BFFF chief executive Rupert Ashby and President Ian Stone had a productive meeting with DEFRA officials. Mr Ashby and Mr Stone took the opportunity to raise key issues facing BFFF members directly with with the government, including fuel and energy costs, food waste, labour shortages, the government’s Obesity Strategy and the 2023 cold water shrimp quota.

Mr Ashby commented: “I was delighted to meet with officials as part of the BFFF’s ongoing work in Westminster to raise the profile of the frozen food industry and the issues our members are facing, directly with the government.

“We had a very productive discussion today about several issues which have been causing great concern to our members, including the rising energy prices and the 2023 cold water shrimp quota. I shall look forward to meeting with Minister Spencer at his earliest convenience, as the BFFF continues to work hard on behalf of our membership.”

Mr Stone commented: “I was impressed by the hard work of the BFFF team which went into organising the meeting at DEFRA this afternoon. We have a proud history of representing our members at the highest level of industry and government, and today’s meeting is another demonstration of the tireless efforts of the BFFF to promote the interests of the frozen food industry.

“The DEFRA officials we met today were very receptive to the points we raised. As a farmer by trade, Mr Spencer seems ideally placed as Food Minister and I anticipate that Rupert and myself will have a strong working relationship with the minister moving forward.”

The BFFF will continue to engage with DEFRA and other government departments, and the association looks forward to working with government ministers and officials.

Today’s meeting comes at the start of the British Frozen Food Federation’s 75^th anniversary year. Since 1948, frozen produce has developed to the unparalleled range and quality available in supermarkets today, and frozen food has become a staple of the weekly shop.

Mr Ashby added: “Consumers are increasingly seeing that frozen food is high quality, tastes great, and during a time of high inflation provides an affordable way to maintain a balanced diet. 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.”