In conjunction with launching it’s 2019 Christmas range, Bidfood commissioned a report looking at what Christmas in 2029 will include.
Ten years from now, the technology for Christmas has been predicted to include microchips and skin-embedded sensor device slowing operators to take into consideration genetic health and microbiome unique to customer’s individual nutritional needs. Rather than Christmas Roasts, dishes and flavours are more likely to be more individual and inspired by the seasons and global food trends as we become more connected as one world.
Lucy Pedrick, senior insights manager at Bidfood, said: “Commissioning a report on the future of Christmas food has provided some real food for thought. It’s great to see that the rise of out-of-home dining will mean celebrations become more inclusive and community led.
“This year we’ve not only looked at what current food trends are driving consumer demand, but we’ve also taken a deep dive into the history books to look at what influences remain from the past, as well as worked with Food Futureologist, Dr Morgaine, to understand what will be driving food and drink innovation and trend in the future.”
Christmas of the futures will include the use of an already-growing virtual reality (VR) sphere, with far-flung family members and celebrity guests conjured up using VR and hologram technology. 3D printing will allow intricate dessert designed that may take centre stage over a turkey or nut roast in a room with LED wallpaper displays that will allow consumers, at the push of a button, to change the theme of the room to suit the vibe, perhaps with textured cutlery and edible glasses.
It will morph into a community event as people seek to deepen their social ties. ‘Festive feasting’ will become a collaborative affair, with customers contributing to shared out-of-home meals by bringing along locally grown ingredients and produce for chefs to use, probably grown in community hubs, co-operative spaces, or foraged for.
The growing concern around sustainability will also grow as conscious gifting becomes more popular. Rather than stockings filled with presents wrapped in paper of other materials, people will become more consciously ware of the impact mass consumerism will have on the environment. Instead gift-giving will focus on experiences and the gift of time, rather than physical presents. Christmas cards will become fully digital, with fabric wrapping used to encase the minimal physical gifts and decorations becoming more sustainable.
Alcohol will also be off the menu, instead drinks will deliver mood and heath enhancement. Instead of getting people drunk, alcohol will play more of a role in puddings, with dessert courses crafted around them instead. Think bourbon nut butters and wine-infused ice cream that may also contain health-enhancing ingredients such as CBD.
Pedrick added: “This year’s Bidfood range gives a nod to Christmas through time. Retro-inspired desserts such as sherry trifle cheesecake and salted caramel arctic roll bring a sense of nostalgia; products like footlong pigs in blankets and a wide selection of plant-based options tie in with current consumer preferences; whilst other dishes include gin & elderflower cheesecake, cranberry and camembert bread ring, and treasure dome tart look to the future. These future-inspired plates all play into predictions such as the growing popularity of boozy puds, collaborative sharing dishes and theatrical plates that will surprise and delight.
“Whilst everyone has their own idea of what the future will look like, what we do know is that Christmas will always be focused around food, it’s what brings us together, inspires and bonds us. That, for one, will never change.”