The Great Outdoors
This past weekend marked the first outdoor barbecue at our home. The weather was spectacular, if a bit cool in the shade, but
it made for great weather to stand over a piping-hot grill and cook until my heart’s – and our guests’ – content.
By the end of winter, all of us long to be outside in the sun, smelling the cool and fragrant breezes of spring, and the savory aromas from our barbecues. For that reason, we dedicated a good portion of this issue to outdoor entertaining and all of the new and innovative products that retailers can merchandise to help customers barbecue with ease, pleasure and a bit of elegance.
In Jennifer White Karp’s feature, “Partying With the Joneses,” page 18, Debra Mednick of The NPD Group said outdoor entertaining is a big “trade-up category” and one that retailers should capitalize on, especially for customers who aspire to create upscale outdoor kitchen and dining areas that match – or perhaps even outdo – the next-door neighbors’. This article and product review covers everything from barbecue tools and grill cleaning devices to convenient and elegant serveware and barware.
Joanne Friedrick then takes us on a culinary journey through all the newest flavors, rubs and sauces – from sweet and savory to the spicy and smoky – in her article “Get Fired Up About Barbecue Season,” page 25. And for those interested in chocolate pairings for dessert, or with cheese, wine, whiskey or beer, turn to “Chocolate, Meet Your New Best Friends,” on page 10. Some chocolatiers have developed products specifically with such pairings in mind.
And speaking of chocolate, we also included a feature on how specialty choco- late makers are focusing on natural food shoppers and those interested in high quality, product origin and sustainability. Gone are the days of simple novelty and specialty chocolate segmentation. But all of this is good for specialty retailers and creates excitement in the chocolate category, and helps engage more passionate customers.
Maureen Azzato
Managing Editor, Gourmet Business
mazzato@gourmetbusiness.com