Valentine's Day 2023 may have fallen in amongst a global financial downturn but there was still plenty to celebrate with loved ones. We explore what was trending this year in our latest seasonwatching report.
It's the time of year to show that we care, and this year there's a lot of thought given to each other and the planet. Low intervention 'Love Bite' red wine is on menus, flowers are wrapped plastic free, and in Australia there's even a 'Get Naked' campaign which is encouraging people to check loved ones for melanoma.
We're staying in and looking to save more this year. A quarter of people in the UK were looking to spend less this Valentine's Day (Barclay research 2023). Comforting foods such as cookies and desserts that won't break the bank are enjoyed. A black forest crumble topped with rose meringue is delicious and homemade puff pastry hearts are both delightful and relatively affordable.
We take a closer look at some of the key themes trending this year in our seasonwatching report, from which we've highlighted three key takeouts below.
1. Taking Care – From wrapped bouquets with fatsia palm leaves to the 'Get Naked' campaign in Australia where people are encouraged to check loved ones for melanoma, there's a deep level of care coming through for both planet and each other. With food and drink low intervention red wine and healthier smoothie bowls filled with berries and dragon fruit are on the menu.
2. One Off – Everyone's different, and this Valentine's it's about celebrating people for who they are. Meal deals are varied and decadent with boozy and non-alcoholic choices such as alcohol free Shiraz. For those that fancy something different, beer and dessert pairings are delicious.
3. Saving All Your Love – There's an emphasis on not spending too much. Affordable gifts such as cookies, and patisserie come into their own – think hibiscus, raspberry and mascarpone cronuts or bergamot martini chocolate truffles.
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