A recent survey by French pâtissier Tipiak highlights the central role food plays in festive gatherings. The survey found that more than half (54%) of respondents believe food is more important than drinks at parties. Additionally, 50% of guests strategically position themselves to get better access to food or waitstaff, underlining the importance of nibbles in creating a memorable event.
The survey, conducted by Perspectus Global, was aimed at providing insights for foodservice professionals, particularly those serving canapés. Results showed that guests typically consume about six canapés per event, with many expecting the amuse-bouche — a bite-sized appetizer — to be easy to eat in one bite. Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ canapés are designed with this in mind, providing a convenient, authentic French patisserie experience for guests in the UK.
“Canapés are a key part of any drinks reception, especially during Christmas,” said Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak. The company offers a range of pre-prepared canapés that only need defrosting before serving, helping kitchen staff focus on other aspects of holiday catering.
Tipiak, based in France, provides a selection of canapés to the UK foodservice sector, including vegetarian and vegan options. Each piece is hand-finished by expert bakers, making them ideal for Christmas parties, conferences, weddings, and other occasions.
Cartwright & Butler’s Premium Christmas Range
British brand Cartwright & Butler is also embracing the festive season with a new collection of premium treats. The range features beautifully embossed tins and boxes, with packaging rich in gold and metallic tones, celebrating the traditional Christmas pudding. The selection includes a variety of new items, such as the Merry Christmas Musical Tin, which contains Christmas Pudding-flavored biscuits. Other highlights include festive treats like Winter Spiced Orange & Cranberry Shortbread Rounds, Oaty Stollen Bites, and a special edition of English Breakfast Teabags in a festive tin.
For gift-giving, Cartwright & Butler offers a selection of Christmas hampers, including the Festive Feast Gift Box and the Totally Christmassy Gift Box, packed with sweet and savory treats. The brand also features Advent calendars filled with daily surprises, ranging from biscuits and preserves to hot drinks and confections. The collection is available at major UK retailers like John Lewis, Liberty, and Selfridges, as well as online through Funky Pigeon and Amazon.
Seasonal Treats from Love Handmade Cakes
This year, UK bakery Love Handmade Cakes has expanded its Christmas range with a variety of seasonal desserts for the hospitality sector. The collection includes festive grab-and-go options like decorated gingerbread in shapes such as owls and snowmen, as well as rich chocolate and vanilla cupcakes adorned with holiday toppers. For those preferring traditional flavors, the collection also features mini Yule logs, brandy-flavored fruit loaves, and the luxurious Clementine and Chocolate Cake.
Higgidy’s Festive Snacking Range
Higgidy has also added a holiday twist to its snacking range, offering limited-edition Christmas packaging for its popular products. The festive packaging includes seasonal designs and highlights products like Beechwood Smoked Bacon & Mature Cheddar Quiches and Slow-Roasted Tomato & Mature Cheddar Mini Muffins. The seasonal packs are rolling out in leading UK retailers, bringing a touch of festive cheer to holiday gatherings.
Organico’s Organic Christmas Offerings
As Christmas approaches, Organico, known for its organic food products, is offering new items that celebrate the joy of real, natural food. The company’s expanding range of clean, organic pantry essentials is particularly popular among younger, health-conscious consumers. New products include hand-rolled artisan breadsticks and giant Italian-style crackers, perfect for holiday cheeseboards. Organico’s products are available online and in selected UK retailers.
Borough 22’s Inclusive Festive Doughnuts
Borough 22, a leading allergen-free doughnut brand, has launched its limited-edition Festive Box, featuring six gluten-free, plant-based, kosher, and halal doughnuts. The box includes flavors like Candy Cane, S’mores, Boston Cream, Cranberry Glaze, Mince Pie, and NoEgg Nog. Priced at £32, the Festive Box is available for nationwide delivery and via Deliveroo for London residents. Each doughnut is crafted fresh daily for optimal flavor and can be reheated using an oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Perry’s Ice Cream and Cake or Death’s Holiday Specials
Perry’s Ice Cream, based in Akron, NY, is offering two festive flavors this December: Iced Gingerbread and Sugar Cookie Bars. The gingerbread flavor blends gingerbread ice cream with sugar cookie dough pieces, while the sugar cookie bars are tree-shaped treats swirled with green frosting. These new flavors join the brand’s classic holiday offerings, Peppermint Stick and White Christmas.
Meanwhile, UK-based Cake or Death has expanded its festive offerings with two limited-edition brownie boxes and three hampers. The Happy Xmas Brownie Message Slab is topped with festive sprinkles, while the Limited Edition Brownie Box features seasonal flavors like Gingerbread, Chocolate Orange, and a sprinkle-topped brownie. The hampers include a variety of holiday treats, from brownies to cookies, with prices starting at £23.00.
McVitie’s Christmas Range
McVitie’s is celebrating the festive season with a new lineup of holiday-themed biscuits, including Gingerbread Flavour Milk Chocolate Digestives and festive redesigns of classic White Chocolate Digestives and Milk Chocolate Hobnobs. The premium Victoria assortment, now with 35% more chocolate, is available in larger packs, while the Family Circle and other gift-worthy options offer something for every festive occasion. The company’s 2024 range reflects the trend toward indulgence and sharing, with both new and refreshed products.
Jacob’s and Carr’s Festive Snacking
Jacob’s and Carr’s, well-known brands in the holiday snacking market, are also offering a range of festive crackers and snacks. Jacob’s has introduced a new low-fat, oven-baked option, Crinkly Cheese & Onion, alongside classic favorites like Mini Cheddars and Mini Twiglets. The Jacob’s Festive Selection features a variety of crackers, while Carr’s Seasonal Selection offers nine varieties of crackers, including Cheese Melts and Table Water crackers. Both brands are integral to holiday celebrations, with Jacob’s crackers often accompanying cheeseboards during the festive season.
Conclusion
As the festive season approaches, food companies across the UK are unveiling new holiday offerings designed to make celebrations even more special. From premium canapés and indulgent desserts to allergen-free treats and festive snacks, there’s something for everyone this Christmas. With a focus on quality, convenience, and festive cheer, these seasonal products are set to bring joy to holiday gatherings nationwide.
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