Research by bakery brand St Pierre has revealed that 27% of UK homes believe this year’s festive menu is more important this year than ever before, with 53% revealing that food forms a significant part of family traditions.
What’s more, one in five British households (19%) are planning to spend more on food this festive season, for a number of reasons:
- 47% of those spending more are doing so because of the challenges of 2020
- 51% are spending more on food because they need something to look forward to
More than one in 10 shoppers will spend up to £100 per head more on food this year, despite 34% of respondents revealing that they were worried about Christmas because of financial constraints this year.
On a brighter note for grocers, lockdown has reignited a passion for food for many across the country (29%) – with a quarter (24%) admitting that food is more fun now and 38% feeling more confident in the kitchen as a result. That might go some way to explaining why 43% of the UK’s home cooks are genuinely ‘looking forward’ to cooking over Christmas.
So, what should UK retailers be stocking up on?
Traditional British favourites are here to stay
Turkey remains top of the menu, with 64% of us keeping it on the shopping list. Pigs in blankets are also popular with 60% of households planning to indulge this year. Stuffing (60%), gravy (65%) and Yorkshire pudding (51%) complete the wish list for Christmas dinners.
If you can’t go to the Christmas markets, then bring the Christmas markets to you
With more than half the country (51%) usually attending Christmas markets, it might come as no surprise to learn that 11% of us will be taking inspiration from traditional market menus, 9% will be replicating the Christmas market experience and 8% will be serving Christmas hot dogs. Mulled wine is also a key winter tradition, for the quarter of Brits (24%), who’ll be raising a warming toast this Christmas.
Boxing Day as a stand-alone meal occasion
Boxing Day has become a food event in and of itself, with almost one in five (18%) British households opting for a curry, using the Christmas leftovers. What’s more, a whopping 53% look forward to the leftover sandwich each year.
The rise of European bakery on the menu
Tasty European treats have also become firm favourites on the UK Christmas menu. One in seven of us (15%) will enjoy Panettone this year, a further 18% will get stuck into some Stollen, whilst:
- 19% will devour croissants
- 12% will be peckish for pancakes
- 23% prefer sweet pastries
- 8% will go for French toast
- 9% will welcome waffles to the Christmas menu
The Christmas breakfast spread
Christmas morning looks different on breakfast tables across Britain, but the research reveals a few firm favourites, including the classic breakfast sandwich (21%), the full cooked breakfast (18%) and ever-reliable cereal (26%).
However, Christmas is a time to indulge. Across the country, one in 10 will tuck into smoked salmon, whilst 12% will go straight for chocolate on Christmas morning, and 8% will opt for cake.
Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre commented: “To say lockdown has been a challenging time for families is an understatement. It’s not surprising that after such an unpredictable year, Brits are planning something to look forward to. Despite everything, food has the power to lift moods, bring people together and make the ‘everyday’ magnifique. Good food is more than just a meal on your plate. It’s a get-together, it’s sharing, it’s family – and this is never more true than at Christmas.”
For more information, visit www.stpierrebakery.co.uk.
