UK frozen food sales in 2021

According to a report by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), in 2021 frozen food sales maintained the momentum gained in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, frozen food sales have grown by about 13.5%.

 

The UK entered its third national lockdown in January 2021, which benefitted frozen food sales in the first quarter. However, as restrictions eased from April onwards, the growth slowed down. Compared to 2020, the frozen category therefore exited 2021 with a year-on-year growth of +1.3% in value, but a -0.9% decline in volume.

The retail market was valued at £7.1bn (8.4 bn euros) in 2021 and had added nearly £850m (1 bn euros) worth of sales since 2019. Ice cream was the largest single category in frozen produce, worth £1.3bn (1.5 bn euros) to retailers and accounting for 18.6% of their overall frozen food sales, up from 17.3% in 2019. Frozen fish broke through the £1bn (1.2 bn euros) barrier in 2020 and sales in 2021 represented a 16.4% (£141.2m – 167.4m euros) gain in just two years.

 

 

The BFFF report also notes an increase in demand for plant-based products. Vegan and vegetarian products have achieved a 16.8% growth since 2019, contributing to a 19.8% (£237.4m - 281,4 m euros) in sales of savoury foods in the same period. Many consumers claim to be trying to cut down on meat throughout the year. Nevertheless, plant-based sales experience a huge seasonal surge every January due to “Veganuary”, a well-established retail event.

 

 

Sources

[1] Consumers have fallen back in love with their freezers says new report. https://bfff.co.uk/consumers-have-fallen-back-in-love-with-their-freezers-says-new-report/

[2] British Frozen Food Federation. Frozen Food Report 2021. https://bfff.co.uk/the-frozen-food-report-2022/