Iceland: Everything You Need to Know About the UK’s Leading Frozen Food Retailer

Iceland is a popular online supermarket that offers a wide range of frozen foods to customers in the UK. Founded in 1970, the company has grown to become one of the leading frozen food retailers in the country, with over 900 stores nationwide and a thriving online presence.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Iceland, its history, products, services, and everything else you need to know about the company.

History of Iceland

Iceland was founded in 1970 by Malcolm Walker and another retailer in Oswestry, Shropshire, under the name “Iceland Frozen Foods.” The company started as a small-scale business, offering frozen fish and vegetables to customers in the UK. By 1975, the company had expanded to 15 stores across the UK.

In 1984, Iceland became a public company, with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company continued to grow, acquiring several other frozen food retailers over the years. In 1999, Iceland launched its online shopping platform, allowing customers to order their frozen food products from the comfort of their homes.

Today, Iceland is a household name in the UK, with over 900 stores nationwide and a thriving online presence.

Products and Services Offered by Iceland

Iceland offers a wide range of frozen food products to customers, including:

1. Frozen Food: Iceland offers a wide variety of frozen food products, including frozen vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, ready meals, pizzas, desserts, and more.
2. Fresh Food: Iceland also offers a range of fresh food products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bakery, and more.
3. Drinks and Alcohol: The company offers a range of drinks and alcohol products, including soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, and more.
4. Household and Beauty: Iceland also offers household and beauty products, including cleaning products, toiletries, and more.

In addition to its products, Iceland also offers a range of services to customers, including:

1. Online Shopping: Customers can order their frozen food products from Iceland‘s website and have them delivered to their homes.
2. Home Delivery: Iceland offers home delivery services to customers across the UK, with next-day delivery available for orders placed before 2 PM.
3. Click and Collect: Customers can also order their products online and collect them from their nearest Iceland store.
4. Bonus Card: Iceland offers a Bonus Card loyalty scheme to customers, allowing them to earn points on their purchases that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

Iceland’s Commitment to Sustainability

Iceland is committed to reducing its environmental impact and has implemented several initiatives to achieve this goal. The company has pledged to become a net-zero carbon business by 2040 and has set several targets to achieve this goal, including:

1. Reducing its carbon footprint: Iceland is working to reduce its carbon footprint by 55% by 2025, using 2018 as the baseline.
2. Renewable Energy: The company is committed to sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.
3. Plastic Reduction: Iceland has pledged to remove plastic from all its own-brand products by 2023 and reduce its overall plastic usage by 50% by 2023.
4. Sustainable Sourcing: The company is committed to sourcing its products from sustainable and ethical sources, including responsibly sourced fish, palm oil, and other commodities.

Iceland‘s commitment to sustainability has been recognized by several organizations, including Greenpeace, which awarded the company a top ranking for its commitment to sustainable seafood sourcing.

Iceland’s COVID-19 Response

Like many businesses, Iceland has had to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company quickly implemented safety measures in its stores and warehouses to protect its employees and customers. These measures included the installation of protective screens, the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the introduction of social distancing measures.

In addition to its in-store safety measures, Iceland also expanded its home delivery and click and collect services to meet the increased demand for online shopping. The company also introduced a priority delivery service for vulnerable and elderly customers, ensuring they received their groceries in a timely and safe manner.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Iceland continued to support its local communities through various initiatives, including the donation of food to local food banks and the provision of free school meals to children during the school holidays.

Conclusion

Iceland has come a long way since its founding in 1970, growing to become one of the leading frozen food retailers in the UK. The company’s commitment to sustainability and its response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate its dedication to its customers and the wider community.

Whether you’re looking for frozen food products or fresh food and household essentials, Iceland offers a wide range of high-quality products and services that cater to your needs. With its commitment to sustainability, customer service, and innovation, Iceland is a brand that you can trust.