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GLEE – THE OUtdoor Industry’s Biggest Trade Show

Barbecue manufacturers and distributors are a resilient lot. As visitors to GLEE, the outdoor industry’s biggest trade show, at Birmingham NEC in September will have noticed, the largest ever number of stands exhibited barbecues of every shape and size with no shortage of innovation and new design, but all against the backdrop of a so called summer that must have dampened any flicker of thought for outdoor fun.

Such faith in the future, and in our love affair with outdoor living spaces and alfresco dining, is clearly being tested by two further market body blows, the combined effects of rising raw material costs and a global financial meltdown, both tough enough obstacles for any industry to weather, without the additional burden of a fickle climate.

As GLEE, now in its 32nd year, amply showed however, garden chefs still have an increasing number of options. A shortage of stainless steel at an affordable price has undoubtedly paved the way for the increasing use of paint finishes, not just durable black Hammerite on mild steel, but a whole new range of colours and, increasingly, use of more Aga-like, vitreous enamels. Attractive yes, but it also means ‘lifelong guarantees’ are emerging on to the patio scene.

LPG Gas Appliances

Our own industry stalwarts, Calor and Flogas, both exhibited extensive ranges from their respective appliance divisions, including barbecue products, heaters, furniture and accessories, as well as their versions of lighter weight, easier to handle and more customer friendly cylinders. Examples of Flogas’ own SummerTime brand appliances were spear-heading its approach to the multiple retail market.

Hooded LPG BBQ

Cadac caused a stir with its Braai Maxx, a twin hooded barbecue able to take no less than six interchangeable cooking surfaces, enabling such combinations as stir-fry at the same time as roast, grilling whilst baking a pizza and flipping a pancake whilst smoking fish. Three body colour options are also available.

La Hacienda Group company Kingsford Barbecues added more than a splash of colour and interest with a large display of its O-Grill, a truly portable, patented design using gas cartridges and boasting a low maintenance finish and porcelain coating – a product that can be supplied in bespoke colours.

Three Burner Gas Barbeques

We also have a new name, the Arbourcue, invented by Plum Products, a company that has combined its timber garden arbours with a three-burner gas barbecue to provide an interesting feature and to give the chef protection from showers and the sun.

Brighton based BarbeSkew has got into gas with a three burner version of its award-winning hands free barbecue, claimed to be a world first, and is yet another reason why barbecuing has become the number one summer home leisure activity.

Pictured Above: Arbourcue from Plum Products, Kingsford O-Grill, Cadac Meridian and Braai Maxx

Contact Weber Stephen Products UK Ltd on 01756 692600 www.weberbbq.co.uk

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