Rise in UK Thanksgivings driven by growing appetite for US foods, retailers say | Thanksgiving

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 12 months in contrast with the 2 weeks earlier than. The farm mentioned it had expanded its vary of sides and turkey sizes this 12 months to fulfill what it expects can be even larger demand.Information from the web retailer Ocado reveals searches for Thanksgiving have jumped 440% 12 months on 12 months, whereas pumpkin spice is up greater than 550%. Ocado’s gross sales information additionally signifies American meals has grown in reputation amongst buyers: gross sales of Herr’s buffalo blue cheese curls are up 410% 12 months on 12 months, 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 greater fixtures within the British calendar.Dan Elton, the chief buyer officer at Ocado Retail, mentioned: “We’re seeing this love of American meals tradition translating into what persons are shopping for … from ranch dressing and marshmallows, to mac and cheese.”In line with the market analysis firm Mintel, curiosity in American-style meals has risen sharply previously two years, significantly amongst youthful customers. Greater than half of British adults (58%) have ordered or are taken with 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 customers.“UK curiosity in Thanksgiving displays a rising urge for food for American meals,” mentioned 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 folks 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,” mentioned the culinary director, Elliott Grover.He added that bookings had roughly doubled 12 months on 12 months however this has additionally been as a consequence of them opening up additional covers to fulfill demand. It’s common with plenty of American friends, but additionally many others who merely need to expertise it for the primary time, Grover mentioned.In Might, the Guardian reported an increase in Individuals shifting to the UK for political causes as Donald Trump assumed the presidency. US functions for UK citizenship hit a file excessive final 12 months at greater than 6,100, a 26% improve from 2023. There was a 40% year-on-year rise in the course of the remaining 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 reside, we see a rush of consumers desperate to safe their meal,” mentioned Izzie Peskett, the pinnacle of promoting. “It’s develop into an actual event right here, whether or not persons are internet hosting American pals or just recreating that traditional, comforting unfold at house.”Whereas American expats stay a part of the viewers, Peskett says curiosity amongst British buyers 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 mentioned.“Our prospects come for the standard and authenticity of traditional dishes, from pumpkin and pecan pies, cornbread stuffing, inexperienced beans, candy potatoes and, after all, our natural turkeys.”