Cured & Curated: How to Start a Charcuterie Board Business

In today’s competitive landscape, consumers respond to unique offerings that feel homemade, hand selected, and special. If you’re seeking a trendy way to capture attention, build customer loyalty, and express your commitment to the best cocktail party or picnic on the block, the charcuterie business niche has your name written all over it (quite literally—check out our branded boards below). Read on to learn how to enter the delightful world of charcuterie! 

What Is Charcuterie?

Charcuterie refers to prepared meats like salami, bacon, and sausages, traditionally made from pork.  While its roots lie in preserving meats, today it’s all about delicious flavor developed through curing and other techniques. Charcuterie boards are beautiful presentations of these meats, often paired with cheeses, fruits, and breads. 

Why Start a Charcuterie Business?

How can these delectable displays elevate your business? While seemingly a simple collection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, charcuterie boards are a surprisingly versatile marketing tool. Join us to explore the art of the charcuterie board, delving into its potential as a business offering, promotional powerhouse, and brand builder. Then use our valuable tips on how to start your own successful charcuterie business. 

Why Is This a Good Time to Start a Charcuterie Board Business?

The charcuterie industry is booming, driven by a growing consumer appreciation for artisanal foods and entertaining at home. Here are some reasons to consider a charcuterie business: 

• Relatively Low Startup Costs: Compared to other food businesses, charcuterie requires minimal equipment and can be run from a home kitchen (with proper permits, of course).

• High Profit Margins: Specialty ingredients and the artistry involved in board creation allow for healthy profit margins.

• Flexible Business Model: You can cater to events, offer charcuterie board subscriptions, or sell pre-made boards at local markets. The choice is yours!

• Rewarding Creative Outlet: Curating beautiful and delicious boards allows you to express your creativity and passion for food.

What Are the Key Steps to Starting a Charcuterie Business?

Your charcuterie business starts with simple steps that allow you to work alone or with a partner! If you already have a restaurant, store, or other business and are looking to expand your offerings, the steps apply to you as well, and require the same attention to detail, sophisticated palate, and creative flair.  

• Develop a Business Plan: Outline your concept, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing plan. Research local licensing and food safety regulations.

• Source High-Quality Ingredients: Partner with local artisans, cheese mongers, and butchers to ensure the freshest and most flavorful offerings.

• Hone Your Craft: Practice your charcuterie board assembly skills, experimenting with flavor profiles and presentation techniques.

• Build Your Brand: Create a strong brand identity, including a logo and social media presence. Showcase your work with high-quality photos and highlight customer testimonials.

• Offer Excellent Customer Service: Be responsive to inquiries and provide exceptional service for every order.

How Can My Customers Use Charcuterie Boards?

Charcuterie’s visual appeal is undeniable. Imagine a beautifully crafted board, overflowing with colorful meats, cheeses, fruits, and artisan breads. Your charcuterie board adds elegance to any event. Here are just a few ways your customers can use your charcuterie business to benefit theirs! 

• Client Meetings & Events: Elevate important gatherings with a custom charcuterie board showcasing your logo or branding. It sets a professional yet approachable tone, sparking conversation and leaving a lasting impression.

• Trade Shows & Conferences: Stand out from the crowd with a charcuterie display. Attendees will gravitate towards the visual feast, providing a natural opportunity to introduce your client’s company and its offerings.

• Corporate Gifting: Forget the impersonal fruit basket. A custom-designed charcuterie board filled with gourmet treats is a thoughtful and memorable gift for clients or partners.

• Employee Appreciation: Your client can show their team they care with a charcuterie board at the office. Use it to foster a sense of community, boost morale, and create a positive work environment.

How Can I Promote My Charcuterie Board Business?

Here are a few ways to advertise your charcuterie business in sophisticated style: 

• Create Sample Boards: Offer sample boards at local events or partner with restaurants and cafes to showcase your work and generate leads.

• Social Media Marketing: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share stunning photos of your charcuterie creations. Encourage user engagement with contests and promotions.

• Offer “DIY Charcuterie Board Kits”: Provide curated kits with ingredients and assembly instructions, allowing customers to experience the charcuterie art form at home. This is a great way to generate repeat business and brand loyalty.

• Advertise on the Board: Picture your company logo nestled amongst salami slices and other charcuterie board bounty. Use boards that are custom imprinted with your logo or website, or offer custom boards to first-time or repeat customers. Consider these options:

Large Bamboo Cutting Board 

Bamboo Cutting Board 

Do You Have Tips for Arranging Charcuterie Boards?

Yes, we do! If you’re new to the charcuterie game, have no fear. Building a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board is all about variety and presentation. Below are some pointers to ensure you’ve got everything your customers crave, and that your offerings stay on the board, not the floor! 

• Curate Your Selection: Aim for 3-5 cheeses with contrasting textures and flavors, like a creamy brie, a sharp cheddar, and a tangy goat cheese. Include 1-3 cured meats, with a mix of mild prosciutto and bolder salami. Don’t forget the accompaniments! Pickled vegetables, olives, jams, and mustards add pops of flavor and complement the richness of the cheese and meat.

• Arrange for Staying Power: Start by placing bowls for dips and jams around the outer edge of the board. This keeps the random seedless grape from becoming a mashed memory on the convention hall carpet. Nestle cheese wedges in between, creating a visually interesting spread. Fold cured meats into rosettes or pinwheels, then fill in the remaining spaces with accompaniments like grapes, nuts, and crackers. Play with color and texture for a board that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is delicious.

Where Can I Learn Even More About Starting My Own Charcuterie Board Business?

Whether it’s your side hustle, an additional service offering, or your primary passion, the time to sharpen your charcuterie board knowledge (and knives) is now!  

• The internet offers a wealth of resources for aspiring charcuterie artisans.

• Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops to refine your skills.

• Explore food blogs and social media accounts dedicated to charcuterie for inspiration and trend spotting.

By embracing the charcuterie board’s popularity, you can expand your existing business or start a new venture. Unleash your creativity, craft those delectable displays, and watch your brand be the trendiest (and most elegant) in town!