Speciality Food September 2025

can feel included in the ritual of celebration, whether it’s through gifting the perfect spirit alternative or having 0% fizz on hand for a toast,” begins MariamMahmud, co-founder of Kahol. “On an individual level, what often gets overlooked is the almost magical role spirit replicas play in allowing those who have given up drinking, particularly for health reasons, the chance to recreate their favourite festive traditions.” Still unsure how to present low/ no options? The answer is in offering them as clear-cut alternatives to conventional options, andmaking the customer journey as smooth as possible. “Generally across drinks retailing I think there is an opportunity to move towards presenting non alcoholic drinks shoulder to shoulder with alcohol to optimise both the browsing experience for the customer and also the purchasing opportunity for the retailer,” she advises. “In the same way we see dairy alternatives sitting alongside cow’s milk and vegan sausages alongside the traditional kind, customers should be presented with both options at point of purchase. The Christmas period is a particularly hectic time and I think the more that can be done to make purchasing decisions seamless the better.” Many shoppers have traditionally felt uncomfortable paying seemingly high prices for non-alcoholic drinks, but with smart promotion and education –making sure that the full retail team is genned up – it doesn’t need to be a sticking point. “Pricing has always been sensitive thing in the category – historically prices have been driven, and justified, by the cost of innovation and small batch size – but increasingly we LAUREN DENYER WSET SCHOOL LONDON RICHARD TRING THE APERITIVO! CO MARK KACARY THE NORFOLK DELI COMMENTATORS CHRIS POLLARD MANGROVE MARIAM MAHMUD KAHOL @specialityfood 34 cocktails. Martinis, Negronis, Old- Fashioneds, all with twists to those usual flavours that satisfy modern drinkers.” When it comes to making your drinks selection stand out during party season, supplying shoppers with the classics they turn every winter – while helping them create an occasion – will reap rewards. “Christmas is an excuse to glitz things up a bit, chuck a sparkler in a cocktail, down the obligatory yearly eggnog, crack openmore bubbles than usual. We like to mark an occasion,” says Lauren. “Christmas is a great time for fortified wine, such as Port, Madeira and Sherry. Not only do they provide a lovely warmth at a notably cold time of year they are excellent as a digestif (and lower alcohol than spirits), or with a cheese plate. Christmas is a rare period where we have time to indulge and linger after a meal. Snacking on cheese while sipping a Tawny Port or a slightly sweet Madeira is hard to beat! So while these wines are classics, they also tend to be pretty seasonal.” Don’t forget low/no Every party will have a handful of guests who don’t drink alcohol, so it pays to stock a few products that will make them feel just as looked after as the conventional drinkers at the do. “The no and low alcohol movement is still strong and growing, no alcohol wine has grown by 8% in 2024 so look out for some 0% alcohol bubbles, there are great ones on the market now,” advises Lauren. “Low and no options are increasingly an important aspect of ensuring all family and friends W hile the cost-of-living crisis is undoubtedly a consideration for shoppers and retailers alike, Christmas is a time where consumers feel able to widen their budgets a little in celebration of the season – for the right product, of course. “The cost- of-living crisis has an impact on everything spirits related. But, the festive period is the one time we see people extend those budgets and reach for higher price points. That trend isn’t expected to change for Christmas 2025,” says Chris Pollard, global sales director at Mangrove. “People will still go out to celebrate, indulge at their Christmas parties, and shop nice gifts for their loved ones. It’s all about winning that custom by delivering the right range and service – and data shows that premiumisation still has a hold when it comes to spirits. So don’t be afraid to opt-up when selecting your range!” Of course, a festive party wouldn’t be the same without a glass (or more) of fizz, says Lauren Denyer, educator at WSET School London. “Champagne will never go out of fashion and the more patriotic premiumfizz lovers may well be reaching for English Sparkling Wine as it is appearing more frequently on supermarket shelves. However for a more wallet friendly alternative, Crémants from the French regions of Alsace, the Loire, Burgundy and Limoux provide great fizz and are delicious andmade in the same way as Champagne.” Warm customers’ cockles When it comes to trending tastes, most can predict what will sell well – flavours that bring warmth, comfort and joy are expected to outsell more refreshing options – but it pays to keep a keen focus on quality and story, says Chris. “We’re expecting spice to be a fan favourite this Christmas, but in the depths of winter we’ll be embracing those deeper, nuttier varieties – like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. We all still seek indulgence in the cooler months, so sweet drinks with dessert type flavours will also likely be prominent. “In terms of wider trends, we’re expecting to see a focus on quality of ingredients and provenance of origin continue; people are more mindful with their drinking nowadays and want to know they’re drinking something high-quality.” Some drinks are seeing their star rising as we enter the festive season. “Rum is set to be the spirit of choice, with all its varieties – but especially its darker variants – taking centre stage,” says Chris. “Nostalgia’s the theme of 2025, so this Christmas expect to see switch-ups of classic RAISE A GLASS The season of celebration is nearly upon us, so now’s the perfect time to refresh your drinks offering... These are the products worth stocking now RETAILER INSIGHT We catch up withMark Kacary, owner of The Norfolk Deli, to find out how his drinks range evolves over the festive period Consumers at Christmas tend to be prepare to spend a little more than they usually would. They are looking for something different, something indulgent. It’s that one time of year when they feel that they can or should be able to spoil themselves or spoil a loved one with something really special. That is why customers visit and look for products like these from STOCKING APERITIFS A solid aperitif range has three pillars, says Richard Tring of The Aperitivo! Co ● VERMOUTHS Dry and sweet vermouths are the backbone of classic aperitif cocktails though rose vermouths are growing in popularity ● BITTERS Our Red Bitter is essential for Negronis and Americanos ● APERITIVO STYLE LIQUEURS Products like our Venice Aperitivo which open up spritz and sour style drinks Rosso Vermouth and Red Bitter work brilliantly in warming spiced cocktails like Negronis or Boulevardiers. They go well with garnishes like orange peel, star anise or cinnamon to give a festive vibe. Orange Triple Sec is a Christmas favourite too, it’s great in mulled wine, and pairs well with fresh oranges, cranberries and festive glassware.