The frozen food sector continues to grow as consumers' purses are under pressure and the drive to reduce food waste continues.

The latest TNS World Panel data says the frozen retail sector is worth £4.95bn and growing at 7% annually, with double-digit growth in some sectors.

Last month's British Frozen Food Federation's ceremony in London awarded prizes for products across the retail and catering sectors. The results were indicative of consumer trends as retail sector winners were judged by consumers on appearance, taste, innovation, packaging, instructions, likelihood of purchase and value for money.

Indicating that tastes turn to sweet things in tough times, Marks & Spencer's Bramley apple and blackberry sponge pudding by Heinz won product of the year in the retail sector, while Mövenpic Cognac VSOP ice cream produced by Schöller Ice Cream won for the catering sector.

Horizons data indicates that the frozen foodservice market is now worth around £2.2bn.