Charcuterie product innovation
Sales skyrocketed as more people ate at home in 2020.
Columbus Craft Meats holiday charcuterie boards
In November 2020, Columbus Craft Meats, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corp., added three new items to its charcuterie gift selections.
The three items are Charcuterie 101 Collection, Charcuterie Entertaining Collection and Felino Gold. The boxes have limited availability due to craft salami. The products were not available in stores.
“Columbus’s charcuterie boxes make the ideal holiday gift because they’re a fresh take on the classic food basket,” said Evan Inada, charcuterie/partnerships director at Columbus Craft Meats. “There is a consistent desire for gift baskets every year and this one has a distinct ‘wow’ factor upon arrival and unboxing.”
Each box includes pairings of artisan salami, cheese, crackers and other items seen in classic charcuterie boards.
The Felino Gold box features antibiotic-free pork along with garlic, sherry wine and artisan salami. All three orders will be shipped with a wooden charcuterie board and cheese knife to go with a starter kit.
Veroni Party Trays
In November 2020, Veroni introduced Party Trays all-in-one charcuterie boards that combine made-in-Italy cold cuts and cheeses with ingredients, including olives, almonds, dried fruits and breadsticks.
Designed to share with two to three others, Veroni Party Trays come in four variations: classic imported Italian prosciutto and salami combined with Provolone cheese, olives and 100% Italian-made breadsticks; Italian prosciutto and salami, Provolone cheese, almonds and dried cantaloupe; mild coppa and salami combined with Provolone cheese, almonds, dried pear, breadsticks and dried ginger; and spicy coppa and salami combined with Provolone cheese, almonds, dried pear, breadsticks and dried ginger.
Veroni’s Party Trays are part of the company’s Enjoy AperiTime product line, a portfolio designed for the American market. The name of the product range is based on the Italian ritual known as Aperitivo, which “aims to bring a touch of the authentic Italian lifestyle to the US and allow consumers to experience the ‘Dolce Vita’ style with every savory bite,” Veroni said.
“An extensive and detailed study supports the creation of the Party Trays in order to offer the best pairings based upon ingredients and nutritional properties,” said Emanuela Bigi, marketing manager for Veroni. “Our goal was to combine classic Italian charcuterie options, typical of Aperitivo, with products in line with American consumers and their preferences, such as dried fruits. The result is an innovative mix where our Italian cold cuts are paired with a perfect balance of enhancing flavor components.”
Volpi Foods Small Bites
Volpi Foods in October 2020 launched Small Bites, a new line of single-serve packages with 1.5-oz portions of the brand’s sliced, dry-cured meats. The single-serve portion reduces potential waste and empowers consumers to effectively create a charcuterie board, the company said.
Volpi opted for the 1.5-oz size over the conventional 4-oz portion to encourage trial of new products without the barriers of cost and uncertainty of purchasing a larger quantity, Volpi said. Small Bites will launch with the company's Prosciutto, Coppa, Sopressata and Spicy Sopressata.
“While we saw the need for smaller portion options of our products before the pandemic, the demand is even more prevalent now,” said Deanna Depke, marketing manager for Volpie Foods. “Consumers are spending more time with their immediate families. They are experimenting more in the kitchen. They are looking for affordable indulgences that can be enjoyed at home. The Small Bites line allows for convenience, flexibility and ultimately discovery. It’s a cost-effective way to mix and match charcuterie items, makes for the perfect snack and encourages consumers to incorporate our products into new at-home recipes.”
Applegate Naturals Chorizo Charcuterie Plate
In March 2020, Hormel Foods Corp.’s Applegate business added a new variety to its portfolio of grab-and-go charcuterie plates. The Applegate Naturals Chorizo Charcuterie Plate includes uncured chorizo salami, medium cheddar cheese and milk chocolate covered grain-free pretzels. The plate is gluten-free and non-GMO.
Reunion Foods charcuterie salami
Reunion Foods launched a new line of organic charcuterie products in October 2020 that feature a clean label punch for consumers seeking wholesome, premium meat products.
The family-owned and operated better-for-you meat company said its new salamis are sourced from pork that is certified by the Global Animal Partnership, which indicates that pigs are humanely raised with no antibiotics ever, 100% vegetarian feed and no cages, crates or crowding. All varieties are certified organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free, lactose-free, and free from fillers or artificial sweeteners.
Pre-sliced salamis are available in a resealable 3-oz package in Genoa, Sweet Soppressata, Hot Soppressata, Chorizo and Pepperoni varieties. The 6-oz mini chubs are vacuum sealed and available in Gentile, Fennel, Truffle Porcini, Calabrian and Chorizo flavors.
“We created Reunion with a commitment to making wholesome, better-for-you meat options more accessible, and to set the standard for responsible sourcing and clean labeling,” said Jessica Mosner, chief marketing officer at Reunion Foods. “We are thrilled to introduce our charcuterie line just in time to elevate the beloved charcuterie board this holiday season.”
Coro salami
In October 2020, Salumi Deli debuted a new charcuterie brand called Coro. Coro salami varieties are sold in 5-oz piccolos and 2-lb deli sticks in various flavor combinations.
The Classic variety adds its own spin with garlic and a hint of ginger.
Agrumi salami is made with cardamom, orange peel and red chili flakes.
Finocchiona uses traditional black pepper and fennel, with a touch of curry.
One of the brands most popular varieties — Molé — is inspired by the cocoa, cinnamon and chipotle flavors of Mexico.
A new Thai-inspired lemongrass salami also features cumin.
A limited-edition winter peppercorn variety was available for the holidays, featuring red and green peppercorns.
Brooklyn Cured Chorizo Sausage and Spicy Beef Salami
By sourcing meat from farmers who primarily supplied foodservice-based customers prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Brooklyn Cured founder Scott Bridi expanded the premium charcuterie line of products the company offers its retail customers in June. Citing the growing demand for pre-sliced, packaged charcuterie meats, Brooklyn Cured expanded its pre-sliced offerings from five to seven with the addition of its Chorizo sausage and Spicy Beef Salami. The company’s portfolio now includes more than 35 items, available in numerous regions across the United States.
The company’s product line includes a variety of artisanal salami, sausages, deli meats and snack packs made from antibiotic-free, pasture-raised meat.
“Due to a decline in restaurant sales, some farmers did not have as many outlets for meat as they are accustomed to,” Mr. Bridi said. “Our mission is to promote sustainable agriculture, so we connected with farmers who typically supply restaurants so we could support them during these times.”
Fratelli Beretta La Dolce Vita Entertainment Trays
Fratelli Beretta in August 2020 debuted its La Dolce Vita Entertainment Trays, which were designed to make it easier to bring loved ones together for a delicious meal.
The La Dolce Vita line is comprised of four assortments of 12-oz trays:
- La Dolce Vita Aperitivo Platter: Prosciutto, Soppressata, Dry Sausage, Roasted Almond, Mixed Pitted Green Olives, Mild Provolone
- La Dolce Vita Roll & Go Platter: Prosciutto & Mozzarella, Soppressata & Mozzarella, Milano & Mozzarella, Roasted Almond, Mixed Pitted Green Olives, BreadSticks
- La Dolce Vita Artisan Charcuterie Tray: Soppressata, Hot Soppressata, Black Pitted Olives, Artisanal Flatbread, Provolone Cubed Cheese, Pepperjack Cubed Cheese
- La Dolce Vita Artisan Charcuterie Platter: Italian Dry Salami, Hot Soppressata, Chorizo, Asiago Cubed Cheese, Provelone Cubed Cheese, Pepperjack Cubed Cheese
“Representing a commitment to the brand’s core values of tradition, innovation and quality, the La Dolce Vita Entertainment Trays offerings are selected from the very best ingredients produced by Fratelli Beretta and their trusted suppliers,” the company said.
Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board
Columbus Craft Meats in November 2019 debuted the Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board.
Packaged in wood-printed plastic designed to look like a board with a clear film cover, the charcuterie plate includes aged white cheddar cheese, chocolate-covered cranberries, Castelvetrano olives, La Panzanella multigrain crackers and two varieties of Columbus Craft Meats branded salami.
The Italian dry salami is made with select cuts of pork, cracked black pepper, burgundy wine and a blend of spices. The meat is then aged for 21 to 33 days.
The Calabrese salami, inspired by a recipe from the Calabria region of Italy, is made from whole cuts of trimmed pork combined with crushed red pepper and red bell peppers. The salami is air-dried and aged for at least 21 days.
“Our new Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board is perfect for consumers looking for a premium charcuterie experience, whether they are entertaining or want to bring something to a party,” said Henry Hsia, director of marketing for Columbus Craft Meats. “Instead of having to purchase the items individually and craft a board on their own, consumers can rely on our expertise.”
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