The pandemic had a profound impact on our food spending, and we have seen a dramatic increase in dining at home. An influx of new shoppers in the grocery stores are making their food, especially lunches, at home, and they seek flavorful deli meat choices that are convenient, healthy and, above all, safe.

RJ’s Meats of Hudson, Wis., brings its sandwich capabilities to its home in Hudson, Wis.

New packaging in the deli and lunchmeat category often is being driven by consumers’ lifestyle needs. For example, portable protein packs were created because consumers want to be fit and eat less while on the go. 

Andy Hanacek, editor-in-chief, gets an update from Evan Inada, Columbus Craft Meats, on how COVID-19 affected demand for charcuterie and high-end deli proteins, as well as some of the company's business approaches and tactics.

Evan Inada, Columbus Craft Meats, talks with Andy Hanacek, editor-in-chief of The National Provisioner, about the ways in which charcuterie has grown over the years and how it is driving new customers to the deli today.

Andy Hanacek discusses the trends driving charcuterie with Evan Inada, Columbus Craft Meats, and how the processor has been developing products to support consumer demand in the segment.