Bidfood shares its festive food insights as part of its product launch to help operators navigate Christmas.  

One of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, Bidfood, has today launched its 2022 festive range, along with a variety of insights and trends to help operators supply exactly what consumers want this Christmas.

This year we expect to see, for the first time since 2019, a much more ‘normal’ festive period. This will include consumers once again having the opportunity to go out for festive foods, Christmas drinks and work parties without the stress and worry of Covid.

But as always, it isn’t entirely smooth sailing for the hospitality industry. The cost of living crisis isn’t showing signs of abating, so its important operators remain savvy with their offerings this year.

The good news is that a third of consumers (32%) intend to socialise as much as they can, making up for lost occasions during lockdown, and only 1 in 10 are cautious about making bookings this year.

To cater to this rise in out of home celebrations, whilst remaining savvy with your offering, Bidfood’s new range takes inspiration not only from festive food, but from autumnal influences too. For example: a chicken, chestnut mushroom and pancetta pie that can be enjoyed alongside baby hassleback potatoes and slow-cooked red cabbage. And, for those with a sweet tooth, a caramel & gingerbread truffle puddle cake to finish.

Value for money is also a top priority for consumers with 2 in 5 people saying that due to the cost of living crisis, getting value for money will be more important than ever when they go out this Christmas time. To support operators with this, Bidfood has developed menu options that elevate a classic dish to make them feel special, whilst not breaking the bank! For example, a slow-cooked beef shin in Chianti sauce with baby pearl onions and duck fat roasted potatoes.

As well as value for money, consumers want their meals and drinks out to feel like more of an occasion. With this in mind, operators would benefit from having an offering appropriate for special occasions with set menus, premium offers and environments that feel that bit more special, unique or luxurious, to set themselves apart from competitors.

As part of the new range, Bidfood has also explored the ‘Wow Factor’ trend launching a number of dessert and on the go items, such as the Phat vegan festive bake comprising pea protein in a rich creamy sauce with cranberry & herb, as well as a chocolate orange tiffin, mince pie brownie traybake and a festive raspberry millionaire slice. All of which can be bought to take away and eat on-the-go in a number of different sustainable packaging options offered within the wholesaler’s extensive packaging range.

Vicky Tripp, Campaign & Brand Manager at Bidfood commented: “It’s easy over the festive period to become focused on traditional Christmas foods and our own personal favourites, to avoid this we have focused our innovation this year to give more to our customers so no one is left out.

“We’ve worked hard over the past 12 months to ensure we have something for everyone, ranging from seafood & fish, on the go items, luxury and nostalgia and of course, free from and meat free.

“With a variety of traditional favourites and exiting new products the Bidfood 2022 range includes a combination of great value foods for consumers to enjoy as well as being easy to prepare, making Christmas that little less hectic for operators.”