Frozen meals and pizzas have been grocery staples for decades. From the first oven-heated “TV Dinners” introduced in 1953 to today’s wide variety of products, the frozen food market continues to grow.

Consumers continue to rely on frozen foods not only for convenience but also as a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to dining out. The U.S. frozen food market has maintained steady growth, reaching nearly $73 billion in annual sales in 2024, according to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI’s Power of Frozen 2024 report. Growth has been driven by demand for ready-to-eat meals, frozen breakfast items, and globally inspired entrees, as well as an increasing focus on nutritious, clean-label, and plant-based options that align with consumers’ desire for “total meal solutions” at home.

As the frozen food market evolves, so do consumer expectations. Today’s shoppers seek high-quality ingredients and visually appealing products, which presents both opportunities and challenges for food manufacturers—especially when it comes to cheese.

Cheese is often the ingredient that holds a product together—whether in an appetizer, sandwich, quesadilla, entree, or pizza—but adding cheese to a frozen product can be tricky. Manufacturers need to ensure the cheese maintains its appearance and texture throughout production, distribution, and handling.

The Role of Cheese Pre-Melters

One often-overlooked solution is the cheese pre-melter, sometimes called the unsung hero of frozen food manufacturing. A cheese pre-melter ensures consistent melting, enhances presentation, and reduces product loss due to breakage or shifting during packaging and shipping.

 The CMM Group works with food manufacturers of all sizes—global, national, regional, and local—to provide baking, production, and pollution control solutions. We also design custom equipment to integrate with existing processes, regardless of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

To help companies understand the value and practical applications of cheese pre-melters, The CMM Group has released a comprehensive guide covering:

  • What infrared heating is and why it matters in food manufacturing
  • The benefits of using a cheese pre-melter
  • Pros and cons of electric vs. natural gas cheese melters
  • Key features to look for in an infrared cheese melter
  • Advantages of choosing a custom melter over a standard model
  • The selection and consultation process for a custom cheese pre-melter
  • Ensuring safe, consistent and food-safe operation of your equipment

Learn More About Industrial Cheese Melters

 For manufacturers looking to optimize product quality and consistency, The CMM Group’s guide provides an in-depth look at cheese pre-melters—from selection to installation to daily operation. Preview the guide below and download the full version to explore the benefits, use cases, and path to purchase for this essential equipment.