The UK grocery retail sector is making strides towards sustainability with a recent initiative led by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), aimed at altering the standard temperature for frozen food storage. Currently set at -18 degrees Celsius, the standard has remained unchanged for over a century. The newly elected president of the Federation, McQuade, addressed the issue during the Federation’s annual lunch, highlighting a "compelling" environmental argument for raising the standard temperature to -15 degrees Celsius.

This proposed shift could have significant environmental benefits. According to McQuade, adjusting the standard temperature to -15 degrees Celsius could potentially reduce energy consumption and cut global emissions by 17.7 million metric tonnes per year, a change likened to removing 3.8 million cars from the roads. This move is in line with the international effort The Move to -15°C, which the Federation has joined following 15 years of its own research.

McQuade emphasized the importance of further scientific investigation to fill existing knowledge gaps. While initial studies, like the one conducted by Nomad Foods over an 18-month period earlier in the year, indicated no significant changes in food quality or safety within the tested categories, further understanding is required, especially for more delicate food categories.

The Federation president expressed hope for future developments, indicating her desire to report progress towards a globally safe and stable new standard temperature at next year’s assembly. Moreover, she pointed out the sector's role in addressing consumer behaviour changes and overcoming challenges like limited freezer space in homes, which can contribute to reducing food waste.

Taking a leading role in this initiative, Morrisons has become the first UK supermarket to collaborate with the Move to -15°C Coalition. The retailer has implemented a trial in 10 of its stores, raising the temperature of some of its freezers from -18°C to -15°C. This strategic decision aims not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to save energy and cut operational costs, with future plans for broader application across its network of outlets.

This initiative marks a significant move within the UK grocery retail sector, involving major players like Morrisons, and indicates a shift towards more sustainable practices. As the conversation on climate change and sustainability continues to grow, such measures demonstrate a willingness within the industry to adapt and innovate for environmental betterment. The progress and outcomes of these changes remain closely watched by both the industry and its consumers.