Thanksgiving Gains Popularity in the UK
Thanksgiving is becoming increasingly popular across the UK, evolving into somewhat of an obsession among Britons. Interestingly, it’s the younger generation—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—who are driving this trend. A study by Mintel found that 42% of these age groups have attended a Thanksgiving meal, while 16% plan to host or experience it for the first time this November. In fact, over half of those surveyed believe that American holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween are growing into significant events on the British calendar.
Trish Cady, an associate director at Mintel, mentioned that this rising interest in Thanksgiving reflects a broader enthusiasm for American cuisine. It’s more about celebrating food—like a culinary festival—than it is about embracing the cultural elements usually associated with it. People, it seems, are increasingly drawn to themed dining experiences, creating social connections around unique and limited-time offerings.
Pumpkin and Apple: The Great Dessert Debate
This new culinary excitement is appearing on British dinner tables. For example, Pipers Farm in Devon reported a 38% increase in the sales of turkeys and Thanksgiving-themed products in the weeks leading up to last year’s holiday, and they expect similar growth this year. They’ve even expanded their offerings to include a wider range of turkey parts and sizes.
Online grocery retailer Ocado is experiencing a similar surge in demand. They reported a whopping 440% growth in searches for “Thanksgiving” compared to the previous year, with “pumpkin spice” searches skyrocketing by more than 550%. Some American snack brands are thriving as well—sales of Herr’s Buffalo Blue Cheese Curls surged by 410%, while Newman’s Own Ranch Dressing sales more than doubled.
Sweet Potato and Canned Pumpkin Sales Soar
UK grocery data indicates a significant rise in the sales of sweet potatoes and canned pumpkin, with increases of 45% and 60%, respectively. Meanwhile, restaurants are also cashing in. At CUT, located at 45 Park Lane in London, chef Elliott Glover has expanded Thanksgiving offerings to accommodate over 180 diners. The restaurant’s Bar 45 is featuring themed items like turkey croquettes, pecan pie, and even bacon-wrapped dates.
This growing enthusiasm for Thanksgiving fits into a broader trend among Britons who are not only curious about local cuisine but also eager to explore global flavors. According to Innova Market Insights, there’s been an 8% rise in American-inspired food products in the UK as consumers seek out bold flavors with a bit of an exotic twist.
A report by Tokio Marine HCC echoes this sentiment. It notes that while inflation is affecting shopper habits, unconventional dining experiences remain a significant growth factor within the food and hospitality sectors.
