Grazing boards have been gaining a lot of popularity within the past few years as a great way to spend time and share great flavours with loved ones. In fact, the grazing board, charcuterie, and deli foods industry is growing rapidly, with a projected compound growth rate of 5.3% between 2023 and 2030 – with the industry boasting £177.55 billion in revenue in 2022.
Whether presented at dinner parties, social events, or enjoying a “girl dinner” with your friends, these visually appealing platters are inducing an irresistibly creative fusion of flavours that is both Instagram-worthy and tasty.
Katy Baxter, Corporate Affairs Director at luxury food hampers business, Baxters of Scotland commented: “Grazing boards are an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to assemble staple food items, such as cheese, wine and chutneys, and offer a platter that is to everyone’s taste. This presents hosts with the opportunity to astonish their guests with a memorable dining experience without spending too much time in the kitchen, ensuring your guests are getting both the best food and quality time with you.”
Let’s delve deeper into the trend elevating our social gatherings and find what drives it, to help you inspire you to assemble your own at home.
What is a grazing platter?
If you’ve been scrolling through your social feeds, you’ve likely encountered the trend in question – the grazing board
A grazing board is much more than a platter of food, and it is not to be mistaken with a charcuterie board, which is a medley of deli meats and cheeses with a few other accompaniments. Instead, a grazing board is a meticulously curated arrangement of various cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, nuts, crackers, chutneys, veggies and more, designed to entice the eyes and satisfy the taste buds in a communal and shareable dining experience. It is an art form of its own.
The art of grazing boards
The surge in popularity of grazing boards owes much to the allure of aesthetics. A recent study found that participants perceived food presented on more beautiful plates as tastier and healthier.
Grazing boards are more than a culinary delight – they’re a celebration of flavours and aesthetics, assembled in an artistic and visually stunning way. These boards transform ordinary ingredients into visually stunning masterpieces and are the epitome of food presentation.
“When curating a grazing board, don’t be afraid to play with textures, colours, and symmetry to create a well-balanced experience. Coordinating the platter with a theme can add an extra flavour of aesthetics to your table. Taste-wise, you can experiment with mixing flavours you otherwise wouldn’t put together, such as a sweet blackcurrant and cassis conserve alongside spicy jalapeno chilli jelly,” commented Katy.
The social media phenomenon: a feast for the eyes
In the age of Instagram and TikTok, aesthetics matter. Grazing boards, with their colourful and artfully arranged assortments, are a visual feast that is Instagram-worthy. Social media platforms have become virtual stages for culinary creativity, and grazing boards have found their spotlight.
A remarkable 69% of millennials capture a photo or video of their food before indulging, and many of these images find their way onto Instagram. Having an aesthetic experience that they can share with friends and family on social media is paramount. In fact, #food has been tagged over 516 million times on Instagram, and #grazingboard alone has over 676,000 posts.
Shared social experiences
Recently, we’ve been prompted to cherish more intimate, meaningful experiences instead of extravagant gatherings. Grazing boards align with this newfound emphasis on shared moments, as they encourage communal enjoyment and foster a sense of togetherness.
With grazing platters, the whole experience becomes not only about the food but also about the sharing through interaction and heartfelt conversations being sparked around the board. It serves as a bonding element at any party.
Versatility and customisation
Grazing boards stand out as versatile canvases, easily customised to accommodate a myriad of themes or dietary preferences.
“When you craft a grazing board, you have the flexibility to cater to a spectrum of tastes at the same time: to those with a penchant for sweetness and to those who like savoury delights. Much like with a hamper box, which is the foundation for a grazing board and can be a great addition to one, grazing platters are easily customised to suit those who experience it,” said Katy.
Your guests have the freedom to select the elements they desire to enjoy, eliminating any discomfort associated with not favouring set menu options. This only makes the social dining experience more enjoyable. Try encouraging your guests to bring their own unique item to the board for an unforgettable dining experience, mixing everyone’s favourites for a special combination of food and drink.
Grazing platters can also be tailored to the theme of the event or by the current season. By selecting a variety of food items and decorations, you can cater to a romantic night or a family gathering. You can also align it with seasonality, choosing fruits that are in season and introducing vibrant colours and diverse textures to enhance your tablescape.
Local and traditional
According to the latest YouGov research, 60% of consumers worldwide prefer to buy local products. This gives an opportunity to support local producers and choose artisanal products that elevate the taste buds and feel like a more personal and authentic experience.
Grazing boards are also a great way to introduce different cultures and experience them through their cuisine. Consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, who are the most ethnically diverse generations, are increasingly favouring multicultural products in their culinary adventures.
Katy commented: “With a thoughtful selection of food items, you can highlight any culture and pay homage to its culinary heritage. If you’re hosting a dinner party with a lot of international guests, you can present your traditional flavours or give praise to someone else’s heritage. Multicultural-themed parties are also very popular, and grazing boards provide you with the opportunity to shine as a host.
“A well-curated grazing board narrates a story through its assortment and visual experience; it takes you on a journey.”
Conclusion
As we navigate the evolving landscape of social trends and cultural preferences, the resurgence of grazing boards speaks volumes about our desire for shared experiences, culinary creativity, and the joy found in diverse flavours.
But grazing boards are not just a trend; they are a celebration of togetherness and the love of good food. So, when it’s your turn to host some family or friends in your home, unleash your culinary creativity and welcome the love and togetherness uniting your loved ones through an unforgettable grazing board.
