In association with the Catering Managers Association of Great Britain and the Channel Islands

The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has launched a new foodservice campaign which aims to educate the foodservice sector on how they can profit from using frozen food in the face of a UK recession.

The ‘Profiting from Frozen Food’ campaign will focus on how buying frozen food will save foodservice organisations money, plus demonstrate that the quality and taste of frozen foods is better than ever.

Brian Young, director general of the BFFF explains: “We want to challenge frozen food stereotypes - and bust the myth that ‘fresh’’ is best. Frozen offers quick and convenient access to premium quality, healthy nutritious meals and ingredients and is perfect for busy kitchens. Frozen will help foodservice to drive sales.”

“In this tough economic climate there is a compelling business case for using frozen food. Buying frozen will save money because of competitive and stable food prices, the ability to control portion sizes and wastage, plus the opportunity to cut kitchen labour costs. This will help businesses reduce their overheads, produce more accurate pricing models and protect their profits.”
A number of activities are planned as part of the Profiting from Frozen Food campaign. Starting with the launch at IFE, they will include cost comparison and food quality research, a frozen food report, food tastings, cookery demonstrations, direct mailings, plus speaker slots at conferences and seminars.

Brian Young added: “There is a perception that frozen food is in some way inferior to fresh. But when you look at the facts it’s clear that frozen has all the benefits of fresh – and more. It offers variety and versatility, year-round availability, consistent quality, increased storage and shelf life, traceability to source and product integrity. The taste and nutritional credentials of frozen food are also better than ever. Being a natural process, there’s no need for preservatives found in chilled, ambient or ‘fresh’ - so frozen is often closer to our perception of ‘natural’ food. In addition, freezing locks in nutrients and vitamins at the point where food is harvested for maximum nutrition and freshness.”

‘Profiting from Frozen Food’ is backed by leading frozen food manufacturers and wholesalers. Supporting members currently include The Authentic Food Company Ltd., Brakes Group, British Seafood, Delifrance (UK) Ltd., Grampian Foods (Europe) Ltd., Kent Frozen Foods Ltd., MDC Foods Ltd., Norbert Dentressangle Logistics UK. and 3663.

To date the BFFF has created a series of booklets for the foodservice sector, providing basic and objective information on why frozen foods can be a central part of any caterers’ menu. The series includes:

• Potato products, pasta, pizza & rice
• Appetisers & buffet items, prepared meals & entrées and functions & special occasions
• Fruit and vegetables, bakery and seafood
• Meat and poultry and desserts and confectionery

Only last year (December 2008) the BFFF launched its new web-based ‘New Ice Age’ campaign, which aims to target and educate consumers about frozen food production, the nutritional benefits of frozen food and its cost-saving potential.
www.bfff.co.uk