Trend Insights: Charcuterie
Boston’s quick-serve Kured menus charcuterie in portable cones, such as Madrileño (left) with Ibérico chorizo, manchego, sesame crackers and rosemary, and Italiano (right), with Genoa salami, Brie, sesame crackers and rosemary.

Photo credit: Ngan Tran

Trend Insights: Charcuterie

Chefs and trend analysts weigh in on the drivers and menu opportunities with charcuterie

Robert DANHIThe charcuterie trend gives operators the ability to use less-expensive cuts of meat, as well as trimmings from across their menu, to create flavorful sausages, pâtés, spreads and dips—and get a premium return on that ingenuity.

ROBERT DANHI


Chris AQUILINOWith labor shortages and supply chain issues, this trend allows operators to build with true ‘market availability.’

CHRIS AQUILINO


Chris CASSONAlthough charcuterie carries a higher price per pound than many commodity style cheeses or meats, the mindset of ‘less is more’ works well here. As a chef and consumer, I believe that incorporating these items throughout the menu is key.

CHRIS CASSON


Chris KOETKECharcuterie exists around the world,yet the amount of internationally inspired charcuterie on restaurant boards is quite limited. Scan the horizon for charcuterie from places like Turkey, Poland, Scandinavia, India and China, to name a few.

CHRIS KOETKE


 Delle TJ DONNECharcuterie, in many instances, helps chefs address food waste by championing total utilization while showing off culinary craft. Margins are huge for operators who can launch a charcuterie program that truly hangs its hat on being sustainable and conscious.

TJ DELLE DONNE