With Christmas fast approaching, Australian consumers are changing how they plan their holiday feasts, opting for more affordable and accessible options. According to recent data from Coles, chicken is becoming increasingly popular, with sales expected to double versus last December, alongside ham maintaining its place as the centerpiece of many Christmas tables.
While turkey remains a stable option for traditionalists, its sales have noticeably declined. Fred Harrison, chief executive of Ritchies IGA, noted, "The old turkey is coming down [in popularity]. People are now often turning to the boneless turkey roll rather than whole turkeys... the cost of living does have a little bit to do with people jumping for chicken." This trend of cost-efficiency has led many to prefer chicken, which is often seen as one of the cheapest proteins available. Australian Chicken Meat Federation chief executive Mary Wu added, "Every Australian, on average, eats around 50 kilograms of chicken meat per year, equivalent to a kilo a week." The shift rapidly impacts how families celebrate Christmas.
Ham, on the other hand, is expected to thrive this festive season. Approximately 3 million kilograms of Christmas ham is forecasted to fly off the shelves at Coles, with major retailers offering half-leg hams priced at $8 per kilo. Margo Andrae, chief executive of Australian Pork Limited, stated, "Ham is traditionally quite a strong centerpiece, and we've seen an increase in fresh pork sales..." This reflects not only consumer preference but also the cultural significance of ham as part of the holiday dinner.
Compared to last year, Ritchies IGA has seen its ham sales increase by approximately 20 to 25 percent. Harrison remarked, “It doesn’t matter what budget you have for Christmas or how many people are sitting around your Christmas table, pork has an option for you.” This versatility and affordability make ham appealing to many families during the holiday.
Alongside ham and chicken, the sales of pre-cooked roasts are on the rise. Harrison reported, “We have order after order for roasted chickens for Christmas Day.” Christmas Eve is expected to be particularly busy for stores, as they prepare to fulfill customer demands. Seafood is also gaining traction, with consistent increases year over year, aligning with the festive spirit of the season.
Interestingly, other food items such as root vegetables have seen unexpected demand too. Harrison noted the growing popularity of traditionally overlooked root veggies: "Who eats turnips and parsnips normally? Probably not a lot of people," he said, emphasizing how these vegetables come alive during Christmas.
The overall trend suggests significant changes to the typical Christmas meal as more Australians seek affordable alternatives without sacrificing the festive spirit. While traditions evolve, the enjoyment of festive gatherings remains strong, with ham continuing to hold its ground as a beloved staple. The increasing influence of living costs will likely shape the future of holiday dinners, forcing families to adapt or innovate their culinary choices.
