GITNUXREPORT 2026

Barbecue Industry Statistics

The barbecue industry is booming with strong growth in sales, equipment, and consumer engagement worldwide.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

68% of U.S. households own a grill or smoker, up from 62% in 2020.

Statistic 2

54% of Americans grilled more frequently during summer 2023 than previous year.

Statistic 3

Preferred BBQ meat in U.S.: ribs (42%), brisket (38%), chicken (35%).

Statistic 4

72% of millennials prefer gas grills over charcoal.

Statistic 5

45% of U.S. consumers seek low-sugar BBQ sauces in 2023.

Statistic 6

Top BBQ side dish: coleslaw (51%) followed by baked beans (47%).

Statistic 7

61% of BBQ enthusiasts experiment with new rubs annually.

Statistic 8

Average time spent grilling per session: 1.5 hours in U.S.

Statistic 9

39% of consumers prefer wood pellet grills for flavor control.

Statistic 10

Vegan BBQ sauce demand up 28% among vegetarians in 2023.

Statistic 11

55% of families grill weekly during peak season.

Statistic 12

Most popular BBQ wood: hickory (62%), mesquite (29%).

Statistic 13

48% of grillers use smart apps for temperature monitoring.

Statistic 14

Preference for slow-cooked brisket: 8-12 hours by 67%.

Statistic 15

52% buy BBQ products online vs. in-store.

Statistic 16

Top marinade ingredient: garlic (71%)

Statistic 17

44% of Gen Z prefers plant-based BBQ alternatives.

Statistic 18

Average annual BBQ events per household: 12 in U.S.

Statistic 19

67% prioritize food safety when grilling.

Statistic 20

Smoked salmon popularity up 35% in BBQ circles.

Statistic 21

59% use thermometers consistently.

Statistic 22

Favorite BBQ season starter: Memorial Day (89%).

Statistic 23

41% experiment with international BBQ styles yearly.

Statistic 24

Low-carb BBQ sauce preference: 36% of dieters.

Statistic 25

Group grilling size average: 8-10 people.

Statistic 26

73% clean grill after every use.

Statistic 27

Spicy BBQ sauce fans: 49% of under-35s.

Statistic 28

64% share BBQ photos on social media.

Statistic 29

Sweet BBQ sauce tops charts at 53% preference.

Statistic 30

57% of parents grill kid-friendly meals weekly.

Statistic 31

Hickory smoked preference holds 58% market share in woods.

Statistic 32

U.S. pork ribs consumption 1.2 billion lbs annually.

Statistic 33

BBQ employs 500,000 workers in U.S. restaurants.

Statistic 34

Brisket wholesale price averaged $4.50/lb in 2023.

Statistic 35

1,200 BBQ festivals create $1.5 billion economic impact yearly.

Statistic 36

Chicken wings BBQ demand: 1.5 billion lbs/year U.S.

Statistic 37

Average BBQ restaurant labor cost 32% of revenue.

Statistic 38

Beef short ribs exports $800 million from U.S. 2023.

Statistic 39

Pitmaster average salary $55,000 annually.

Statistic 40

Sausage links BBQ sales contribute $2.3 billion.

Statistic 41

Supply chain for charcoal supports 10,000 jobs.

Statistic 42

Turkey legs BBQ niche $150 million market.

Statistic 43

Grill manufacturing exports 25,000 jobs U.S.

Statistic 44

Sauce production facilities employ 8,500 workers.

Statistic 45

Economic multiplier effect of BBQ events: 1.8x.

Statistic 46

Lamb shanks BBQ rising to $90 million sales.

Statistic 47

Independent BBQ joints 15,000 nationwide.

Statistic 48

Pellet production 50,000 tons/year, 2,000 jobs.

Statistic 49

Food truck BBQ sector $900 million revenue.

Statistic 50

Butcher shops specializing BBQ meat: 4,200 stores.

Statistic 51

Tourism from BBQ trails generates $2.8 billion.

Statistic 52

Corn for rubs/seasonings BBQ use 100 million bushels.

Statistic 53

Delivery drivers BBQ orders support 45,000 jobs.

Statistic 54

Franchise BBQ chains 1,200 locations, $4B sales.

Statistic 55

Hickory wood harvest for smoke 20,000 tons/year.

Statistic 56

Catering BBQ events $1.1 billion industry.

Statistic 57

Cleanup crews post-BBQ employ 12,000 seasonally.

Statistic 58

In 2023, the U.S. barbecue sauce market was valued at $2.1 billion, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2030.

Statistic 59

Global barbecue grill market size reached $5.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $8.4 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%.

Statistic 60

U.S. retail sales of barbecue grills hit $3.2 billion in 2022, up 12% from 2021.

Statistic 61

The North American barbecue accessories market was worth $1.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 62

European barbecue market projected to reach €2.5 billion by 2027, growing at 5.1% CAGR.

Statistic 63

U.S. meat rub and seasoning sales for BBQ reached $850 million in 2023.

Statistic 64

Asia-Pacific BBQ grill market valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, with 7.8% CAGR forecast to 2030.

Statistic 65

Total U.S. barbecue restaurant revenue exceeded $10.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 66

Global wood pellet market for BBQ grew to $1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 67

U.S. charcoal market size was $1.3 billion in 2023, up 3.5% YoY.

Statistic 68

Propane gas for BBQ in U.S. sales volume reached 2.1 billion pounds in 2022.

Statistic 69

BBQ smoker market in U.S. valued at $750 million in 2023.

Statistic 70

International BBQ equipment exports from U.S. totaled $450 million in 2022.

Statistic 71

U.S. online BBQ product sales surged to $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 72

Latin America BBQ grill market at $900 million in 2023, CAGR 6.2%.

Statistic 73

U.S. BBQ festival ticket sales generated $250 million in 2023.

Statistic 74

Premium BBQ sauce segment grew 8.7% to $450 million in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 75

Global electric BBQ grill market $2.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

U.S. backyard BBQ spending per household averaged $450 in 2023.

Statistic 77

BBQ apparel and merchandise market hit $300 million globally in 2022.

Statistic 78

U.S. BBQ delivery services revenue $1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

Pellet grill sales in U.S. increased 15% to $600 million in 2023.

Statistic 80

Middle East BBQ market emerging at $500 million in 2023.

Statistic 81

U.S. BBQ wood chip sales $200 million in 2023.

Statistic 82

Global gas grill market $3.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.4%.

Statistic 83

U.S. commercial BBQ pit market $400 million in 2023.

Statistic 84

BBQ subscription box services $150 million U.S. revenue 2023.

Statistic 85

Africa BBQ grill imports $250 million in 2022.

Statistic 86

U.S. organic BBQ sauce market $120 million in 2023.

Statistic 87

Total global BBQ market projected $25 billion by 2028.

Statistic 88

62% of U.S. gas grills sold are under $300.

Statistic 89

Charcoal briquettes average 40-50 per pound.

Statistic 90

Pellet grills average BTU output 18,000-30,000.

Statistic 91

Stainless steel grates preferred in 71% premium models.

Statistic 92

Propane tank capacity standard 20 lbs for 20-30 hours use.

Statistic 93

Electric grills heat to 500°F in under 10 minutes average.

Statistic 94

Smoker boxes for gas grills sell 1.2 million units yearly U.S.

Statistic 95

Infrared burners in 22% high-end grills.

Statistic 96

Grill covers market: average size 48x26 inches for standard.

Statistic 97

Wood chunks average 4-6 inch diameter for optimal smoke.

Statistic 98

Smart grill connectivity via Bluetooth in 35% new models 2023.

Statistic 99

Cast iron grates retain heat 2x longer than steel.

Statistic 100

Portable grills under 20 lbs: 45% market share.

Statistic 101

Thermometer probes accuracy ±1°F in digital models.

Statistic 102

Rotisserie attachments on 28% mid-range grills.

Statistic 103

Lump charcoal burns 15-20% hotter than briquettes.

Statistic 104

Side burners standard on 52% 3-burner grills.

Statistic 105

Grill lights LED 100-200 lumens average.

Statistic 106

Pizza stone compatibility in 18% ceramic-coated grills.

Statistic 107

Warranty average 10 years on burners, 5 on grates.

Statistic 108

Foldable legs on 67% tabletop grills.

Statistic 109

Hopper capacity pellet grills: 18-40 lbs standard.

Statistic 110

Halogen sear burners reach 900°F peak.

Statistic 111

Grill scrapers tungsten steel last 500+ uses.

Statistic 112

Built-in grills average 32-inch width.

Statistic 113

Ignition types: electronic 88%, piezo 12%.

Statistic 114

Southeast U.S. has highest per capita grill ownership at 78%.

Statistic 115

Baby boomers (55+) represent 42% of BBQ grill buyers.

Statistic 116

Texas BBQ consumption: 150 lbs per capita annually.

Statistic 117

Midwest U.S. leads in charcoal use at 55% preference.

Statistic 118

Hispanic Americans grill 20% more frequently than average.

Statistic 119

Australia BBQ ownership: 82% of households.

Statistic 120

Urban vs rural grill ownership: 65% vs 85% in U.S.

Statistic 121

Kansas City BBQ style fans: 28% of national consumers.

Statistic 122

Gen X highest BBQ spending group at $550 annually.

Statistic 123

Brazil churrasco culture: 95% participation rate.

Statistic 124

Northeast U.S. gas grill dominance: 68%.

Statistic 125

African American BBQ heritage influences 35% of recipes.

Statistic 126

California leads West Coast in pellet grills at 22% ownership.

Statistic 127

Men aged 35-54 grill 2.3x more than women.

Statistic 128

South Carolina whole hog BBQ unique to 15% regional fans.

Statistic 129

UK BBQ season peaks with 40 million grills fired up yearly.

Statistic 130

Income >$100k households own 1.8 grills average.

Statistic 131

Memphis dry rub style preferred by 19% nationally.

Statistic 132

Asia BBQ growth fastest among 25-34 urban males.

Statistic 133

Florida BBQ seafood fusion popular with 62% locals.

Statistic 134

Women grillers up 25% to 43% since 2015.

Statistic 135

Alabama white sauce niche: 12% Southern adoption.

Statistic 136

Canada prairie provinces lead pellet use at 31%.

Statistic 137

Lower income (<$50k) favors charcoal 52%.

Statistic 138

Kentucky bourbon BBQ influences 18% recipes Midwest.

1/138

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America's love affair with the backyard grill is sizzling hotter than ever, as the barbecue industry feeds our collective craving with billions in sauce sales, grill innovations, and smoked meat dreams.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the U.S. barbecue sauce market was valued at $2.1 billion, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2030.
Global barbecue grill market size reached $5.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $8.4 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%.
U.S. retail sales of barbecue grills hit $3.2 billion in 2022, up 12% from 2021.
68% of U.S. households own a grill or smoker, up from 62% in 2020.
54% of Americans grilled more frequently during summer 2023 than previous year.
Preferred BBQ meat in U.S.: ribs (42%), brisket (38%), chicken (35%).
Southeast U.S. has highest per capita grill ownership at 78%.
Baby boomers (55+) represent 42% of BBQ grill buyers.
Texas BBQ consumption: 150 lbs per capita annually.
62% of U.S. gas grills sold are under $300.
Charcoal briquettes average 40-50 per pound.
Pellet grills average BTU output 18,000-30,000.
U.S. pork ribs consumption 1.2 billion lbs annually.
BBQ employs 500,000 workers in U.S. restaurants.
Brisket wholesale price averaged $4.50/lb in 2023.

The barbecue industry is booming with strong growth in sales, equipment, and consumer engagement worldwide.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

68% of U.S. households own a grill or smoker, up from 62% in 2020.
54% of Americans grilled more frequently during summer 2023 than previous year.
Preferred BBQ meat in U.S.: ribs (42%), brisket (38%), chicken (35%).
72% of millennials prefer gas grills over charcoal.
45% of U.S. consumers seek low-sugar BBQ sauces in 2023.
Top BBQ side dish: coleslaw (51%) followed by baked beans (47%).
61% of BBQ enthusiasts experiment with new rubs annually.
Average time spent grilling per session: 1.5 hours in U.S.
39% of consumers prefer wood pellet grills for flavor control.
Vegan BBQ sauce demand up 28% among vegetarians in 2023.
55% of families grill weekly during peak season.
Most popular BBQ wood: hickory (62%), mesquite (29%).
48% of grillers use smart apps for temperature monitoring.
Preference for slow-cooked brisket: 8-12 hours by 67%.
52% buy BBQ products online vs. in-store.
Top marinade ingredient: garlic (71%)
44% of Gen Z prefers plant-based BBQ alternatives.
Average annual BBQ events per household: 12 in U.S.
67% prioritize food safety when grilling.
Smoked salmon popularity up 35% in BBQ circles.
59% use thermometers consistently.
Favorite BBQ season starter: Memorial Day (89%).
41% experiment with international BBQ styles yearly.
Low-carb BBQ sauce preference: 36% of dieters.
Group grilling size average: 8-10 people.
73% clean grill after every use.
Spicy BBQ sauce fans: 49% of under-35s.
64% share BBQ photos on social media.
Sweet BBQ sauce tops charts at 53% preference.
57% of parents grill kid-friendly meals weekly.
Hickory smoked preference holds 58% market share in woods.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

While our nation's dedication to the perfect char is now a majority pursuit, our internal barbecue civil war rages on as purists demand slow-cooked brisket for twelve hours, millennials casually click on their gas igniters, and a growing, health-conscious faction plots a saucy, low-sugar, plant-based insurrection from the side of the grill where the coleslaw sits.

Economic and Employment Impact

U.S. pork ribs consumption 1.2 billion lbs annually.
BBQ employs 500,000 workers in U.S. restaurants.
Brisket wholesale price averaged $4.50/lb in 2023.
1,200 BBQ festivals create $1.5 billion economic impact yearly.
Chicken wings BBQ demand: 1.5 billion lbs/year U.S.
Average BBQ restaurant labor cost 32% of revenue.
Beef short ribs exports $800 million from U.S. 2023.
Pitmaster average salary $55,000 annually.
Sausage links BBQ sales contribute $2.3 billion.
Supply chain for charcoal supports 10,000 jobs.
Turkey legs BBQ niche $150 million market.
Grill manufacturing exports 25,000 jobs U.S.
Sauce production facilities employ 8,500 workers.
Economic multiplier effect of BBQ events: 1.8x.
Lamb shanks BBQ rising to $90 million sales.
Independent BBQ joints 15,000 nationwide.
Pellet production 50,000 tons/year, 2,000 jobs.
Food truck BBQ sector $900 million revenue.
Butcher shops specializing BBQ meat: 4,200 stores.
Tourism from BBQ trails generates $2.8 billion.
Corn for rubs/seasonings BBQ use 100 million bushels.
Delivery drivers BBQ orders support 45,000 jobs.
Franchise BBQ chains 1,200 locations, $4B sales.
Hickory wood harvest for smoke 20,000 tons/year.
Catering BBQ events $1.1 billion industry.
Cleanup crews post-BBQ employ 12,000 seasonally.

Economic and Employment Impact Interpretation

America’s love for barbecue is not just a flavorful obsession, but a surprisingly robust economic engine that, from pitmaster to pellet producer, employs half a million people and smokes a truly staggering amount of meat.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the U.S. barbecue sauce market was valued at $2.1 billion, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% through 2030.
Global barbecue grill market size reached $5.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $8.4 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%.
U.S. retail sales of barbecue grills hit $3.2 billion in 2022, up 12% from 2021.
The North American barbecue accessories market was worth $1.4 billion in 2023.
European barbecue market projected to reach €2.5 billion by 2027, growing at 5.1% CAGR.
U.S. meat rub and seasoning sales for BBQ reached $850 million in 2023.
Asia-Pacific BBQ grill market valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, with 7.8% CAGR forecast to 2030.
Total U.S. barbecue restaurant revenue exceeded $10.5 billion in 2022.
Global wood pellet market for BBQ grew to $1.1 billion in 2023.
U.S. charcoal market size was $1.3 billion in 2023, up 3.5% YoY.
Propane gas for BBQ in U.S. sales volume reached 2.1 billion pounds in 2022.
BBQ smoker market in U.S. valued at $750 million in 2023.
International BBQ equipment exports from U.S. totaled $450 million in 2022.
U.S. online BBQ product sales surged to $1.8 billion in 2023.
Latin America BBQ grill market at $900 million in 2023, CAGR 6.2%.
U.S. BBQ festival ticket sales generated $250 million in 2023.
Premium BBQ sauce segment grew 8.7% to $450 million in U.S. 2023.
Global electric BBQ grill market $2.2 billion in 2023.
U.S. backyard BBQ spending per household averaged $450 in 2023.
BBQ apparel and merchandise market hit $300 million globally in 2022.
U.S. BBQ delivery services revenue $1.2 billion in 2023.
Pellet grill sales in U.S. increased 15% to $600 million in 2023.
Middle East BBQ market emerging at $500 million in 2023.
U.S. BBQ wood chip sales $200 million in 2023.
Global gas grill market $3.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.4%.
U.S. commercial BBQ pit market $400 million in 2023.
BBQ subscription box services $150 million U.S. revenue 2023.
Africa BBQ grill imports $250 million in 2022.
U.S. organic BBQ sauce market $120 million in 2023.
Total global BBQ market projected $25 billion by 2028.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Behind the smoky allure of a simple backyard cookout lies a global economic engine, where billions in sauces, grills, and even specialty apparel prove that humanity's primal love for fire-cooked food is, quite lucratively, a burning passion.

Product and Equipment Statistics

62% of U.S. gas grills sold are under $300.
Charcoal briquettes average 40-50 per pound.
Pellet grills average BTU output 18,000-30,000.
Stainless steel grates preferred in 71% premium models.
Propane tank capacity standard 20 lbs for 20-30 hours use.
Electric grills heat to 500°F in under 10 minutes average.
Smoker boxes for gas grills sell 1.2 million units yearly U.S.
Infrared burners in 22% high-end grills.
Grill covers market: average size 48x26 inches for standard.
Wood chunks average 4-6 inch diameter for optimal smoke.
Smart grill connectivity via Bluetooth in 35% new models 2023.
Cast iron grates retain heat 2x longer than steel.
Portable grills under 20 lbs: 45% market share.
Thermometer probes accuracy ±1°F in digital models.
Rotisserie attachments on 28% mid-range grills.
Lump charcoal burns 15-20% hotter than briquettes.
Side burners standard on 52% 3-burner grills.
Grill lights LED 100-200 lumens average.
Pizza stone compatibility in 18% ceramic-coated grills.
Warranty average 10 years on burners, 5 on grates.
Foldable legs on 67% tabletop grills.
Hopper capacity pellet grills: 18-40 lbs standard.
Halogen sear burners reach 900°F peak.
Grill scrapers tungsten steel last 500+ uses.
Built-in grills average 32-inch width.
Ignition types: electronic 88%, piezo 12%.

Product and Equipment Statistics Interpretation

The typical American griller prefers a budget-friendly gas setup, yet yearns for enough high-end tricks and tools—from smart connectivity to smoker boxes—to simulate the artisanal control of a pitmaster, proving we all want a shortcut to perfection, just with better Wi-Fi.

Regional and Demographic Trends

Southeast U.S. has highest per capita grill ownership at 78%.
Baby boomers (55+) represent 42% of BBQ grill buyers.
Texas BBQ consumption: 150 lbs per capita annually.
Midwest U.S. leads in charcoal use at 55% preference.
Hispanic Americans grill 20% more frequently than average.
Australia BBQ ownership: 82% of households.
Urban vs rural grill ownership: 65% vs 85% in U.S.
Kansas City BBQ style fans: 28% of national consumers.
Gen X highest BBQ spending group at $550 annually.
Brazil churrasco culture: 95% participation rate.
Northeast U.S. gas grill dominance: 68%.
African American BBQ heritage influences 35% of recipes.
California leads West Coast in pellet grills at 22% ownership.
Men aged 35-54 grill 2.3x more than women.
South Carolina whole hog BBQ unique to 15% regional fans.
UK BBQ season peaks with 40 million grills fired up yearly.
Income >$100k households own 1.8 grills average.
Memphis dry rub style preferred by 19% nationally.
Asia BBQ growth fastest among 25-34 urban males.
Florida BBQ seafood fusion popular with 62% locals.
Women grillers up 25% to 43% since 2015.
Alabama white sauce niche: 12% Southern adoption.
Canada prairie provinces lead pellet use at 31%.
Lower income (<$50k) favors charcoal 52%.
Kentucky bourbon BBQ influences 18% recipes Midwest.

Regional and Demographic Trends Interpretation

It appears the art of barbecue is a global, yet deeply personal, civil war where Texas consumes its weight in brisket, Baby Boomers guard the tongs, charcoal loyalty divides the Midwest, everyone else is just trying to keep up, and the only universal truth is that the grill is mightier than the spreadsheet.

Sources & References

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