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With the UK general election set for 4 July, the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has released a detailed manifesto outlining its key priorities and demands from the next government. The manifesto, which addresses critical issues such as the cost of living crisis, healthier lifestyles and environmental targets, aims to bolster support for the frozen food industry. Rupert Ashby, chief executive of BFFF, said: "Our industry has a key role to play in tackling several of the key challenges that will be on the new government’s agenda. Easing the cost of living crisis, for example, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and meeting the UK’s environmental targets.” BFFF’s nine-point manifesto calls for reforms and initiatives to make frozen foods more affordable and accessible, drive innovation, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance public perception. Key points include: Promoting frozen food: Campaigns to educate the public on the health, convenience, affordability and sustainability of frozen foods, countering misconceptions about their quality compared to fresh products. Reducing food waste: Highlighting the role of frozen food in minimising food waste, which accounts for 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, due to its longer shelf life and manufacturing efficiencies. Simplifying regulations: Streamlining food labelling and packaging regulations to reduce complexity and costs for manufacturers and consumers. Revising the plastic packaging tax: Addressing the challenges posed by the low availability of food-grade recycled plastic, which impacts manufacturers striving to meet recycling targets. Encouraging innovation: Offering incentives for research and development in freezing technologies to improve consumer experiences and extend product shelf life. Enhancing sustainability: Adjusting storage temperature guidelines across the supply chain to boost the industry’s sustainability credentials. Supporting energy efficiency: Providing tax incentives and subsidies for companies investing in energy-efficient freezing and refrigeration equipment to lower carbon footprints and energy costs. Streamlining trade processes: Reducing the administrative and financial burdens associated with importing and exporting, ensuring robust infrastructure to support trade. Investing in workforce training: Enhancing training programs and apprenticeships, and revising the Shortage Occupation List to include seasonal workers to alleviate labour shortages in the food supply chain. Easing the pressure The BFFF’s call to action coincides with a wave of economic optimism, bolstered by recent statistics indicating a gradual easing of inflationary pressures. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates a decline in overall inflation and food price inflation, coupled with improved economic growth forecasts from the International Monetary Fund. The Food and Drink Federation has also reported a significant rise in business confidence, the highest since it began tracking the metric. Food for thought As the election approaches, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) and the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) have also issued their manifestos, emphasising the importance of robust policies to support food security, trade and sustainability. NFU president Tom Bradshaw highlighted the critical nature of this election for British food and farming, urging candidates to recognise the sector's contributions to the economy, environment and national security.