Frozen Food & Category Moves
Volumes Slide At Owner Of Birds Eye But New CEO Claims Progress With Turnaround Efforts
Volumes at the owner of Birds Eye have declined, but the new CEO reports progress in turnaround efforts, indicating ongoing challenges and strategic shifts in the frozen food sector.
The volume decline and turnaround claims highlight operational and market pressures within frozen food manufacturing and retail, impacting supply chain dynamics and brand positioning strategies.
This suggests potential adjustments in consumer demand or production efficiency at a major frozen food brand, which may influence industry-wide operational strategies and performance metrics.
Cold Chain, Refrigeration & Logistics
Divert, US Cold Storage Convert 2.5M Pounds of Food Waste into Energy, Fertilizer
Divert and US Cold Storage converted 2.5 million pounds of unsold food into renewable energy and fertilizer, reducing landfill waste and emissions through advanced processing technologies.
This initiative highlights a growing trend in cold-chain logistics to manage food waste sustainably, offering frozen food operators a model for compliance with landfill diversion mandates and sustainability goals.
The partnership demonstrates how cold-storage logistics can integrate circular economy practices, providing frozen food and beverage brands with a scalable solution to manage unsold inventory while generating renewable energy and reducing emissions.
Ergodyne Unveils New Cold Chain Workwear
Ergodyne has launched two new thermal workwear options designed for cold storage environments, including a freezer jacket and bib overalls rated for temperatures as low as -35°F.
The new workwear provides cold chain operators with more flexible options for protecting workers in extreme freezer conditions while balancing cost and performance.
This product addresses a specific need in cold storage facilities by offering two tiers of thermal protection, allowing operators to choose between cost-effective and high-performance gear based on their operational needs.
Packaging, Materials & Sustainability
Hydropac Debuts Water Ice Pack with Visual Freeze Indicator
Hydropac has launched HydroPure, a water ice pack with a visual freeze indicator that changes color when fully frozen, designed to improve cold chain performance and reduce environmental and EPR costs.
The visual freeze indicator ensures consistent cold chain performance while reducing EPR liabilities by eliminating gel, which is classified as chargeable packaging material under UK regulations.
This innovation directly addresses cold chain compliance and sustainability challenges for frozen food and meal kit operators under evolving EPR rules, offering a clear operational and cost advantage.
Polymateria tech enables “full” biodegradation of PE and PP packaging
Polymateria's technology allows PE and PP packaging to fully biodegrade in open terrestrial environments without leaving microplastics or toxic residues, according to research with SIRIM and Imperial College London.
The frozen food sector faces pressure to adopt sustainable packaging solutions that fully degrade in natural environments without requiring specialized composting infrastructure.
This innovation addresses a key challenge in frozen food packaging by offering a scalable alternative that reduces reliance on traditional recycling systems and aligns with sustainability mandates.
Food Safety & Regulation
EU countries test safety of plant-based products
Food agencies from 15 EU countries tested plant-based alternatives and found sporadic contamination in ready-to-eat products, focusing on microbiological safety and processing factors.
The findings highlight microbiological risks in plant-based ready-to-eat products, which may influence safety protocols for frozen food manufacturers and cold-chain operators handling similar products.
The operational link is the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat plant-based products, which may inform risk management for frozen food processors and cold-chain logistics handling similar formulations.
FDA steps up enforcement on imported seafood, candy, canned foods
The FDA has updated import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations on imported seafood, candy, and canned foods, increasing scrutiny of foreign imports.
This enforcement affects frozen food importers and suppliers by requiring stricter compliance with evolving safety standards and documentation practices.
The FDA's actions highlight a growing emphasis on compliance, prompting frozen food companies to review supplier verification and documentation protocols.
Congress Urged to Prevent FDA Traceability Rule Delay, Which Could Have Helped Cyclospora Outbreak Investigation
Congress is urged to remove a funding restriction preventing the FDA from enforcing its Food Traceability Rule until 2028, which could have aided the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak investigation linked to Taylor Farms lettuce.
The delay in traceability enforcement may slow outbreak investigations and weaken consumer trust, particularly for high-risk foods like leafy greens used in frozen or refrigerated supply chains.
Traceability rules are essential for rapid contamination identification in frozen and refrigerated operations, especially for leafy greens in meal kits or foodservice.
Walmart Marketside tomato soup mix recalled because of Listeria
Walmart Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit is recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, impacting multiple U.S. states.
The recall emphasizes the need for stringent food safety protocols in retail and manufacturing, particularly for ready-to-use products with complex distribution networks.
Pathogen risks in pre-prepared meals highlight compliance pressures for frozen food producers and cold-chain handlers managing similar packaged goods.
Will Congress be left to define ultraprocessed foods?
Congress may define ultraprocessed foods as the FDA delays its definition, with proposals for warning labels and ingredient transparency gaining momentum.
The evolving regulatory landscape around ultraprocessed foods could influence labeling, compliance, and consumer perception across frozen and packaged food sectors.
The lack of a federal definition creates uncertainty for frozen food manufacturers and retailers who may face varying state-level regulations and labeling requirements.
Wok spice mix recalled after testing shows Salmonella
Lidl US has recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination, impacting stores across multiple eastern U.S. states.
The recall emphasizes the need for strict testing and traceability in spice production, which is critical for frozen food manufacturers using such ingredients in their products.
This incident highlights vulnerabilities in third-party seasoning suppliers, prompting frozen food producers to reassess supplier compliance and quality assurance protocols.
FDA warns California farm after inspectors find untreated manure on growing oranges
The FDA issued a warning letter to a California citrus farm after finding untreated manure on growing oranges during an inspection.
The incident highlights the importance of strict sanitation and compliance with FDA regulations, which can impact food safety across the supply chain including frozen food operations.
The signal sits close to frozen food through the broader emphasis on food safety compliance and the potential for similar issues in processing or packaging environments.
Potato, Bakery, Seafood & Ingredients
Laser Sorting Raises the Bar for Quality and Food Safety in Potato Products
Laser sorting technology detects hidden defects, foreign materials and internal quality issues in potatoes, fries and chips, improving food safety and product consistency for processors.
This technology enhances quality control and food safety in potato processing, which is critical for frozen potato products and foodservice operations that rely on consistent raw material quality.
The use of laser sorting in potato processing directly supports frozen food manufacturers by ensuring higher quality and safety standards in raw materials used for frozen fries, chips and other products.
Idaho’s potato farmers are getting squeezed from all sides
Idaho potato farmers face drought, foreign competition, and policy-driven demand shifts affecting frozen potato product markets.
Supply chain pressures from Idaho’s challenges impact frozen food processors, retailers, and foodservice operators reliant on stable potato sourcing and pricing.
Agricultural stressors and trade dynamics are testing the resilience of frozen potato supply chains, requiring closer supplier monitoring and contingency planning for raw material availability.
North America’s potato industry in 2026: Smaller acreage, strong processing demand and a market still searching for balance
North America’s potato industry saw reduced US plantings in 2026, with processing demand remaining strong despite smaller crop sizes and shifting regional production patterns.
The reduction in US potato acreage and shifting production geography could impact frozen potato supply chains, influencing pricing and availability for processors and retailers.
This report highlights a strategic realignment in potato production toward regions with processing infrastructure, which may affect frozen food manufacturers sourcing raw materials.
Lamb Weston flags price risks from heat-impacted potato crop
Lamb Weston's CFO warns of price risks from heat-affected European potato crops, which could disrupt frozen potato supply and pricing.
Heat-damaged European potatoes may reduce supply, increasing costs for frozen potato processors and affecting pricing across the value chain.
Heatwaves reducing European potato yields could constrain supplies, directly impacting frozen potato manufacturers' input costs and pricing strategies.
Lamb Weston flags price risks from heat-impacted potato crop
Lamb Weston's CFO highlights potential price risks due to heat-impacted potato crops in Europe, which could affect supply and cost inflation.
Heat affecting potato crops in Europe may lead to supply shortages and increased costs for frozen potato processors like Lamb Weston, impacting pricing and operations.
The early maturation and reduced yield from heatwaves could strain potato supply chains, prompting frozen food processors to reassess sourcing strategies and cost management.
Manufacturing, Automation & Operations
Mettler Toledo’s New LightningBuild Program Speeds Up Delivery Time
Mettler Toledo has launched the LightningBuild program, offering rapid delivery of x-ray and checkweigher systems tailored for food and food manufacturers needing quick equipment deployment.
The program addresses urgent operational needs in seasonal or contract-based food production, enabling faster setup and compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
This initiative supports frozen food processors and co-packers requiring rapid equipment deployment for seasonal demand, contract changes, or unexpected outages, with standardized systems and quick delivery.
PPMA 2026 | ULMA Packaging UK to showcase integrated packaging automation
ULMA Packaging UK will showcase integrated packaging automation solutions at PPMA 2026, including tray sealers, thermoformers, and flow wrappers for fresh, chilled, frozen, and convenience foods.
The demonstration of integrated packaging automation for frozen and convenience foods highlights opportunities for frozen food manufacturers to improve productivity and operational efficiency through advanced machinery.
The inclusion of frozen foods in ULMA's packaging solutions suggests a growing emphasis on automation tailored for frozen food production lines, which could influence equipment adoption trends in the sector.
Leftovers: Khloud adds collagen to protein chips | Hershey goes beyond sweets for Halloween
Khloud introduces collagen-infused protein chips with increased protein content, available exclusively at Walmart in multiple flavors and free from gluten and seed oil.
The addition of collagen to protein chips reflects a growing consumer demand for functional snacks, which may influence frozen food manufacturers to explore similar ingredient innovations.
This signals a trend toward functional ingredients in snack products, which could prompt frozen food brands to consider collagen or other health-focused additives in their product lines.