Birds Eye, a part of Nomad Foods, is a renowned player in the food and beverage industry trends, focused on frozen peas. Operating in Yorkshire, Northern England, the company takes pride in its remarkable capacity to produce a staggering 48 tonnes of frozen peas per hour during harvest season. This achievement is even more impressive considering the company’s commitment to implementing a ‘just in time’ operation, as highlighted by Richard Wilson, the UK agriculture manager.
However, Birds Eye’s achievements go beyond meeting the demands of the UK market. In collaboration with the farmer cooperative The Green Pea Company (GPC), the company has incorporated sustainable agricultural practices into its cultivation process. These practices align with Nomad Foods’ ambitious target of reducing emissions by 25% in absolute terms by 2025 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Wilson explains the inherent benefits of pea cropping that positively impact carbon levels. Peas capture atmospheric carbon and sequester it into the soil, making them a valuable asset in carbon reduction efforts. Furthermore, peas belong to the legume family, which allows growers to minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers throughout the season by harnessing their nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
Birds Eye also strives to reduce synthetic agricultural inputs by exploring the potential of biologic fungicides. These fungicides, derived from living organisms and natural compounds, offer effective protection against pathogens while minimizing reliance on synthetic alternatives.
Another notable sustainability initiative undertaken by Birds Eye is its commitment to the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform. Adhering to the principles of this platform enables the company to operate in a manner that benefits both the environment and society at large.
Acknowledging the impact of climate change, Wilson expresses the company’s awareness of the evolving weather patterns. Traditional seasonality has become less predictable, and volatility has become more prominent. This poses challenges when planning the pea crop. However, the company remains resilient and can leverage traditional breeding techniques to adapt to adverse weather conditions. In Sellaberga, Sweden, Nomad Foods owns a glasshouse production facility, which aids in identifying desirable traits in pea seeds. Traits such as drought tolerance are valuable qualities that the company aims to enhance if climate change continues to affect the crop significantly.
To learn more about the cultivation, harvest, and processing of Birds Eye peas, watch the video provided.
In summary, Birds Eye is an industry leader in the food and beverage sector, consistently adapting to food manufacturing trends and incorporating innovative food processing technology. The company’s commitment to sustainability, adherence to regulations, and focus on environmentally-friendly food and drink packaging demonstrate its dedication to being at the forefront of food and drink industry innovation. Additionally, Birds Eye keeps a close eye on emerging food and drink consumer trends, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
