Booker’s festive range includes 85 lines exclusively for pre-order

Booker is launching a new Christmas offer for chefs and caterers – with 85 starters, mains, desserts, cheeses and accompaniments available exclusively for pre-order for the first time.

The wholesaler’s 2025 Christmas Guide features ingredients and menu ideas to help caterers and chefs through the festive season, with a selection of traditional festive favourites alongside trending dishes with contemporary twists.

For pre-orders, a dedicated portal will open from 15 July to 30 September, and 85 lines are exclusive to pre-order customers and will not be available in branches.

Starters available on pre-order include Smoked Salmon Terrine, Coquilles St Jacques, and a Goat’s Cheese Log with edible flowers.

Mains include poultry, beef, pork, fish, vegan and vegetarian centrepieces, from a Festive Lamb Rollover and Pork & Fennel Stuffed Pork Belly to a Beetroot Wellington and a Mediterranean Tart.

Desserts include Pistachio Semifreddo, Chocolate Torte and Tiramisu, and there are more than 30 British and European cheeses, including Cornish Yarg, Northumberland Nettle Cheese, Cenarth Brie and Tomme des Pyrenées. These will be available with accompaniments such as quince paste, chutneys and premium crackers.

There are freezer-to-plate options, easy-to-serve dishes that can be prepared in two or three steps, and a selection of garnishes, sauces and accompaniments.

A broader selection of festive favourites, accompaniments, sides, vegetables, sauces and gravies will land in Booker branches in September, while products such as butter and cream will be available from November. The Christmas Guide also features wine, spirit and beer drinks packages along with tableware, decorations and seasonal beverages.

Mark Suddaby, Booker’s director of trading for fresh foods, said: “We know the festive season kicks off earlier every year, so summer is crunch time for planning. We want to help caterers, chefs and operators as much as we can with menu creation and meal inspiration, cost-saving opportunities and flexible delivery options to suit fluctuations in demand.

“This is the first time we’re offering a pre-order range and our focus is squarely on our catering and hospitality customers. We’re confident in every single product in this range as it taps into key consumer food trends that have exploded on to the dining out scene.

“Our combined festive food and drink proposition makes us a one-stop-shop for all caterers, chefs and hospitality outlets, whether independent, local networks, franchises or national chains.”

He added: “We’re committed to listening and responding to the things that matter most to our customers. We can deliver solutions and support as well as the products, all at flexible price points and with choices that are certain to delight diners. Early planning enables operators to be in a strong position to drive high footfall and demand and in turn, maximise profits and deliver an enjoyable, successful Christmas dining experience for customers.”

Booker staff will be on hand in branch to advise on the Christmas pre-order process and new lines, and customers can see and sample the range at Booker’s Catering Trade Show at the NEC Birmingham on 24 September.