A European-Inspired Christmas Feast for Retailers
The European Union (EU) has launched its latest marketing campaign, ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’, aimed at inspiring retailers and wholesalers as they prepare for this year’s festive season. The campaign highlights the diverse and high-quality range of European products available, encouraging the UK market to expand its Christmas food and drink offerings with a European twist.
This year, UK supermarkets have once again turned to European influences for their seasonal offerings, incorporating a broad spectrum of EU ingredients and products into their festive ranges. With items like Seafood and Chorizo Shells, Sweet Spiced Gammon with Citrus Glaze, and Panettone Crumb, consumers can enjoy a rich variety of European flavours on their Christmas tables.
EU’s Extensive Range of Flavours for Every Celebration
From aperitifs to decadent desserts, the EU is renowned for producing a vast array of food and drink that can enhance any festive occasion. With Protected Designated Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) quality schemes, EU products offer guaranteed authenticity, ensuring that every item on the menu meets the highest standards.
The selection ranges from succulent meats, cheeses, and charcuterie to several thousand types of cheeses and an impressive range of sweet treats. Retailers can delight their customers with European ingredients and products that bring both authenticity and excitement to their holiday spreads.
Toast to the Holidays with European Spirits
No celebration is complete without a festive toast, and the EU offers a variety of drinks that cater to every palate. From a crisp morning glass of Spanish Cava PDO to a smooth nightcap of French Cognac PDO or Irish Whiskey PGI, the EU’s wine and spirit offerings are perfect for every occasion. In particular, European liqueurs are making a mark this Christmas season in desserts such as Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding and Limoncello Fizz Panettone.
The quality and natural origins of EU spirits are assured, as only natural ingredients are allowed in their production. In 2022, the UK imported 0.7 billion litres of wine from the EU, making it the number one destination for European wines outside the EU, accounting for 23% of extra-EU exports. According to wine industry expert Neil McAndrew, French, Italian, and Spanish wines are expected to perform well this Christmas, with sparkling options like Cava, Crémant, Champagne, and Prosecco seeing strong sales. Retailers should also note the growing popularity of natural wines, with Petillant Naturel (naturally sparkling wines) predicted to make a big impact this season.
A Feast for the Senses: Must-Have European Meats and Cheeses
The EU produces an impressive 14.5 million tonnes of cured meats annually, making it the perfect destination for retailers seeking unique, high-quality products for Christmas platters. Traditional options like Spanish Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura PDO and Italian Prosciutto di Parma PDO are well-known, but retailers looking for something new should explore options like Bulgaria’s Gornooryahovski sudzhuk PGI, a succulent beef salami, and Finland’s Aito saunapalvikinkku PGI, a tender, smoked ham.
The EU also boasts an extensive range of cheeses, with thousands of varieties made from cow, sheep, goat, and buffalo milk. These cheeses range from soft and creamy to hard and tangy, with PDO and PGI labels ensuring quality. Lesser-known options such as Kalathaki Limnou PDO from Greece and Lietuviškas varškės sūris PGI from Lithuania offer unique flavours that are perfect for expanding a festive cheese board.
Christmas Desserts with a Continental Twist
Retailers looking to offer more than just traditional Christmas Pudding can find inspiration in Europe’s festive dessert offerings. Italian Panettone is gaining popularity, while Stollen, particularly the authentic Dresdner Christstollen PGI from Germany, has become a Christmas staple. Other festive treats like Nürnberger Lebkuchen PGI (gingerbread) from Germany and Vánoční Cukroví (iced shortbreads) from Czechia offer unique options that reflect the rich holiday traditions of Europe.
For chocolate lovers, the EU is a major producer of high-quality chocolate, with countries like Germany, Italy, and France leading the charge. Special European chocolates, such as Italy’s Cioccolato di Modica PGI, and the French Bûche de Noël (Yule log), offer luxurious alternatives to traditional treats.
Supporting Retailers with a Festive European Edge
As Christmas approaches, the ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign encourages UK retailers and wholesalers to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for diverse, high-quality products. By incorporating European flavours and traditions, retailers can create unique and memorable festive experiences for their customers. With full traceability and authenticity assured through PDO and PGI labels, European products offer unparalleled quality that enhances every holiday celebration.