REVELLERS GET DUCKS IN A ROW EARLY
AUSTRALIANS have been stockpiling their favourite Christmas treats almost a month earlier than usual, with a massive surge in puddings, pavlovas and fruit mince sales.
November sales for pavlovas and puddings were up 40 per cent on last year, while there was a 20 per cent rise for fruit mince pies, according to supermarket Coles. Lobster sales were up 40 per cent on last November.
Woolworths saw a similar trend with ham and cheese expected to be up 20 and 30 per cent on last year.
The early Christmas food frenzy is being attributed to people wanting to be better organised post-lockdowns.
“Our mangoes come from northern Queensland, and Queenslanders consume the most volume of mangoes during the festive season,” Coles chief executive of commercial and express Greg Davis said.
“While the East Coast tends to consume the most volume of festive favourites like puddings, pavlovas and fruit mince pies, it’s interesting to see that South Australia and Tasmania are actually consuming twice as much.
“Customers are also spreading their shop over the two months rather than the week leading up to Christmas – traditionally our busiest period.”
Woolworths commercial director Jason McQuaid said entertaining essentials like cheese was driving “increased demand”.
“The vast majority of cheese in our prepacked space is made here in Australia, particularly with brie and camembert where the major brands like Tasmanian Heritage, King Island or even our own Thomas Dux brie and camembert are made locally,” he said.
“We also have lots of specialty lines from overseas, so for those staying at home this year they can still explore the world via their cheese platter.”
Aldi was contacted, but did not reply by time of publication.