Research shows barbecues 'popular' with Brits

Our love affair with throwing chicken wings on the gas barbecue is unlikely to end anytime soon, new research shows.

According to the Grocery Trader, a new report from Mintel shows that barbecue foods were worth about £371 million in retail sales in 2008 in the UK.

This means that the amount of money spent on food for BBQs has increased by 10 per cent over the previous five years.

People are increasingly using their gas barbecues during the week, the report says, which has helped to drive market growth, with six in ten consumers who barbecue doing so during weekdays.

People are most likely to get their brinkman bbq out if the weather is nice, the report adds.

The news provider said: "While younger consumers remain the most important participants in barbecuing, the barbecue has appeal across all age and socio-economic groups, and among families."

In November, Beefeater bbq set the record for the world's most expensive barbecue.

The barbecue is worth about £100,000 and is plated in gold.

Published by Lee Buller