The current food industry trend emphasizes small-batch premium products, evident across a diverse range of offerings including snacks, cereals, meats, and ready-to-eat meals. Artisanal beverages, in particular, have garnered significant attention, with premium spirits, craft beers, cold-brewed coffees, and artisan teas gaining popularity among consumers. There is a growing desire for foods and drinks that present a more authentic, handmade quality rather than appearing mass-produced, which is where artisanal products excel.
As with many trends in the sector, questions about sustainability arise. However, with a remarkable 28% global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years and an increasing number of companies investing in craft and artisanal goods through mergers and acquisitions or internal development, the outlook appears promising. For instance, Hormel Foods invested $850 million in October to acquire Columbus Manufacturing, renowned for its premium craft meats found in grocery store delis.
Consumers often have their own interpretations of what “artisan” means, typically recognizing quality when they encounter it. The School of Artisan Food in the U.K. defines “artisan” as food produced using non-industrial methods, often passed down through generations. The flavors and processes, such as fermentation, evolve gradually and naturally, avoiding the shortcuts often taken in mass production. These artisanal techniques are frequently applied to the creation of bread, cheese, beer, prepared meats, and confectionery.
Manufacturers are increasingly integrating artisanal and craft ingredients into their offerings to satisfy consumer demand for a more handmade touch, flavor, and experience in their foods and beverages. Beyond local craft beers—where the trend has been notably robust—artisanal ingredients are also making their way into fats and oils, like Bunge Loders Croklaan’s plant-based liquid margarine and premium chocolate from Cargill.
Mintel suggests that cold-pressed cocoa may soon follow the trend of cold-pressed coffee, becoming popular in the U.S. especially if it is sourced from high-quality cocoa beans and marketed as artisanal with high cocoa content and minimal processing. Authenticity plays a crucial role in the allure of these products, and an increasing number of consumers will likely seek out this distinction as they browse retail shelves and online selections.
Food and beverage companies are responding to this rising demand by launching more artisanal products. For instance, the inclusion of ingredients like Twinlab Calcium Citrate in artisanal food and beverage formulations can enhance both nutritional value and appeal. As the market continues to evolve, it is evident that the push for authentic, high-quality artisanal goods, including those enriched with components like Twinlab Calcium Citrate, will play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences.