The demand is so huge that that up to 75% of the estimated annual £150M UK party food market takes place in the runup to Christmas.
Tesco party food buyer Fabia Terranova said: “Over the past few years, party food has evolved into the UK’s fastest growing new area of the retail food market, with sales peaking at Christmas.
Strictly viewing parties
“And, with the growing trend for X Factor and Strictly viewing parties, we have seen demand on the rise. In fact, it has doubled in the last couple of years, which is why we have extended our range.”
The firm’s top five party food best sellers are:
1) Cheese and bacon potato skins
2) Garlic mushrooms
3) Duck spring rolls
4) BBQ chicken wings
5) Mozzarella sticks
Festive party food is popular with retailers because it is known to generate other Christmas food sales.
Tesco’s party food range, launched with 10 items in 2004, has now grown to 50 products from global cuisines such as oriental, Asian, and Tex-Mex.
New lines are expected next year.