Trays of cured meats, cheeses and other savory snackables, collectively known as charcuterie boards, have experienced a significant rise in popularity over the past few years. It’s only natural that those of us with more of a sweet tooth longed for a different kind of spread.
Photo credit: Vande Walle's Candies
RCI member, Vande Walle’s Candies of Appleton, Wisconsin has experienced success with their chocolate charcuterie boards (check out their Packers-themed football board above) and we think you could too for Valentine’s Day and a number of other holidays throughout the year, such as Easter, Mother’s Day and more!
Keep reading for a little inspiration and tips to create your own chocolate charcuterie boards for Valentine's Day, using products you already have in your store.
Photo credit (clockwise, starting from top left): Rebecca White/Dallas News, A Pumpkin & A Princess, Domestikated Life, Lemon Tree Dwelling
Tips to Build Your Own Chocolate Charcuterie Board
Begin with the Board
Vande Walle’s Candies shared that they start by purchasing a variety of wood planks and cutting boards (made of both wood and glass) of different sizes and arrange their products on the boards. Each one of the Vande Walle’s chocuterie boards is unique and sold at a different price point.
The type of board or tray will play a big role in the price of your chocolate charcuterie board, so if you are wanting to keep your price point low check out your local dollar store for inexpensive glass or bamboo cutting boards. Nice wooden cutting boards are going to bring your price up, but the recipient of the board will likely incorporate it into their kitchen and use it over and over. Before arranging anything on your board, consider adding a label or sticker with your company info or logo on the bottom of the board to direct the recipient back to your business.
Pile on the Chocolate
When choosing which products to feature, don’t overlook the fact that charcuterie boards are meant to be shared either as a gift or at a gathering. We recommend putting your best foot forward by making sure to include a few of your signature items, so the recipient of your beautiful chocolate charcuterie board will want to come by for more. Take time to carefully arrange them on the board and leave space to add pops of color between the brown chocolate items.
Aside from your signature items, other ideas might include chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, graham crackers and pretzels with festive sprinkles, chocolate-covered popcorn, nuts or dried fruit. If possible, try to include a variety of shapes and sizes.
Add Pops of Color
Create interest by adding pops of color throughout the board with gummy candy, jelly beans, foil-wrapped chocolate hearts and lips, colorful non-pareils, conversation hearts, licorice, hard candies, panned cranberries and cherries, macarons, marshmallows and more. The sky is truly the limit.
It’s a Wrap
Once your board is complete, shrink wrap it to keep it all neatly in place. You might top it with a bow or a fun label as the finishing touch.
Even if you opt not to create chocolate charcuterie boards for this Valentine’s Day, this concept can be applied to any holiday—we dare you not to start daydreaming of an Easter board right now!
Although the charcuterie board has been around since the 15th century, it has exploded with popularity on social media thanks to its visual appeal. With that said, don’t forget to share photos of your chocolate charcuterie boards on social media.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
Print Page
Blog Home
All Blogs
RSS
