A survey undertaken by French pâtissier Tipiak has revealed the importance of food at parties and events.

As we head towards the Christmas season, the sweet and savoury pâtisserie specialist has revealed that 54% of people think that food is more important than drink when they attend an event such as a party or reception.

And one in two Brits will position themselves at a reception or party so that they have the best access to food or the waiter carrying the food.

The survey, undertaken by Perspectus Global on behalf of Tipiak, also shared valuable insight for food service professionals about how to serve canapés.

Four in ten Brits believe that you should be able to eat a canapé with just one bite and the respondents polled said that on average they would eat six canapés at an event.

Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, which supplies frozen, authentic French sweet and savoury pâtisserie to the UK hospitality sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods, said: “The results of our survey are useful for food service professionals as we head towards the busy festive season with its receptions, parties and other celebrations.

“Canapés should be a key ingredient of any drinks reception or function, especially at Christmas. Tipiak’s authentic ‘thaw and serve’ range of canapés can help professional caterers to provide a delicious spread of snacks and bite-sized savoury treats for guests to accompany their drinks. Conveniently pre-prepared, Tipiak’s canapés simply need defrosting before serving – freeing up kitchen staff to concentrate on other parts of the food offering at Christmas parties and events.”

Based in France, Tipiak supplies a range of canapé selections to the UK food service sector, including vegetarian and vegan options. Each piece is prepared by expert bakers and cooks, and hand finished. The Tipiak canapé selections are perfect for Christmas events, cocktail parties, receptions, conferences, weddings and other occasions.

The research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Tipiak and conducted by Perspectus Global during June 2024.