#Italy #panettone #Rimini #Christmas 2025 #Dessert Trends

A Sweet Evolution: Dessert Trends for Christmas 2025

As we approach Christmas 2025, the Sigep Observatory has revealed exciting trends in dessert consumption, particularly in Europe, where the market for desserts has seen a robust growth of 6%. The Sigep World Expo, set to take place from January 16-20, 2026, at Rimini Expo Centre, serves as an important platform for showcasing these trends.

The Growing Dessert Market

In the past year, approximately 3.2 billion desserts were consumed outside the home across five major European countries. This indicates that despite the current climate of cautious spending, desserts remain a significant indulgence for consumers. Matteo Figura, an expert in the Out of Home sector, points out that dessert consumption reflects both the resilience of the market and the evolving tastes of consumers.

Innovative Panettone Creations

One of the standout products this Christmas is an innovative take on the classic Italian panettone. Master pastry chef Luigi Biasetto, who is affiliated with AMPI and Relais Dessert, notes a striking 28% increase in sales of leavened products compared to the previous year. This increase is not confined to Italy; international markets are also witnessing phenomenal growth: Paris shows a 28% rise, New York a 40% boost, and Hong Kong a staggering 80% growth.

For the 2025 season, Biasetto has unveiled a 'superfood' version of panettone made with wholemeal flour, seeds, thyme honey, and turmeric. This evolution of panettone showcases how traditional desserts can embrace health benefits without losing their cherished flavor.

Marta Boccanera, a pastry chef from Rome, adds another twist with her purple panettone, which incorporates wholemeal flour packed with anthocyanins, the natural pigments beneficial for health. This creation is enriched with a spectacular pistachio and wild strawberry cream, catering to the modern consumer's desire for both aesthetics and taste.

Trends in European Dessert Choices

On the broader European market, the demand for panettone continues to skyrocket, with the pistachio-flavored variant emerging as the most sought-after choice. José Miguel Moreno, president of the Confederación Española de Pastelería, mentions a notable trend of families purchasing their holiday desserts in advance. Online orders are becoming increasingly prominent, hinting at a shift in traditional buying patterns within the bakery industry.

A Global Perspective

Renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour from the United States shares that the Christmas 2025 trends indicate a resurgence of traditional flavors, now reimagined with contemporary techniques. Consumers are increasingly looking for desserts that offer distinct flavors, lighter textures, and sophisticated presentations. For this Christmas, Bachour is focused on crafting desserts that elegantly intertwine nostalgia with modern culinary artistry.

Emerging pastry chef Denise Vagni from Rimini emphasizes the evolving nature of panettone, describing it as a dessert that provides a rich and engaging experience. Further, she notes how customers enjoy personalizing their slices with flourishes of pistachio or salted caramel cream, adding to the multisensory adventure of dessert consumption this season.

Conclusion

As the dessert landscape continues to evolve for Christmas 2025, it is clear that creativity, health consciousness, and a nod to tradition will drive consumer choices. With the anticipated innovations and rising popularity of panettone variations, this festive season promises to be a celebration of both classic indulgence and modern culinary trends. The Sigep World Expo will undoubtedly be an exciting event to watch, showcasing the future of desserts in the global market.