There has been a huge rise for frozen food and vegetable as a result to the current pandemic. Reducing the number of trips to the grocery store is on of the main drivers of this surge. However, it is expected that this demand will continue post pandemic as consumers note a huge reduction in spoilage and wastage when compared to fresh.

The demand for frozen berries has also experienced a surge as there is a perception that they strengthen a person’s immune system (Source: CBI).

The overall demand for frozen food has surged globally. According to an IRI/BCG report which measures the impact of Covid-19 on consumer spending, every country covered in the report has experienced significant growth. Italy experienced growth of +26%, Greece +33%, France +26%, Germany +17%, UK +17%, USA +35% and a whopping +60% in New Zealand. (Week ended April 5, 2020 vs a year ago).

The above growth figures are quite staggering but when one drills down even further, there are even more interesting trends

·        Frozen fish sales grew by 51% in Italy

·        Ice cream sales surged by 24% in France

·        Frozen Pizza and frozen dough sales grew by 12% in Germany

·        Frozen vegetable sales grew by over 23% in the UK

·        Ice cream sales grew by 35% and frozen pizza sales grew by a staggering 57% in the US market

Whilst the current pandemic has caused a global surge in demand in frozen food, is this just a temporary anomaly?

I believe that this is not an anomaly but that the demand for frozen will remain at higher levels as consumers realise not only the positive effect frozen food has on their pockets but also take notice of the variety, quality, nutritional value and taste of frozen food is in essence locked in on the day it was frozen. This is even before savvy consumers consider negligible spoilage and food wastage rates.

In 2018 the global frozen food market was worth $260.8 billion. By 2026, it is predicted that the global frozen food market will increase to $366.3 Billion. (Source: Frozen Food Market Analysis by Processed Product Type)

To read the full report on the impact of Covid-19 on consumer spending, please click here>>>

To read about interesting and emerging uses of frozen food, please click here>>>>