The frozen pizza category saw a 7% increase in value and a 9% rise in volume. This was flanked by a positive performance of frozen vegetables, which saw a 0.6% increase in value and a 1.4% lift in volume.
In contrast frozen meat and poultry experienced a 9.9% drop in value and a 12% decline in volume.
Richard Harrow, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “Pizza and veg are two of our strongest success stories for the period and have helped buoy total sector growth of 0.5%.
“Although consumer appetite for meat-free and plant-based product is taking its toll on other categories, the powerful shift in consumer preference presents a huge opportunity for frozen and I’m confident the sector’s ability to innovate will enable it to rise to the challenge.”
One of the reasons cited for the decline in frozen meat and poultry is the amount of people rising to the meat-free challenge. The number of vegans in the UK is predicted to rise by 327% next year.
The British Frozen Food Federation are the ‘leading trade association’ for the frozen food sector. It aims to promote and protect frozen food whilst tackling food waste.
Harrow added: “Convenience and value will always be important factors in shopper decision-making but consumers are also becoming increasingly concerned with making healthy and environmentally-conscious choices.
“Our members are leading the way in offering nutritious and affordable plant-based products, while simultaneously tackling food waste within the supply chain.”