Barbecue - It's What America Eats

This came across my desk this morning. Very interesting. But I'd really like to know what's going on in the smoker category.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) touted the highest year-to-year growth rate ever for the barbecue industry at the opening of HPBExpo 2007, North America's largest indoor-outdoor trade show, in Reno, Nev. The year-end grill shipments of more than 17 million grills marked a 15 percent increase from the previous year. With shipments at an all-time high and year-round grilling a growing trend, the industry is hotter than ever.

2006 Grill Shipment Breakdown

In 2006, the barbecue industry shipped 17,272,500 total grills -- the highest since 1985, with an overall total increase of 15 percent from 2005. Gas grills continue to be the most popular, followed by charcoal and than electric.

-- Total Gas Grills Shipments - 10,317,500; up 13 percent
-- Total Charcoal Grills Shipments - 6,845,000; up 19 percent
-- Total Electric Grills Shipments - 290,000; up 3 percent

Breakout Leaders:

-- Gas Grills: LP stand-up grills were the most popular (up 5 percent),
followed by LP table top grills, up 48.81 percent
-- Charcoal Grills: covered stand-up grills led this category rising
36 percent, followed by covered table top, up 13 percent
-- Electric Grills: smokers served up as the hot item, up 8.6 percent