STORY: Nothing says Christmas like... croissants?

For many, this Christmas won’t mean time with the wider family, or travelling to reunite with loved ones – but after nine months of intermittent lockdown, a quarter of UK households (24 percent) are putting more pressure than ever on a ‘perfect’ Christmas.

Research by St. Pierre, the European bakery expert, revealed that 27 percent of UK homes believe that this year’s festive menu is more important this year than ever before, with 53 percent revealing that food forms a significant part of family traditions.

What’s more, one in five British households (19 percent) 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 percent 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 percent) – with a quarter (24 percent) admitting that food is more fun now and 38 percent feeling more confident in the kitchen as a result. That might go some way to explaining why 43 percent 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 percent of us keeping it on the shopping list. Pigs in blankets are also popular with 60 per cent of households planning to indulge this year. Stuffing (60 percent), gravy (65 percent) and Yorkshire pudding (51 percent) complete the wish list for Christmas dinners.

If you can’t go to the Christmas markets, then bring the Christmas markets to you

The Christmas markets are a growing tradition, with more than half the country (51 percent) usually attending. It might come as no surprise then, to hear that 11 percent of us will be taking inspiration from traditional market menus, 9 percent will be replicating the Christmas market experience and 8 percent will be serving Christmas hot dogs. Mulled wine is also a key winter tradition, for the quarter of Brits (24 percent), 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 percent) British households opting for a curry, using the Christmas leftovers. What’s more, a whopping 53 percent 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 percent) will enjoy Panettone this year, a further 18 per cent will get stuck into some Stollen, whilst;

  • 19 percent will devour croissants
  • 12 percent will be peckish for pancakes
  • 23 percent prefer sweet pastries
  • 8 percent will go for French toast
  • 9 percent 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 per cent), the full English (18 per cent) and ever-reliable cereal (26 per cent).

However, Christmas is a time to indulge. Across the country, one in ten will tuck into smoked salmon, whilst 12 percent will go straight for chocolate on Christmas morning, and 8 percent will opt for cake.

Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre comments: “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