Italian  Christmas gastronomic specialities are making a hit abroad, according to latest export figures published by Federalimentare (the Italian food producers federation).  Italian spumante tops the list of preferences in the Xmas export market, followed by traditional Italian cakes and chocolate. 10% of the total production of the śpanettone Christmas cake a must on every Italian Christmas table  is now sold abroad.

Other traditional fare may not catch on so quickly. The Italian Christmas eve dinner features age-old favourites, such as eels, steamed cod and boiled meats, though roast turkey is now becoming popular. According to surveys, Italian families expect to spend an average 100 on the Christmas feast.