Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. What are some of the key product categories to consider when barbecue weather hits and what’s the advice from some of the main suppliers?
WE can’t always count on a good summer but, undeterred, Scots and our neighbours in the rest of the UK have been enthusiastically embracing barbecue cooking over the last several years.
But barbies are often still the result of last minute decisions, especially at weekends. And all of that means they present real commercial opportunities for impulse outlets like c-stores.
Sausages, burgers, rolls, salads, dressings, sauces, long drinks like beers, wines and RTDs, and soft drinks should all be on the stocking lists.
But what about equipment? Well, Caroline Morris, head of sales at Bar-Be-Quick, the instant barbecue manufacturer, acknowledges that barbecue ownership has risen by more than 21% since 1995 but demand for instant products is also strong.
“The old adage, ‘right place, right time’ has never been truer than when it comes to retailers correctly stocking and merchandising seasonal lines,” she said.
“During the summer, stocking instant barbecues on fresh meat aisles, as well as at the front of the store, is likely to inspire customers to think about barbecuing. It’s a tried and tested way of encouraging shoppers to go on to buy additional items, such as condiments and salads, thus increasing their basket spend quite substantially.
“This year, we’ve teamed up with Levi Roots and Hellmann’s, whose sauces and condiments are perfect for barbecues. We’ve also solved a common instant barbecue issue by launching our innovative dual-use grill stand to the market. It allows users to set up a barbecue anywhere without damaging the surface underneath.”
• ravin Patel of barbecue equipment supplier Premier Decorations said: “We predict that the demand for products such as charcoal, wood chips, sauces and marinades, lighting fuel and even disposable barbecues will be even greater in the next few years and is an opportunity not to be missed by retailers across the board.”
