Frozen Food & Category Moves
Keep your cool with a Flexi
Cold storage demand is rising in the UK due to increased frozen food consumption, online grocery growth, and food needs, with articulated forklifts and IoT/AI technologies helping optimize space and efficiency in warehouses.
The UK's growing frozen food market and online grocery sector are increasing pressure on cold storage capacity, highlighting the need for efficient warehouse solutions like Flexi Cold Store articulated lift trucks and smart technologies.
The article underscores the operational link between frozen food demand, cold storage expansion, and the adoption of specialized equipment and digital tools to meet rising logistical challenges in the UK.
Koelnmesse, DLG Form Global Alliance
Koelnmesse and DLG have formed a global alliance to expand trade fairs and events across the food and agriculture value chain, emphasizing food technology, sustainability, and digitalization.
This alliance brings together major trade fair organizers to enhance global access to food and agriculture markets, with a focus on food technology, sustainability, and digitalization that directly impacts frozen food and cold-chain operations.
The partnership between Koelnmesse and DLG points to an effort to integrate food technology and sustainability into global trade fairs, offering frozen food and cold-chain operators new opportunities for international market access and innovation.
Strong Roots unveils algae oil fries and zero-oil platform for frozen food innovation
Strong Roots has launched algae-oil fries and a zero-oil platform aimed at supporting innovation in frozen food products, providing a sustainable alternative for manufacturers.
The algae-oil platform offers frozen food producers a viable ingredient option that aligns with sustainability goals without compromising product texture or quality.
This innovation may shift frozen food formulation strategies toward plant-based oils, addressing consumer demand for reduced oil content while maintaining crispness in frozen applications.
DoughLAB Sourdough Pizza Made to Reduce Kitchen Preparation Time
DoughLAB, a Hungarian pizza maker, is introducing hand-stretched sourdough pizzas that are par-baked and frozen using liquid nitrogen to reduce kitchen preparation time for foodservice operators in the UK.
The product targets foodservice operators seeking to reduce labor costs by minimizing the need for specialist pizza chefs, offering a frozen solution that maintains quality through controlled fermentation and freezing processes.
This innovation highlights a growing trend in frozen food solutions that address labor challenges in foodservice by centralizing complex preparation steps in controlled environments.
NFRA Research Shows How Air Fryers Are Driving Frozen Food Purchases
NFRA research shows air fryers are driving increased frozen food purchases, with 61% of core users buying more frozen foods due to the appliance, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior.
Air fryers are reshaping frozen food consumption patterns, particularly among younger demographics, creating a need for manufacturers to adapt packaging and marketing strategies to capture this growing market.
The research highlights a direct link between air fryer adoption and frozen food purchases, emphasizing the need for clear on-pack instructions and digital engagement to capitalize on this trend.
Cold Chain, Refrigeration & Logistics
NewCold expands Melbourne footprint with major capacity increase to support Australia’s growing frozen food sector
NewCold has expanded its Melbourne warehouse capacity by 80,000 pallet positions, supporting Australia’s growing frozen food sector with advanced cold chain logistics and automation.
The expansion highlights a major investment in Australia’s frozen food logistics infrastructure, offering scalable and efficient supply chain solutions for frozen food manufacturers and retailers.
This expansion underscores the increasing demand for frozen food in Australia and the role of automation in enhancing cold chain efficiency, reliability, and product integrity.
Maharaj Set to Succeed Rodriguez as CEO of Constellation Cold Logistics
Constellation Cold Logistics has named Abhy Maharaj as its new CEO, succeeding Carlos Rodriguez who will join the advisory board to support M&A strategy.
The leadership transition at a major European cold storage provider may influence operational strategies and partnership dynamics impacting frozen food logistics and cold-chain networks.
Maharaj's experience in cold storage and global logistics could drive efficiency gains and strategic growth, affecting how Constellation aligns with frozen food manufacturers and retailers.
Packaging, Materials & Sustainability
Plasma coating found to boost moisture resistance of bio-based packaging films
Researchers at NC State developed a plasma-based surface treatment that enhances moisture resistance in bio-based CNF films, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based packaging materials.
This innovation could improve the performance of bio-based packaging in frozen food applications by enhancing moisture resistance and structural integrity, reducing reliance on fossil-based materials.
The plasma treatment addresses a key limitation of bio-based films in moisture-sensitive environments, which is critical for frozen food packaging where barrier performance is essential.
FMCG Groups Form PaperFlex Consortium to Develop Paper-Based Flexible Packaging
Six major FMCG companies formed the PaperFlex Consortium to develop paper-based flexible packaging alternatives to plastic, emphasizing recyclability, biodegradability, and food safety compliance.
The initiative addresses packaging sustainability for frozen food and cold-chain sectors reliant on flexible materials for product integrity, shelf life, and regulatory adherence.
Frozen food manufacturers using small-format flexible packaging may face shifting material standards and compliance requirements as paper-based alternatives advance.
Sealed Air launches Cryovac ZeroPrep pouches for faster condiment dispensing
Sealed Air has launched Cryovac ZeroPrep pouches designed to replace traditional squeeze bottles with pre-filled, resealable dispensing packs that aim to improve hygiene and reduce labor in foodservice operations.
The ZeroPrep pouches offer a streamlined solution for condiment dispensing in foodservice, reducing preparation time and enhancing hygiene, which could influence packaging strategies for frozen and refrigerated food operations.
This innovation in dispensing packaging could be adapted for frozen foodservice applications, offering a scalable solution for condiment and sauce packaging that reduces labor and improves food safety.
Retail, Private Label & Foodservice
General Mills rebuilds retail momentum with price cuts, innovation & marketing
General Mills is rebuilding retail momentum through price cuts, innovation, and marketing, with improved sales in North America and international markets, including strong performance in frozen meals for schools and foodservice.
The company's improved sales in frozen meals for schools and foodservice highlight a growing demand for frozen food products in institutional settings, offering insights into market trends and consumer preferences.
General Mills' performance in frozen meals for schools and foodservice indicates a sourcing direction on frozen food segments, which could influence broader trends in frozen product innovation and retail strategies.
Leading Kent retailer switches from Londis to Spar
A Kent retailer has transitioned from Londis to Spar, introducing energy-efficient chillers, expanded chilled and frozen ranges, and new meal deals and food-to-go options.
The expanded frozen offer featuring Iceland products and updated store layout may influence frozen food visibility and sales strategies in UK grocery retail.
The shift to a larger frozen range and energy-efficient chillers indicates a move toward modernizing frozen food offerings to align with consumer preferences and operational efficiency.
Food Safety & Regulation
Beyond Detection: How to Avoid Physical Contamination in Food Through a Smarter Inspection Strategy
A new article discusses how food manufacturers can avoid physical contamination through smarter inspection strategies, emphasizing the integration of technologies like metal detection and X-ray systems into production processes.
Physical contamination risks can disrupt frozen food production, trigger recalls, and damage brand reputation. Implementing advanced inspection strategies can protect both product quality and operational efficiency in frozen food manufacturing.
The article highlights how integrating metal detection and X-ray systems into production lines can prevent contamination incidents, which is critical for frozen food manufacturers aiming to meet stringent safety and compliance standards.
Prevention is Not Automatic: Building the Workforce Behind Food Safety
A Food Safety Magazine article emphasizes that trained, credentialed food safety professionals are essential for preventing outbreaks through real-time risk identification and consistent protocol application.
Food safety professionals are critical in frozen food processing, cold storage, and retail to prevent contamination via real-time risk management and adherence to protocols.
The article highlights the need for investment in trained food safety personnel to reduce contamination risks and ensure compliance across the cold chain.
Kiwi government proposes new rules for supplement exports, industry voices support
New Zealand proposes allowing dietary supplement exporters to make therapeutic claims aligned with importing countries' rules, exempting them from New Zealand's compositional requirements for additives and vitamin/mineral limits.
This streamlines export compliance for supplements, potentially influencing how frozen food and cold-chain operators manage global regulatory adherence and export logistics for other product categories.
The move reduces compliance complexity for supplement exporters, which may encourage similar regulatory simplifications for other food sectors, including frozen foods, to enhance international market access.
Deano’s Pasta
Deano’s Pasta is recalling Pear and Pecorino Triangoli Ravioli due to undeclared lobster allergen, distributed in Massachusetts between August and September 2026.
The recall emphasizes the need for strict allergen control in frozen food manufacturing to prevent cross-contamination risks during production and packaging.
Allergen mislabeling in frozen pasta highlights operational vulnerabilities in ingredient tracking and packaging processes at multi-ingredient facilities.
Lior
Galil Importing Corp is recalling Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead, distributed across several U.S. states.
The recall highlights the importance of rigorous supplier verification and testing for food safety, particularly for spice and seasoning products used in frozen food manufacturing and foodservice operations.
This incident underscores the need for enhanced testing protocols and supplier oversight to prevent contamination risks in spice ingredients used in frozen food production and foodservice applications.
Manufacturing, Automation & Operations
Urschel to Showcase Cutting Technology at The Global Produce and Floral Show
Urschel will showcase cutting technology at The Global Produce and Floral Show, featuring equipment like the Little Gem Aspire Dicer and KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer designed to enhance operational efficiency and output in food processing.
The equipment highlights advancements in cutting technology that can improve efficiency and output for frozen food processors looking to optimize their production lines and reduce labor costs.
This signals a growing trend in integrated food processing solutions, where frozen food manufacturers may seek single-source providers for cutting, washing, and peeling to streamline operations and reduce complexity.
Protein, coffee and convenience drive Chobani’s next phase of expansion
Chobani is investing $1.2bn in a Pennsylvania manufacturing hub to expand dairy, coffee, and ready-to-enjoy food operations, leveraging proximity to dairy farms and manufacturing talent.
The investment signals growing capacity needs in perishable food manufacturing, which may influence cold-chain logistics planning and infrastructure demands in the US.
Chobani’s expansion into a centralized hub could reflect industry trends toward consolidating production to optimize cold-chain efficiency for perishable and frozen products.
United Petfood buys another US factory from Wellness Pet Company
United Petfood acquired a US pet-food plant in Decatur, Arkansas, from Wellness Pet Company, expanding its North American manufacturing footprint and entering Canada through a prior acquisition.
The acquisition underscores industrial food manufacturing consolidation, offering insights into expansion strategies relevant to frozen food processors evaluating regional production capacity growth.
This move emphasizes localized production and international integration, potentially influencing frozen food manufacturers considering similar expansion or partnership models.
Market Data & Strategic Signals
BV Glass: Germany’s glass industry faces capacity pressures amid weak demand
Germany's glass packaging industry is reducing capacity due to weak demand, high energy costs, and shifting consumer behavior, with major producers closing facilities in the region.
Capacity reductions in glass packaging could affect supply chain availability and pricing for frozen food and other food industries reliant on glass containers, though current supply remains secure.
The glass packaging sector's capacity adjustments may create longer-term supply constraints, prompting frozen food manufacturers to monitor alternative materials or suppliers to mitigate potential cost and availability risks.