Australia and New Zealand’s festive season is all about outdoor gatherings, reflecting the region’s unique blend of summer warmth and holiday traditions. As people flock to prepare feasts and stock up on seasonal produce and products, food retailers tailor their offerings to capture the essence of this time.
SWEET
Sweet flavours play a major role in festive dishes and summer barbecues – even in savoury recipes. The use of local tropical fruits like mango, pineapple and passionfruit helps create a distinctly regional take on the sweet flavour profile. Think pineapple glaze over pork, or a mango marinade for chicken to get that perfect balance of sweetness and summer freshness.
SMOKY
The smoky barbecue flavour is a true summer essential and increasingly popular for festive meals. Whether slow-cooked brisket, smoked ham or flame-grilled sausages, smoky flavours are near-essential for a holiday feast enjoyed outdoors. Australia and New Zealand’s love of barbecues, combined with influences from the United States and South America, makes smoky marinades and rubs a popular choice for customers looking to add depth and boldness to their meats.
GARLIC
Garlic is a universally loved flavour that enhances a wide range of dishes. Whether in a rich lamb marinade or a slow-cooked garlicky lemon roast chicken, garlic is essential in many memorable meals. Migrant communities, especially from Mediterranean and Asian backgrounds, often bring their garlic-laden culinary traditions to the table, resulting in its growing popularity during summer celebrations.
SPICED
Spiced flavours, including cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, are synonymous with the festive season, but in Australia and New Zealand, they often take on a modern twist when combined with summer ingredients. Spiced lamb with a cumin and cinnamon rub, or pork with a touch of paprika and chilli taps into the cultural diversity that makes Australasia’s cuisine so exciting. These bold and vivid flavours are ideal for those wanting to add a bit of heat to their festivities, often drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
HERBY
Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint and parsley bring a sometimes-needed light, fragrant freshness to more robust meats in summer. A rosemary-crusted leg of lamb or a herbed butter spread over the season’s turkey delivers a classic flavour that suits both traditional and modern tastes.
The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and the vibrancy of the season makes these flavours a natural fit for food retailers looking to offer diverse and refreshing options for their customers.
