What you need to know about party food trends

WHAT FOODS AND DRINKS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR AS PARTY FOOD OPTIONS WITHIN SPECIALITY FOOD AND DRINK? ANY NOTEWORTHY TRENDS?
Our outside catering division has experienced a significant increase in requests for hot hand-held ‘bowl’ food rather than the more traditional buffet style. Party food has always been important, but it is a real feature of a special occasion and without a doubt a talking point amongst guests. Meat and charcuterie products are still selling well and will always be a staple on our shelves, but we find that people are treating themselves to smaller amounts of a more luxury product so that it feels like a real treat rather than buying in bulk quantities for everyday consumption.

ANY PARTICULAR BRANDS OR PRODUCTS THAT SELL WELL AT DELIFONSECA FOR PARTY FOOD OCCASIONS?
When it comes to party food, and Christmas party food in particular, people want to impress without creating too much work for themselves in the kitchen. In the shop, the best party food sellers are still easy-to-do options such as pates, dips, antipasti and charcuterie – items that require little if any preparation and pack a punch in flavour.

WHAT ABOUT DRINKS?
As for drinks, gin hasn’t shown any sign of slowing down. There was a slight move towards gin liqueurs and strong fruit-flavoured varieties, but people seem to have reverted back to more classic gins, albeit with a hint of something extra. Our bestsellers include Turncoats Cascade, Three Graces Rose Gin and Chase Pomelo & Pink Grapefruit. However, we have seen a change in the fizz market, with our customers starting to move from prosecco to other types of sparkling wines. Langlois Cremant de Loire has definitely become one of our best fizz sellers and the magnums are a great hit at Christmas and for parties.