An Opinion Piece by Frucom
In today’s global food supply chain, the frozen ingredients sector is undergoing a quiet revolution. For decades, it was accepted wisdom that frozen produce must be transported and stored at -18°C. However, mounting environmental concerns, rising energy costs, and a push for more sustainable operations have prompted a long-overdue question: can we maintain product quality while adjusting freezer temperatures to reduce emissions and cost?
Recent studies suggest the answer is yes.
Research conducted by Nomad Foods in collaboration with Campden BRI has shown that increasing frozen food storage temperatures from -18°C to -15°C can reduce freezer energy consumption by over 10%—without compromising product quality. Their results were so compelling that a popular UK retailer launched a trial across ten stores, aiming to reduce their energy usage and support their journey to net zero by 2035.
The environmental implications are even more significant. A study from the International Institute of Refrigeration, University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University found that this 3°C change could slash global emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to removing nearly four million cars from the road. Add to this the savings of 25 terawatt-hours of energy, and it becomes clear: innovation in cold chain logistics is essential for a greener food future.
The UK’s own British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) is keen to look at what is possible with frozen food temperature. In November 2024, BFFF President Karen McQuade highlighted the scale of the opportunity, stating:
“Raising the temperature for frozen food storage to -15°C could reduce energy consumption and cut global emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 3.8 million cars from the road.”
The BFFF represents its membership on the global “Move to -15°C” coalition, advocating for a new international standard for the transport and storage of frozen food—one that balances environmental responsibility with food safety and product integrity.
From Frucom’s perspective as a UK-based frozen ingredients specialist, the conversation is not just about energy or cost. It’s about preserving the integrity of our range—from frozen diced chillies, chilli purée tablets, and frozen jalapeño chillies, to delicate tropical selections like purple dragon fruit, frozen passionfruit, and frozen diced mango. Quality and consistency are the cornerstones of our customer promise.
Raising freezer temperatures, even by a few degrees, is not a decision to be taken lightly. However, when backed by rigorous testing and real-time monitoring technologies—such as IoT-based sensors that track temperature and humidity—these strategies can safely reduce the carbon footprint of transporting frozen vegetables, frozen herbs, and frozen fruit.
What matters most is balance: between innovation and risk, sustainability and product safety. This balance is particularly vital when handling sensitive items like garlic purée tablets, frozen garlic, frozen lemongrass, and milled galangal, which require precision handling from source to processor.
Producers are responding to the challenge by investing in renewable energy sources at cold storage hubs, adopting energy-efficient refrigeration units, and applying blockchain for greater traceability. These innovations help ensure the safety and traceability of products such as scotch bonnet mash, habanero mash, and diced chillies, while reducing costs and waste.
At Frucom, we welcome this shift. Although the frozen supply chain has faced several challenges in recent years—from inflationary pressures to logistical bottlenecks—our resilience and technical expertise have allowed us to expand globally in search of competitive, reliable partners. From Peru and Mexico to Thailand, India, and beyond, we continue to deliver on our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.
About Frucom
Frucom is a trusted UK-based importer and distributor of premium frozen and ambient ingredients, serving leading food manufacturers across Europe. With decades of sourcing experience and a deep technical understanding, Frucom delivers high-quality products such as frozen diced onions, chilli mashes, frozen diced mango, frozen ginger, frozen tropical fruit, and purple dragon fruit. As demand grows for reliable, traceable, and sustainable frozen ingredients, Frucom remains committed to innovation and integrity across every stage of the supply chain. From frozen vegetables to frozen purees, we pride ourselves on delivering consistent quality with full traceability, no matter the origin.