The kings of the New Year’s Eve list: hot dogs and champagne in abundance

In addition to classic hot dogs, hot dogs and bacon-wrapped hot dogs are also becoming increasingly popular on weekdays, and the demand for them is constantly increasing. On New Year’s Eve, demand for pork, pork-veal and poultry sausages continues to increase the most, especially for smoked, natural casing, so-called “crispy” versions, as well as products with a high meat content of 70–90 percent.

“The meat content, casing type, meat type and flavoring continue to be decisive factors in customer decisions, but the price-value ratio, packaging size and trust in the brand or private label products also play an important role. Auchan’s offer will continue to include all packaging sizes at the end of this year, from small to large family packages, as well as juice products, and we have further expanded the online selection for the holiday season,”

emphasized Attila Nagy, Auchan Hungary’s Sales and Operations Director.

Although the majority of customers insist on for well-established brands, there is a greater willingness to experiment on New Year’s Eve, especially in the case of promotions or limited products. Interest in more unique flavors – such as smoked, spicy or cheese-filled sausages – is slowly but steadily growing, while plant-based and allergen-free alternatives are still considered more of a niche product, primarily among consumers who are conscious or follow a special diet.

In addition to sausages, lentils – both dry, semi-finished and ready-made – and pork continue to play a prominent role on New Year’s Eve. Sales of products related to the reception of guests, such as mustard, smoked meats, scones and cold-kitchen preparations also increase. Among the private label products, the 2×200 gram package of Auchan Collection Vienna sausage is one of the most sought-after, while several items from the Auchan Kedvenc product line are also popular choices for side dishes and snacks.

Quality champagnes, special snacks and New Year’s Eve decorations – everything in one place at Auchan

In terms of drinks, New Year’s Eve is a time for welcoming guests and toasting: the turnover of all alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories increases, from mineral waters and soft drinks to beers and wines to spirits. Almost everyone buys champagne at this time for the midnight toast, even those who rarely drink it during the rest of the year. Hungarian consumers’ choice of sparkling wine has clearly shifted towards quality in recent years: the turnover of dry sparkling wines has increased significantly, especially those made using the traditional process, while in the sweet category, quality products with lower sugar content are gaining ground.

The snack and snack food market continues to be very open to new products. In addition to a classic flavor, customers are typically happy to choose a more special, even limited edition, product with a flavor that is in line with recent trends. Thus, in addition to the usual products, more unusual combinations – such as apple-caramel or blueberry-cheese chips – also sell well during the holiday season.

To create the New Year’s Eve atmosphere, Auchan is also offering technical and decorative products this year: everything from portable speakers and disco balls to disposable New Year’s Eve accessories, trumpets and masks can be found in the selection.

Auchan stores will operate with different, in many cases extended, opening hours between December 27 and 31, so it is worth checking the stores’ websites before you set off. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, however, they will be open until 4 p.m.