Members will recall that back in March 2022 Defra issued guidance on triangular trade of products of animal origin (POAO) and STAMNI.

Triangular trade is when a product is imported from one country into Great Britain and then re-exported to another.

The guidance articulated the EU’s interpretation of the rules around this type of movement, given the risk of refusal of consignments at EU Border Control Posts (BCPs).

However, despite the UK Government pressing for clarification at SPS Trade Specialised Committees there still seems to be questions around how the EU’s interpretation is consistent with obligations under the Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

At a recent meeting, Defra have once again promised to try and get clarification, but they really need up to date information on what the current picture looks like.

Are members still experiencing issues with triangular trade and if so, what impact has it had on business or is it the case that triangular trade has ceased?

Any feedback or examples would be most appreciated and will help facilitate discussions with the EU. Please send any information you are willing to share through to deniserion@bfff.co.uk and we will ensure it is passed on in complete confidence.

Pukka, the nation’s number one in chilled pies[1], is bringing warmth, excitement and full on flavour to frozen fixtures nationwide with a new range of Frozen Bakes & Sausage Rolls.

The new launch marks a significant expansion for the much-loved British brand’s frozen portfolio, as it sets it sights on delivering quality, taste and inspiration to the category – presenting retailers with an unmissable incremental growth opportunity.

In addition to launching a new frozen format for its popular Sausage and Vegan Sausage Rolls, the brand has introduced its first ever frozen Bakes range including recipes inspired by some of its most popular pie products, in the form of Pukka’s Frozen Steak Bake, Frozen Chicken Bake and Frozen Vegan Applewood® & Onion Bake. The range also comprises a brand-new recipe for Pukka – a Frozen Sausage & Bean Bake combining baked beans, Pukka’s signature sausage meat and gooey melted cheese all wrapped up in a golden pastry case.

The range launches hot on the heels of Pukka’s successful expansion into Food To Go last year with its chilled Handheld range. Launched in September 2021, the range already boasts the number one branded slice on the market[2], and has helped Pukka contribute more than half of total savoury pastry growth[3].

“Pukka has been lovingly baking pies for the people of Britain for almost 60 years and – in doing so – has become part of the fabric of the nation,” explains Isaac Fisher, Managing Director at Pukka. “Trusted by the people of Britain to deliver full on flavour, taste and quality, we’re continuing our mission of delivering real food for real people living real lives with our brand-new Frozen Bakes & Sausage Rolls.

“Now a leading force within Savoury Pastry, we’re confident that by disrupting frozen aisles and adding taste inspiration we will achieve similar sales success to that of our Handheld range, driving significant category growth in the process.”

Pukka is already well-versed in launching innovative NPD which delivers on both taste and quality. In fact, Pukka’s Frozen Bakes & Sausage Rolls have been carefully crafted following consumer research which saw the brand outperform the category leader – with over 92% of shoppers saying they’d buy a Pukka Steak Bake[4]. Coupled with the fact that Sausage & Bean, Chicken, and Steak were found to be some of the most sought-after recipes[5] , the range is described by Fisher as set to help retailers “tap into shopper demand and drive incremental sales in the process”.

“Aside from that sought after distinctively-Pukka taste, convenience is also key,” adds Fisher. “Cooking straight from the freezer in under 30 minutes means the range is perfect for a whole host of eating occasions – from midweek meals to work-from-home lunches and even breakfast, with our Sausage & Bean Bake.

“By launching Frozen Bakes & Sausage Rolls inspired by some of our most popular recipes, we will turn negative perceptions of frozen food on its head and drive even more shoppers to the frozen aisle by offering a range which ticks the box when it comes to quality, affordability and full-on flavour.”

The new range come as Pukka posts another phenomenal year of sales, which are up +24%[6], meaning there’s no better time to stock-up to drive sales growth in your freezers.

Pukka’s NEW Frozen Bakes & Sausage Rolls are available in Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco stores now, and will continue to roll out more widely nationwide across multiple grocery, convenience and wholesale. Packaging is fully-recyclable. 

Range, RRP and Listings:

• Pukka Frozen Steak Bake. RRP: £2.50. Available at: Sainsbury’s, Tesco.
• Pukka Frozen Chicken Bake. RRP: £2.50. Available at: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda.
• Pukka Frozen Sausage & Bean Bake. RRP: £2.50. Available at: Tesco.
• Pukka Frozen Vegan Smoky Cheddar Flavour & Onion Bake. RRP: £2.50. Available at: Asda, Tesco
• Pukka Frozen Pork Sausage Roll. RRP: £2.50. Available at: Tesco.
• Pukka Frozen Vegan Sausage Roll. RRP: £2.50.

 

[1] IRI GB: Branded Hot Pies 52wk £ Value data to 4th September 2022

[2] IRI Handheld data to 21.10.21

[3] 51%. IRI Chilled + Frozen Savoury Pastry 52wk data to 4th September 2022

[4] VYPR Research March 2022

[5] VYPR Research March 2022

[6] IRI Total Pukka Sales Chilled + Frozen 52wk Value data to 4th September 2022

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”