TNS Superpanel values the market at £3.34bn with 99% of households buying the category at least once in the latest 52 weeks. The growth of frozen food is largely due to the performance of frozen potatoes (chips and potato products) which is the largest sector in volume terms, growing 6.9% year-on-year. Purchasing diagnostics reveal that potatoes' growth is driven by households buying more of the category in the latest year. McCain's and Aunt Bessie's are the two manufacturers pushing the growth. McCain's Roasts and Wedges have performed particularly well in the last year, as did Aunt Bessie's Roasts. Other sectors in growth are ready meals and snacks. Ready meals is growing in volume 5.5% year-on-year, driven by retailer own brands and Heinz. Growth comes from price reduction and an increase in the amount bought per occasion. Healthy meals is a fast growing sector within this category although it remains a small player within ready meals. Frozen snacks has seen strong growth (18.8% year-on-year volume) led by Tesco and Asda own label ranges. McCain's Micro range has also attained good growth in this category. The traditional sectors, such as frozen fish, green vegetables, red meat and pizza, are all in volume decline as consumers buy less. by Simon Attwell, senior account executive, Taylor Nelson Sofres Superpanel {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}

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