Foodservice operators urged to consider frozen food for Olympics

With fewer than three months until the start of the temporary Olympic and Paralympic Road Network, foodservice operators are likely to find their delivery schedules severely disrupted, which if not handled properly can result in a shortfall in ingredients and a challenge to fulfil meal requirements. BFFF is advising that reducing the reliance on fresh deliveries and switching to frozen ingredients and prepared meals is the ideal preparation for foodservice operators in avoiding the potential delivery pitfalls and continuing to cater for the needs of diners. Restrictions, diversions and closures in event locations and in central London could lead to three months of misery for disorganised operators. By stocking up ahead of time cost sector operators can avoid the scramble for fresh deliveries which will often be out of hours and less frequent leading to both staffing and stock control challenges. Brian Young, director general of BFFF said: "By stocking up on frozen in advance, contract caterers in restricted areas can guarantee availability throughout the Games and continue to fulfil requirements without having to make significant changes to menus and staffing. "The huge range of frozen ingredients and prepared dishes means that operators don't have to cut back on menu options and can offer the same nutritional meals throughout the Games without having to incur greater costs." Recent research commissioned by BFFF has also shown that frozen food can also have financial and nutritional benefits for foodservice providers. The research shows that dishes created from scratch using fresh ingredients cost 24% more than their frozen counterparts. In addition, nutritional research has shown that frozen food is equally as nutritious as fresh. For more information on making the most of frozen food, visit www.bfff.co.uk.