handling risk, they have the added benefit of excellent portion control.”
Seafood is a popular luxury during the holiday season, and frozen products are particularly versatile as they can be used across all elements of a festive menu. The Young’s Foodservice range is individually quick frozen, enabling caterers easy access to the required quantity needed.
“Smoked salmon is a key ingredient that instantly connotes Christmas celebration, especially when served with festive brunches or used to create elegant starters and canapés,” said Joel Carr, development chef at Young’s Foodservice. “It is easy and convenient to prepare, but always leaves a lasting impression when served with complementary ingredients, such as horseradish crème fraiche and beetroot.”
Dessert is always welcome, but after a big festive meal a lighter option, such as ice cream, can be appealing. There are plenty of twists on classics out there, such as New Forest Ice Cream’s festive flavors, which include Mince Pie (pictured. at top) or Gin and Pink Grapefruit sorbet, which are all a fantastic way to instantly add festive elegance to a menu or dish.
Those engaged in the retail side of the frozen food business have especially prospered this year, and with the range of exciting and indulgent festive products on offer, it would seem that good fortune looks set to continue into 2021. – Reported by Sarah Welsh
