The British Frozen Food Federation has set-up a ‘dating’ service to match food manufacturers that specialise in supplying the hospitality sector and are facing a huge drop in trade, with grocery retailers who are experiencing a huge surge in demand.
The Frozen Food Platform is a response to the crisis in the out-of-home market, which has seen trade collapse after the Government advised on Monday that people avoid pubs and restaurants for the foreseeable future.
Richard Harrow, Chief Executive of the BFFF said: “As the Government’s advice to avoid pubs and restaurants starts to take effect, it’s clear that consumers habits are changing at a rapid pace.”
A CGA One Pulse consumer survey carried out on Tuesday (17 March) found 58% of adults between 18 and 65, say they will stop visiting, in line with Government advice, with a further 28% suggesting that they will visit less frequently.
Harrow added: “In 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.
“So, 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. Whilst it may drop back it is clear that food normally consumed out-of-home will switch to increased home consumption.”
The initiative, which is supported by the Federation’s retail members, is open to all food companies supplying foodservice and out-of-home even if they are not BFFF members. Any company wanting to take part can register their details on a dedicated page on the BFFF website.
