The European Union (EU) has launched its ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign to offer retailers and wholesalers fresh inspiration for their festive product ranges this year.
UK supermarkets are once again drawing on European influences for their Christmas selections, offering innovative seasonal products that feature EU-sourced ingredients. Among the highlights are Seafood and Chorizo Shells, Sweet Spiced Gammon with Citrus Glaze, and Golden Limoncello Stollen Bites.
From charcuterie to cheeses, fine wines, and sweet treats, the EU offers a wide variety of authentic products. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) schemes guarantee the authenticity of these premium items.
Raise a Glass to European Spirits
Celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a toast, and the EU offers a selection of fine spirits. From Spanish Cava PDO to French Cognac PDO and Irish Whiskey PGI, there is something for everyone. All EU spirits are made exclusively from natural ingredients.
This year, European liqueurs are also making an appearance in Christmas desserts, such as Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding and Limoncello Fizz Panettone from Piedmont.
In 2022, the UK imported 0.7 billion litres of wine from the EU, making it the top destination for European wines outside of the Member States.
Wine expert Neil McAndrew, who has advised the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, anticipates strong sales of French, Italian, and Spanish wines this Christmas. He predicts Cava, Crémant, Champagne, and Prosecco will perform well, while Petillant Naturel, a naturally sparkling wine made using traditional techniques, is expected to gain traction this festive season.
McAndrew advises retailers to stock wines in the £15-£20 price range to meet the demand for indulgent treats. He also suggests providing customers with information about the wines’ grape varieties, terroir, and food pairings to help them make informed choices. Wines from regions like Bordeaux, Rioja, and Burgundy are always popular as gifts due to their perceived quality.
EU wines come with full traceability from vineyard to bottle, ensuring quality and authenticity. Most vineyards are certified with PDO or PGI, adding to their appeal.
Festive Sharing Platters
The EU produces 14.5 million tonnes of cured meats every year, offering plenty of options for festive sharing boards. Spanish Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura PDO and Italian Prosciutto di Parma PDO are among the more widely known options, but retailers can also explore lesser-known varieties like Bulgarian Gornooryahovski sudzhuk PGI and Finnish Aito saunapalvikinkku PGI.
The EU’s dairy sector is another key highlight, producing thousands of different cheeses. In addition to well-known varieties like Italian Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and French Roquefort PDO, there are many lesser-known cheeses to try. Greek Kalathaki Limnou PDO and Croatia’s Paški sir PDO are excellent choices for adventurous cheese lovers.
For fans of blue cheese, Danish Danablu PGI and Sweden’s Sörmlands Ädel PGI offer rich, tangy flavours that are perfect for festive cheese boards.
Moving Beyond Traditional Christmas Puddings
Many retailers have shifted away from traditional Christmas puddings in recent years, with Italy’s Panettone becoming increasingly popular. Germany’s Dresdner Christstollen PGI is another festive favourite, while Lebkuchen is gaining popularity in the UK, with Nürnberger Lebkuchen PGI being the most authentic version available.
Other festive sweets include Vánoční Cukroví, iced shortbread biscuits from Czechia, and Hungary’s Beigli, sweet rolls filled with walnuts and poppy seeds.
Chocolate is always a staple of Christmas celebrations, with Italy’s Cioccolato di Modica PGI, French pralines, and the Bûche de Noël being key festive treats.
With its rich culinary heritage and commitment to quality, the EU provides retailers with endless inspiration for the festive season.
