Latest statistics from Kantar Worldpanel show the frozen food market enjoyed another solid year with it now worth £5.8bn (52 weeks ending 6 December 2015).

Frozen confectionary and ready meals categories saw strong growth with increases of 6.4% and 2.1% year-on-year (yoy) respectively. Frozen pizza also performed well with a value increase of 1.8% yoy. 

Commenting on the data, Brian Young, Chief Executive of British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), said: “The three frozen food categories which have seen significant increase in value all highlight the continued trend of consumers seeking great-tasting, convenience food.” 

The BFFF said the data shows that there is a considerable opportunity for frozen food producers and manufacturers to capitalise on the growing number of consumers looking for convenience food by creating more innovative frozen food products. The frozen food trade association is continuing its on-going consumer frozen food campaign with the re-launch of its customer-facing website, Cool Cookery. 

Young said: “The UK’s frozen food market is steadily growing as consumers continue to demand convenient, high quality food. 

“With time becoming more of a precious commodity, consumers are increasingly looking for ingredients and meal ideas that offer nutritious, great value, time saving options. 

“The ever expanding range of high quality frozen food products – from frozen risottos, herbs and vegetables to rice, baked potatoes, artisan breads and patisserie – enables consumers to save time in the kitchen, while still providing great tasting, nutritional food.” 

Young concluded: “Looking forward, it is imperative that frozen food producers, manufacturers and brands ensure that the benefits of their products are showcased to consumers. Convenience is a trend which shows no signs of going away, and by producing innovative frozen food products which tap into this, the frozen food industry could reap significant rewards.”