Consumer preference for frozen snacks and appetizers has grown during the past few years. The convenience of using them is one of the main reasons why individuals do so. As they can be made quickly and with little effort, frozen snacks and appetizers provide an efficient answer. More convenience has been the emphasis of recent product improvements in this area, such as pre-cooked and microwaveable choices.
Taste is an additional factor. Manufacturers of frozen snacks and appetizers have responded by creating fresh and distinctive taste combinations as consumers become more experimental in their culinary preferences. Like their Thai Vegetable Gyoza and Indian Fare Samosas, Trader Joe’s sells a selection of frozen snacks and appetizers with international cuisines. These goods not only give convenience but also a way for customers to sample novel and intriguing flavors without leaving their homes.
Finally, the appeal of frozen snacks and appetizers has also been influenced by health concerns. Many consumers are searching for more calorie-, fat-, and sodium-efficient food options. Manufacturers have responded to this trend by releasing items in this market that are organic, created with natural components, and free of preservatives. Popularity has increased with companies like Amy’s Kitchen and Dr. Praeger’s because they offer nutritious frozen snack options.
Ethnic Options at High Demand
Arabatzis is one of the leading producers of frozen dough products in Europe, and its consumer proposition is unique as it produces high-quality products with Greek and Mediterranean recipes – products like filo Rolls, bougatsa with cream or hazelnut Praline, traditional country-style pies with spinach and Feta cheese (P.D.O.), puff pastries sheets and many more. Today, Arabatzis Michael SA ‘Hellenic dough’ produces many deep-frozen products like Filo Rolls, Puff Pastry sheets, Filo dough, Croissants, Traditional Pies, Pizzas, etc. which can be found in food stores, bakeries, hotels, supermarkets, and other retail outlets as well as restaurants worldwide.
Greek specialist Evoiki Zimi S.A. has been in the export business for more than 20 years and expands every year its geographical distribution. One of its major products is fillo kataifi which is distributed in Europe (Austria, Germany, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Baltic States), Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore), and the Middle East (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman).
Another Greek producer, IONIKI last year showcased the world’s first spiral yogurt pie. After several attempts, the company has discovered how to “bake” yogurt without changing its texture and rich flavor. Besides its 50% yogurt filling, this pie contains three other traditional products that complement its taste: Mediterranean olives, fresh oregano, and authentic Greek extra virgin olive oil. The spiral yogurt pie is available in three versions: Mini, Individual, and Pie. Companies can now offer it with their label on the packaging.
Turning to innovation, CGM has brought values of customer service, innovation, product quality, and territoriality on the shelves of the best distribution brands, first with the fried line and now with a new oven line. The company says it is a unique project for a few reasons. First, it is digital: the packaging is “talking”. The QR code on the package will contain constantly updated and always different contents to allow the buyer to live a different experience every time. You will find recipes, tips for use, curiosities, and much more. It is also eco-sustainable; the packaging is compostable. It is also light, as the products that will be part of CGM’s line are original, new tastes to be tried, moreover, they are all bakery products, therefore, attentive to health without sacrificing taste. The products that are part of CGM’s Oven Line include Arancini with cheese and pepper, Bites of cod, Hearts with Parmigiano Reggiano, Stuffed olives all’ascolana, Green jalapenos, Breaded mini frankfurters, Mozzarella with truffles, and Breaded mozzarella.
German-based Brezelbäckerei Ditsch has added further products to its range of filled snacks. Two new savory fillings – herb butter and garlic butter – have entered the range of filled pretzels. Another new filling is salted caramel, which is a very popular flavor now, including in the baked goods market, according to a company statement. Ditsch’s pretzels filled with sweet and salty butter caramel cream (81 g) appeal greatly to consumers, particularly the younger target group. This has been confirmed by a market research study commissioned by Ditsch. The filled pretzels not only offer consumers a wholesome snack but also a multi-sensory taste experience through the combination of filling, topping, and pretzel products.
Neuhauser, a company that develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of bakery (frozen bread, tray part-baked bread, stone part-baked bread, and specialty bread), viennoiserie (ready to prove, pre-proved, frozen or fresh – milk rolls, brioche, beignet), and pastry products (frozen ready to prove or fully baked Pastel de Nata) has also expanded its range, introducing the Pastry Inspirations Shortbread tart with strawberries (a creamy recipe with a strawberry filling and a crunchy sugar topping and cookie pieces), Lemon Meringue (a lemon filling with a touch of Yuzu with a topping of crunchy meringue pieces), and Crème Brûlée (a gourmet recipe with vanilla filling and AOP Isigny salted butter caramel).
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe March-April, 2023 issue here.