Eastern Europe

As the festive season approaches, Eastern Europe comes alive with unique and delightful Christmas traditions that revolve around food. From Romania to Slovenia, each country boasts a distinctive culinary heritage that adds a delicious twist to the holiday celebrations. In this culinary journey, let's explore the fun food-related Christmas traditions in Eastern Europe, discovering the mouthwatering delights of Romania, Greece, Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia, Macedonia, Albania, Cyprus, Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia, and Slovenia. You will have the privilege to both learn more about typical local homemade treats and discover which chocolate brands and packaged confectionery products are trendy in this region during the winter festive season.

In Romania, Christmas carolling is a cherished tradition, and the carolers are often rewarded with cozonac—a sweet bread filled with nuts, poppy seeds, or Turkish delight. This delicacy, symbolising prosperity, is enjoyed by families as they gather to celebrate. Some sweets wholesale distributors offer such cozonacs in a packaged version for the busiest housewives who do not have the time or skills to make them.

Greece celebrates Christmas with a sweet symphony of Kourabiedes and Melomakarona. The almond-flavoured Kourabiedes and honey-drenched Melomakarona take centre stage, embodying the essence of Greek hospitality during the holidays. Locals also typically enjoy individually wrapped candy, wholesale confectionery chocolate and other chocolate products by world-known brands such as Lind, Ferrero, Mars, Milka, etc.

Cyprus embraces Christopsomo, a festive bread decorated with religious symbols. Flaounes, savoury pastries filled with cheese and mint, are also enjoyed during this joyous time.

In Serbia, the Christmas feast, known as Slava, is a grand affair featuring an array of traditional dishes. The Česnica, a festive bread, is a key element, often containing a hidden coin symbolising good fortune for the person who finds it. Other Balkan countries also share a similar tradition. However, when it comes to sweets, the locals prefer the exchange of imported wholesale confectionery from brands with an established reputation. Serbians often exchange small treat bags normally prepared for children and even their parents, consisting of individually wrapped candies (Oreo, Mars, Bounty, Twix), biscuits (BelVita), chips (Ruffles, Lay’s, Pringles), mini croissants (7 Days), etc.

Hungarian Christmases are synonymous with Beigli, a rolled pastry filled with poppy seeds or walnuts. Additionally, Szaloncukor, fondant candies wrapped in colourful foil, adorn Christmas trees and serve as sweet treats for the whole family. When it comes to imported treats, Hungarians seem to enjoy Mondelez products the most.

Baklava, a layered dessert pastry filled with nuts and honey, takes centre stage in Bosnia during Christmas. It is actually a homemade treat that is typically made in Turkey all year round. Locals also prepare Pita bread, filled with a mix of minced meat and rice, adding savoury notes to the festive table. The confectionery distribution network is quite well-developed within the country, so it also comes as no surprise that imported chocolate brands like Lindor, Merci, Milka, and Ferrero are also favoured there.

In Albania, the Christmas table is also adorned with Baklava, a sweet honey-and-nut-layered pastry. Flija, a layered pancake cooked over an open flame, adds a unique touch to the celebrations.

Kosovar Christmas celebrations feature Gurabije, almond or walnut cookies often shaped like crescents. Jani, a dish made from lamb, is another festive centrepiece symbolising the joy of the season.

Macedonian Christmas feasts often include Selsko Meso, a hearty dish of roasted meat with vegetables. Tavče Gravče, a bean casserole, is also a staple, showcasing the rich flavours of the region. There are not many typically festive homemade desserts, however. Macedonians seem to appreciate foreign candy brands a lot more, which is why wholesale chocolate distributors are more and more interested in that market.

Montenegrin Christmas is marked by Priganice, small doughnuts often served with honey or powdered sugar. Pogača, a round bread with a cross on top, is a symbol of prosperity and is shared among family and friends. The treat is also commonly eaten dipped in various chocolate spreads like Finetti and Nutella.

Croatian Christmas tables boast Peka, a slow-cooked dish combining various meats and vegetables. Fritule, small doughnuts flavoured with citrus and spirits, add a delightful sweetness to the festivities. Being a candy wholesale distributor serving several major areas in Croatia, Contest Distribution also knows well that the locals will appreciate fine Swiss chocolate not only during the winter holidays but all year round.

In Slovenia, Potica, a rolled pastry filled with various fillings, is a Christmas staple. Prekmurska Gibanica, a layered pastry with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, and cottage cheese, is a deliciously complex dessert enjoyed during the holidays. Chocolate in special festive wraps is exchanged between friends and family members as a symbol of good will.

While embracing these traditional delights, Eastern Europe also welcomes international flavours through renowned FMCG brands. Mondelez International, a global giant in the confectionery industry, offers an array of chocolate products under famous brands like Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, and more. Wholesale confectionery distributors provide access to these beloved chocolates, ensuring that families across the region can indulge in the sweetness of global favourites during the holiday season.
As you embark on your culinary journey through Eastern Europe this Christmas, savour the fusion of local traditions and international delights. From the warmth of home-baked treats to the convenience of famous brands, the region's festive tables are a testament to the joy that comes with sharing food and creating lasting memories during this magical time of the year.