Despite the cost of living crisis still affecting consumers, there is real hope this year that there will at last be opportunities for everyone to celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the threat of pandemic lockdowns.
To this end, Bidfood’s research undertaken by 3Gem at the beginning of 2023, when Christmas was still fresh in the mind, reveals what consumers are looking for.
According to Bidfood campaign and brand manager Vicky Tripp, work on this year’s Christmas plans consisted of a 16-month cycle from September 2022 exploring the essential requirements for the festive period via suppliers and producers. This has resulted in more than 70 new products that should tick the box for consumers.
The research found, not surprisingly, that the cost of living impacted on Christmas 2022, with 70% of those surveyed saying their typical eating out behaviour changed, and 57% saying value for money will matter this year.
Some 47% also wanted more affordable, quality items such as add-ons like crumbs and better toppings, plus signature dishes, limited editions and festive menus. More than half said set menus should provide good value for money.
Bidfood’s response includes slow-cooked short rib of beef with rich French onion gravy, and, dessert-wise, sticky toffee Christmas pudding infused with mixed peel and toffee sauce, and an individual Christmas tree mousse to name just a few. It also offers tasty winter warmers including wholesome stews, which it says will complement menus.
Bidfood’s new value-added ingredients include smoked pulled turkey – a multi-functional filling as it can be used for modern dishes such as Christmas burgers, pizzas and calzones, sandwich fillers and tostadas.
However, it encourages operators to keep meat-free options on festive menus as 25% of consumers would find them appealing. Highlights include wild mushroom and confit onion tartlet and lemon berry delice, which is both vegan and gluten-free.
With the impact of Covid now in abeyance, Bidfood’s research predicts the return of Christmas parties, which means a need for more starters, value-added products and showstoppers. For example, its hot buffet offerings range from nacho cheese bites and vegan cheese sticks to festive pork pies that would suit many outlets including universities.
Festive hot drinks provide another opportunity as two in five consumers are likely to choose limited editions and 45% likely to order premium hot drinks with infusions, or as a drink and bakery combo.
Bidfood’s Christmas activity continues with further support for many charities by donating money from sales of specific products. For example, £1 per case sold of its Premium Selection raspberry and pistachio semifreddo dessert goes to FareShare via Work for Good, while £2 per case sold of Tom Smith’s Catering Eco kraft charity crackers goes to the Trussell Trust.
Tripp concludes: “With over 70 new products across a number of categories ranging from meat-free and seafood, luxury and indulgence to on the go items, there really is something for everyone in our range – and once again we’re partnering with FareShare via Work for Good.”
Consumers’ top five must-haves on festive menus for 2023:
- Traditional Christmas options (63%)
- Classic comfort food (56%)
- Winter warmers (45%)
- Usual favourites – festive or not (40%)
- Indulgent choices (38%)