# High-Brow Confection Boutique shops offer art-infused edibles. By [Ady Floyd](https://www.trendhunter.com/AdyFloyd), Futurist, VP Innovation Strategy | Published Jan 25, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sophisticated-confectioner ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the High-Brow Confection trend? **High-Brow Confection:** Battling the idea that sweet indulgences are meant for children, boutique confectioners are infusing these treats with elegance. This combines physical, taste-based indulgence with visual indulgence, providing extra value for older consumers -- Millennials in particular -- for whom indulgence is defined by a connection to status, experience, and value. This multi-leveled approach to the concept of treating oneself grants the penny-pinching Millennial an extra level of permission to indulge. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 31 to Dec 22, 2016 - Published: Jan 25, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the High-Brow Confection trend ### Artistic Infusion Boutique confectioners are infusing treats with elegance and artistic elements to cater to millennial consumers. ### Small-Batch Craze The trend of small-batch production is spreading through the food industry, and gourmet chocolatiers are leading the way. ### Experimental Desserts Experimental, art-infused desserts are quickly becoming the favorites of foodies, with a focus on unusual flavor pairings and artistic presentations. ## What the High-Brow Confection trend means for industry ### For Gourmet Chocolatiers Small-batch chocolate shops like FINE & Raw and Chocolates x Brandon Olsen are disrupting the candy industry with their ethical production and artistic designs. ### For Boutique Confectioners Artistic infusion of luxury desserts is being led by boutique confectioners like Nugateau, Death in Venice Gelato Company, and The Pop Parlour. ### For Experimental Dessert Makers The new wave of experimental dessert makers like Chocolates x Brandon Olsen and Death in Venice Gelato Company are creating flavors that sound more like gourmet entrees than desserts. ## Workshop question In what ways could you combine different features or elements of your products and services to elevate the experience? ## Trend signals for High-Brow Confection Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 69%, activity 72%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 69% - Activity: 72% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the High-Brow Confection trend 5 featured examples from Jan 31 to Dec 22, 2016. - [Artistic Chocolate Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Chocolates-x-Brandon-Olsen): Toronto's Chocolates x Brandon Olsen Serves Up Colorful Hand-Made Bonbons (Category: Business) Implication: Innovation opportunities to consistently create new and visually appealing designs and flavors for chocolates to stay ahead of the competition. - [Exclusive Eclair Pastry Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nugateau): 'Nugateau' is a Toronto Patisserie Serving Up Fresh Eclairs Daily (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Patisserie shops and bakeries can take advantage of the specialty eclair trend by offering unique and elevated pastry options. - [Gourmet Popsicle Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-pop-parlour): 'The Pop Parlour' Serve Up Artisan Ice Pops in Orlando (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Potential for innovation in the frozen desserts industry by introducing unique and gourmet popsicles to the market. - [Small-Batch Chocolate Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fine-raw): Brooklyn's FINE & Raw Makes Artisan Treats from Conscious Ingredients (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform the mass-produced food market by offering small-batch, artisanal food products made from conscious ingredients. - [Experimental Gelato Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/death-in-venice): The Death in Venice Gelato Company Serves Up Unusual Flavor Combinations (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can utilize unconventional flavor combinations, vegan alternatives, and seasonal ingredients to attract and retain customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)