CUTTING BOARDS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The cutting boards market size is expected to reach US$ 2.11 Bn by 2030, from US$ 1.29 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% during the forecast period.

Cutting boards are chopping blocks that are used as a base for cutting fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, and other food items in domestic and commercial kitchens. They provide a stable surface to cut food items without damaging kitchen counters. Cutting boards are available in different materials like wood, plastic, glass, marble, bamboo, and others. These are an essential kitchen tool for home cooks as well as professional chefs as they protect knife edges and counter tops.

The growth in the market is driven by rising consumer spending on kitchenware products and growing adoption in residential and commercial kitchens. The cutting boards market is segmented into material, end user, distribution channel, application, size, shape, and region. By material, the wood segment held the largest share as wood cutting boards are durable, bacteria-resistant and gentle on knife edges.

Cutting Boards Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the second largest market for cutting boards market during the forecast period, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is due to high consumer spending on premium and innovative kitchenware products.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the largest market for cutting boards market, accounting for over 35.6% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is due to expanding hospitality sector and rising residential construction in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for cutting boards market, with a CAGR of over 16.5% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Europe is due to growing adoption of sustainable materials like bamboo and rising commercial kitchen projects.

Figure 1. Global Cutting Boards Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Cutting Boards Market Drivers

• Innovative product designs and premiumization: The cutting boards market is witnessing the introduction of innovative premium products with advanced features and designs. Key manufacturers are launching products that are made from sustainable and antibacterial materials. For instance, Epicurean introduced a new range of cutting boards in 2021 that is made from richlite paper composite, which is an eco-friendly and knife-friendly material.
• Growth of commercial kitchens and hospitality industry: The steady expansion of food service, restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality establishments has augmented the adoption of cutting boards in commercial kitchens. With rising disposable incomes and urbanization, consumers are spending more on dining out, which has fueled the growth of the hospitality sector.
• Rising popularity of modular kitchens: Modular kitchens are gaining immense popularity among homeowners due to benefits like customization, efficient storage solutions, and enhanced aesthetics. Growing adoption of modular kitchens globally has led to increased utilization of built-in wooden chopping blocks, which complements the stylish interiors.
• Surging e-commerce sales: The cutting boards market has been positively influenced by the rapid growth of online sales channels. Leading manufacturers are extensively selling their products through their own websites as well as third-party e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay. This provides easy access to a wide range of cutting boards to a broader consumer base. For instances, according to data provided by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global e-commerce sales jumped from US$26.7 trillion in 2019 to US$27.7 trillion in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic despite the economic downturn. This rise in online buying has significantly contributed to the consistent growth of the cutting boards market.

Cutting Boards Market Opportunities

• Customization for specific needs: There is an opportunity for manufacturers to provide customized cutting board solutions that are tailored to the unique requirements of different end user groups like professional chefs, meat handlers, pastry chefs, and so on. For example, boards with juice grooves, anti-slip feet, and thickness adjustments can be made for specific usage purposes. Companies can use computer numerical control (CNC) machines for precise custom cutting and engraving services. This can help attract new customers and also enable upselling for higher profit margins.
• New design partnerships: Cutting board brands can collaborate with designers, fashion houses, celebrities, social media influencers and artists to create exclusive co-branded collections with attractive designs, patterns and shapes. This can effectively target fashion-forward millennials and Gen Z demographics. For instance, the brand Material teamed up with designer Mr. Jono Pandolfi in 2020 to launch a range of colorful acrylic cutting boards. Such creative partnerships open new distribution channels and also provide marketing exposure.
• Educational marketing: There is scope for educational marketing campaigns to showcase the safety, hygiene, and technical benefits of using cutting boards. Customers can be informed through advertisements, social media posts, and influencer marketing about how different board materials impact knife sharpness, prevents cross-contamination, retain nutrients, thus improve kitchen aesthetics and so on. This can accelerate mass market adoption beyond just cooking enthusiasts. It can also justify premium pricing of innovative products. For instances, according to the United Nations, worldwide grocery retail sales in 2022 witnessed a double digit percentage increase from pre-pandemic levels as home cooking became more important. General knowledge of proper food handling techniques helps satisfy this demand.
• Sustainable materials: Manufacturers have the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage by utilizing recycled plastic, reclaimed wood, bamboo, and other sustainable materials for making eco-friendly cutting boards. They can position these products as ethical and environmentally responsible to attract consumers preferring green alternatives for their kitchens. Competitive pricing, carbon footprint labeling, transparency about sourcing and production can further enhance the appeal of sustainable boards.

Cutting Boards Market Trends

• Natural antibacterial materials: There is an increasing preference for cutting boards made from materials having natural antibacterial properties like bamboo, maple wood, and glass. These inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria like E.coli and salmonella, thereby ensuring food safety. Bamboo cutting boards are also highly durable, sustainable and gentle on knife edges. Brands are actively promoting the antimicrobial advantages of such materials that appeal to health-conscious consumers. For instances, in 2022, according to a report released by the European Bamboo Industry Association, over 60% of European households own at least one bamboo cutting board, representing significant year-over-year growth compared to
• Local small batch production: Artisanal cutting boards crafted locally in small batches from high-quality sustainable woods and food-safe finishes are gaining popularity. Customers value the uniqueness, craftsmanship and charm of boards that are made by local woodworkers and family-owned businesses. Companies are highlighting product origin, wood sourcing practices and traditional oil finishing methods to target consumers supporting local artisans over mass-produced boards.
• Multipurpose kitchen tools: Leading cutting board brands are expanding into kitchen prep tools like serving trays, bowl holders, compost bins, and knife blocks that are made from the same materials. This provides added value and convenience to customers. For instance, in 2021, Ironwood launched a modular kitchen collection comprising chopping blocks, pan handlers, paper towel holders, knife blocks, and others. This cross-selling approach boosts product bundling opportunities and average transaction
• High-performance composite materials: Technologically advanced composite cutting board materials like Richlite (paper), Epicurean (wood pulp) and Sani-Tuff (rubber) are gaining popularity for their performance benefits. These durable, knife-friendly and low-maintenance composites are widely used for commercial kitchen chopping blocks. Their microbial resistance, structural reinforcement with polymers, moisture/stain resistance makes them ideal for heavy-duty foodservice applications.

Cutting Boards Market Restraints

• Volatility in raw material costs: Cutting board manufacturers face margins pressures due to fluctuating prices of key raw materials like timber, plastic polymers, bamboo, glass, and rubber. Costs are heavily dependent on unpredictable supply-demand dynamics, freight costs, labor wages, environmental regulations and tariffs. Sudden price hikes of materials impact production overheads and force companies to increase finished product prices which can adversely affect sales. For instances, according to data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the prices of several wood types increased between 35-65% from 2020 to 2022, due to shortage in supply and rising global demand. This rise in wood costs impacts the production costs for cutting board manufacturers extensively.
• Presence of toxic chemicals in some plastics: Certain low-cost plastic cutting boards contain bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other chemicals that can leach into foods during cutting and pose health risks to consumers. Despite regulations, small manufacturers continue using such toxic materials. This results in negative consumer perception regarding plastic/Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) boards, limiting adoption in some customer segments.
• Competition from alternative products: Cutting boards face competitive threat from alternative products like built-in chopping blocks, countertop chopping mats, flexible cutting sheets and separate cutting tools for specific food items. Consumers sometimes prefer the convenience and lower cost of such substitutes. Large established brands such as Picnic Time, Berg HOFF, Adeco. and many more also face competition from smaller local artisanal board makers gaining market share. Maintaining competitive differentiation is challenging for cutting board companies. For instances, in 2021, according to a  survey conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, over 50% of global households own at least 2-3 flexible kitchenware items like platters or trays compared to dedicated This increasing preference for alternatives that serve broader purposes beyond just chopping is a major restraint on the market for single-use cutting boards.

Counterbalance- Report needs to be done on cutting-edge developments within the market, such as boards with built-in features for convenience or enhanced materials for longevity and hygiene. Kick starter or crowd funded projects should be highlighted, if relevant, that may influence future market trends.

Analyst View

The cutting boards market is expected to witness steady growth in the near future driven by rising consumer preference for aesthetic and multi-functional kitchen tools. Increased adoption of sophisticated kitchen gadgets among millennials and growing importance provided to interior kitchen décor will boost demand. Innovative materials allow easier cleaning and providing anti-microbial protection is gaining popularity. Meanwhile, wooden cutting boards are finding favor among health-conscious consumers given their environment friendly nature. North America dominates cutting board sales due to growing experimentation with culinary arts in the region. However, Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as the fastest growing market as disposable incomes rise. New product launches featuring stylish designs tailored for small kitchen spaces could unlock opportunities in developing countries. At the same time, the market might experience friction from increasing adoption of multifunctional chopping boards by combining different functionalities. Cost pressures on consumers due to high inflation and economic uncertainties stemming from the pandemic may also negatively impact growth. Stricter regulations for harvesting of certain wood species like rosewood could temporarily constrain supply. Nevertheless, the introduction of sustainable substitutes crafted from alternative resources like bamboo offer potential routes for circumventing such supply-chain bottlenecks.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In January 2022, Neoflam, a privately-held multinational corporation that specializes in manufacturing innovative and stylish kitchenware, launched the ESSO cutting board made with antibacterial material to inhibit growth of bacteria. It provides a hygienic cutting surface for meat and poultry. The company is committed to providing products that are beneficial to human and environmental well-being
• In June 2021, John Boos & Co., a manufacturer of high-quality butcher blocks and other foodservice equipment, introduced the commercial-grade QTZ edge grain cutting board made of end-grain wood to provide a durable surface. It is well-suited for commercial kitchens. . The company is in the business for over 100 years and is known for their sustainable practices. John Boos & Co. products are made from the finest hardwoods available and feature a proprietary finish that protects against bacteria.
• In April 2020, Epicurean, a brand of Victorinox that specializes in producing cutting boards and kitchen utensils, launched a new range of eco-friendly cutting boards made from recycled paper. The boards are knife-friendly and dishwasher safe. . The company is known for designing and manufacturing dishwasher-safe cutting boards, kitchen tools, and life hacks in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In October 2022, Catskill Craftsmen was acquired by Madeira to expand its wood products portfolio with handcrafted cutting boards. Catskill Craftsmen is a privately held company that takes pride in its products and services. The company is known for producing quality butcher block kitchen islands, cutting boards, and other products by using locally sourced hardwoods. Catskill Craftsmen has been in the business for 75 years and is headquartered at 15 West End Avenue, Stamford, New York, 12167, U.S.
• In December 2021, Proteak partnered with Williams Sonoma to supply cutting boards made of sustainable teak wood for their retail stores. Proteak is a forestry company that cultivates teak trees on plantations located on reclaimed ranch lands in the dry tropical regions of Mexico and Latin America. Proteak is based out of Mexico City, Mexico, with satellite offices in Wimberley, Texas, U.S. and Tepic, Mexico. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an American publicly traded consumer retail company that sells kitchenware and home furnishings. It is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States.
• In September 2020, John Boos & Co. acquired Virginia Boys Kitchens to enhance its wood craftsmanship and expand commercial customer base. Virginia Boys Kitchens is a family-run business based in Virginia, U.S. that specializes in producing American-made walnut wood products for the kitchen, including cutting boards and other kitchen accessories. The company is committed to using sustainably and responsibly sourced local materials, reflecting its dedication to environmental consciousness. John Boos & Co. is a manufacturer of high-quality butcher blocks and other foodservice equipment. They have been in business for over 100 years and are known for their sustainable practices. John Boos products are made from the finest hardwoods available and feature a proprietary finish that protects against bacteria.

Figure 2. Global Cutting Boards Market Share (%), by Application, 2023

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Top companies in Cutting Boards Market

• Epicurean
• John Boos
• Edward Wohl
• San Jamar
• SAGE
• Neoflam
• Catskill Craftsmen
• Proteak
• Carver Board
• Virginia Boys Kitchens
• Totally Bamboo
• Lipper International
• Madeira
• Fackelmann
• TOPULORS
• ATN Co., Ltd.
• M & D Industries
• K. Adams
• Winco
• Cozzini Bros

*Definition: The Cutting Boards Market refers to the industry comprising manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers of cutting boards used in kitchens. Cutting boards provide a stable and durable surface for safely cutting fruits, vegetables, meat, and other food items. The market has grown steadily over the past few years driven by rising consumer interest in cooking and baking, trend of premium kitchenware products, and expanding hospitality sector. Key materials used to make cutting boards include wood, plastic, bamboo, glass, and marble. The market is witnessing innovation in sustainable boards, smart boards with weighing scales, antipathogenic materials, and specialized boards for meat and bread.

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