What you need to know

The outdoor cooking category is in a unique position. As Americans spend more time at home during the pandemic, they are finding a new appreciation for their outdoor spaces and the long tradition of cooking in the great outdoors.

This interest in outdoor living and cooking will have some longevity, fueling interest and engagement in the outdoor cooking space. The COVID-19 pandemic will have some short-term positive effects on sales; however, it is not expected to have a significant impact on the market long-term, as a recession will result in a cutback on spending on big-ticket items over the next few years until the economy recovers.

Key issues covered in this Report

  • The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and the outdoor cooking market.

  • An influx of participation creates a new market for category players to harness the power of cocooning and staycation trends.

  • Highlighting the cost savings and flavor benefits of outdoor cooking could help combat anticipated recessional declines.

Definition

This Report is an evolution of Mintel’s Grilling and Barbecuing – US, July 2019 Report and takes a broader look at a range of outdoor cooking methods that can be used at or away from home. While we will ask about outdoor cooking away from home (eg tailgating, camping), the focus of the Report will be outdoor cooking at home.

The market size includes gas, electric, charcoal, smokers, infrared, built-in and/or island grills.

Accessories and attachments sold separately from the barbecue grills are not included in the market size, though they are discussed throughout the body of the Report.

COVID-19: Market context

Consumer research for this Report was fielded in May 2020 and reflects consumers’ attitudes and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic as restrictions on movement began to ease and businesses began to report across the US. The report was written June 22-August 12, 2020 when all states were open but some states began rolling back and reinstating restrictions due to increasing COVID-19 cases.

Economic and other assumptions

This market forecast has been created by analyzing projected trends in consumer expenditure on household goods and services, internet users (per 100 people), household furniture market demand, population growth of adults aged 15-64 and personal disposable income, which are closely correlated with the value of outdoor cooking and home goods in the past, alongside Mintel’s understanding and expectations of the market. We also took into consideration the reported increase in demand and purchases of outdoor living products from March-July 2020.

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