Meal box popularity persists for Christmas dinners in the Netherlands

Ordering meal boxes for Christmas dinner remains a popular tradition in the Netherlands, even two years after the last COVID-19 lockdowns. A survey by ANP among providers revealed strong demand for festive meal kits, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurant dishes to premium holiday meals.

Many restaurants began delivering meal kits during the pandemic to compensate for restricted operations. Though no longer essential for survival, the trend continues. Cook Like A Chef, a company offering boxes with dishes from top Dutch restaurants, reported their kits are nearly sold out. "The boxes from De Librije, with its three Michelin stars, are especially popular and have been sold out for weeks," said founder Jan Bartelsman.

Dennis Huwaë, owner of Michelin-starred Restaurant Daalder in Amsterdam, said demand has decreased since the pandemic but remains steady. "It's less hectic than during COVID, but it's still going well. Many restaurants have stopped because it's labor-intensive, but I believe the concept will endure," Huwaë stated.

Ton Kanters, owner of gourmet stores in Schijndel and Vught, reported rising sales during the holiday season over recent years. "It's incredibly busy now; almost everything is sold out," Kanters said. "The most expensive packages are the most popular. People want luxury at Christmas, with dishes like beef tenderloin tips in high demand."

Kanters noted that changing consumer habits drive the trend. “People no longer want to spend the entire day cooking. Convenience is key, especially during the holidays,” he explained. His stores, originally vegetable specialists, shifted focus to prepared meals to meet evolving customer needs.