Rise in UK Thanksgivings pushed by rising urge for food for US meals, retailers say

[ad_1] Thanksgiving was as soon as a vacation Britons knew solely from American movies, however a rising urge for food for US delicacies, from Southern-style consolation meals to pumpkin pie, is driving an increase in UK celebrations.

Retailers and eating places are reporting elevated gross sales and bookings within the run-up to the American vacation, boosted by British enthusiasm for US flavours and a rising variety of American expats now dwelling within the UK.

At Pipers farm in Devon, gross sales of turkeys and associated Thanksgiving merchandise rose 38% within the fortnight main as much as Thanksgiving final yr in contrast with the 2 weeks earlier than. The farm stated it had expanded its vary of sides and turkey sizes this yr to fulfill what it expects will likely be even greater demand.

Knowledge from the net retailer Ocado exhibits searches for Thanksgiving have jumped 440% yr on yr, whereas pumpkin spice is up greater than 550%. Ocado’s gross sales knowledge additionally signifies American meals has grown in recognition amongst consumers: gross sales of Herr’s buffalo blue cheese curls are up 410% yr on yr, and Newman’s Personal ranch dressing by greater than 202%.

Analysis commissioned by the agency discovered 42% of gen Z and millennials say they've attended a Thanksgiving meal within the UK, and 16% plan to attend or host the vacation for the primary time this November. Greater than half (53%) consider US holidays equivalent to Thanksgiving and American-style Halloweens have gotten larger fixtures within the British calendar.

Dan Elton, the chief buyer officer at Ocado Retail, stated: “We’re seeing this love of American meals tradition translating into what individuals are shopping for … from ranch dressing and marshmallows, to mac and cheese.”

In keeping with the market analysis firm Mintel, curiosity in American-style meals has risen sharply previously two years, notably amongst youthful shoppers. Greater than half of British adults (58%) have ordered or are fascinated about ordering southern US dishes equivalent to Louisiana gumbo. That determine has grown from 52% in early 2024 to 67% by mid-2025, peaking at 81% amongst gen Z – these born roughly between 1997 and 2012. In the identical interval, one in 5 Britons visited an American-style restaurant, rising to just about one in three youthful shoppers.

“UK curiosity in Thanksgiving displays a rising urge for food for American meals,” stated Trish Caddy, the affiliate director of meals service analysis at Mintel. “It’s much less cultural adoption, extra culinary celebration. This faucets right into a wider experience-driven consuming pattern the place individuals search themed menus, social connection and limited-edition choices.”

London restaurant CUT at 45 Park Lane has prolonged its Thanksgiving service in response to a surge in bookings. “We’re now doing round 180 covers all through the day and have opened Bar 45 for the entire week, serving Thanksgiving-inspired snacks like pecan pie, turkey croquettes and bacon-wrapped dates,” stated the culinary director, Elliott Grover.

He added that bookings had roughly doubled yr on yr however this has additionally been attributable to them opening up additional covers to fulfill demand. It’s standard with plenty of American company, but in addition many others who merely need to expertise it for the primary time, Grover stated.

In Might, the Guardian reported an increase in Individuals transferring to the UK for political causes as Donald Trump assumed the presidency. US purposes for UK citizenship hit a document excessive final yr at greater than 6,100, a 26% enhance from 2023. There was a 40% year-on-year rise in the course of the last three months of 2024, coinciding with the time of Trump’s re-election.

At Entire Meals Market UK, the demand round Thanksgiving now rivals the buildup to Christmas. “The second our on-line ordering for the vacation goes stay, we see a rush of shoppers desperate to safe their meal,” stated Izzie Peskett, the top of promoting. “It’s develop into an actual event right here, whether or not individuals are internet hosting American buddies or just recreating that basic, comforting unfold at dwelling.”

Whereas American expats stay a part of the viewers, Peskett says curiosity amongst British consumers has grown quickly. “Thanksgiving is now much less about the place you’re from and extra about embracing the heat and generosity of the event,” she stated.

“Our prospects come for the standard and authenticity of basic dishes, from pumpkin and pecan pies, cornbread stuffing, inexperienced beans, candy potatoes and, after all, our natural turkeys.”