Christmas around the world: a journey through traditions and new opportunities

Christmas is one of those times of year when food becomes emotion, tradition, and above all, an opportunity for premium consumption. For international large-scale retailers, Christmas desserts represent a strategic category: high perceived value, strong seasonality, and great geographical variety.

In this scenario, knowing the most iconic specialties of different countries is not just about gastronomic culture: it means understanding which products could work on the shelves, which trends are emerging, and where Alifood can support retailers and importers in building a more distinctive and international assortment.

Italy, of course, kicks off the journey: Panettone, with its golden dome and fragrant lightness, continues to conquer the world, becoming a symbol of gastronomic elegance every year. From France comes the Bûche de Noël, a log cake that looks like something out of a winter fairy tale, while the German Stollen smells of Nordic celebrations thanks to its rich filling of candied fruit and marzipan.

Further west, in the United Kingdom, mince pies warm homes with their sweet spiciness, while in Spain, polvorones crumble between your fingers like snow. The Latin American Rosca de Reyes prolongs the festive atmosphere until January, and in Scandinavia, the majestic Kransekake ring cake becomes the centerpiece of celebrations. In Asia, Christmas smells of coconut and rice thanks to the Filipino Bibingka, while Chile brings us the soft and aromatic Pan de Pascua. And in Finland, Joulutorttu, puff pastry stars filled with prunes, bring a touch of Nordic lightness.

Behind these desserts are not only recipes, but also commercial opportunities: themed assortments, limited edition lines, gifting proposals, and premium packaging, which attract an increasingly curious and global consumer. For international large-scale retailers, integrating a selection of Christmas specialties can mean standing out, enriching the in-store experience, and transforming seasonality into added value.

Alifood, with its international network and ability to select authentic products from around the world, can support buyers in creating Christmas collections that excite, tell stories, and bring all the magic of the holidays to the shelves.