Whilst the products that make up your festive menus may favour the traditional staples each year, you don’t need to repeat the past! Within this guide we’ve analysed the latest consumer trends and identified profit margin opportunities to enable you to serve up the classics, but reimagined.
A note from Chris Creed:
“The out of home dining landscape is ever evolving, with 2024 remaining more crucial than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Christmas is a time to bring people together and we hope through inspiration taken from this guide, alongside industry leading customer service from our Creed team, we can deliver a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for both our customers and yours alike.”
Merry Christmas from all at
3Ply Tomato Red Napkin 40cm
“From a chef’s perspective, it’s your time to shine! Consumers are craving flavour twists on the classics this Christmas, meaning your creative culinary flare can take center stage. This doesn’t have to be a complex process however, we’ve pulled out some of our favourite products for 2024 that are sure to deliver without consuming excess time or budget!”
Rob Owen Executive Business Development Chef
“This Christmas is set to be a no-rules Christmas once again! Re-imagining the classics still stands strong, this time with varied global flavours and premium ingredients being combined. We’ll see more planetfriendly choices being prioritised, from seasonal and reusable ingredients to recyclable packaging, but we can’t forget that consumers are still feeling the economic pinch, bringing more affordable and ready-touse options to the fore too. One thing is for certain, the joy of food and drink will be leading the way!”
Anna Clapson Insights Manager
1 in 5 customers agree that spending time with family and friends is the most important reason for eating out at Christmas Lumina Intelligence, 2023
75% of consumers are very value-led when dining out at Christmas Lumina Intelligence, 2023
Red & Cream Tree
Recyclable Crackers 12”
In 2023, dining with friends was the strongest motivation for out of home dining at Christmas, with an increase of 18% compared to the non-festive period. Light bites and sharing platters have seen a large increase in popularity due to a less formal dining environment and a higher perceived value for money between a group.
Charcuti Sliced Chorizo 500g Charcuti Sliced Prosciutto Crudo 500g The Real Cure Mixed Charcuterie Sharing Platter 160g
Cricket St. Thomas Capricorn Goats Cheese 1kg Paterson’s Rough Oatcakes 250g
Finger Licking Light Bites
Whether you’re catering to students or care residents, customers or colleagues, everyone loves a nibble and a dip! We’ve pulled out a few key lines from our range that are simple to serve yet simply delicious, an easy win across all target audiences!
Kitchen ’72 BBQ Marinated Chicken Wings
Kiev Mini Bites
Sweet Chilli Squid Bites
Pairtheseperfectly with Kitchen ’72 Indian SweetChilliSauce!
Selection of Mini Tarts & Quiches
Seasonal salads are in demand right now, yes even in the Winter! Combine the very best of what’s ripe and ready in the festive months and offer a lighter dish to pack in the veggies.
Cheese and Bacon Mini Bites
BUBBLE PRAWNS
Beetroot Falafel
Winter Salad
Artisan Bread
Baguette Part Baked
Soups Galore
BEETROOT SOUP
Soup is your reliable single serve saviour!
We have a range of new flavours in stock for Christmas this year that, when paired with some fresh cream, herbs or croutons, create the perfect winter warmer, from even the most simplistic of kitchens.
Whilst we stock many soups ready to heat and serve - here’s a recipe Creed Chef Joe Oliver thinks would go down a splash this Autumn Winter.
Joe Oliver Business Development Chef
serves 2
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 Large Garlic Clove (crushed)
• 2 Large Fresh Beetroot (peeled & chopped)
• 1 Carrot (roughly chopped)
• 1 Medium Potato (peeled & chopped)
• 900ml Vegetable Stock
• 1 tsp Vinegar
Method
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan.
2. Fry the onion for 5 minutes until soft.
3. Add the garlic, beetroot, carrot, and potato. Continue to cook the vegetables while stirring until they start to soften.
4. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
5. Stir in the cider vinegar, allow to cool before using a blender to liquidise the soup.
6. Serve and garnish with cream.
Leek & Potato Soup
are
Sensational Subs & Sandwiches
The perfect grab & go solution - easily customisable to suit the season and a lowskill lunchtime showstopper. These sandwiches are simple to serve and easy to elevate, what more could you need for a festive feed?
Have you been introduced to our Sub Club concept? Speak to your account manager for more information!
Prioritise quality and traceability with Creed Family Butchers. Our experienced butchery team source our vast range of meat and poultry products from the most highly accredited farms, whilst maintaining competitive pricing and value for money.
Cooked in duck fat and loaded with rosemary – yum!
Don’t Let Your Sides Stay Standard…
Why not opt for blue cheese for a premiumChristmas twist?
Incorporating some simple product dressings and seasonings can elevate your roast dinner offering from passable to memorable. Customers in 2024 are experience led - they are looking for something special. Christmas is the perfect time to stand out from the rest and encourage footfall with enticing twists on the traditional classics.
Britishvegetables roastedtoperfection
Who want’s plain boiled sprouts? Load them up!
Carve Up Something Special
A rib of beef offers the very best of butchery indulgence on your menus. Our Red Tractor assured joint pictured here is sourced from west country farms, local to our Gloucestershire head office and would add a premium pick to your main course selection.
British Chantenay Carrots
Cauliflower Cheese
Roasted Prepared Cut Potatoes
British Brussel Sprouts
Prepared Parsnip Quarters
Red Tractor Assured Carvery Whole Rib of Beef on the Bone
The Juicier, The Better
In 2023, the burger category made up a huge 42% of menu share amongst all restaurant types in the UK, making it a nation favourite go-to dining selection (GlobalData 2023). We believe when it comes to ordering a burger, the bigger and juicier, the better! Festive flavour twists such as the inclusion of an additional pigs-in-blankets sausage patty or speciality cheese really pack in the indulgence to this relatively simple dish. What makes your burger stand out from the rest?
hobbs house ultimate burger bap
Cranberry Sauce
Cornish Brie
kerry maid cheese slices
Pork Sausage Meat Patty
red tractor assured 4oz steak burger
Meat Free Main Courses
Don’t let dietary requirements stop diners from picking up their knife and fork! With 67% of consumers now referring to themselves as extremely sustainability conscious and 34% reducing their meat intake, there is a call for more variety to suit both plant-based and flexitarian taste buds this Christmas.
Salmonishighinomega-3fatty acids, which contribute to a healthyheartandbrain.
Country Range Salmon Portions
ChilliButter Portions
Sweet Potato, Chestnut & Cranberry Loaf
butternut squash and caramelised onion tart
What meal is complete without something sweet?! Paired with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream, these desserts are sure to stir up a smile in any setting, simply thaw and serve!
Anything for Dessert?
These meringues look amazing on their own, but why not load them with fresh fruit and a drizzle of chocolate for something different and delicious!
Simple,butrich andindulgent
Theperfect microwaveable dessert forculinaryease.
Look at those layers
We stock these in a variety of flavours!
Square Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce
Country Range Mulled Berry Cheesecake
Flower & White Chocolate & Raspberry Meringues
Salted Caramel Tart
Sweet Treats On The Go
These are customisable to yourtaste!Fillthemandtop them to suit the season
Pistachiopastriesare ontrendthisyear!
The growth we’ve seen in the ‘mini-treat’ mission amongst consumers has been enormous over the past couple of years, with customers often opting for these smaller sweet indulgences over full meals out. In fact, across the UK it is not uncommon to purchase pastries and cakes for between £4-5 per item!
Whilst the demand is high, the competition is too, and with 70% of consumers stating that they enjoy sweet baked goods with a spin on tradition (Dawn Global Bakery Trends Study, 2022). We suggest decorating and dressing your treats for the festive season, to add the taste of premium to your grab and go offering.
Easily customisable to suit the season – why not add some sparkle!
Plain Ring Doughnut
Red Velvet Doughnuts
Ultimate Chocolate Brownie
Deep Dish Star Mince Pies
Viennese Mince Pies
Individually Wrapped Gluten Free Mince Pie
Cinnamon Bun (Ready to Bake)
White Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies
Festive
Over 60% of consumers said they are experience-led when choosing to dine out of home, making the afternoon tea an ideal offering to generate this footfall.
With a set menu and a single serving, on average customers are willing to spend over £20 per head on an afternoon tea experience, up £5 since 2021 (CGA Food Trends, 2023). Encourage group bookings and occasion dining with a simply stunning afternoon tea offering!
country range scone mix
country range mini cake assortment
Mixed Macarons
Terry’s Patisserie afternoon tea selection
mixed salmon canapes
old spot english real ale chutney
spinach bread slices
tomato bread slices
Speciality hot chocolates are on trend in 2024, how can you level up yours?
For a seasonal twist why not warm up your kombucha product and serve a premiumised mulled version, topped with fresh fruits and spices to taste!
No and Low alcohol beverages are on the rise, offer a nutritious equivalent to quench the demand!
Save time this Christmas and let us do the cooking for you.
Producing the finest Cooked Meats for over 135 years.
The ‘original’ crispy-coated Stealth Fries
Something different this Xmas
Christmas without Meadowland
SICILIAN LEMON TIRAMISU
RASPBERRY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CHOUXNUT
TOFFEE APPLE CRUMBLE TRAYCAKE
Fill Up YouR Baskets
Our full Christmas range will be available to shop from October 2024, stay tuned for more information on the launch! Whilst we’ve included some of our favourite products in this guide, our full range is extensive and sure to cater for all this Christmas. If you’re planning your menus or weighing up options, speak to your account manager for any help or information on the full range, prior to it’s availability in the Autumn.
Or, if you’ve seen something that piques your interest, why not pop in and see the Chefs at our Food Innovation Centre for a day of planning and development? Contact your account manager today to book in!
butternut squash and caramelised onion tart
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
Monday 23rd December - normal opening hours
Tuesday 24th December - normal opening hours
Wednesday 25th December - closed
Thursday 26th December - closed
Friday 27th December - normal opening hours
Saturday 28th December - normal opening hours
Sunday 29th December - closed
Monday 30th December - normal opening hours
Tuesday 31st December - normal opening hours
Wednesday 1st January - closed
Staverton Technology Park, Cheltenham Road, Staverton, Gloucester, GL51 6TQ
