Chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut (praliné) are still the biggest seasonal flavors for Christmas all over Europe, plain or in combination with other flavors (cranberry, orange, …). Chestnut and coffee were also very much favored this year for new launches.

Citrus and exotic fruits - clementine, passion fruit - have proved popular. Newly combined with pistachio or pecan, they add freshness to classic creations.

Winter shapes were a hit again with many retailers - either playfully decorated with bright colors or gold dusted for more opulence. Beyond decorations, desserts all featured fillings or inclusions that brought them depth and indulgence.

Quite the opposite to white purity, rough finishings are popular this year. The buche below made a rough-looking yule log - quite literally. Looking like a real piece of wood, playfully cut in individual pieces, it features a combination crunch and smoothness, chocolate and a ginger-banana compote. Stunning!