On Thursday 25^th November 2021 we held our first live event since the pandemic hit us in March 2020. Over 600 BFFF members and guests met at the Hilton on Park Lane for the Annual Luncheon, the iconic networking event of the frozen calendar.

The atmosphere was really enjoyable as people celebrated being able to get together again.  The Federation team had also ensured that all those attending had either a full vaccination record or proof of a negative LFT. All those attending were given a green wrist band to show checks had been completed. Whilst the checks did cause some ques, BFFF members and guests were happy we had done everything we could to make the event Covid safe.

BFFF President, Ian Stone, gave a first-class speech, his inaugural one in front of a live audience. I think it is fair to say that Ian has an amazing passion for our industry which came across strongly when he spoke. His theme of this is a “pivotal moment for our industry” certainly resonated with many in the audience. Despite Covid and Brexit, consumers and professional kitchens have re-discovered frozen and we need to seize the moment.

“Britain has fallen in love with frozen.”

Ian Stone, BFFF President

We would like to thank the companies who have sponsored and supported the event:

Headline Sponsor: Vine Meats Ltd.

President’s Reception Sponsor: JBT (John Bean Technologies)

Wellington Reception Sponsor: GXO Logistics UK Limited

Partner Sponsors: Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd, Freiberger UK Ltd, Seara

This year, our chosen charity partner was Nottinghamshire Mind. With the pandemic having such a major impact on people’s mental health, we thought it was a good and worthy choice.

As those stalwarts of the Annual Luncheon will know, this year’s event broke a long-standing tradition by being held on a Thursday. Rest assured, next year we will be returning to a Tuesday so be sure to put 22^nd November 2022 in your diary now.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention Mr. Peter Day. Peter is our only honorary life member and at 90 years of age was still spritely enough to attend this year’s event.

It was so fitting that Ian Stone praised Peter’s long-standing support to the Federation and it was heartwarming to hear the round of applause that he received from the room.