Christmas is more than just turkey and tinsel

Ocado sees sales of alternative Christmas goodies soar

As Brits prepare for the most wonderful time of the year, online retailer Ocado has revealed that it’s not just mince pies and mistletoe getting us into the festive spirit this Christmas. Whether opting for cheese from France or ginger biscuits from Scandinavia, shoppers are embracing a whole host of tasty European treats as they stock up their kitchen cupboards in time for the big day.

Ocado has seen an incredible increase in the sales of products from their Scandinavian, French and Free From web shops over the last three weeks, indicating that Brits are set to enjoy some alternative delicacies in addition to traditional favourites around the Christmas dinner table this year. To accompany a seasonal tipple of sherry or mulled wine, sales of Scandinavian Pickled Herring have rocketed, whilst French cheeses such as Brie and Camembert are set to take pride of place on the customary Christmas cheese board.

Britain’s two million food allergy sufferers are also relishing the opportunity to enjoy a real taste of Christmas. Sales of products from Ocado’s Free From web shop, including Nut Free Christmas Pudding, Gluten Free Mince Pies and Orgran gluten free gravy mix, have grown by a huge 119 per cent in the lead up to the festive period, compared to 2011.

• Scandinavian Nyakers Pepparkakor (ginger biscuits) – sales up 73 per cent in the last three weeks
• Scandinavian Herring in Onion Marinade – sales up 121 per cent in the last three weeks
• Camembert – sales up by 33 per cent in the last three weeks
• Brie – sales up by 25 per cent in the last three weeks
• Gluten free chocolates – sales up by 50 per cent in the last week
• Gluten Free Stuffing Mix- sales up by 100 per cent in the last week

Jason Gissing, Ocado co-founder, comments: “We’ve seen a massive rise in the popularity of our French, Scandinavian and Free From ranges this year and it would appear that this trend is set to continue over the festive period. Ocado customers love to experiment and while a traditional turkey dinner is still the norm, more people than ever are choosing an alternative Christmas and adding some exciting Free From and European flavours to their celebration.”

For more information and to see the full range visit www.ocado.com.

Not only does Ocado have all your gift needs sorted; the UK’s biggest online grocer is full of Christmas essentials, decorations and festive food to help you celebrate right through to 2013. A few quick clicks and you’ll have everything you need delivered straight to your door.

Making life even easier, Ocado offers Christmas basket-filling flexibility around the clock, with its innovative Ocado on the Go app mobile app, allowing customers to avoid the high-street hassle and spend more time with the people they love this festive season.