Platform launched in response to out-of-home grocery surge

19 Mar 2020 --- The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) is matching food manufacturers, which supply the hospitality sector, with a new service that supports grocery retailers who are experiencing a huge surge in demand for products in the UK amid the global COVID-19 outbreak. The Frozen Food Platform service is a response to the crisis in the Out of Home market, which has seen trade collapse after the British government advised people should avoid pubs and restaurants for the foreseeable future.

As the government’s advice issued starts to take effect, it is clear that consumers’ habits are changing at a rapid pace. The BFFF states that Out of Home consumers look like they will just disappear leaving many small businesses in dire straits, in turn suppliers into this market face a massive downturn in trade.

“Out of Home consumers look like they will just disappear leaving many small operators in dire straits. In turn suppliers into this market face a massive downturn in trade just before the busy Mother’s Day weekend,” says Richard Harrow, Chief Executive of the BFFF. 

“We are trying to match these manufacturing members with grocery retailers who are experiencing a surge in demand that’s reached levels normally only seen during the peak Christmas trading period. While it may drop back it is clear that food normally consumed Out of Home will switch to increased home consumption,” he explains. 

The initiative, which is supported by the BFFF’s retail members, is open to all food companies supplying foodservice and Out of Home, even if they are not BFFF members. 

Earlier this week, FoodIngredientsFirst reported that the European fresh fruit and vegetable sector is ramping up measures to ensure a continuous and diverse supply of fresh produce as demand spikes during the pandemic. However, the closure of border crossings in Europe is causing complications and has delayed some operations in the fresh produce supply chain. The sector is urging public authorities to allow for the “fast-tracking” of perishable produce to guarantee timely supply.

Edited by Elizabeth Green