National Survey Kicks off Victoria Day Weekend with Canadian Grilling Habits,
Food Faves, and Barbecue Trends
TORONTO, May 4 /CNW/ - At last! It's Victoria Day weekend and the grilling season has officially arrived. According to the recent Weber Canadian GrillWatch Survey(TM), successful outdoor cooking depends on three factors - a reliable grill, well-liked popular food selections, and great friends to share the occasion.
The 21st annual survey, conducted in November 2009 by Toronto-based Leger Marketing on behalf of Weber-Stephen Products Co., probes the habits, knowledge and performance of Canadian grillers. There were 1009 consumers nationwide, aged 19 and over, who participated in the survey.
When it comes to grill models, the majority of Canadians (91% of respondents) use gas. Of these, 84% own a liquid propane tank barbecue. Nine out of ten barbecue owners use full-size models that include side burners, and 37% prefer stainless steel to colour grills. Charcoal is still popular (17%), while smokers are used by only 6% of our outdoor cooks. Canadians report that gas grills are easy, convenient and fun to use, but admit that food grilled over charcoal results in more aroma and better taste!
Food, Glorious Food -------------------
The top food items grilled most often are hamburgers, steak, chicken pieces, and hot dogs. The top all-time favourite barbecue food item is steak. Regionally, Quebec grillers will cook chicken most often; Ontario outdoor chefs will select ribs, while Maritimers prefer steak.
Who's the Boss? ---------------
In more than half of Canadian households, the man is the primary griller - 64% report that the man wields the tongs in their households. However, one-quarter (24%) notes that grilling is a shared activity. Young Canadians aged 19-24 are the most likely to say they don't do any barbecuing (37%).
Pizza Prowess -------------
Canadians admit they'd like to increase their expertise in grilling two particular items: beef roasts and pizza. One in seven Canadians (15%) enjoys cooking pizza on the grill, and Mozzarella cheese and mushrooms rate as the most popular toppings. Regionally, Western Canadians prefer pineapple as their favourite grilled pizza topping (53%).
That's Eatertainment! ---------------------
Canadians love to entertain! Nearly all Canadians say they entertain family and friends at home (91%), with the majority (60%) reporting they entertain these groups in the home ten times a year, on average. Most respondents use the grill for cooking dinner or supper (96%). Quebec barbecuers demonstrate they are the most adventurous of all Canadians, being more willing to cook vegetables, desserts and breads on the grill.
Additional BBQ Bits and Bites ----------------------------- - The majority of respondents (56%) prefer grilling in the summer; 43% report they grill year-round (an increase of 33% since 2005) - 81% say they fire up the grill at least once a week; regionally, grillers in the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario are most likely to grill more than once a week - 32% admit they will fire up the barbecue when the temperature dips below zero - Birthdays and Canada Day are the top two favourite days for outdoor cooking (65% and 64%, respectively) - Rarely mentioned favourite foods include whole turkey, lamb roasts and scallops cited by 1% of those surveyed
Weber-Stephen Products Co., headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world's leading manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber(R) kettle. More than 55 years later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber(R), Weber(R) Q(TM) and Ducane(R) brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at selected home centres, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line(SM) (1-800-474-5568)*, Weber Customer Service in the U.S.A. (1-800-446-1071)*, through its Canadian distributor Onward Manufacturing (1-800-265-2150), and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com(R). Weber can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
* The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas.
For further information: Theresa Stahl, (905) 336-5700, [email protected]; Beth Merrick, (416) 654-9881, [email protected]
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