With Christmas right around the corner, many of us will be prepping and planning for one of the most important parts of the day: the food.
With Kiwis busy rustling up their menus in preparation for the special day, Countdown has already observed a shift in tastes this silly season. Plant-based proteins, low-alcohol beverages and specialty flours have been picking up in popularity, according to data released by the supermarket on Friday, indicating that New Zealanders are embracing healthier diets and attempting to lower their environmental impact.
Here are a few of the trends the Countdown team are seeing this holiday season:
- While ham, chicken and turkey continue to be popular choices for the Christmas table, plant-based protein options are up nearly 30 percent on the same time last year
- Prawn sales are up nearly 10 percent as summer arrives and barbecue season gets underway
- Kiwis bought nearly five tonnes of raspberries, 150 tonnes of fresh whole pineapple, and a whopping 210 tonnes of strawberries in November
- Baking buffs are exploring new recipes as specialty flours and ready-made desserts pick up in popularity over traditional Christmas cakes and puddings, with 386 tonnes of flour, 4800kg of fruit mince and 24,600kg of mixed fruit sold in November alone
- Kiwis are also swimming in jelly and custard with the equivalent of over eight swimming pools worth sold already
- Mince pies still take reign with over 3.7 million tarts made in Countdown bakeries this year: that's 81.5 tonnes of fruit mince, 44.7 tonnes of flour and 18.7 tonnes of margarine
- Demand for prosecco is popping off, with a 14 percent increase in demand in November. Low and zero-alcohol beer and wine options also continue to pick up in popularity
- Nothing says Kiwi Christmas like glazed ham: ham continues to be the protein of choice, with nearly 500 tonnes pre-ordered for Christmas Day already.
Countdown's chief managing director Spencer Sonn says it's great to see Kiwis getting into the Christmas spirit after what has been a difficult year for many, particularly amid rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.
"This holiday season is a chance for everyone to unwind and spend time with friends and family, and it's wonderful to see the different ways Kiwis around the country get ready for Christmas time," Sonn said.
"We've been working hard to make sure we have everything Kiwis need to make their Christmas and summer special. Whether you're after a mince pie, Christmas pudding ordelicious seasonal produce, we've got what you need.
"We are especially pleased to have again supported The Salvation Army as they gear up for the busiest time of year. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of Kiwis, a total of $504,525.36 has been raised online through The Foodbank Project to help those in need this Christmas."
The Foodbank Project encourages Kiwis who can to donate food online to ensure the Salvation Army's food banks are well-stocked ahead of Christmas. So far, $304,525 in donations have been received from generous Kiwis, alongside $200,000 in cash from Countdown.
