As the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) approaches its 75^th anniversary its president and chair, Ian Stone says the industry is perfectly placed to help consumers off-set some of the effects of the cost of living crisis.

In an address to 750 business leaders at the Federation’s Annual Luncheon at London’s Hilton Park Lane today (22 November), Mr Stone said prolonged shelf-life, reduced wastage and competitive pricing mean frozen food can help consumers and foodservice operators cope with pressures of double-digit food inflation.

“I believe that we, the frozen food industry, are perfectly placed to be part of the solution, not the problem. But only if we act as one and be stronger together,” said Mr Stone. “Surely, we can garner the newfound enthusiasm for frozen food gained during the pandemic. An enthusiasm that saw retail sales increasing by £1bn and sales of freezers rise by nearly 50%.

He added: “For the consumer we must constantly strive to offer the highest quality, best value nutritional food that provides the longest shelf life, reduces waste, and allows consumers to only cook what they want, when then want it.

“For the foodservice operator, we must provide the finest quality, nutritious ingredients that minimise waste, increase yields and provide utmost flexibility for the caterer. And we need to ensure that all caterers – whichever sector – see frozen food as an aspirational option, not just the option of last resort.”

He also highlighted the challenges BFFF members have faced saying: “We may have put the pandemic behind us, but we have faced other ‘once in a generation challenges’ with inflation and the energy being the main headlines of late. However, we have additionally had to face labour shortages and supply chain issues, resulting in huge and constant pressures on input costs and ingredients for all of us.”

Mr Stone, who is chief commercial officer of apetito, went on to praise the efforts of the BFFF in running the industry’s first Frozen Food Week in September to promote the benefits of frozen food as well as expanding its range of member services and strengthening the industry’s representation to government.

“It is my privilege to thank all the team at the BFFF. Without your hard work and commitment our industry and our Federation would be a different darker place, of that I am certain. You have endured many challenges in recent years but have come through smiling with a Federation fit to tackle the future, whatever it throws at us.

Mr Stone concluded by informing members and their guests that 2023 will be the 75^th anniversary of the BFFF, saying: “What an achievement for this great organisation. To have been in existence for 75 years, championing and promoting an industry is exceptional, something to be proud of.  We will be celebrating this unique milestone next year. And in our 75^th year we will grasp every opportunity to be part of a solution to any problems”

Drinks expert, The Ice Co, is sharing its Christmas Day essentials guide to help hosts elevate drinks for their guests over the festive period.

Often the forgotten item on Christmas big shop lists, a festive beverage can’t be perfectly crafted without its essential counterpart: ice. In fact, when shoppers were surveyed, 64% of shoppers do often buy bagged ice from the supermarket, and 60% of those said when they intended to buy ice, they forgot it.

Of the same respondents, 13% said they felt embarrassed when they run out of ice when they have guests. That’s why The Ice Co has pulled together its roundup of ice must-buys every host should have in their freezer this December.

FOR CHILLING BOTTLES AND BEERS

Party Ice, available from Tesco or Sainsbury’s, 2KG RRP £1

Party Ice is perfect for cooling bottles and chilling those all-important drinks. Empty a bag into the sink (or even bath) if you’re short of an ice bucket and your beverages will keep extra cool all-night.

Party Ice is the go-to ice product for all occasions, and you’re never too far away from a bag of Party Ice, even for those last-minute festive plans. It’s available to buy at most supermarkets, so is convenient for all. Available in 1kg and 2kg bags, this handy ice guide will help you to calculate how much you need to purchase for Christmas Day.

FOR CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS

Premium Cubes, available from Tesco, 1KG RRP £1

Premium Ice’s large ice cubes are perfect for Christmas – they offer high quality ice for delicious cocktails when all the family are together. When Christmas day and night merges into one, these cubes melt slowly so they’ll stand the test of time, but chill quickly to deliver the perfect serve. The sleek shape also adds aesthetic appeal. Its handy 1kg bag is great if you have a small freezer – leaving plenty of space for turkey, trimmings, and desserts! You can pick up a bag in most major local convenience stores or supermarkets.

FOR THE FINEST DRINKS

Super Cubes, available from Tesco, 1KG RRP £1

Super Cubes are super-sized ice cubes made with natural spring water to complement superior drinking occasions such as Christmas. The very best you can get, they melt extremely slowly, chilling your drink quickly, but without diluting.

Made for the finer drinks this festive season, they know how to slowly turn a delicious tipple into an Instagrammable serve so you can wow guests. Perfect for gin & tonics, whisky on the rocks, and other spirits such as tequila, rum, including craft spirits and mixers, they’re available for from most supermarkets so you can grab and go.

For some amazing drinks recipes, and fun entertainment ideas this Christmas, visit: https://www.theiceco.co.uk/.

 

Workplace expert, Acas, has published some advice to help employers prepare for potential issues that could arise over the World Cup period.

The World Cup is a big sporting event for many employees who may want to follow their favourite football team and enjoy the event. Some staff may want to book time off to go to the World Cup or attend special group events in the UK. Others will want to use the internet or their phones to stay updated on the match results.

Acas advises employers and small businesses to plan ahead and have agreements in place that cover requests for time off, sickness absence, website use during working hours or watching TV during this period.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “The World Cup is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.

“Many businesses need to maintain a certain staffing level in order to survive. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.

“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team players, arrange appropriate substitutions if necessary and avoid unnecessary penalties or unplanned sendings-off.”

The 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar between Sunday 20 November and Sunday 18 December. Due to the time difference, football match start times in the UK will vary between 10am and 7pm.

Time off

Employers may wish to look at being a little more flexible when allowing employees time off during this period and employees should remember that it may not always be possible to book a holiday. The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. All requests for leave should be considered fairly. A consistent approach should be applied for holiday requests for other major sporting events too as not everyone likes football!

Sickness absence

Employers may want to remind staff that their sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the World Cup. Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.

Flexibility

One possible option is to have a more flexible working day. Employees could come in a little later or finish sooner and then agree when this time can be made up.

Allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV may be another possible option. Employers could also allow staff to take a break during match times. Another option is to look at allowing staff to swap shifts with their manager’s permission.

It is important to be fair and consistent with all staff if you allow additional benefits during the World Cup. Any change in hours or flexibility in working hours should be approved before the event.

Use of social media and websites

There may be an increase in the use of social media or websites covering the 2022 World Cup.

Employers may wish to remind staff of any policies regarding the use of social networking and websites during working hours. The policies should be clear on what is and is not acceptable web use.

Acas
November 2022