Frozen food maker files Chapter 11 as pandemic boom fades

The Covid pandemic created a boom period for businesses that could meet the unique needs of those times, but it was in many ways a false positive, not an underlying change in demand.

Companies like Peloton and Teladoc saw a rapid increase in demand because gyms were closed, and going to a physical doctor came with added risks. Both of these brands, and many others, grew capacity to meet what turned out to be short-term needs.

The same thing happened with frozen food.

"Nearly one year after the Covid-19 pandemic began, a new report finds frozen foods were among the fastest growing categories in the grocery store, with clear signs that Americans' fondness for frozen will continue to grow," American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI-the Food Industry Association shared in a press release.

Frozen food sales had actually been rising steadily for years, but the pandemic caused a rapid increase.

"The frozen food aisle has been a growth driver for retailers since 2016 with acceleration ahead of most other departments," AFFI CEO Alison Bodor said. "Frozen foods are a pandemic powerhouse ringing in $65.1 billion in retail sales in 2020, a 21% increase compared to a year ago."

After the pandemic, however, the growth did not continue, and that contributed to the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Triple Sticks Foods.

Triple Sticks Foods files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

One of the challenges facing any rising manufacturer is how to manage long-term capacity during boom periods, so you can meet current needs without having expensive overhead not supported by future sales volume.

Triple Sticks Foods, which offers private label and co-packing services for frozen breakfast sandwiches, frozen deli sandwiches, meal kits, and pizza, was founded in 2017 and grew rapidly during the pandemic period.

It was likely hurt by the slowing demand in the post-pandemic period.

"Following the massive pandemic sales spikes in 2020 and the first half of 2021, frozen food sales had been struggling to go up against these all-time high volumes, though inflation boosted dollar sales to record highs," the AFFI shared in a press release.

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The industry did not collapse, but it has struggled to reach its former highs.

"Despite unit declines in 2022 and 2023, frozen food sales consistently remained ahead of the pre-pandemic volume levels. During the first half of 2024, frozen food unit sales moved back in the black as strengthening consumer demand went hand-in-hand with inflation moderating to very low levels," according to the AFFI.

Data from Circana, as reported by Food Navigator, indicates that frozen department unit sales are slowing while dollar sales continue to increase.

"CPG brands have an opportunity to drive velocities by tapping into consumer demands for convenient meals," said Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana's client insights executive leader, during a webinar covered by Food Navigator.

Triple Sticks Foods has a low public profile

Because it manufactures for other companies, Triple Sticks Foods is not a widely known, public-facing brand. The company does not share which brands it works with, which is typical in this space.

It does describe its operations on its website.

"As a contract manufacturer located in Belleville, Illinois, our 36,000-square-foot manufacturing plant is home to a dedicated team of 75 employees and growing. Founded by Joe Trover, who has over 30 years of experience in the frozen food industry, we pride ourselves on being flexible, creative, and efficient in meeting our customers' needs," the company shared.

Triple Sticks Foods has not made a public comment on its bankruptcy filing and did not immediately return a request for comment from TheStreet.

Triple Sticks Chapter 11 basic facts

• Triple Sticks Food Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Eastern Division), according to documents filed on PacerMonitor.
• Case number: 3:26-bk-30341
• Judge: Mary E Lopinot
• The case was filed as a voluntary Chapter 11 proceeding, indicating the company is seeking to reorganize its debts rather than liquidate, according to the court filings.
• The company is tied to Joseph Trover, who has been involved in regional food manufacturing and distribution through related businesses such as Troverco, a multi-state distributor serving thousands of retail and institutional customers, according to a press release.

Frozen food demand shows strength

While the demand for frozen food remains below the pandemic peaks, the industry has returned to growth, according to a new suvery from the FMI and AFFI, Power of Frozen in Retail.

Some of the data includes:

• The base of core frozen food consumers is increasing. Consumers who use frozen foods every few days or daily now represent 40% of shoppers, up from 35% in 2019.
• Nearly one-third (30%) plan to buy more frozen food, the strongest purchase intent measured in years.
• 37% of consumers use frozen food specifically as a way to reduce food waste.
• At the same time, 96% of shoppers believe the frozen food aisle has better-for-you options and 71% report looking for frozen items they haven't bought before.

"Frozen food is not a fallback but a smart strategy for today's consumers," said AFFI COO Adrienne Seiling.

Related: Home decor and fashion chain closes all stores, Chapter 7 next

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:47 AM.