Grill Makers Are Ready for a Busy Summer of Maskless Backyard BBQs
Soaring demand for barbecues in 2020 caught the industry by surprise. This year, it’s ready.
Photographer: Ippei Naoi/Moment/Getty Images
Americans stuck at home during the pandemic embraced grilling more than ever, leading to shortages across the country last year. While other Covid fads like bread-making are fading, manufacturers are banking on friends and families gathering around the grill this summer as social-distancing rules are lifted.
The maker of Weber grills just had the biggest production month in its 128-year history, with its U.S. plant running 24 hours a day. Clorox Co., the owner of the Kingsford charcoal brand, is setting shipment records across its grilling portfolio, while Newell Brands Inc. is adding new suppliers. Char-Broil said it wanted to get a “running head-start” by shipping to retailers as early as last fall, a departure from its usual grilling season prep.