UK retailer Tesco says that it is offering more festive sponges than traditional puddings this year, as customers are increasingly opting for alternative Christmas dessert options.
Last Christmas, the supermarket giant saw demand for sponge alternatives grow by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, while sales of puddings remained stable.
This year, however, it expects even more customers to switch to sponge.
“These sponge alternatives are proving popular as tastes are changing, particularly with younger people who are generally not so keen on fruited puddings,” said Tesco seasonal bakery buyer Vicky Smith.
Festive Offering
This year, Tesco is selling 12 different private label sponge desserts, compared with ten traditional puddings.
This includes a Tesco Finest orange liqueur sponge with Belgian chocolate sauce, and a gingerbread a butterscotch melt pudding.
“Along with sprouts, pudding is now the most divisive part of the festive feast – the choice between a traditional Christmas pud or a modern alternative,” added Smith.
“But if demand carries on at its present rate it might not be too long before the festive sponge takes over completely.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
