British Frozen Food Federation Chief Executive, Rupert Ashby, commented:

“The Autumn Statement delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer today is disappointing for businesses in the frozen food industry. Whilst there was some positive action on business rates over the next five years that should be welcomed,  Ministers need to understand the consequences of rising energy prices on businesses in the frozen food industry, which currently provide households across the country with healthy, nutritious, and affordable food.

“Despite representations made to ministers by the BFFF and other bodies, the decision made by the government not to extend energy support for businesses past the end of March means that skyrocketing costs in the frozen food industry will be passed on to customers in supermarkets, exacerbating the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“Today’s statement has provided no reassurance that the government is serious about backing British businesses and, importantly, shows a disregard for food security. Rising costs for frozen food businesses make it harder to ensure affordable food is readily available for families at what is already a difficult time when household budgets are squeezed.

“Frozen food is a nutritious and affordable option for households across the country, and sales of frozen food have been rising as families grapple with the cost of living crisis. Frozen food also helps to reduce food waste, saving households money and reducing carbon emissions, due to the long shelf-life of frozen produce and easier portion control compared to fresh and chilled foods.

“The government must continue to keep the policies announced today under close review over the next few months, and ministers need to understand that if businesses in the frozen food industry are not properly supported, families across the country will have to choose between heating and eating.”

When the war in Ukraine started, David Fox-Pitt went straight out there with a catering truck to feed pizza to Ukrainians crossing the border into Poland with his charity, The Siobhan Trust (https://siobhanstrust.uk/what-we-do). Over the last 4 months, they have set up mobile feeding stations (usually for three or four days at a time) in Kharkiv, Odesa, Izium & Mykolaiv and many other smaller towns & villages in the East of the country, often quite close to the Front Line. These are invariably the most deprived communities and are often ‘no go’ areas for the NGOs and larger charities (so our presence there is most crucial). Those they are feeding are invariably the most vulnerable, often living in squalid conditions without water, gas or electricity.

With the recent missile attacks in Ukraine at the forefront of many of our minds, the next few months will be an ongoing challenge (as winter approaches with temperatures often below – 15C). So, they intend to redouble their efforts to feed and support the huge numbers of internally displaced refugees that remain in desperate need.

We will continue to provide pizza, alongside fruit, chocolates and hot drinks. and evolve the operation to always provide our humanitarian services where we perceive the need to be greatest.

Can you help? David and his team are in desperate need for donations of frozen Pizzas which can be shipped out to the team there.

If you can help, please contact Andy Lister.

Over the past few weeks, several of you have reached out to us asking for updates from Government in relation to the energy supply crisis.

Defra have acknowledged industry concern as to what will happen when the winter package comes to an end in April but have made it clear that for now winter supply is their priority.

However, whilst they have confirmed they aren’t expecting shortages, with supplies coming in from north sea gas and liquified natural gas (LNG), they’ve advised that businesses should look at continuity plans.

With this in mind, BFFF member Inspired Energy have very kindly provided a ‘Planning ahead guide’ to assist you in preparing for possible blackouts this winter and ensure you have a robust plan in place to take control of the situation, should it arise.

Inspired Energy also produce a useful Daily Market Insight which includes updates on market prices and trends, as well as current market drivers. The edition from 10^th November can be accessed here which showed that, at the time of publication, gas storage levels were still increasing.

Should any members which to discuss particular concerns on a one-to-one basis, then they would be more than happy to speak to you. You can get in touch on:

01772 689250 or email hello@inspiredenergy.co.uk

In the meantime, we continue to press the severity of the situation with Government.

This year, the Annual General Meeting was held as a virtual event on Wednesday 9th November 2022. We are pleased…

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The growth in levels of inflation is not slowing in the FMCG market and Price Change is now at +12.1%. At channel level, Supermarkets continue to see the highest inflation, now at +11.2%. Convenience Price Per Unit is reduced significantly by Mix Change and Range Change. A result of shoppers trading down in Household and Personal Care.

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How does IRI Inflation Monitor work?

IRI’s inflation monitoring methodology is a robust analysis of 420,000 EANs across 30 retailers. That’s more than half a billion data points. The fortnightly updates examine the 3 main drivers of average price change within categories and across the store.

Our Inflation Bulletin infographic sheds light on how shoppers are responding to higher prices.