The European Union (EU) has launched a new campaign titled ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ to inspire retailers and wholesalers in their Christmas offerings.
Supermarkets across the UK are embracing European influences in their seasonal product ranges, with exciting new options that go beyond tradition. Among the festive items are Seafood and Chorizo Shells, Sweet Spiced Gammon with Citrus Glaze, and Golden Limoncello Stollen Bites, all featuring EU-sourced ingredients.
From savoury meats to cheeses, wines, and sweet treats, the EU offers a diverse range of flavours and textures. With its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) schemes, these products come with a guarantee of authenticity.
Toasting to Festivities
No celebration is complete without a toast, and the EU offers a variety of options. Whether it’s a glass of Spanish Cava PDO or French Cognac PDO, EU spirits are made exclusively from natural ingredients, guaranteeing quality.
European liqueurs are also making their mark in desserts this Christmas, with options like Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding and Limoncello Fizz Panettone from Piedmont.
The UK is the top destination for European wines outside the Member States, importing 0.7 billion litres in 2022, accounting for 23% of extra-EU wine exports.
Wine expert Neil McAndrew, who advises the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, anticipates strong sales of French, Italian, and Spanish wines this festive season. He highlights Cava, Crémant, Champagne, and Prosecco as top choices, with natural wines also gaining ground. Petillant Naturel, a naturally sparkling wine made with traditional methods, is expected to be a popular choice.
McAndrew suggests retailers stock wines in the £15-£20 range to appeal to consumers looking to treat themselves this Christmas. He also recommends providing information about the origin of the wines, including grape variety, terroir, and food pairings, to help customers make informed choices. Classic wines from regions like Bordeaux and Rioja are often chosen as gifts due to their reputation for quality.
With strict traceability requirements, EU wines come with the assurance of quality and authenticity. Most vineyards produce PDO or PGI wines, further enhancing their appeal.
Sharing Platter Essentials
The EU produces an impressive 14.5 million tonnes of cured meats annually, perfect for creating festive sharing platters. Spanish Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura PDO and Italian Prosciutto di Parma PDO are widely available, but other lesser-known options, like Bulgarian Gornooryahovski sudzhuk PGI or Finnish Aito saunapalvikinkku PGI, offer something new and exciting.
The EU’s dairy sector is another highlight, producing thousands of cheeses. From Italian Parmigiano Reggiano PDO to French Roquefort PDO, there are many well-known varieties to enjoy. For something more unique, consider Greek Kalathaki Limnou PDO, Lithuanian Lietuviškas varškės sūris PGI, or Croatia’s Paški sir PDO.
For blue cheese lovers, Danish Danablu PGI and Swedish Sörmlands Ädel PGI provide tangy, salty flavours that rival Italy’s Gorgonzola PDO.
Beyond the Traditional Christmas Pudding
Many retailers are moving away from traditional Christmas puddings, with alternatives like Italian Panettone becoming increasingly popular. Stollen is also a festive staple, with Germany’s Dresdner Christstollen PGI offering the most authentic version.
Other sweet treats include Vánoční Cukroví, iced shortbread biscuits from Czechia, and Hungary’s Beigli, sweet bread rolls filled with walnuts and poppy seeds.
Chocolate is another must-have at Christmas, with Italy’s Cioccolato di Modica PGI, French pralines, and the Bûche de Noël among the festive favourites.
With its rich heritage and commitment to quality, the EU remains a key source of festive culinary inspiration.