Fondue make a comeback

The fondue, a Swiss classic, has recently made something of a comeback in homes across the UK. But what explains the resurgence of this 1970s retro chic dish in Britain? On the one hand, its resurgence is surprising, given that fondue doesn't fit with either current trends toward healthy eating or the rise of more Instagrammable dishes. On the other hand, however, it does fit with the growing trend toward sharing plates. Intriguingly, it may also link to current concerns about global insecurity etc. since the fondue can be considered as something of a nostalgic dish for some (i.e., for baby-boomers and those who are comfortably into middle age) and a comfort food for many (i.e., perhaps regardless of their age). Finally, the origins of the fondue in a country that lies just outside the EU (but which manages to maintain good economic/political relations) may also be relevant given current debate about how Brexit will play out. In this commentary, I take a closer look at some of the cultural factors that may help to explain this recent food trend.