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A gauge for grilling habits
June 1, 2009 By: Brian Richesson LPGas
There’s something about the bright sunshine, the warm air and a much-needed weekend that lead people to their grills.
On Memorial Day, as we prepared barbecue chicken on our propane grill, our neighbors on both sides also were tending to their grills and enjoying the day’s slow pace. And here in Cleveland, where good weather is hard to come by, most of us don’t wait that long. Any day that doesn’t involve cold and snow is a good day to grill.
For propane marketers, this is a good time of year to review some grilling statistics, which the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) prepares annually using a third-party research firm. About 600 respondents in the continental United States completed online surveys in March.
The statistics are a good barometer to gauge the latest consumer information – all to help the propane marketer make the smartest decisions for their business and promote grilling safety to their customers.
This year’s campaign focused on the importance of mastering grilling technique while incorporating grilling safety into the approach.
Survey highlights
Propane is the preferred fuel of choice among survey respondents; about 60 percent chose the blue flame for its convenience, safety, environmental benefits and ability to make food taste better.
Without question, grilling is a popular activity, as more than 95 percent of respondents said they plan to grill this summer. Among that group, 74 percent said they plan on grilling more this summer because grilled food adds variety into the menu while being economical. Grilling brings the feel of a restaurant into one’s home.
Grilling outdoors is also preferred to cooking indoors because of the better taste of meat and vegetables, according to 86 percent of respondents. In addition, grilling provides more recreational time to spend with family, as 79 percent said grilling is more fun than cooking indoors, and 94 percent said grilling is a convenient, efficient way for families to prepare food.
The numbers also show people wanting to improve their grilling techniques, with 43 percent of respondents saying they would grill even more if they were more skilled. That’s why this year’s campaign features Rick Bayless, an award-winning chef and restaurateur who is promoting propane’s benefits, providing safety techniques and working to boost the confidence of novice grillers.
Campaign outreach
Propane marketers can get involved and help expand awareness of the campaign.
They can place survey results on their Web sites and coordinate grilling events with Certified Angus Beef LLC, a PERC Safe Grilling Campaign partner. Marketers can work through PERC or Certified Angus Beef to hold an event at their location or to participate in other local events. For example, the Propane Gas Association of New England held a Memorial Day grill-off at the statehouse.
Also, a promotion featuring PERC, Certified Angus Beef and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce will occur throughout the summer in retail grocery stores. The effort helps to educate consumers about propane safety and promote these food products.
Helpful grilling information and marketing materials are available on PERC’s consumer Web site, www.usepropane.com, as well as its Propane Marketing and Resource Catalog (www.propanemarc.com).
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.