Strong Holiday Trade Propels Australia’s Small goods Sector Into 2026

Article from amic.org.au

Australia’s smallgoods sector closed out the 2025 Christmas period on a high, with manufacturers and retailers reporting strong demand across hams, charcuterie, salami and premium cured products. Elevated food spending, combined with a growing appetite for artisan and traditional smallgoods, reinforced the category’s central role in festive dining and summer entertaining. 

As the industry reflects on a successful season, attention now turns to two major events celebrating excellence in the category: the Australian Meat Excellence Awards (AMEA) and the Australian Charcuterie Excellence Awards (ACEA). 

And with January well underway, the momentum from Christmas places the sector in a strong position heading into the Australia Day long weekend—another key moment for sales. 

Christmas Trading: A Season That Delivered 

Ham Remained the Centrepiece 

Hams once again dominated festive tables nationwide, with Australians consuming around 8,000 tonnes over Christmas. Traditional smoked and cured whole-leg hams saw strong and early demand, reaffirming their place at the heart of the Australian Christmas menu. Source: The Food Design Studio

Charcuterie’s Continued Rise

Charcuterie continued its upward trajectory, cementing its role as a staple for holiday entertaining. Products including salami, prosciutto, pancetta, chorizo, pâtés, terrines and other specialty cured meats performed strongly, driven by consumer interest in premium, gourmet and craft-made offerings. Source: IBISWorld

Higher Household Food Budgets Supported Sector Growth

Households increased their festive food budgets to an average of $406 per household, up from $306 the previous year. This uplift translated into stronger volume and value across smallgoods categories, supporting growth throughout the season. Source: The Food Design Studio

Earlier Christmas Shopping Improved Sales Flow

Retail behaviour also shifted earlier. National retail turnover rose 7.0% in November 2025, reflecting a move toward earlier festive purchasing. For smallgoods processors, this meant improved production planning, fewer late-month bottlenecks, and more efficient distribution across December. Source: Australian Retailers Association

Industry Context: A Stable Sector 

The smallgoods manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate stability, underpinned by strong domestic demand and sustained consumer interest in high-quality, traditional and artisan products. Industry revenue for cured meat and smallgoods manufacturing is projected to reach $5.63 billion in 2025–26, growing at an annualised 2.8% over five years. Source: IBISWorld

Producers focusing on craftsmanship, regional styles and product excellence remain well positioned in an increasingly quality driven market.