PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. - (Business Wire) BBQ grilling is no longer just a summertime activity as an increasing number of Americans fire up their grills year round, according to The NPD Group, a
leading market research company.
NPD’s 22nd annual “Eating Patterns in America” report shows that outdoor grill usage in America is at an all-time high; nearly double what it was 20 years ago. In 1985, 17 percent of households used a grill at dinner at least once during an average two-week period throughout the year; in 2007, it was 38 percent.
“While summer still accounts for the highest consumption levels of grilled food, grilling has increased the most in the other seasons of the year,” says Harry Balzer, vice president at NPD and author of the firm’s report on “Eating Patterns in America.”
The increase in year round grilling coincides with the increased ownership of gas grills, according to Balzer. The majority of households have an outdoor grill (76 percent) and the grill of choice is one that uses gas — 75 percent of grill owners have a gas grill.
In 2007, NPD estimates grill sales grew by 3.2% (unit sales) from the previous year (2006).
"Grills and other outdoor living products continue to be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging market," says Mark Delaney, director of NPD’s Home industry sector. “There's a BBQ grill designed to fit the needs and budget of every consumer, helping to make this category the most popular outdoor entertaining item owned."
Balzer also attributes the steady rise in grilling with the increasing number of men cooking at home. “This is the one cooking appliance men are more likely to use than any other appliance in the home,” he says.
According to NPD’s latest data, 41% of men say they always do the grilling, while only 17% of women say they always do the grilling.
“There is no doubt we are a nation of grillers,” says Balzer. “It’s convenient, saves time, tastes good, and, perhaps most important to women, the man does it.”
Editor’s note/sidebar:
| Top Ten Foods Grilled |
| | | | 1. | | | Burgers (any, with or without bun) |
| | | 2. | | | Steak |
| | | 3. | | | Chicken |
| | | 4. | | | Hot Dogs |
| | | 5. | | | Pork Chops |
| | | 6. | | | Potatoes |
| | | 7. | | | Vegetables |
| | | 8. | | | Other Pork Cuts |
| | | 9. | | | Sausage |
| | | 10. | | | Seafood |
About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,600 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/.
The NPD Group
Kim McLynn, 847-692-1781
Food & Beverage
Kim_McLynn@npd.com
or
Dora Brunette, 516-625-6190
Home
Dora_Brunette@npd.com
