Tim Shearer, Marketing Manager for 3G Food Service & Seafood Solutions discusses the delicious festive fare available to caterers this Christmas…

Credit Crunch Christmas:
This year, we are confident that consumers will still want to celebrate with Christmas parties and functions. However, in light of the current economic climate, they will most certainly be more careful about where, and how much money they spend. I believe we will see outlets competing head-on with the major multiple supermarkets for the leisure pound, as some consumers may opt to socialise with friends and family at home this Christmas.

With this in mind, it’s essential for caterers to speak to their foodservice supplier as early as possible to put their Christmas menu together. A good foodservice supplier will be able to advise which products are suitable for an individual venue and will also be able to help with menu planning. Caterers should be on the lookout for what new products are available from their suppliers and any potential promotions they will be running.

Whilst caterers need to ensure they are offering value for money this Christmas, it will still remain a special time of the year when people are more likely to be tempted into treating themselves or others. Consumers will still be looking for a good choice and high quality produce, in addition to a friendly, festive atmosphere. Outlets still need to differentiate themselves from the competition to attract trade and offer something more than just a traditional Turkey option. For example, this can be achieved by including an innovative fish-based starter and main course dish on the menu, or by offering a buffet option instead of a sit down meal.

Parties & Buffets:
There are some delicious mini buffet and canapé products available that will attract the interest of diners and are ideal for Christmas parties. These include Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagels, Crispy Duck Spring Rolls, Turkey & Cranberry Mini Yorkshire Puddings, Beef & Horseradish Mini Yorkshire Puddings, Mini Beef Wellingtons, Mini Christmas Puddings and Mini Quiche Pick-ups.

These can be served either as part of a shared starter, buffet, or even as complementary canapés prior to a sit down meal.

Christmas essentials:
To help chefs put their Christmas menus together, good foodservice suppliers will offer a wide range of the essentials required to make it through the festive season - from turkey dinner with all of the trimmings to lighter fish and seafood alternatives for those who want to save the turkey until the day itself.

There’s also a variety of frozen, high quality main courses that will work well on festive menus, including Lamb Henry in Port & Cranberry Gravy; Mushroom, Brie & Cranberry Wellington and Wild Mushroom Risotto. These dishes are quick and easy to prepare and serve – which will certainly help time-strapped chefs during the busiest time of the year!

For a lighter starter or main course, why not opt for a fish dish? Smoked Salmon is always popular at Christmas and there’s some delicious, premium Scottish Salmon available. Delicious varieties include Traditional Whole Smoked Salmon, Peat Smoked Salmon, Malt Whisky Smoked Salmon, Romanov Smoked Salmon and Lemon & Pepper Smoked Salmon.

And don’t forget the desserts! Many consumers do like Christmas pudding at this time of year, however for those that don’t (or those already tired of it) ensure that you have a good selection of alternative premium desserts on your menu. Filled with festive spirit, Christmas is an ideal time to persuade consumers to trade up!

Full details of all products, orders and special offers can be obtained by calling the 3G Customer Service Centre on 0870 850 5213 or by visiting the company’s website at www.3gfoodservice.co.uk.  Customers can also register online to regularly receive latest information, Product Guides and product updates.