After moving to Alaska in 2012, Ryan and Emily knew the state had amazing small batch, specialty food products having encountered many good eats during their travels around Alaska. But, when it became time to send some high-quality Alaskan-made gifts to friends and family throughout the US, they couldn’t easily track down those tasty treats. Figuring that others – tourists and locals alike – were looking for the same thing, Alaska Artisanal was born.

Scouring the entire state Ryan and Emily curate unique, Alaskan, and most importantly, great tasting food. They search farmers’ markets, unique shops, and small marketplaces for wholesome, gourmet-quality Alaskan products grown and made by skilled Alaskan artisans. From there, they group complementary products for any occasion, often sourced from their own daily eating rituals.

However, Alaska Artisanal is not just a gift box company: it’s a belief that all food has a story. When you eat something, you should know where it’s from, who made it, who harvested it, who grew it. Each artisan’s story is included within every gift box, as well as here on our website.

Ryan and Emily settled in Alaska after experiencing the adventure of the state during a winter ski vacation. Soon after moving they adopted Storm, an Alaskan Husky. Now, all three of them enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities (a good way to work off all those calories from taste-testing Alaska Artisanal’s product line!). In the summer you can find them hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and trail running, and in the winter they are on all forms of skis: downhill, telemark and cross country. Storm particularly loves skijoring on the trails around Girdwood.

In addition to Alaska Artisanal, Ryan and Emily own Chugach Chocolates & Confections, a chocolates and confections manufacturer.

Prior to moving to Alaska, Ryan spent over a decade in the Financial Services sector, most recently as a vice president at investment management firm State Street Global Advisors. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan’s Ross School of business.