But Birdseye figured out the logistics of selling frozen foods: how could he freeze it fast so it didn't deform the food tissue? How would he package it? How would he transport the product?Īs a young engineer in Labrador, an eastern province in Canada, Birdseye often froze his catch after a day of fishing to keep it fresh. People have been freezing foods as a means of preservation since as early as 1000 B.C., when the Chinese stored goods in ice cellars. The frozen food industry would be nothing without Clarence Birdseye, the man responsible for Birds Eye frozen foods, which is currently owned by Pinnacle Foods Inc. Since then, frozen food technology has increased its popularity by including healthier options and more eco-friendly packaging, which allow foods to stay fresher longer and retain more nutrients.Ĭlarence Birdseye Clarence Birdseye: Father of Frozen Food In 2010 - during a recession - frozen-food sales grew 3.1%, according to the Wall Street Journal.

These days, there are entire grocery store aisles dedicated to frozen pizzas alone. Some gourmet, some gluten-free, others family size. There are thousands of new items introduced into the market every month, he says. 'Part of the reason why I coined the term 'Frozen Food Master' is really just the idea that I can say with great certainty that I have tasted more variety than anyone on this planet,' he says. He gets two or three shipments of new frozen meal or snack options per week on dry ice.

He walks the frozen food aisle twice a week at every major supermarket chain. 'To me that's really disgusting.'īut the pickle popsicle is only one of thousands of frozen food items Greg has sampled. 'People tell me they use it as an energy boost before exercising or as a refreshing snack,' he says.

Banner frozen food cdr