By George Anderson
Americans love the taste of food grilled outdoors, which helps explain why they are firing up their grills year-round across the US.
According to NPD Foodworld's 17th Annual Report on Eating Patterns in America, six percent of all in-home suppers in 2002 were prepared on the grill.
Harry Balzer, vice president, The NPD Group said, "America's cooks have found that the outdoor grill is one of the most convenient cooking appliances in American homes…it doesn't require cookware, and cleanup is easy; just close the lid."
Mr. Balzer added, "Grills will remain a part of the house as long as this is one way for Mom to get Dad to help out with the daily cooking chores."
Moderator's Comment: How can retailers take advantage of the year-round grilling trend?
We've been accused of seeing no evil when it comes to Trader Joe's. This is one area where the chain deserves some criticism. Why is barbecue sauce a seasonal item in the local stores? If anyone in California or Massachusetts is listening, we buy BBQ sauce in January as well as in July. [George Anderson - Moderator]