Retail sales of frozen foods enjoyed strong value growth in the year to 29 November 2009 as consumers sought value for money in the recession.
The latest data from TNS Worldpanel shows that the frozen retail market is now worth just over £5.1 billion.
The Ice Cream sector has rebounded from two dreadful summers to record 5.5% growth.
Frozen confectionery, despite the economic downturn, experienced value growth of 6.4% year-on-year, with renewed interest in frozen fruits in the wake of the launch of Del Monte Fruits.
Following two consecutive years of growth, the frozen fish sector posted further value growth of 4.6% year-on-year.
Major players such as Birds Eye and Youngs continued to launch innovative products, ensuring continued progress in this sector.
Brian Young, director general of the British Frozen Food Federation said, “It is most encouraging that all sectors within the frozen food market continue to enjoy good value growth”.
Young added, “Recent publicity by WRAP on the amount of perfectly good food thrown away by consumers has helped the frozen cause.
“This has reinforced the perception amongst consumers that frozen food’s locked-in goodness and exceptional value for money are particularly welcome in these difficult economic times.”
In volume terms the frozen food market was flat in 2009.
