Austrians spend more than 300 million euros on culinary Christmas classics and delicacies. What’s on your table this year?
The cash registers never sound sweeter. Even though Austria is saving more this year, things have developed very positively for many providers before the holidays.
Small luxury snacks give a festive feeling
“Now people spend more money. In December we achieve 30 percent of our annual turnover,” reports Peter Spak, for example, who supplies customers with Hink poultry chocolates, parfaits & co. Small luxury snacks give customers a festive feeling.
Rudolf Berger, head of the eponymous factory: “Ham is in high season around the holidays. Demand will increase by up to 25 percent.” Pies are also a popular dish. Shank benefits from the taste for salmon and caviar, with Fink pickles and jams are a hit.
“Christmas is celebrated very traditionally and people buy what they always prepare for Christmas Eve and the holidays with their families,” says Spar manager Nicole Berkmann. In some cases, customers buy a little less of the tried-and-true when money is tight.
What’s on the table for the Austrians
This is also underlined by the list of delicacies that the Austrians are serving this year: fondue and raclette, sausages (soup) and cold delicacies are among the popular classics.
trend towards convenience
During the table marathon, which is in the house until St. Stefan’s Day, many look for relaxation so that there is time for family and guests. “There is a demand for products that only need to be finished or that can be cooked quickly.” explains Unimarkt boss Andreas Haider. Iglo also benefits from the trend towards convenience. Cold plates are often ordered from Spar. A duck with side dishes was also ready for takeaway if ordered in time.
Even Transgourmet boss Thomas Panholzer does not notice any reluctance to buy – there is only partial demand for alternatives to fine parts or expensive products for meat and fish.
The pre-Christmas period is especially important for the traditional Viennese butcher shop Radatz. “We have customers who buy meat for the holidays for more than 500 euros,” reports Franz Radatz. Responding to the trend, he offers pre-cooked individual parts (eg goose) for smaller households.
“We are very satisfied with this year’s Christmas business,” says Billa spokesperson Paul Pöttschacher. Despite rising prices, customers liked to treat themselves. Rewe scores, among other things, with culinary delights in a glass for two and its own holiday assortment.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
