The evolution of the great British picnic

Hummus and tortilla chips join the picnic basket essentials this summer British picnic baskets will be subject to a surge of cultural influence this summer, with pitta bread, cous cous, guacamole, tortilla chips and hummus sitting alongside traditional picnic staples in our quintessentially British hampers.

Research commissioned by the picnic essential, Ribena, reveals Britain’s love affair with the picnic is as strong today as it was twenty years ago. The Ribena Picnic Basket Index uncovered that top picnic ingredients in 1991 such as a flask of tea and freshly baked cakes have now been replaced by baguettes and quiche in 2011.

The findings also show the average cost of a picnic for a family of four is now £19.68, while couples spend £11.64 on average.

Voted the most popular of all quintessentially British summer pursuits, picnics have remained an important family tradition for generations.  And while our essential picnic ingredients have remained classically British, we are increasingly adding foreign flavours to liven up the spread.Mum of two, and supporter of Ribena’s search for the perfect picnic spot, Kate Garraway, said:  “My family loves picnicking, it is one of our favourite things to do!  Whether we are out in the garden, in the park with friends or even on a picnic blanket indoors when the weather isn’t great, picnics always make me feel summer is here. In fact, I love them so much that I asked for a picnic rucksack as a recent birthday present, which we use all the time now. There’s something special about getting together as a family over a picnic, and I have lots of fond memories.  This summer, I’m supporting Ribena’s search for the perfect picnic spot, to celebrate our great picnic tradition in all its quirky glory.”

For generations, picnics have been a family habit that’s hard to beat, and it holds true today as two thirds of Brits (67%) plan to picnic on family days out this summer, compared to 61% twenty years ago.  But Ribena research also reveals a growing trend for choosing picnics for big social celebrations (24%) as well as to create the perfect impression on a romantic date (21%). The effort that Brits put in to prepare the perfect picnic remains just as high as it was twenty years ago, despite our busy lives and easy access to convenience stores.  With 43% of British women saying they take homemade food on their picnics, British traditions have not lost out to grabbing food-on-the-go.

“Quintessential British products like Ribena, which is made with only British grown blackcurrants, have been a family picnic hamper staple for generations.  We want to celebrate our country’s passion for picnics by finding Britain’s perfect picnic spots.  Whether it’s in the middle of the countryside, or on a patch of grass in a busy city centre, we are asking people to share their recommendations to inspire the next generation of picnickers,” said Verity Clifton, Marketing Director for Ribena.

Share your best picnic spot with Ribena and you could be in with a chance of winning fabulous prizes!

From forest glades or riverside banks, to unsung motorway lay-bys and urban parks, Britain is teeming with amazing places for you to relax with some cool Ribena and a stack of cucumber sandwiches.  If you’re looking for a great picnic spot or know where to find one, share it with the team at Ribena and you could be in with a chance of winning fabulous prizes including a professional photo shoot!

Visit www.ribena.co.uk/best-picnic-spots  or the Ribena UK Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/RibenaUK  for more information, terms and conditions