Christmas dinner is the heart of the holiday celebrations, where families and friends gather around the table to share a special meal. With the cost of living on everyone’s minds, this year’s holiday shopping choices reflect a mix of pragmatism and indulgence. To explore these trends, ISN conducted a survey of 500 buyers between 25 and 65 years olddelving into their priorities, budgets, and grocery preferences for the holiday party.
Price vs. Quality: What is most important?
The survey revealed a division in priorities:
- 52% of buyers prioritized pricesearching for the best value amid an avalanche of supermarket deals.
- 48% leaned towards qualityemphasizing the importance of premium ingredients and festive enjoyment, even if it came with a higher cost.
Competition between supermarkets has been fierce, with offers ranging from chocolate bars for as little as 15p to sumptuous Christmas dinner packages catering for the most extravagant tastes. The wide variety available has given buyers more choice than ever, but has also highlighted the importance of balancing affordability with quality.
Where are buyers heading?
When asked where they would buy their Christmas dinner, Aldi and Lidl emerged as popular options for their unbeatable prices, while M&S y Waitrose They were favored by those seeking high-quality, luxury items. Tesco y Sainsbury’s appealed to a middle ground, offering a combination of affordability and premium options.
Budgets: a sign of the times
The survey also revealed information about Christmas dinner budgets:
- 35% plan to spend less than £50focusing on economical options.
- 40% budgeted between £50 and £100with the aim of achieving a balanced but forgiving spread.
- 25% are willing to spend more than £100investing in premium meals and specialty items.
Curiously, 62% of respondents reported having a smaller food budget compared to last yearreflecting the continued impact of inflation and economic uncertainty. Despite this, many expressed a desire to maintain the magic of Christmas through creative meal planning and strategic shopping.
A changing landscape for holiday shopping
Supermarkets have responded to these challenges with specific offers and promotions. Budget chains are introducing value packs, while premium retailers are showing off their best holiday selections. The result is a competitive market that serves a wide range of needs and preferences.
This year’s results highlight the evolving priorities of shoppers, who face financial pressures and strive to create memorable holiday celebrations. Whether they focus on saving costs or splurging on quality, the holiday season remains a time of togetherness and tradition.
The spirit of Christmas dinner
Ultimately, ISN’s holiday shopper survey highlights a timeless truth: the spirit of Christmas dinner is defined not by prices or brands, but by the joy of gathering with loved ones. Supermarkets play a crucial role in making this possible, offering options that allow each person to adapt their celebrations to their particular circumstances.
As the holiday season approaches, let’s take the opportunity to share good food, good company and good will, whatever our budgets.