As the weather warms up and the BBQ is dusted off, New Zealanders are preparing their festive menus, and Woolworths is revealing insights into what Kiwi shoppers are putting in their trolleys, and planning for the big day. 

The ever-divise Christmas mince pie seems to be making a comeback in 2024 with demand up 17% on this time last year.

Over three million fruit mince pies will be sold in Woolworths stores by the end of the season - requiring 63 tonnes of fruit mince and just under 43 tonnes of flour.

Trifle also seems to be back on the dessert menu in a big way with custard sales up 10% on last year while cream is 10-15% up on last year.

It’s been a tough year for many and budget is top of mind this holiday season.

Half of Woolworths shoppers say they’re more financially constrained for Christmas this year and 21% think they’ll spend less on food compared to last year, with many looking for great value and cheaper food options.

Seasonal fruit is looking fantastic and Kiwi shoppers are making the most of delicious berries at great prices.

In November, they bought 244 tonnes of strawberries, 35 tonnes of blueberries and 2.2 tonnes of raspberries. Strawberries will be one of the most sold items in Woolworths stores in the lead-up to Christmas.

New Zealanders can’t resist the classic Christmas Ham - it still reigns supreme as the top protein with over 400 tonnes of ham expected to be sold in Woolworths stores this Christmas.

The award-winning Woolworths Free Farmed Ham on the Bone is on Low Price in time for Christmas, meaning the price will stay the same for weeks.

Lamb legs are still a popular choice for the BBQ - around 200 tonnes of lamb legs are purchased over the holidays. Innovative new products, like a carvery lamb leg, are predicted to make it even easier to be a carving expert this year.

Outside of the classic proteins, more New Zealanders are turning to lighter flavours for their holiday cooking with seafood options like salmon and prawns making their way onto the table, as well as plenty of fresh salads and seasonal vegetables.

Many New Zealanders are changing it up when it comes to their drink of choice with demand for Low Carb Beer up 32%, and Low Alcohol and Light wines proving popular. A new option making it into the basket is Sake with demand up 10%.

The traditional favourites are still a top pick too with sparkling wine, particularly champagne and prosecco, always a holiday classic.

It’s all pretty simple in the end though and there’s nothing like spending the day with family - 75% of Woolworths shoppers say that the perfect Christmas day involves a family meal at home or a relative’s house. 

Woolworths New Zealand’s commercial director Pieter de Wet said it’s a special time of year and everyone deserves to be able to celebrate their unique traditions with delicious food that’s great value. 

“New Zealanders want us to help them find great value with their holiday menu, whatever that looks like, and we’ve created a fantastic lineup of offers that do exactly that. We have a number of seasonal products on Low Price which keeps prices the same for weeks and weeks, as well as our regular specials and member prices in the lead-up to the big day.”