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FROZEN FOOD FROM PAGE 17 vegetable, potato, and seafood categories. Recent launches include Birds Eye Deli Hash Brown and new variants in the Veggie Rice range: Cauliflower Coconut Veggie Rice, and Broccoli, Cauliflower, Garlic & Parsley Veggie Rice. In seafood, Simplot will introduce a range of Birds Eye mini fillets, while the I&J brand will be adding further varieties in its I&J the Finest range. Growing temptation Temptation Bakeries was significantly impacted by Covid-19 and the travel restriction that followed. As a major supplier to airlines, the Australian family-owned business needed to pivot its business and work on products for the supermarkets that it doesn’t usually make. These have filled gaps on shelf left by panic buying and difficulties with overseas sourced products. “The category is returning to normal,” Temptation Bakeries National Sales Manager Angus Ratcliff said. “However, we’re not taking this for granted.” He says costs and delays around international freight are a major challenge affecting the category. “This is causing price increases on ingredients, packaging and finished goods, and this will eventually flow through to consumers,” he said. “Australian made products should be less impacted, although most products in the category are likely to be affected in some way.” Mr Ratcliff says raised consumer expectations and changing perceptions around quality in the frozen food category have become increasingly more significant factors, especially in the gluten free and vegan/plant-based segments of the market. “Gluten free consumers have increased expectations around quality, price and variety of products as quality and options have improved a lot over recent years,” he said. The company is releasing five new products under the Gluten Free Bakehouse brand: Apple Pies 4pk 240g, Quiche Lorraine 2pk 280g, “Gluten free consumers have increased expectations around quality, price and variety of products as quality and options have improved a lot over Microwavable Sausage Roll 160g, Corn, Black Bean and Jalapeno Fritters 180g, and Chicken and Leek Pies 2pk 340g. The company is also launching Spinach and Ricotta Rolls 2pk 320g under the Temptation Bakeries brand. “We’re continuing to grow our Gluten Free Bakehouse brand in Australia and are working to grow Temptation Bakeries in Australia and overseas.” Rise of plant-based The plant-based meat alternative sector is attracting significant growth as more Australians than ever embrace a meat-free lifestyle. In the freezer aisle, The Fry Family Food Co (Fry’s) is paving the way with an ever-increasing range of “tasty, affordable and animal-free frozen products”. Fry’s Global Brand Lead Tammy Fry claims the company achieved sales growth of between 30 and 40 per cent in just one year, and at times led the plant-based meat category in Australia. Ms Fry attributes the results to a global shift in consumer consciousness, both from a health and an environmental perspective, as well as the increasing variety and availability of plant- based foods. “There’s more choice, more awareness and more opportunities for consumers to consider the positive impact eating plant-based ‘meats’ has on their health and the environment,” she said. With products including Big Fry Burgers, Fish-Style Fillets, Chicken-Style Nuggets, Pea Protein Mince and Thick Cut Chunky Strips, Fry’s is serving up many opportunities for Australians to enjoy a kinder, plant-based lifestyle. Although the market for plant-based increases each year, this doesn’t mean the sector is without its challenges. A common misconception, for example, is that plant-based products are swamped with unnecessary or artificial ingredients. Ms Fry clarifies that Fry’s foods contain plenty of natural ingredients, which are non-genetically modified, vegan, and free from MSG and preservatives. “As a brand, we believe strongly in educating consumers around wellness, which includes a healthy focus on fresh fruit and veggies as part of a balanced diet,” she said. “This works well with the frozen nature of our range, and the quality of our products has always been held in high regard by consumers. TO PAGE 20 recent years.” 18 RETAIL WORLD JUN, 2021