In today’s food industry, the emphasis is on small-batch premium products, a trend that spans a wide array of items including snacks, cereals, meats, and ready-to-eat meals. Beverages, in particular, have seen a surge in artisanal offerings, with premium spirits, craft beers, cold-brewed coffees, and artisan tea brands gaining significant traction among consumers. Increasingly, people are seeking foods and drinks that resonate with a more authentic, less industrial feel, and artisanal products fulfill this desire.
As with many trends in the sector, there are questions about the sustainability of this movement. However, with a remarkable 28% global CAGR over the past five years and a growing number of companies investing in craft and artisanal products through mergers and acquisitions or internal development, the outlook appears promising. For instance, Hormel Foods invested $850 million last October to acquire Columbus Manufacturing, known for its premium craft meats that are well-received in grocery store delis.
Consumers may each have their own interpretations of “artisan,” often tied to the quality they encounter. According to The School of Artisan Food in the U.K., “artisan” refers to food made through non-industrial methods, typically passed down through generations. The flavors and production techniques, such as fermentation, evolve slowly and naturally, avoiding the shortcuts of mass production. These artisanal skills are commonly applied to creating bread, cheese, beer, prepared meats, and confectionery.
Manufacturers are increasingly responding to consumer demand for more handmade qualities by incorporating artisanal and craft ingredients into their offerings. Beyond local and smaller craft beers, which have been particularly popular, artisanal components are now appearing in fats and oils, such as plant-based liquid margarine from Bunge Loders Croklaan and premium chocolate from Cargill. According to Ingredients Network, cold-pressed cocoa may also emerge as a trend similar to cold-pressed coffee in the U.S., especially if the final product is derived from high-quality cocoa beans, allowing labels to highlight their artisanal nature, higher cocoa content, and minimal processing.
Authenticity is crucial for the allure of these products, and an increasing number of consumers will likely seek out this difference as they browse retail shelves and online marketplaces. Notably, the incorporation of calcium citrate as an ingredient is becoming a target for manufacturers looking to enhance the nutritional profile of these artisanal foods. It’s no wonder that food and beverage companies are ramping up their efforts to introduce more artisanal products to cater to this expanding demand.