A taste of what’s new this Christmas

I’m Martin, Food Innovation Manager here at Bidfood, I work alongside our Category Managers and Customer Marketing team in looking at what’s trending on menus for Christmas, as well as working closely with some of our customers and suppliers.

We start our process here at Bidfood way before the last turkey dinner has been eaten the year before! We look at trends and research, benchmark products that look and taste amazing, and yes we do eat a lot of Christmas products before Christmas! Then we work closely with our manufacturing partners to create recipes and products to tantalise our customers’ taste buds.

This year has been a difficult decision, but I’ve decided to go with the pulled pork & apple hog roast bites a great combination of tender juicy pulled pork with a perfectly crispy exterior makes every bite incredibly satisfying. The savoury flavour with hints of apple and sage really capture the festive spirit, making them an ideal starter served with a creamy mustard dressing or alternatively you could use them as a garnish for a premium piece of pork fillet served with crispy black pudding, cider sauce and caramelised apples. Definitely a standout Christmas product this year!

Our Christmas campaign is a carefully planned 15-month journey that begins with listening to our customers. We gather feedback and collaborate with our insight partners to identify emerging trends and shape a festive range that meets the evolving needs of the market.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We tailor our offering to suit the unique requirements of each sector, ensuring our partners are equipped for a successful and profitable Christmas season.

This year’s theme focuses on making life easier for our customers by providing practical, actionable support. Through our ‘Unlock Your Menu’ hub, we offer recipe inspiration, product recommendations, and expert tips—delivering not just festive essentials, but customer-centric innovation designed to add real value.

Food and drink trends through the years are always evolving. The traditional food will always remain essential but it’s important to keep up with the latest innovation. Key developments include:

Nostalgic flavours: Comfort and tradition are making a comeback. Classic chutneys, ginger-infused treats, and heritage recipes are resonating with consumers seeking familiar, heartwarming tastes.

Premium and artisanal: There’s a rising interest in high-quality products with a premium message. This includes everything from luxury chocolates to craft spirits like tequila, which has transitioned from party drink to a premium spirit.

Innovative sweet treats: While traditional desserts remain beloved, there’s also a surge in creative twists on classics—think festive bakery items with unexpected flavour pairings or health-boosting ingredients.

These trends reflect a blend of indulgence and experiential, with consumers seeking both classics and new twists during the festive period.

If I had to pick a favourite new product this Christmas, it would definitely be something sweet—no surprise there, as I’ve got a serious sweet tooth! That’s why I’m absolutely loving our new Premium Selection winter berry Eton mess cheesecake (32692). It’s a luxurious white chocolate cheesecake, topped with a slightly spiced berry compote and crunchy meringue pieces. To me, it’s the perfect festive treat – rich, fruity, and I’m sure it will be a real crowd pleasure this Christmas!