Each month the Sharp team saves you time by rounding up some of the latest trends from the world of food and drink. This month we take a look at Christmas trends this year…
It’s the one time of year where health drops to the bottom of the requirements list, and flavour and indulgence is the name of the game!
So, what have the brands and retailers got in store for us this year? From a trip down memory lane to an Italian Amalfi inspired twist, we take a look at the 2024 food and drink trend predictions for the Christmas table…
Nostalgia
If you think the seventies wasn’t our finest era for food, you may want to look away now!
🦐Starting with Marks & Spencer, the iconic flavours of a classic prawn cocktail have been combined with a luxurious twist of lobster for a posh festive starter.
🍲Sainsbury’s have added a classic French Beef Bourguignon as part of their Taste the Difference Christmas range.
🍒Meanwhile Tesco are going for black forest vibes with a duck infused with rosemary, cherries and a dark fruit glaze.
And if that wasn’t enough to take you back to the groovy era, The Grocer predicts that the retro canape devilled eggs will be big this year.
Hot Sauce
According to Speciality Food, hot sauce continues its trend into the festive period, having been on the up all year, with British craft brands like Sauce Shop leading the category with innovative flavour riffs on their OG Buffalo Hot Sauce – think Miso Teriyaki, Burnt Pineapple and Truffle. A jar of hot sauce is the perfect stocking filler, the only question you need ask is “how hot is too hot?”
Indulging in Seafood
Seafood has long been a symbol of luxury and celebration. Shellfish like lobsters are often at their peak in winter, particularly in colder months, making them a natural choice for festive meals, as they’re fresher and tastier during this time.
Online delivery service, Seafood Boss taps into this demand, delivering freshly cooked shellfish platters, inspired by the tasty seafood boils of the Southern US states, nationwide. Specialising in lobster and snow crab, it’s a decadent entertaining option to impress your guests this party season.
Brunch
The rise of bottomless brunches is now creeping into our festive plans, with many options to choose from for an indulgent brunch while the turkey is in the oven. Choose from Waitrose golden star crumpets or traditional English muffins to go with the regular favourites, smoked salmon, crispy bacon or poached eggs.
A Boozy Finish
Bringing us some Italian sunshine to the Christmas feast, the spirit from Italy’s Amalfi coast, Limoncello features heavily in the Waitrose range this year, adding a boozy twist to their Limoncello Fizz Panettone, stollen bites and even to cheese, in the White Stilton® with Luxardo® Limoncello.
Sticking with the alcohol theme, Tequila is set to be the gifted spirit this year according to Speciality Food. An interesting shift has taken place recently for this distilled spirit, with Tequila brands taking back ownership and transforming the messaging from a ‘party shot’ to a more sophisticated drink.
Tequila also features in the new Fever Tree Pick & Mix Crackers this year, a little festive fun for the grown-ups. Consumers can choose four crackers of choice, each containing a spirit and a perfectly matched mixer, elegantly presented in a branded Fever-Tree box. Or for effortless lazy luxe entertaining, simply combine your favourite tequila with Fever-Tree’s new Margarita Cocktail Mixer, packed full of fresh Mexican limes and Italian blood oranges. Stir or shake for a bright and zesty Margarita and finish with a touch of sea salt.
