Retail frozen food sales increase by £872m to over £7bn, report finds

The significant growth in the frozen sector and changes in consumer shopping habits induced by the Covid-19 pandemic could be here to stay, predicts a new report from British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF).

The annual Frozen Food Report from the industry body shows that the UK has become a nation of frozen food fans as shoppers have spent an extra £872 million last year, making frozen the fastest growing food category, behind alcohol.

The value of frozen food sold in the UK stores is now worth £7.21 billion with a year-on-year growth of 13.8 per cent, compared to total grocery, which grew at 11.3 per cent, and fresh and chilled at 9.3 per cent, according to the report released today.

Among the retailers, independents and symbol groups have seen the highest growth in value sales, with nearly 45 per cent increase. Data also showed that, as a channel, convenience has been a big winner, with 20.5 per cent increases, next only to online (49.6%).

Online shopping and increased trips to store has been two major trends for the sector, with a potential 74 per cent of shoppers to maintain their online shopping habits long-term.

“Another change in consumer behaviour is the frequency of shopping trips has declined overall, but increased for frozen, and basket spend is higher,” commented Richard Harrow, BFFF chief executive.

“Consumers are also looking for convenient products that will not spoil between shopping trips. This plays to the strengths of the frozen category and means we’re optimistic frozen will continue to grow its share of online purchases.”

Gen Z shoppers have also been flocking to the frozen aisle, with 23 per cent of those born between 1997 and 2012 saying that they are more likely to eat frozen food, thanks to the convenience and flavour of the growing range of vegetarian and vegan products on offer, according to the report.