Speciality-Food-Magazine-November-December-2024

14 @specialityfood board. Whilst Spanish Dehesa de Extremadura PDO (Ibérico ham) and Italian Prosciutto di Parma PDO are widely known, those seeking something truly different could look further north and east. Bulgarian Gornooryahovski Sudzhuk PGI, is a succulent salami made only from the beef of well-fed cattle. Austrian Gailtaler Speck PGI is characterised by a rich, salty flavour and a well- pronounced aroma of smoked meat, this Carinthian delicacy is typically enjoyed as an appetiser making it another great addition to the grazing board. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Šebreljski želodec PGI is greatly influenced by the region’s climate as well as the traditional W ith the head of a UK supermarket claiming that consumers are purchasing more expensive products instead of dining out, this Christmas provides a significant opportunity for specialist retailers and delis to promote and upsell higher-end products. The UK’s national food and drink retailers have already revealed some of their Christmas gourmet delights, many of which take inspiration fromEurope, albeit with a twist. Seafood and Chorizo Shells, Sweet Spiced Gammon with Citrus Glaze and Panettone Crumb, and Golden Limoncello Stollen Bites, are among the products made with ingredients from the European Union (EU). It is easy to see why these products are finding their way into product development when the EU provides such a wide variety of flavours, textures, and high-quality ingredients. The EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign offers plenty of inspiration for retailers and wholesalers looking to update their festive range this year. The campaign aims to strengthen awareness of the merits associated with EU food and beverage products, namely safety, quality, authenticity and sustainability. Quality and great taste from the EU is assured The success of European products in the Great Taste Awards, the world’s largest andmost trusted food and drink accreditation scheme, is testament to the passion and craftsmanship of EU producers and why they should be front of mind for festive ranges. This year a product fromGreece was once again crowned supreme champion, with Authentiko Cretan Honey following the success of Greek Galotyri PDO cheese in the 2023 awards. In fact, 16 food items from Greece received three Great Taste stars and 17 products from Italy were awarded three stars, highlighting the quality that retailers can source to elevate their festive offering. method of preserving the meat which is cold-smoked for a couple of days, and left to mature between two wooden boards for about 3-5 months. Capitalise on the UK’s taste for Continental Cheeses The EU produces thousands of varieties of cheese encompassing soft, hard, rind-washed and blue; usingmilk from cows, sheep, goats and buffalo. More than 250 varieties of cheeses are also registered as protected designations of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI) . According to Tesco, sales of continental cheeses have seen a surge in the past 18 months with sales of the supermarket’s French Triple Crème Brie up by 100%, followed by Ossau-Iraty PDO up by 80%. Whilst French cheeses dominate in popularity, Tesco’s Gouda Holland PGI from the Netherlands also saw sales increase by 60%. Look to Europe for a wide range of gourmet food and drink to delight your customers FESTIVE FOOD AND DRINK INSPIRATION FROMTHEEUROPEANUNION From aperitifs and wine pairings to succulent meats, charcuterie, several thousand cheeses, and hundreds of sweet desserts, the EU’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) quality schemes , which are applied to products across the member states, also mean that authenticity is assured. Special something for the sharing board According to GlobalData, sharing platters and tapas constitute a 32% share among all UK restaurant types, and with the right advice and product range, there’s great potential to help shoppers recreate these experiences in their homes. The EU produces 14.5 million tonnes of curedmeats with hundreds of products to provide something special for the festive sharing There is truth in the adage ‘what grows together goes together’ so look at offering a goat’s cheese such as Crottin de Chavignol PDOwith a LoireValley SauvignonBlanc or CheninBlanc