Frozen pizza has become a mainstay in the American diet. Walk through any grocery store freezer aisle and you’ll find dozens of varieties from household brands like DiGiorno, Red Baron, and Tombstone. While fresh, homemade pizza is still popular, the convenience and affordability of frozen pizza makes it a go-to meal for many busy families. The rise in popularity of frozen pizza can be attributed in part to the National Frozen Pizza Institute (NFPI).
As the trade association and voice of the frozen pizza industry, the National Frozen Pizza Institute has helped introduce frozen pizza into the mainstream since 1973. The NFPI is committed to supporting, promoting and growing the frozen pizza category. With over 100 member companies representing some of the biggest brands in the frozen food industry, the NFPI provides a wealth of resources, events, networking and advocacy for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers of frozen pizza.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the National Frozen Pizza Institute, its role in popularizing frozen pizza, statistics about the frozen pizza market, new innovations happening in the industry, and what the future looks like for frozen pizza. By the end, you’ll understand why the NFPI proudly proclaims that “pizza makes life better!”
A Brief History of The National Frozen Pizza Institute
The beginnings of The National Frozen Pizza Institute can be traced back to when (frozen) pizzas were first put on supermarket shelves back in the 1950s. Although pizzas have been around for centuries before this ice cold invention made its debut. With an economic boom after World War II’s end it was inevitable that serving children concrete-like meals would become trendy sooner or later.
At this time there were only two main brands making money which were Tombstone & Pizza Hut. During the first years of establishment there was already a mad dash for frozen pizzas that was affecting businesses in many ways. Some are positive, and some not so much, but one thing is clear: Tombstone and Pizza Hut propelled America into what it is today.
In order to make sure that this home craze doesn’t die out too soon a trade association was established by frozen pizza producers to help keep it alive forever. With this life saving tactic businesses were able to gain funds to complete more planning sessions on how to put their creations onto people’s dinner plates.
Some of their earliest members included household names like Totino’s, Tony’s, and Freschetta. Who together worked together to perfect the way customers remove the taste of laziness from each slice they eat. This right here could be exactly why so many people today prefer fresh pizza from around town instead of its expired brother.
While other businesses wonder if they even have a future or not, The National Frozen Pizza Institute has been busy working on ensuring that theirs won’t melt with time.
How NFPI Helped Popularize The Food?
Roles and Contributions of the National Frozen Pizza Institute (NFPI)
Role/Contribution | Description |
|---|---|
Market Research | Commissions studies on consumer tastes, purchasing habits, new product trends, and market sizing. |
So how exactly has the National Frozen Pizza Institute helped popularize frozen pizza over the past five decades? Here are some of the key ways the NFPI has promoted the category:
- Market Research: One of the most valuable resources NFPI provides is market research on the frozen pizza industry. The NFPI commissions studies on consumer tastes, purchasing habits, new product trends, and market sizing. This allows members to better understand consumer behavior and tailor new products.
- Industry Promotions: The NFPI helps promote frozen pizza through marketing campaigns and partnerships. For example, the NFPI works with groups like the American Pizza Community and the School Nutrition Association to highlight how frozen pizza fits into healthy lifestyles and meals.
- Innovation Conferences: The NFPI hosts various in-person and virtual conferences bringing together members to discuss innovation, trends, and best practices for creating new frozen pizzas. These innovation summits allow members to collaborate to meet changing consumer demands.
- Government Advocacy: The NFPI advocates on behalf of members on legislative and regulatory issues impacting the frozen pizza industry. This includes lobbying on policies around food labeling, health initiatives, sustainability, and freezer equipment standards.
- Networking Events: Throughout the year, the NFPI organizes networking events that allow members to connect, establish partnerships, and explore innovations together. These events build strong relationships across frozen pizza manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers.
- Industry Certification Programs: The NFPI administers certification programs on best practices for food safety, sustainability, and workplace culture for frozen pizza facilities. These certifications help the industry improve quality and responsibility.Â
By bringing frozen pizza companies together and providing wide-ranging support has helped grow overall consumer awareness since its inception.
Frozen Pizza Consumption Stats
Frozen Pizza Consumption Statistics in the United States
Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
Annual Sales | Nearly $5 billion |
So what’s up with America’s love for a quick slice? Here are some stats about just how much we love our frozen pies:
- Over 13 billion are sold worldwide each year
- Frozen pizza accounts for nearly $5 billion in sales annually in the United States
- The average American eats approximately 23 pounds of it each year
- Pepperoni is by far the most popular frozen pizza topping, found on **36%** of pies. Supreme and cheese follow as the next most popular at 10% each
- Thin crusts account for the biggest share at 40% of the market. Rising crust is next at 26%, followed by hand-tossed and pan pizzasÂ
- 40% of frozen pizza dollars are spent on private label store brands rather than national brands
- Historically, Americans spent over $46 billion dollars total on it between 2004 – 2018
So why do we eat so much frozen pizza? Here’s some theories:
- Convenience – Frozen pizzas require minimal prep and cook quickly. They provide an easy dinner solution for busy families.
- Affordability – Dollar for dollar, frozen pizzas tend to be cheaper than takeout or delivery pizza. Private label options provide budget-friendly choices.
- Taste Improvements – Advances in frozen pizza technology and ingredients make many frozen pizzas as delicious as takeout pizza.
- Health Trends – Brands now offer cauliflower crust, gluten-free, plant-based and other specialty dietary frozen pizzas.
- Comfort Food Factor – Pizza remains one of America’s favorite comfort foods, and frozen pizza delivers that tasty indulgence.
Frozen pies have long been a staple of the American diet and their popularity is growing. According to PMQ’s Pizza Magazine, the average person now eats 1.5 frozen pizzas a week!
Recent Innovations in the Frozen Pizza Industry
From new crusts to exotic toppings, manufacturers are continuously stepping up their game to meet the demand for higher quality frozen pizza offerings. Here are some of the coolest innovations happening today:
Alternative Crust and Base Options
Cauliflower, broccoli, chickpea — with crusts like these who needs bread or dough? These veggies offer healthier, gluten-free options for all our lactose intolerant friends out there. Even traditional brands are starting to hop on this trend; DiGiorno introduced its cauliflower crust in 2021.
Adventurous Global Flavors
Tired of your typical cheese and tomato sauce combo? Manufacturers feel you. Some interesting topping combinations we’ve seen include tikka masala, chorizo, gyro meat and coconut curry.
Premium & Artisanal Options
Just because something comes from a freezer doesn’t mean it can’t taste gourmet AF. Brands like Sons of Sicily and Oggi Foods aim to serve consumers who refuse to settle for less than hand-tossed crusts and imported cheeses.
Plant-Based Toppings & Meats
Plant-based living is super trendy right now so it only makes sense that vegan pizzas would pop up in our grocers’ freezers. Brands like Daiya and Tattooed Chef offer plant-based pizzas for those looking to minimize their dairy intake.
Restaurant Collaborations
Been missing your favorite pizza chain lately? We have great news: Red Baron partnered with Pizza Hut (yes, really) for an at-home version of its beloved pie.
Direct-to-Consumer Delivery
Love pizza but don’t want to give up your exercise routine by having too much takeout? The Takeout Guys will deliver gourmet frozen pizzas right to your doorstep.Â
Smart Packaging
It’s a tale as old as time: You pop a pizza into the oven just to find out that it’s covered in frostbite upon removing it. But fear not, dear reader — smart thermometers and sensors track time, temperature and freshness of these pies for quality assurance.
Between better-for-you ingredients, restaurant-quality flavors, and food tech, the future looks bright for innovation in the frozen pizza space. Consumers can expect even more variety and quality improvements in the years to come.
The Future Looks Bright for Frozen Pizza
Over nearly 50 years, the National Frozen Pizza Institute has helped introduce frozen pizzas into millions of American households. Thanks to the NFPI’s commitment to supporting and promoting the category, frozen pizza has become an affordable, convenient staple feeding families across the country.Â
While frozen pizza remains a budget-friendly family favorite, food innovations continue to push boundaries and improve the quality, variety, and nutrition consumers can find in the freezer aisle. As tastes and preferences evolve, the NFPI will continue serving as an invaluable resource connecting frozen pizza manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers
Next time you bite into a hot slice of pepperoni or supreme, think about how far frozen pizza has come. Know that the National Frozen Pizza Institute will continue to fill your freezer with delicious pies. And like their slogan says – “pizza really does make life better!”
