Fruits & Vegetables

According to the AFFI/IRI report, frozen vegetables sold $3 billion last year, an increase of $403 million, with dollar growth at +15.3%. Frozen fruit saw even higher YOY gains, selling $1.5 billion—an increase of $332 million over 2019—with dollar growth at a robust +29.7%. Combined with frozen potatoes and onions, this segment accounted for 10.2% of all frozen food purchases in 2020.

Significant Events in 2020

• Joe Yanda succeeded Glen Tellock as president & CEO of Lakeside Foods.
• Robert Van Der Geest was named GM of Nature Fresh Farms’ Mexico operations.
• John Warehime, CEO of Hanover Foods, passed away in March.
• Former Lamb Weston President & CEO Bobby Horowitz passed away at 71.
• Brad Vesterby, director of sales at Firestone Pacific Foods, passed away after battling cancer.
• B&G Foods’ Green Giant brand rolled out several new products, including cauliflower-based breadsticks, rings, and fries; three new flavors for the Simply Steam line of frozen vegetables, new varieties of grilled vegetables, and a riced cauliflower medley.
• Frozen plant-based brand Ark Foods announced plans for a new 15,000-square-foot production facility in New Jersey.
• Path of Life expanded distribution of its products into California, Hawaii and Texas.
• Wholly Veggie debuted a line of plant-based cauliflower wings, and increased distribution to 1,200 Target stores.