There are many customs for celebrating parties, among which barbecue is the most popular among Americans. According to statistics, nearly 70% of Americans hold barbecue parties on Independence Day, and the American barbecue market has increased by 25% year by year. These indicate that barbecue has become an important event for celebration parties.
New York, NY（CTP News） – The covid-19 pandemic has severely affected various human activities, but the virus has not threatened humans’ love of barbecue. There are many events on Independence Day in the United States, the most interesting of which is the ringing of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Still, in a survey conducted in 2021, most American respondents said that they celebrated this year’s Independence Day with a barbecue. Although the pandemic requires a safe distance between people, enjoying a barbecue party with family members has become popular. The number of barbecue enthusiasts worldwide continues to increase, and the market for BBQ sauce and barbecue grills has risen sharply. Among them, the barbecue market in South America has increased by 8.4%.
July 4th is the Independence Day of the United States, and it is also the most popular barbecue festival among Americans. According to a survey of American barbecue shopkeepers, about 68% of respondents like to hold a barbecue party on that day. In response to the continuous increase in barbecue parties, the market demand for barbecue grills increases year by year. In 2021, the U.S. barbecue grill market was valued at approximately US$2.75 billion, up from US$2.19 billion in 2015. The gas grill is the most commonly owned in the United States, followed by the classic charcoal grill. However, canned barbecue (BBQ) sauce, which is indispensable in barbecues, has increased significantly. According to the U.S. Census data calculated that there are 7.59 million Americans in 2020 who use four or more cans of barbecue sauce.
In many American film series, it is not difficult to find that hot dogs, burgers, and steaks are the core of any American barbecue party. Among Americans who have recently participated in a barbecue, 88% choose meat or steak as their first choice when grilling. About 50% said they prefer roasted vegetables. In the two weeks before Independence Day in 2016 in the United States, beef sales reached nearly US$804 million. Grills are a fixture in many American homes and backyards. They can be straightforward, small, large, luxurious, with dozens of special functions, but gas grills are still the most popular grill style among Americans, while electric grills are the least common type.
In addition to Americans who like to hold barbecue parties on Independence Day, Taiwan in Asia also has a tradition of holding barbecue parties at the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important traditional festival in the Chinese character cultural circle. It is a festival to celebrate the harvest of crops and to sacrifice ancestors and family reunion. Nowadays, holding a barbecue at the Mid-Autumn Festival has become a necessary event in Taiwan. BBQ was first used as a sideshow program for the Mid-Autumn Festival. However, after the advertising slogan of the barbecue sauce manufacturer was broadcast, BBQ became a must-have celebration for every family and then became the custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Taiwanese like barbecues. Not only do most families hold BBQ parties, but the government also plans to hold large-scale BBQ events. In the past, many counties and cities once had BBQ parties in Riverside Park, which combined art and cultural activities to increase the lively atmosphere of festivals. However, this year the covid-19 pandemic continues. To prevent the pandemic, the government announced a ban on barbecues in public areas. Instead, it recommended eating at home with family members, enjoying the joy of reunion, and avoiding crowds to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
BBQ can increase the joyful atmosphere of festivals, but disposable tableware and charcoal are often used in activities, which can easily cause environmental pollution. According to researches, barbecues can increase the amount of air pollution. It is recommended to choose environmentally friendly charcoal made of coconut fiber and natural adhesive or switch to gas or electric grill heating to maintain the people participating in the barbecue. It is recommended that people sit upwind when barbecues and those in charge of barbecues should wear activated charcoal masks. People of sensitive ethnic groups should stay away from barbecue grills or reduce the chance of barbecues making their bodies uncomfortable. In addition, choose to buy reusable iron bowls, iron chopsticks or plastic water cups, and related reusable tableware, to reduce the amount of garbage generated during dinner parties and take action to protect the earth.
