Fine food retailers have reflected on a largely positive Christmas trading period as online offerings and gift hampers boosted takings at the end of another difficult year.
Deli and farm shop owners told FFD they had enjoyed a strong December despite the economic headwinds that characterised 2024.
Mark Kacary, managing director at The Norfolk Deli, said the Hunstanton business had “one of our stronger Christmases”.
But he explained that this had “little to do with footfall” and “more to do with the efforts we have made in developing our website and generating corporate hamper gift orders”.
Kacary added that the strong end to 2024 had been important for the deli.
“The business was sufficient to ensure that we could just about pay all our bills for the end of the year.”
Antonio Picciuto, proprietor at Buongiorno Italia, said the Hertfordshire establishment enjoyed “very good” Christmas trading in spite of somewhat subdued footfall.
“Trade felt very patchy in places and there didn’t seem to be the consistent hustle and bustle of previous years,” he said. “But saying all of that, I was very pleased. Nearly all Christmas stock sold.”
Panettone and charcuterie were the biggest contributors to takings, added Picciuto.
Rob Copley, director at Farmer Copleys, said the West Yorkshire business had seen a rise in takings this Christmas.
“Trade was good, we were 15% up on last year,” he said. “Prices were up 10% but people were still buying.”
Despite a “surprising” dip in sales of whole turkeys, the farm shop sold a high volume of turkey meat and beef.
“I think it comes down to convenience,” said Copley. “People are happy to put turkey meat on the table now, which is easier to handle than a full bird.
“We also had a lot more online orders, a shift towards click & collect.”
The festive period showed the importance people put on good food and drink, even during hard economic times, said Copley.
“There didn’t seem to be a cost-of-living crisis. People might not be going on holiday but wanted to have a good Christmas.”
However, Barbakan Delicatessen owner Frankie Dyer said sales were “stagnant” over Christmas “for the first time in many years”.
Increased costs meant the Manchester business made lower profits than during last year’s festive period, she added.
This article first appeared in the January-February 2025 issue of Fine Food Digest.
