Winter has packed up and gone, spring has sprung and summer is about to make her grand entrance. Before she sweeps in, and spring has matured, barbeque/grill season begins!
Perhaps the biggest food trend is plant-based “alterna-meats.” The whopping success of the Impossible Burger has injected fuel into a growing group of eaters – flexitarians. They love meat and they also will eat alterna-meats (plant-based foods) as a healthy and tasty break. And alterna-seafoods are on the horizon for widespread distribution soon, too.
Meaning: more to grill!
Cooking shows and magazines are also showcasing how to grill a wide assortment of vegetables – even Bibb lettuce leaves.
And … that’s just the food. A barbeque is not limited to the grill – it is an experience, a shared event. It’s the merriment that surrounds the food, and supports the plates. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA) and the market research firm Mintel, 30 percent of Americans own more than 1 grill or smoker; 12 percent own 3 or more.
Carrie Lewis BIC Graphic noted that more than 75% of American households have a grill or smoker. Further, in barbeque trends, a growing “feel good trend is food philanthropy. BBQ events as fundraisers or to provide hot meals to people impacted by natural disasters have been popular in recent years. Non-profit organizations hosting these types of events may be another potential market for promo barbeque/picnic items.”
Community banks, healthcare practices, fitness clubs, auto dealerships, and real estate businesses all are perfect targets to provide any of a sundry array of barbeque related items for summertime promotions.
Table covers for outdoor spreads are important and can get a lot of eyeball traffic. Beacon Promotions provides a selection of polyester digital direct print table covers in varied sizes. Aprons Etc. also provides table covers, such as dye sublimation table covers and runners in varied sizes. And of course, don’t forget the aprons – self-proclaimed grill masters would highly appreciate pocket aprons, and the company offers these in a wide variety of colors. Southern Plus also provides a variety of aprons. Table covers and aprons can make great “thank you for your business” gifts at home closings, for a new car purchase, etc.
A great barbeque is also all about the drinks – a cold one. BIC Graphics provide several Koozie® coolers, such as the Party Kooler, and Six-Pack Kooler. These are also great gifts with higher-end purchase. For smaller promotional gifts, Koozie can koolers, such as its Original, Collapsible Can Kooler, britePix® Can Kooler, and Zip-Up Bottle Kooler. Southern Plus provides a 24-can cooler (Chiller Cooler), the Rhino Large Cooler, the Titan Cooler, the Big Chill Cooler and Easy Dozen Cooler.
A grill needs propane and the tanks are often very heavy to work with, says Josette Bosse of Bay State Specialty Company, which supplies the Propane Tank Jar Opener. “Similarly, when working with a hot grill or barbeque, our Therma-Grip Pocket Oven Mitt is fire-resistant and comfortable with an all-cotton interior.”
Corn on the cob is also a barbeque staple, and Bay State’s Champion Corn Butterer will be highly appreciated, says Bosse; just load a pat of soft butter into the top and slide it along the corn. Paul Hanney, sales manager for Garyline, “when it comes to food, our Silicone Basting Brush is perfect for grilled/barbequed chicken or ribs.”
Southern Plus’ BBQ Set contains a spatula, fork and tong with printable carrying case. PolyConcept North America (PCNA) also offers the Grill Master 3-piece barbeque set with steel tongs, fork and spatulain a sturdy metal-trimmed carrying case. To ensure that what’s on the grill reaches its destination temperature, PCNA supplies the Leed’s Digital Instant Read Thermometer
And although the meats may be the star – its supporting role is fulfilled by dry rubs, seasonings and spices. And yes, there are promotional products for that! Promo Hot Sauce can put your client’s logo on a delicious array of sauces, cheese dips, rubs, hot sauces, grilling sauces and gift sets.
Barbeque accessories are the types of promotional products that have been used successfully in corporate stores, as incentives, and in a variety of fundraising events. According to Lewis, other relevant clients for barbeque items include outdoor recreation stores, campgrounds, and recreation centers.
After weeks of global fear and quarantine, getting out to barbeque is going to be more anticipated and appreciated than ever. We’re sure your target audience will agree and want to take part in the fun.