BBQ Charcoal Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global BBQ Charcoal Market is segmented By Type (Lump Charcoal, Charcoal Briquettes), By Source (Agricultural Waste, Coconut Shells, Hardwood, Nutshells, Bamboo, Others), By Grill (Brazier, Pellet Grill, Square Charcoal Grill, Kettle Grill, Others), By Sales Channel (Direct Sales, Retail Sales), By End-User (Households, Commercial), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

BBQ Charcoal Market Overview

Global BBQ Charcoal Market reached US$ 2.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 4.2 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Consumers are experimenting with different cuisines and grilling techniques, including regional barbecue styles from around the world.  For instance, a study of 2,000 British reported that they host 3 and attend 4 BBQs each year.  Furthermore, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 72% of consumers love BBQ products for the flavor they put on food. This trend drives the demand for specific types of BBQ charcoal associated with those styles.

Camping provides an opportunity for authentic outdoor cooking experiences, and many campers prefer the smoky flavors and aroma imparted by charcoal grilling. This preference drives the demand for BBQ charcoal specifically for camping trips. Campers often enjoy a diverse range of grilled foods, including burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, vegetables, and more. BBQ charcoal allows for versatile outdoor cooking, catering to various tastes and preferences.

North America holds the largest share of the BBQ charcoal market. This dominance is primarily driven by a well-established barbecue culture, a robust restaurant industry specializing in grilled cuisine, a large population with high per capita charcoal consumption, and a strong preference for outdoor grilling.

BBQ Charcoal Market Scope and Summary

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BBQ Charcoal Market Dynamics and Trends

Growing Number of Barbecue Restaurants and Food Outlets

The global expansion of barbecue culture leads to a rise in the number of BBQ restaurants. According to a statement made by Dickey's Barbeque Pit, a pioneer in barbecue, the company established 6 new barbeque locations in major cities like Arizona, Arkansas, California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Texas in 2021. Barbecue restaurants and food outlets rely heavily on charcoal grilling to prepare their dishes. As their numbers grow, so does their demand for BBQ charcoal, leading to higher sales for charcoal manufacturers and suppliers.

To differentiate themselves and provide unique flavors to their customers, many barbecue restaurants and food outlets prefer high-quality charcoal, such as hardwood lump charcoal. This preference for specialty charcoal products can drive the demand for premium BBQ charcoal. As barbecue restaurants and food outlets expand their menus to include a wider variety of grilled dishes, the consumption of charcoal for grilling different types of meats, vegetables, and even desserts increases, contributing to the growth of the BBQ charcoal market.

Growing Trend of Camping and Barbecuing Across the World

Worldwide there is a growing trend of camping.  According to a report from the North American Camping Club (April 2022), camping constitutes 40% of leisure travel trips in North America, with 36% of individuals camping annually. As more people engage in camping trips, picnics, and outdoor adventures, the demand for BBQ charcoal as a convenient and portable fuel source for grilling and cooking outdoors rises.

Campers and outdoor enthusiasts often prefer the authentic experience of cooking over an open flame or charcoal grill. This preference for traditional methods of cooking drives the demand for BBQ charcoal, as it allows for a smoky and flavorful grilling experience. The smoky and charred flavors imparted by charcoal grilling are highly valued by many barbecue enthusiasts. This flavor preference drives the demand for BBQ charcoal, as it is considered essential for achieving authentic barbecue flavors.

Health Concerns

There is a growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with charcoal grilling, including the formation of carcinogenic compounds like PAHS and HCAs when meat is cooked at high temperatures over an open flame. This awareness is causing a decline in the consumption of charcoal-grilled foods, impacting the demand for BBQ charcoal.

Health-conscious consumers are opting for alternative cooking methods like baking, steaming, or using gas grills, seen as safer and healthier than charcoal grilling. This shift in cooking preferences is diminishing the demand for BBQ charcoal.

BBQ Charcoal Market Segment Analysis

The global BBQ charcoal market is segmented based on type, source, grill, sales channel, end-user and region.

Increasing Numbers of BBQ Restaurants

To meet the rising demand for BBQ products, companies are opening commercial establishments in many regions. According to a statement by Rodney Scott BBQ, the company opened a new 150-seat barbecue restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 2021. This type of commercial establishments, including barbecue restaurants, steakhouses, food trucks, and street vendors, rely heavily on BBQ charcoal for grilling.  They require significant quantities of charcoal to meet the demands of their customers, contributing to a substantial share of the market.

Catering companies that offer outdoor grilling services for events, weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings use BBQ charcoal extensively. Their large-scale operations require a steady supply of charcoal, further boosting the commercial segment's share. Hotels and resorts often offer barbecue facilities to guests, particularly in vacation destinations and leisure-oriented settings. These establishments consume significant amounts of BBQ charcoal to accommodate guests' grilling preferences.

BBQ Charcoal Market Geographical Penetration

North America’s Growing BBQ Culture

North America, especially the United States, boasts a strong and ingrained barbecue culture with a thriving restaurant industry that includes barbecue restaurants, steakhouses, and establishments specializing in grilled dishes. These restaurants rely heavily on BBQ charcoal for their grilling needs, contributing significantly to the market share.

According to the Barbecue Industry Report by the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, in 2021, 80% of all homeowners and 70% of all families in the United States had at least one grill or smoker, a rise from 64% in 2019. The rise in grill ownership leads to a greater demand for charcoal products such as lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes. This will have a favorable effect on the expansion of the BBQ charcoal market.

BBQ Charcoal Market Companies

The major global players include Dancoal, COWBOY, Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC., Kingsford Products Company, Cavron Global, Mesjaya Sdn Bhd, Big K, BOOMEX, The Great Welsh Charcoal Company and Bracia Tokarscy

COVID-19 Impact on BBQ Charcoal Market 

Lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and health concerns disrupted supply chains, affecting the production and distribution of BBQ charcoal. This led to potential shortages and delays in availability. With many restaurants and food service establishments temporarily closed or operating with restrictions, the demand for BBQ charcoal from the commercial sector, including restaurants and catering businesses, declined significantly.

However, the pandemic prompted many people to explore home grilling as a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking activity. This led to increased sales of BBQ charcoal for residential use. As dining out became less common, consumers turned to DIY and home cooking, including barbecuing. This trend bolstered the demand for BBQ charcoal and related grilling products.

Russia- Ukraine War Impact

The war disrupted the supply chains. This led to shortages and price increases for BBQ charcoal, affecting both commercial and residential consumers. Political instability and conflicts can lead to economic uncertainty in the region. This uncertainty may impact consumer spending, potentially reducing the demand for BBQ charcoal. The BBQ charcoal market often involves international trade, with charcoal products being imported and exported between countries. Disruptions in trade routes or changes in trade policies could impact the global charcoal market.

Key Developments

• In July 2021, Oxford Charcoal provided all the briquettes and charcoal for the Shakespeare's Rose Theatre event at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
• In December 2021, Middleby Corporation acquired Masterbuilt Holdings LLC, an Atlanta-based company known for its outdoor residential goods for charcoal cooking.
• In September 2020, Brand Velocity Partners acquired BBQGuys a leading online platform for high-end barbeque grills, grilling equipment, and outdoor kitchen products.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global BBQ charcoal market segmentation based on type, source, grill, sales channel, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of BBQ charcoal market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global BBQ charcoal market report would provide approximately 77 tables, 79 figures and 187 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies