Festive menu inspiration from the European Union 

As UK food operators new seek ways to differentiate their offering this Christmas, the European Union (EU) presents a valuable and trusted source of excellent quality and authentic produce, perfect for celebratory meals and parties.  

 

Furthermore, by sourcing from the EU, chefs and sommeliers can be assured of the highest standards of safety, quality and sustainability in the world. 

 

With 27 Member States, covering vast and varied landscapes and climates, the diversity of ingredients produced in the EU offers restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels a wealth of festive treats. From award-winning cured meats and cheeses, confectionery and baked goods, beers, wines and spirits, each country’s longstanding traditions and production techniques provide products of character and quality.  

 

The success of European products in the Great Taste Awards, the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme, is testament to the passion and craftsmanship of EU producers. In 2024, a Greek product was once again crowned supreme champion, with Authentiko Cretan Honey following the success of Greek Galotyri PDO cheese in the 2023 awards. In total, 16 food items from Greece received three Great Taste Awards stars and 17 products from Italy were also awarded three stars. For food establishments looking for the best of the best, these ingredients provide the perfect starting point. 

 

Danish Danablu PGI

 

Sharing boards with distinction 

For operators seeking something different to add interest to their platters this party season, the EU offers many distinctive cheeses and cured meats. Surprise and delight your customers with a change from the traditional. 

 

The EU produces thousands of varieties of cheese encompassing soft, hard, rind-washed and blue and using milk from cows, sheep, goats and buffalo and there are more than 250 varieties of cheeses registered as protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI).

 

Lithuania’s Lietuviškas varškės sūris PGI has milky, smoky flavours that pair well with jam and honey. Croatia’s Paški sir PDO is produced from a unique breed of sheep known for their intensely salty milk and Austrian Tiroler Bergkäse PDO is characterised by its powerful, fully aromatic taste, and melting texture. Danish Danablu PGI is often referred to as the country’s equivalent to Italy’s Gorgonzola PDO and Sörmlands Ädel PGI from Sweden has tangy, salty flavours expected of blue cheese.

 

Prosciutto di Parma PDO

 

According to Patrick McGuigan, cheese writer, educator and advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink Campaign’, cheese also provides an opportunity to cross sell and upgrade the dining experience. He says: “A Manchego cheese naturally goes well with Jerez PDO sherry and Rioja PDO wine from Spain; and smoked Irish Cheddar pairs well with Irish whiskey.” 

 

The EU produces 14.5 million tonnes of cured meats with many charcuterie options to provide something special for the festive sharing board. Whilst Spanish Ibérico ham, Dehesa de Extremadura PDO and Italian Prosciutto di Parma PDO are widely known, to offer diners something new, look further north and east. Bulgarian Gornooryahovski sudzhuk PGI is a succulent salami made only from the beef of well-fed cattle. Finland’s Aito saunapalvikinkku PGI has a tender texture thanks to the direct smoking method of production.

 

Stock up on the sparkling  

From Albariño in Spain to Zweigelt in Austria, the EU has an abundance of varietals stretching across the continent and a longstanding and crucial place in the world’s wine production. In recent years there have been exciting developments in regions not previously recognised for quality wines, such as Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia.  

 

Neil McAndrew, advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink Campaign’ and a wine industry professional of 30 years standing, states that when it comes to Christmas celebrations the most popular choices are sparkling wines. These are especially appealing for operators as they are available at a range of price points to suit most budgets.  

 

Neil says: “Cava PDO from Spain, Crémant PDO from France and Prosecco PDO from Italy offer an accessible option for Christmas parties whilst for those who want to splash out, it is good to have a few magnums of Champagne PDO.”  

 

For specific examples across the sparkling wine category, it is worth seeking those with geographical indications such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).  

 

With the market for organic wine estimated at €9.7 billion in 2013 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.4% from 2024 to 2030, it is also worth considering natural and organic options. Petillant Naturel, (naturally sparkling wines made using techniques that predate the times of the traditional method) are perfect for those who want to raise a toast with something a little different or who prefer their wine without any additives.  

 

Champagne PDO

 

Christmas with a conscience 

At The Caterer’s recent Sustainability Summit, Simon Atkins spoke about the urgent need to push sustainability, in light of the agri-food sector’s impact on the environment.  

 

With the Green Deal, the EU is moving towards food systems that decrease the impact of agriculture on the environment and climate. 

 

This transition towards a sustainable model has already yielded results and across the EU we are already seeing positive improvements both on a national and pan-European level¹. Greenhouse gas emissions from the EU farm sector have been reduced by 32% since 1990².

 

With a commitment to sustainable practices, safety, quality and authenticity guaranteed, the EU gives operators the opportunity to serve diners Christmas indulgence with good conscience this year.  

 

For more information about the EU’s More Than Only Food & Drink campaign, visit enjoy-its-from-europe.campaign.europa.eu/united-kingdom/en