Booker launches dedicated Christmas food and drink advice hub

Booker has launched a dedicated online Christmas hub and guide containing menu inspiration and ingredients to support hospitality operators through the busy party period. The wholesaler noted that elevated nostalgic dishes and world flavours are set to dominate menus this festive season, and its 2026 Christmas collection is designed to help operators get ahead of the curve to drive footfall and bookings, and in turn, to maximise profits and deliver a successful dining experience for customers.

This ‘newstalgia’ theme is about balancing familiar favourites and comfort foods with world flavours and contemporary updates to make menus feel on-trend and indulgent without losing their core seasonal appeal. Booker’s selection of own brand starters, main meal components, meat-free dishes, sides and accompaniments are designed to help busy kitchens deliver quality seasonal menus quickly and efficiently, offering ready-to-cook and partially prepared options that save time and labour, while still allowing chefs to add their own creative touch. The wholesaler also offers a selection of British and global cheese options, a portfolio of beers, wines, spirits, no and low alcohol drinks, as well as tableware, crackers and decorations.

Starter dishes include Chef’s Premium coquille St Jacques, smoked salmon terrine and cheddar cheese souffle. For the main event, contemporary options such as venison and duck pie, brie, pancetta and cranberry mac and cheese bring something unusual to the table, while classics such as carvery gammon, pork joint and stuffed turkey breast joint can appeal to those seeking traditional favourites.

At the butchery counter, operators can access bespoke advice and custom meat cuts and joints to suit their specific menu requirements, from prime beef, gammon and pork, and turkey including chilled and frozen whole birds, crowns and ready-to-slice cuts. Beyond meat, Booker stocks fresh fish fillets and prepared seafood main courses, as well as plant-based options such as the Fat Chef beetroot and butternut squash wellington and Mediterranean vegetable tart.

Sharing boards and group grazing have been trending throughout the year, and this is set to continue into the festive season as groups meet up for casual dining and drinking. Booker has launched a selection of items that can work well on boards and sharers under its Food to Share range, including on-trend options such as frickles (fried pickles), kimchi hash browns, pork and nduja meatballs, breaded jalapeño peppers and hoi sin duck bao buns. Alongside classics such as Christmas pudding and mince pies, Booker pointed to demand for flavours such as pistachio, Biscoff, cherry and lemon.

Its new festive desserts range includes options such as white chocolate, cherry and praline torte, and a chocolate and ginger tart – fusing familiar formats with popular flavours. Available under Booker’s own brand tiers, Chef’s Essentials, Chef’s Menu and Chef’s Premium, the Christmas 2026 range is designed to suit different operator needs, price points and venues - from pubs, bars and restaurants to festive markets, street food stalls and casual diners.

Nev Irani, Booker’s managing director for foodservice, says: “Our Christmas 2026 collection has been designed to help busy operators meet consumer demand for nostalgic flavours, trending ingredients, and versatile dining experiences – with an eye on shifts in eating habits whilst being mindful of cost challenges. “The holiday season is all about meaningful, memorable moments, and food and drink can really make or break the occasion.

We’re here to bring the quality, choice, service and value that operators need for a successful festive season, along with product consistency to ensure every order meets customer expectations, minimises wastage and maintains operational efficiencies across busy kitchens.”