We’re all experiencing higher food prices at the grocery level these days. Staples like a dozen eggs for example, that cost on average $1.83 a year ago, now cost $2.90. Like potato chips? It will run you $6.05 a bag today against $5.05 a year ago. And have you eaten out lately? Restaurants here in the U.S. keep getting more and more expensive. “Chipotle Mexican Grill said prices by the end of the year would be nearly 15 percent higher than a year earlier” and their profit of $257.1 million in the latest quarter is up nearly 26% from a year ago.
In the past food companies and restaurants only raised their prices in small increments, afraid that any big price hikes would drive consumers to other options. But with the cost of raw ingredients rising so dramatically over the last year and many people now receiving a higher paycheck, some restaurants and corporations decided to continue to pass these increases on to the customers.
But despite the higher prices, there’s good news on the grocery front for those of us in the frozen fruits and vegetable business. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) just released a new survey indicating “more than a quarter of shoppers are buying more frozen fruits and vegetables than three years ago.” Now, 94% of American shoppers are buying frozen produce.
The survey revealed that people believe eating frozen products in the fruit and vegetable category makes it easier to eat more produce, reduce food waste and save money at the same time. After all, with IQF fruits and vegetables, all you need to do is cook or thaw the exact amount you need and replace the balance in your freezer for a later time. Not so, with raw (fresh) vegetables which incidentally are not always as “fresh” as you may think – you’ll have to use them up at a much faster pace.
Save money by reducing food waste
Further results from the survey show that “the most popular uses for these frozen items were as sides to a main entrée (63% of all frozen fruit and vegetable buyers reported this usage); as ingredients in beverages and smoothies (50%); and as additions to pasta and rice dishes (44%).
According to Alison Bodor, President, and CEO of AFFI, “This survey confirms that shoppers are finding different applications and benefits as they integrate these products into their meals.” She further stated: “As the food industry and policy makers explore ways to improve nutrition and reduce hunger across the country, frozen foods must be part of the solution. Shoppers recognize that frozen fruits and vegetables offer an easy and convenient way to further include produce into their diet, all while stretching their dollar further, thanks to reduced waste.”
2. Consumers Agree: It’s Easier to Eat More Produce and Reduce Food Waste with Frozen Fruits and Vegetables on Hand, AFFI, November 14, 2022, www.affi.org
Consumers Buying More Frozen Fruits, Veggies(冷凍の野菜と果物の消費者による購入が増加)、著:Marion Zbaorj、www.progressivegrocer.com
Consumers Agree: It’s Easier to Eat More Produce and Reduce Food Waste with Frozen Fruits and Vegetables on Hand(消費者の意見が一致:冷凍品を使えば、野菜と果物の摂取を増やして食品ゴミを減らしやすくなる)、AFFI、2022年11月14日、www.affi.org