February 5, 2009
UK seafood sales expected to drive frozen food market
Rising seafood sales are expected to drive the UK frozen food market to more than GBP5 billion this year.
This is the view of Brian Young, director general of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), after figures show that the business is growing at an unprecedented rate, with frozen fish leading the way.
The latest information from TNS World Panel disclosed that the overall market has seen 5.8 percent year on year growth as at November 30 last year.
Despite the economic downturn frozen food has enjoyed 10 consecutive quarters of accelerating growth.
But it is the performance of frozen fish which is catching the eye growing by just over 8.4 percent a year - higher than the overall market.
In value terms it was worth £689.5 million as at November last year, compared to GBP636.2 million over the same period in 2007.
Volumes are up too, from 116,205 tonnes to 123,648 tonnes.
There are thought to be three main reasons for this welcome growth, competitive prices in the shops, innovative seafood products and the fact there is virtually no waste with frozen fish - all important when money is tight.
Young said this remarkable growth has been led by Birds Eye and Young's, capitalising on the Omega-3 health benefits and sustainable sourcing.
He added consumers are turning frozen in large numbers attracted by the nutrients, minimal waste and terrific value.
