Leading food service distributor 3663 is claiming an industry first after winning Craft Guild of Chefs accreditation on eight of its own-brand, ready-to-serve products.
The accreditation – usually awarded to ingredients rather than ready meals – was granted after the products, which were all launched this year, were trialled in the working kitchens of two pubs and a hotel and evaluated for taste, appearance and the supplied cooking instructions and serving suggestions.
The products, which can now carry the guild’s Product Endorsement logo, included one chilled and three frozen main courses (Turkey Paupiette, Mushroom Lattice, Fennel & Chestnut Roast, and Chicken with Roquefort & Fig) and four frozen desserts - Chocolate Caramel Salted Torte, Lemon Mallow Pie, Banoffee Pie, and Strawberry Tart
“Receiving this stamp of approval from the Craft Guild of Chefs will help to dispel any perception that frozen products are of lesser quality than fresh and will give our customers extra confidence in their quality,” said Nicky Dixey, own brand manager at 3663.
“Frozen products have a massive range of benefits for caterers, they’re easy to store, have a long shelf life, reduce the likelihood of wastage and are cost efficient so it’s very positive for them to be recognised so highly.”
Brian Young, director general of the British Frozen Food Federation, said 3663’s achievement sent “a solid and positive message to caterers and chefs about the exceptional quality of frozen food”.