New Innovative Grills, Smokers and Outdoor Cooking Gadgets Heat up the Barbecue Industry

ORLANDO, Fla., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- From time-saving accessories, to innovative grills and smokers, and state-of-the-art outdoor kitchens and living products, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) announced today the barbecue industry's latest trends and hottest items launching at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) in Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, March 11-13. The largest outdoor living show in North America, HPBExpo brings together 350 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees from around the world, and showcases the hottest new products and industry trends.

With 82 percent of North American households owning a grill or smoker, and the majority (56 percent) of grill owners using their grills year round, the barbecue industry remains hot. Shipments of grills and smokers reached 15 million in 2009 alone.

"Outdoor cooking remains a staple American pastime that consumers turn to for delicious food with time and cost-saving benefits. The industry's manufacturers are launching new innovative accessories that make it easy to cook every part of the meal – from appetizer to dessert – on the grill, and new gadgets that are making clean-up easier than ever before," said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director. "This year's Expo features an exciting variety of new products to fit every budget and outdoor cooking style."

2010 Trend Watch

As the May-to-September peak outdoor cooking season approaches, consumers can expect to see grills, smokers and outdoor living products in high demand. Unveiled today at HPBExpo, the trends that will drive sales during 2010 and beyond include:

Sizzling Accessories: This year, it's all about accessories, which are making it even easier to cook up your favorites or try something new to spice up your grilling capabilities. New accessories focus on time-saving and easy-living solutions for everyone, from the novice to the master griller. Time-saving tools, like the new BBQ Hooker four-in-one tool offer everything from a sharp hook to a strong rounded spatula, to a serrated knife edge and even a bottle opener all in one (also available in a left-handed version). Also new, the Zippo Flexible Neck Utility Lighter easily fits into most grills and lanterns with a flexible and durable neck that makes lighting torches and grills a snap. And making grilled kabobs more manageable, the Fire Wire® is a flexible, dishwasher-safe stainless steel skewer that allows you to marinate kabobs in a plastic bag for full-flavored grilled meals.

Keeping it Clean: Manufacturers are making outdoor cooking easier by offering new products for quick clean up. The latest products cut down clean-up time and make post-grilling more enjoyable. The new Gas Grill Splatter Mat™ protects surface areas from sauce drippings and splatter without adhering to decking. And for a one-stop clean-up brush, there's the new Grand Grill Daddy – Platinum Edition high-end grill brush that cleans with the power of steam and has three rows of stainless steel bristles for restaurant-quality cleaning power.

Tailgate Fever: Portable grills and smokers are a game-winning addition sure to get the party started at any time. Beyond tailgating, new light-weight and durable grills and smokers are making it possible for consumers to get their favorite grilled and smoked meals and side dishes anywhere, whether at the beach, campsite or a local park. Popular industry technologies, including infrared grilling, make on-the-go outdoor cooking fast, easy and delicious.

Jack of all Trades: New multi-tasking grill systems are answering the call for easy cooking solutions. Consumers can experiment with side-burners, three-, six- and even 12-burner gas grills to create different dishes at one time. Multiple burners allow for varied temperature control, while extensions like built-in infrared rotisseries, storage drawers and lights for nighttime cooking adapt to consumers' 24/7 lifestyle.

Home Outside of Home: Remodeling extends beyond the walls of the home. Outdoor kitchens transform backyard spaces into luxury living areas with everything from barbecue grills to wood-fired pizza ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in sinks, bottle rails, cocktail bars and food preparation areas. With the ease and convenience of a backyard entertainment area, more people are looking for ways to turn their yards and decks into inviting, usable outdoor living spaces. And, as consumers are becoming increasingly cost-conscious when it comes to remodeling, outdoor smokers, grills and kitchen accessories provide an easy, do-it-yourself friendly way to upgrade the value of any outdoor space.

Sales Burned Brightly in 2009

The barbecue industry remained strong in 2009, shipping nearly 15 million grills and smokers overall. Gas grills continue to top the charts as the most popular type of grill, followed by charcoal and then electric.

• Total Gas Grills Shipments (57 percent of sales) – 8,543,000
• Total Charcoal Grills Shipments (41 percent of sales) – 6,164,000
• Total Electric Grills Shipments (2 percent of sales) – 277,150

Get Fired Up!

May is National Barbecue Month and the kick-off to the peak grilling and smoking season. Retailers see their highest sales during the summer months, but also recognize steady sales continuing into the fall with consumers cooking outdoors well past Labor Day and into the winter months. HPBA forecasts that as Americans keep entertainment close to home and watch travel spending, the popularity of grilling and smoking will soar.

For more industry and HPBExpo information, please visit www.hpba.org and www.hpbexpo.com .

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education. There are more than 2,500 members in the HPBA.

SOURCE Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association