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Charcoal Barbecues are more popular then ever!
The world of outdoor cooking is constantly changing. Brands come up with all kinds of ways to make their product match the wishes of the consumer. This includes different fuels within the spectrum. From gas to electric and from pellets to charcoal. UBG Distribution researched the most popular outdoor cooking methods and found that charcoal is still very popular with consumers.
Production, consumption and types of charcoal
Charcoal owes its name to the 'carbonization' of wood, or an operation in which wood is heated and converted into charcoal due to the limited oxygen access. Pure charcoal consists for the most part (>80%) of carbon (also called carbon), but on the market we see more and more manufacturers who heat the wood for less time at lower temperatures, so that less carbon remains in the charcoal. If there is charcoal with less carbon (<65%) then we are talking about charcoal briquettes.
The global charcoal market is estimated to be worth around 24 billion euros (IndexBox AI, 2020). Brazil is the largest producer on the market. According to IPS (2017), the country was responsible for 12% of world production in 2015. In addition, Brazil is also the largest user of charcoal (5.5 million tons). On average, the demand for charcoal is increasing by about 2.2% per year, but due to an increasing growth in the demand for barbecues, this demand has increased to almost 4% in 2021.
The standard consumer with little to no knowledge of barbecues will often think that all types of charcoal are equal. However, there are major differences in the types of carbon on the market. This varies from the quality of the wood to the method of production. These differences are reflected in the market due to the large number of suppliers of coal.
The popularity of charcoal barbecues
Although many BBQ enthusiasts would say that there is no better source of heat for outdoor cooking than charcoal, there are many different barbecues on the market today. There are three main groups that dominate the market – Electric BBQs, Gas Grills and Coal BBQs.
The European BBQ market is estimated to be worth around 1.6 billion euros in 2022. Research conducted by Statista, 2022 into consumer preference in Germany and the United Kingdom indicates that as many as 67% of consumers prefer to grill on coal.
Types of charcoal barbecues
After having made a choice between the various fuels, the consumer is faced with the following decision. What kind of barbecue is preferred? Coal barbecues (but also gas or electric) come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. Some are suitable for direct grilling, others for indirect or a combination of both. The consumer can choose from a wide range of different types.
Kettle Barbecues
Perhaps the most famous is the charcoal barbecue with a round kettle shape. The temperature is easy to regulate because of the lid. The kettle barbecue is a great beginner-level grill. Ideal for the casual home cook.
Kamados
Very emerging is the kamado. This grill has blown over from the Far East. Consisting of a ceramic exterior that ensures perfect control over the temperature. This is the barbecue for those who want to cook outside more professionally than the regular home cook.
Barrel Barbecues
Did you know that we can turn a barrel into a barbecue? These barrel barbecues are ideal for Private Label promotions and can be completely personalized. The barrel is galvanized, making it stainless.
Smokers
For consumers who love smoky flavors and are advanced in outdoor cooking. Smokers come in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps the most popular is the bullet smoker.
The popularity of charcoal barbecues dominates the BBQ market at the moment, but it is still a matter of taste. It is therefore always important to do a research on the target group that your product is trying to reach. And because brands are getting better at developing their product, other functionalities are decisive for the consumer in addition to fuel. Think of built-in thermometers for optimal temperature regulation.
UBG Distribution is happy to help you gain insight into your target group and find suitable products that will make your brand a success.
Sources:
Fortune Business Insights. (2021). ‘Charcoal Market Report Summaries Detailed Information By Top Players As Kingsford Company, Royal Oak Inc., Fire and Flavor, Cook International, Among othets’. Retrieved on August 1, 2022 via https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/charcoal-market-105631
indexbox (February 24, 2020). ‘Global Wood Charcoal Market Reached $24B, Buoyed By Robust Demand in Africa’. Retrieved on august 1, 2022 via https://www.globaltrademag.com/global-wood-charcoal-market-reached-24b-buoyed-by-robust-demand-in-africa/
inter Press Service. (March 31, 2017). ‘Brazilië produceert meeste houtskool ter wereld’. Retrieved on august 1, 2022 via: https://www.ipsnews.be/artikel/brazilie-produceert-meeste-houtskool-ter-wereld
Marketline. (february, 2021). ‘Global Home & Garden Product Retail. Marketline Industry Profile.’. Retrieved on August 1, 2022
yougov. ( may 7, 2021). ‘statista what type of grill do you prefer?’. Retrieved on August 1, 2022.