As grilling continues to evolve from a weekend hobby into a year-round culinary pursuit, British barbecue enthusiasts are set to embrace new cooking methods, technologies, and invest in premium products, according to Weber.
Barbecue ownership has steadily increased to 40% (Weber) over the past few years, proving an appetite for al fresco dining and culinary experimentation. For 2026, the global leader in high-performance, high-quality outdoor cooking technology and products predicts several key trends that will shape this growing barbecuing landscape.
The first predicted movement is the rise of the griddle, or ‘plancha’. This versatile flat-top cooking surface is set to become a garden essential, moving beyond traditional burgers and sausages. Griddles offer edge-to-edge consistent heat, perfect for everything from a full English breakfast and delicate seafood to vegetables and stir-fries. Its versatility taps into the growing appetite for creative and diverse outdoor cooking experiences. Already a hit in America and France, this style of cooking is one of the fastest-growing trends (GFK). Weber is already prepared for this predicted growth with its innovative Slate Griddles and griddle inserts for its electric Lumin grills, making plancha cooking accessible to more UK households.
Secondly, the growing desire for perfectly cooked food with minimal effort is driving the rise of smart, connected grilling devices. These innovative tools let home cooks monitor food temperatures and receive real-time alerts straight to their smartphones. This ‘smart grilling’ trend is set to make outdoor cooking even more accessible, delivering consistent results and empowering both beginners and seasoned grill masters to achieve culinary perfection effortlessly.
“Smart grilling is a game-changer for outdoor cooking,” comments Pierre-Yves Gibut, Weber Brand Activation Manager – France & UK. “With tools like Weber Connect, we’re making it easier than ever for anyone to achieve perfectly cooked meals. With real-time temperature tracking via probes, the lid remains closed, preserving rich, flavourful aromas. When cooking a steak, the desired doneness can be selected, with alerts provided when it is time to flip or serve. A readiness countdown also keeps everyone informed, ensuring hungry guests stay at ease.”
The growing enthusiasm for outdoor cooking has also fuelled a significant rise in demand for premium barbecues, as consumers increasingly view their grill not just as a seasonal appliance, but as a year-round investment. Moving beyond disposable models, buyers are now prioritising robust design, high-quality materials, and advanced features. The premium market of grills above £350 is increasing (GFK), showing a desire for a reliable, outdoor cooking setup that can withstand diverse weather conditions and frequent use. As a result, comprehensive warranties and a reputation for long-term dependability have become crucial selling points. For example, Weber guarantees the individual components of its gas, charcoal and electric barbecues for up to 15 years, proving to the customer that they’re not just getting a high-quality product, but a premium warranty too.
As these trends are set to shape the course of outdoor dining for the year ahead, Weber remains committed to innovation and quality, providing the tools and expertise for grillers to explore new culinary possibilities. Josh Corrigan, Customer Development Director, UK, at St Pierre Groupe comments on behalf of the Baker Street brand: “Barbecuing continues to grow in popularity as more consumers choose to socialise at home rather than eat out. With the rising cost of dining out, shoppers are increasingly making the most of warmer weather by hosting midweek get-togethers and larger weekend gatherings in their own gardens. “While households remain price conscious, the BBQ occasion allows them to create a sociable, enjoyable experience at a fraction of the cost of restaurants or takeaways. Burgers and hot dogs remain at the heart of these occasions because they’re familiar, crowd-pleasing and easy to cater for across families and friendship groups.”
Bakery plays an important role in enabling these at-home occasions. Trusted formats such as Baker Street’s Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls provide a reliable foundation for barbecue builds, helping shoppers recreate takeaway-style favourites easily and affordably, without adding complexity to the shop.
“We are seeing shoppers put more thought into what they’re serving at barbecues, carefully selecting ingredients that deliver on taste and quality while still offering value. Rather than spending more across the board, consumers are choosing specific elements to elevate – whether that’s higher-quality meat, more adventurous toppings or bold sauces inspired by food trends,” adds Corrigan.
“Importantly, this doesn’t mean abandoning value-led staples. Familiar, dependable bakery formats remain central to the occasion. Products like Baker Street’s Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls are designed to be ‘built for burgers’ and ‘ready to handle’ generous fillings, giving shoppers the confidence to experiment with more premium or globally inspired toppings while relying on a format they trust.”
This balance of quality and practicality is key. Shoppers want food that feels a step up from everyday meals, but still works for family-friendly, sharing occasions and bakery provides the structure that brings those elevated builds together.
Consumers’ choices of marinades, sauces and accompaniments for barbecues are evolving, with growing interest in global flavours. Exposure to these cuisines through eating out, takeaways, social media and travel is influencing what shoppers want to recreate at home.
Baker Street’s range of Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls are ideal for recreating classic burgers and hot dogs with a wide variety of global toppings and flavour combinations. The recipes have been specifically developed for this purpose, giving shoppers the confidence to experiment while relying on familiar, dependable formats.
The brand’s best-selling products for the barbecue season are Baker Street Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls, which give retailers extended-life options that allow them to offer variety without fear of wastage. Both the Original Burger Buns and Classic Hot Dog Rolls can be used for a host of tasty barbecue meals, including traditional ‘American style’ burgers and loaded hot dogs. Summer socialising calls for a BBQ, or if it’s raining, burgers and buns inside, and retailers should make Baker Street a major part of their offering around these times. Consumers can recreate ‘stadia favourites’ with hot dogs and burgers for casual handheld dining, so as not to distract from their enjoyment of the sport.
Baker Street’s Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls are performing well as they meet consumer needs around creating impromptu take away classics which can be easily handled around the barbecue, whilst their extended life helps reduce food waste. They also cater for the whole family and multiple meal occasions – a very attractive proposition for those wanting to make their food go further.
“Retailers should focus their ranges around bestselling lines within each category and subsector, including bakery, and ensure stock levels are strong during peak trading periods. Being prepared for spikes in demand is crucial – particularly around heatwaves, Bank Holidays, televised music festivals and major sporting events, all of which can quickly prompt barbecue occasions,” advises Corrigan.
“Rolls are helping to drive growth within bakery occasions, and Baker Street’s Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls are strong performers within convenience. Retailers should ensure these core lines are well stocked throughout the barbecue season to capture incremental sales.
“Visibility is equally important. Giving popular products multiple facings and positioning them in high-footfall areas of store can help drive impulse purchases. Cross-merchandising burger buns and hot dog rolls alongside BBQ essentials such as sausages, burgers, sauces and condiments reinforces the meal mission and encourages higher basket spend. Using space-efficient display units can further support standout and help retailers maximise the opportunity during peak BBQ trading.”
Josh Corrigan, Customer Development Director, UK, at St Pierre Groupe comments on behalf of the St Pierre brand: “We’re continuing to see the BBQ occasion benefit from consumers choosing to socialise at home rather than eat out. In the current climate, many households are more mindful of bigger-ticket spending but still want to enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends. Hosting a barbecue offers a cost-effective way to recreate the experience of dining out, while maintaining control over spend.”
The at-home BBQ has evolved beyond a purely functional meal occasion and become a social event in its own right. Rather than visiting restaurants, shoppers are investing in key elements that help them deliver a more elevated experience in their own gardens. It’s about creating something that feels special without the price tag of eating out.
Bakery plays a central role in that shift. Burgers and hot dogs remain staples, but shoppers are increasingly trading up from standard buns to brioche as a simple way to upgrade the meal. It’s an accessible swap that helps transform everyday barbecue favourites into something that feels more considered and restaurant inspired.
“We’re seeing clear evidence of premiumisation within the BBQ occasion, as shoppers selectively trade up to recreate restaurant-quality dishes at home. This isn’t about extravagance, but intentional spending – choosing products that deliver visible quality, better taste and a more indulgent experience,” adds Corrigan.
“Consumers are pairing higher-quality proteins with artisanal cheeses, bold marinades and globally inspired toppings, and importantly, upgrading the carrier as well. Brioche buns have become a key part of that trade-up, offering a richer flavour, softer texture and premium appearance that elevates the entire dish.
“The BBQ moment is increasingly centred around the food itself. When consumers are hosting, they want the end result to feel impressive and worth the effort. Investing slightly more in premium ingredients – particularly those that make a noticeable difference – allows them to achieve that restaurant-style finish at home, while still keeping the overall occasion affordable.”
Global flavour exploration is becoming increasingly visible within the BBQ occasion. Shoppers are looking beyond traditional ketchup-and-mustard combinations and experimenting with Korean-style marinades, American smokehouse flavours, Mexican-inspired toppings, and layered sweet-and-savoury profiles.
This reflects a broader appetite for bold, globally influenced tastes that deliver excitement and differentiation. Younger shoppers in particular are more adventurous, seeking out flavours that feel restaurant-inspired but are easy to recreate at home.
Bakery plays a key supporting role in this shift. While the protein or topping might take its cue from global cuisines, the bun is what brings the dish together. Brioche offers a versatile, premium base that complements everything from sticky barbecue brisket and spicy slaws to grilled halloumi with chimichurri or gochujang-style burgers.
Flavour-led bun innovation also taps directly into this trend. By introducing subtle sweetness, savoury notes or added heat into the carrier itself, brands can help shoppers build more layered, globally inspired flavour experiences with minimal extra effort. It’s another example of how the BBQ occasion continues to evolve, with premiumisation and global influence working hand in hand.
The St Pierre brand’s bestselling products during the BBQ season are its core brioche buns and hot dog rolls, which provide shoppers with an easy way to elevate every day at-home occasions – from relaxed family lunches to informal evening entertaining. As more consumers look to trade up in small but meaningful ways, these premium bakery staples continue to perform strongly, offering a simple upgrade that enhances the entire meal.
Sharing formats are particularly important during barbecue season, with four- and six-packs proving most popular. St Pierre Brioche Buns (6s), Seeded Brioche Burger Buns (4s), Brioche Burger Buns (4s) and Brioche Hot Dog Rolls (4s) are ideally suited to group occasions, delivering quality, consistency and standout appeal whether the barbecue stays outdoors or moves inside.
Building on the success of last year’s limited-edition Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns, which delivered new shoppers and incremental sales into the category, the brand is launching St Pierre Caramelised Onion Brioche Buns for the 2026 BBQ season.
The launch taps directly into the continued demand for affordable indulgence. While shoppers may be more cautious around bigger-ticket spending, they are still prioritising smaller, everyday treats that elevate mealtimes. Flavoured brioche buns offer an accessible way to upgrade a burger or midweek meal, delivering a premium eating experience without a significant trade-up in price.
Shoppers are also increasingly looking for newness that feels justified – whether through bold flavours, layered sweetness and savoury notes, or standout textures. St Pierre Caramelised Onion Brioche Buns respond to that demand, combining St Pierre’s signature soft, golden brioche with a rich, gently sweet onion flavour profile that adds depth and differentiation to the fixture.
Available from April to September, the limited-edition launch is designed to drive excitement and seasonal impulse during the key BBQ period.
As with the brand’s previous flavoured bun innovation, the aim is not simply to add variety, but to expand the category by attracting food-loving shoppers seeking something distinctive and worth trading up for.
In a market where growth is increasingly driven by quality, innovation and brand loyalty, limited editions such as this allow retailers to create theatre in the bakery aisle and encourage shoppers to spend a little more for a product that feels like a little luxury.
St Pierre continues to perform strongly within the bakery category and is the UK’s number one brioche brand (Circana). The brand is growing ahead of the wider category, driven by increased household penetration and sustained demand for premium bakery formats (Kantar).
St Pierre continues to invest in brand-building activity and in-store support to drive visibility and rate of sale across wholesale and retail. This includes St Pierre-branded floor display units, point-of-sale materials and ongoing collaboration with retailer partners to tailor activity to their needs.
By working closely with retailers, St Pierre aims to ensure its range is easy to stock, easy to sell and well-positioned to help maximise the BBQ opportunity.
Fabien Pasquier, Retail Sales Manager, Brioche Pasquier, comments: “There is always something special about a barbeque, but the boom in garden renovations and at home entertaining means that customers are better equipped than ever to host a barbeque with friends. Therefore, as soon as the warmer weather arrives, people are setting up new outdoor furniture and the latest BBQ models, ready to soak up the sun and show off their new garden design. It’s not just the warm weather that calls for a barbeque; the popularity of outdoor heaters means that these can now be enjoyed all year round, so it is vital that retailers are stocked with barbeque essentials from spring to autumn.”
The desire for premium ingredients stems from customers experimenting with barbeque recipes to treat themselves (and their friends) with something special. Take the humble hot dog for example, customers are adding more flavour to this barbeque classic by serving sausages in a brioche bun, and creating new versions, such as a Cider Glazed Hot Dog, complete with shallots, cider, honey and mustard. To fully unlock the taste offered by these new recipes, high quality products are essential, and when it comes to bread and baked goods, Brioche Pasquier’s range is crafted from quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs and flour.
With the barbeque season getting longer, customers are regularly looking to add exciting products and ingredients to barbeque classics, offering variety that can be savoured all through the season. For this reason, it is no longer just sausages and burgers found on barbeques but fish, corn and chicken wings, as customers look to different cuisines to add something new to each barbeque they enjoy at home. It is not just the items on the barbeque that are changing; customers are becoming particularly adventurous in how they serve their selection of meats with everything from burgers in a classic American bun to steak in crisp Mexican tacos and sausages in a light French brioche roll.
Brioche Pasquier’s Brioche Rolls are a popular choice all year round, however, as soon as the summer weather hits, they become the perfect accompaniment for hot dogs, onions and all the extras. Alternatively, customers could load with steak and cheese as the slightly sweet taste of the brioche perfectly complements the smoky, charred flavour of barbequed meats. The Brioche Rolls have a long shelf life without the need for artificial preservatives, colours or flavours and they are suitable for vegetarians.
Helping retailers add that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to their barbeque range, Brioche Pasquier offers Brioche Rolls, snacks and sweet treats that elevate any summer gathering. From origins in the small village of Les Cerqueux, the irresistible French products are now found in over 35 countries.
Lesley Parker, Senior Brand Manager for Kühne at UK distributor RH Amar, comments: “The BBQ sector is seeing a surge in demand for premium, gourmet, and globally inspired flavours. Pickled products, especially gherkins and other pickled vegetables, have become a must-have accompaniment, adding crunch, acidity, and balance to a range of grilled dishes.
“So much so, that sales of gherkins have grown to now represent 20% of the pickled vegetable category, matching the size of chutneys and contributing significantly to category growth, with a total market value of £61m (NIQ).”
There is also a growing demand for health-conscious BBQ options, with low-carb, sugar-free, and naturally fermented pickles aligning with the rise of clean eating trends. Social media is playing a major role in shaping these BBQ trends, with viral videos driving demand for pickles in marinades, sauces, and even cocktails.
“The BBQ market has certainly benefited from consumers opting to entertain at home rather than dining out over the last couple of years, and we would expect this to continue during 2026 as the economic climate continues to look uncertain for shoppers. The resulting cost-conscious behaviour – coupled with a continuing and growing interest in home cooking – means that the BBQ is going to be a big opportunity for wholesalers and their customers as a whole host of brands tap into this occasion during the year ahead,” adds Parker.
nal retail and online retail channels, aligning with this trend of premium home dining. Kühne’s new Gourmet Selection has been particularly well-positioned to capitalise on this shift, offering high-quality pickled products that enhance at-home BBQ spreads.”
Gherkins, pickled onions, and other tangy accompaniments are now staples in BBQ meals. Kühne’s Burger Crinkle Cut Gherkins and Gourmet Selection Cornichons are seeing significant demand.
Pickle brine is being used as a flavour booster and meat tenderiser, a trend fuelled by TikTok and viral food experiments.
The rise of vegetarian grilling has increased demand for pickled accompaniments, as they add depth and umami to plant-based options.
There is a growing appetite for Korean, Middle Eastern, and Latin BBQ influences, with tangy, spicy, and pickled flavours playing a major role.
“Kühne is leading the premiumisation trend with its Gourmet Selection, featuring new flavours like Chilli and Honey Cornichons. These products cater to the demand for elevated pickled flavours used in BBQ dishes, cocktails, and snacking,” says Parker.
“The brand is also exploring new formats and sizes to cater to the premium retail and foodservice markets, ensuring convenience and versatility for BBQ lovers.”
Kühne is currently one of the fastest-growing brands in the gherkins category, and overall the brand is driving value into the category with value and volume sales up +13% (NIQ).
Part of this success has been down to gaining new listings in major retail and wholesale, contributing significantly to category growth and making Kühne a must-stock brand for retailers of all sizes during key seasons and occasions.
Kühne products also over-index among higher-spending, affluent consumers, who are willing to pay for better quality.
Lucy Grogut, Marketing Director at Quorn Foods UK, comments: “We’ve been dominating the category for 40 years and, throughout highs and lows for the market, we have remained consistent. Nobody has been investing and engaging like us. In 2024, Quorn’s “So Tasty’’ snacking campaign, the biggest of its kind for chilled meat free, brought over 400k new shoppers into the category alone.
“No other meat alternative brand can match our decades of investment in brand marketing, R&D, and our scientific evidence-base. We have the knowledge, passion and power to help our customers drive incremental sales in this market and that’s why we’re the partner of choice for convenience retailers.
“As the original pioneer in alternative protein, we have provided more than 10 billion portions of food since our launch in 1985. We’re focused on making meat alternatives a truly positive choice for shoppers. Making better choices for you and the planet shouldn’t feel like a compromise and we want to show consumers that it absolutely isn’t.”
The brand has been building on its strong connections with consumers with a new category vision, driving Quorn’s position as the positive protein choice for all shoppers, across multiple sectors and occasions. May 2025 saw Quorn launch a Mission Snack Swap campaign. Backed by a multi-million-pound investment, the campaign featuring Quorn’s puppet pals, Perry, Clarence and Chickson, was a huge success, recruiting over 500K new buyers (NIQ) and delivering record breaking share for the products. The brand’s chilled vegetarian, high protein, and low in saturated fat snacks’ value grew year on year by a staggering +22.9% (NIQ), with brand awareness growing by an impressive 15PPTS (Blue Yonder).
Natalie Marshall, Trade Marketing Manager at Aston Manor Cider, comments: “As we head into spring and summer, cider becomes a perfect choice for outdoor social occasions.
“With shoppers still feeling the pressure on household budgets, and 69% of occasions now taking place in the home (IGD), the warmer months offer retailers a strong opportunity to drive sales through trusted value brands that shoppers already know and love.”
Consumers still want to socialise and enjoy quality experiences, but they’re being more mindful about how and where they spend their money. Summer and BBQ occasions allow them to enjoy time with friends and family without the cost of going out, which puts affordable, great-tasting cider firmly on the menu.
In a market under pressure, brands that consistently deliver quality, value and strong rates of sale are what shoppers are actively seeking. That’s why value-led cider continues to outperform, particularly during the warmer months when demand peaks.
Crumpton Oaks is the No.1 value cider brand in the impulse channel (Nielsen). It remains a core driver for the category, crafted from the finest bittersweet apples and delivering a consistently refreshing taste that shoppers trust.
When shoppers are hosting BBQs or catering for groups, larger take-home formats and multipacks really come into their own. They make it easier to buy for groups while keeping spend under control, which is exactly what consumers are looking for.
Crumpton Oaks 2.5l PET is the No.1 cider PET in the UK convenience channel (TWC), and the 4x568ml pack is up +38% year-on-year (TWC), with volume sales for 4x568ml growing 11% during summer months (TWC). These formats are perfectly suited to shared summer occasions and are performing strongly because they offer clear, tangible value.
Alexander Wilson, Category & Commercial Strategy Director at HEINEKEN UK, comments: “Premium world lager brands perform incredibly well during the summer – accounting for 25% of category sales and continuing to grow year-on-year (Nielsen IQ). This growth shows consumers’ growing desire to discover new tastes, especially when coming together for summer celebrations such as barbecues.
“Looking at cider – in the impulse channel, premium brands account for 25% of cider category sales, so it’s an incredibly important segment for retailers to consider as part of their range (Nielsen IQ). In fact, premium options do exceptionally well all year round, even in times of economic hardship when people don’t have as much disposable income to hand. This should signal to retailers that despite customers cutting corners in other categories, cider is potentially where they are willing to trade up. Stocking premium brands such as Old Mout presents retailers with an opportunity to make the most of this category growth.”
The beauty of the beer and cider category is the range of formats available. Small pack cans, mid pack cans and single glass bottles are popular options all year round and remain incredibly important during this period. In the summer months, small pack cans account for 30% of total beer and cider sales, mid pack cans account for 21% and single glass bottles account for 17% (Nielsen IQ).
It is also worth noting that, when leveraging sales around the festival period, cans of cider see a significant spike – including Strongbow Original and Dark Fruit, in the 10x440ml and 4x568ml can formats (Nielsen IQ). “Summer brings people together, with many celebrations such as sport events, barbecues and picnics,” adds Wilson. “We suggest retailers consider focusing on the bestselling and highest value brands which cater to a variety of summer occasions. In the grocery channel, our highest value premium beer SKUs are 15x440ml and 12x330ml multipacks of Heineken®, Heineken® single bottles, and multipacks of Cruzcampo® in the 10x440ml and 4x440ml formats (Nielsen IQ).”
Single packs are ideal for grab-and-go and summer festival moments, and small-sized multipacks are a popular, accessible choice for those who are looking to share with friends and walking to their local store. So, it is important to keep these packs chilled, so they’re ready for consumers to enjoy.
For retailers who want to build a strong range of world beers which cater to those occasions, HEINEKEN UK’s bestselling small world lager packs include Birra Moretti 4x440ml and Desperados 4 pack can (Nielsen IQ).
For cider specifically, during the summer months Strongbow Dark Fruit 10x440ml packs are the bestselling flavoured cider within the impulse channel, followed by Strongbow Original 10x440ml and Strongbow Dark Fruit 4x568ml packs (Nielsen IQ).
These are all year-round favourites and bring the most sales value though all channels. Retailers should stock up well in advance to ensure they are fully prepared ahead of the summer trading period.
Chris Mitchell, Marketing Manager at Vocation Brewery, comments: “Certainly within beer, we’re seeing drinkers increasingly seeking higher quality, more distinctive and more flavour-forward choices, rather than defaulting to big-brand mainstream options. That mindset naturally transfers to food, particularly for social occasions like barbecues where people want to elevate the experience.
“Shoppers trading up to better-quality meat cuts, interesting marinades, artisanal sauces and premium cheeses can also help drive interest in bolder, more flavourful beer styles that stand up to richer and more complex foods.
“Ultimately, it reflects a broader shift towards considered choices, flavour discovery and treating everyday occasions as something a bit more special, rather than purely functional.”
Consumers are increasingly embracing global flavours and more adventurous BBQ styles, from Korean marinades and American low-and-slow to Mediterranean and plant-based barbequing.
These trends point to BBQ occasions becoming more adventurous, premium and flavour-led, creating opportunities for retailers to inspire shoppers to trade up through beer pairing suggestions, recipe ideas and world-flavour themed BBQ ranges.
Consumers are increasingly looking to moderate without compromising on enjoyment, which is influencing both food and drink choices at BBQ occasions. On the food side, that’s showing up in leaner proteins, plant-based alternatives, grilled vegetables and fresher sides, alongside lighter sauces and marinades.
In beer, this aligns with the ongoing trend of drinking less, but better – with growing demand for high-quality, flavourful beers in lighter and more sessionable styles. As a result, naturally refreshing styles such as lagers, pilsners, pale ales, session IPAs and fruit-led or sour beers are likely to be among the biggest winners this summer and at BBQ occasions.
Ultimately, people are looking for easy-drinking options that deliver flavour without heaviness or high alcohol, making lower-ABV, light-to-medium-bodied beers particularly appealing for relaxed, extended social occasions like summer barbecues.
David Laidler, Brand Director of Carbonates and Lipton at Carlsberg Britvic, comments: “Tango launched its limited-edition rotational flavour series, Tango Editions, back in 2022. Tango Editions combine bold tastes, liquids and pack designs to produce striking products that stand out on shelves and in chillers. The brand’s successful rotational flavour series has seen Tango Mango, Tango Paradise Punch and Tango Berry Peachy all crowned the number one fruit flavoured carbonates new product development in their respective years (NielsenIQ).”
As soft drinks are fast becoming the treat of choice for today’s shoppers, Great Britain’s number one lemon and lime flavoured brand (NielsenIQ), launched 7UP® Pink Lemonade last year. Marking its first launch since 2020, 7UP® Pink Lemonade is a zero sugar drink that delivers the ultimate refreshment with its lemon, lime and raspberry flavour. The launch looked to capitalise on the growing role of innovation in driving growth in the flavoured carbonates category, which over the last three years has accounted for 35% of total flavoured carbonates value growth (NielsenIQ). What’s more, its zero-sugar recipe provides an appealing alternative for consumers seeking no sugar options without compromising on taste or refreshment.
The Pepsi brand has a well-known track record for flavour innovation, such as its Pepsi MAX® flavours portfolio, which includes Cherry, Lime and Mango. With the growing popularity of flavoured carbonates, these products also meet the latest consumer demand for tasty sugar-free flavours. For example, Pepsi MAX® Cherry is the number one flavoured cola, worth £186 million RSV and growing at 7.6% over the last year (NielsenIQ).
“Despite increasing demands for new and exciting soft drinks, providing your shoppers with choice is key,” adds Laidler. “So, don’t forget that Carlsberg Britvic’s portfolio can still cater to those shoppers who are actively looking for their core favourites across brands such as Pepsi, Tango, 7UP® and more, ensuring you can offer something for everyone. In fact, Pepsi MAX® is the number one sold soft drinks brand in British retail (NielsenIQ), alongside 7UP® as Britain’s number one lemon and lime flavoured brand (NielsenIQ) and Tango being the second most purchased fruit flavoured carbonates brand (Kantar). These brands and core offerings have remained particularly popular with consumers over the last year and therefore shouldn’t be overlooked.”
This March, Pepsi is inspiring the nation to elevate meal occasions with Pepsi MAX®. The campaign, through social, out of home and unmissable in-store activations, is designed to strengthen the connection between meals and Pepsi MAX®, with a focus on Gen Z shoppers. It intends to inspire, reward, and recognise those who choose to ‘add a Pepsi’ to their meal occasion with a national campaign giving customers the chance to win their meals for a month and a month’s supply of Pepsi, further driving shopper demand. By positioning meals as ‘Better with Pepsi’, the campaign is set to help retailers in encouraging shoppers to complete their meal with a Pepsi MAX®, increasing basket spend and reinforcing the Pepsi range as go-to mealtime refreshments.
Tash Jones, Commercial Director at Fairfields Farm, comments: “BBQs continue to be a popular way for friends and family to come together at home. Rather than focusing on eating out, consumers are creating relaxed, sociable occasions in their gardens, and snacking plays a big role in that. Crisps are an easy and affordable way to add to the spread, especially as people look for products that feel generous and shareable without adding complexity or cost.
“BBQ season is a key opportunity for retailers to drive incremental snacking sales. Stocking sharing bags of crisps alongside BBQ fixtures and seasonal displays encourages add-on purchases and helps shoppers build a complete occasion. Crisps are often bought for grazing before, during and after the BBQ itself, so clear visibility of larger sharing formats can significantly increase basket spend.”
Fairfields Farm’s bestselling flavours are Cheese & Onion and Lightly Sea Salted. Both are classic, well-loved options that work particularly well for sharing occasions like BBQs where consumers want flavours that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The brand is currently working on a new summer flavour which is due to launch in May, designed specifically with warmer-weather sharing occasions in mind. Aligned with this, the brand has recently launched the Fairfields Farm Secret Crisp Committee, a campaign designed to incorporate the opinions and preferences of selected members of the general public, allowing them to taste test and have their say in what the next Fairfields Farm flavour should be for 2026. This kind of activity and engagement enables audiences to take part in and consume brand story telling and boosts sales potential.
“We offer branded, customisable display units that showcase our Fairfields Farm to help catch consumer attention and boost sales. Alongside this, we provide comprehensive training materials so that retail staff are knowledgeable about our brand and products, supporting increased sales performance,” adds Jones.
“We focus on maintaining consistent communication with our wholesale partners, sharing updates on trends, new flavours and farming practices. By keeping them informed, we foster strong collaboration that helps drive sales growth throughout the retail channel.”
Scott Dixon, Managing Director, The Flava People, comments: “In 2025 we saw an increase in at-home barbeque events with consumers leaning into elevating experiences, centred around social connection, personalisation and catering to more varied dietary requirements. Across 2025, home-cooking and scratch cooking continued to grow across the year with weekly shops increasing in ingredient-led purchases, rather than purchasing ready-to-heat meals. This shows an increase in consumer confidence, which we expect will continue into 2026 across everyday dinners and barbeque occasions.”
“BBQs today aren’t just about popping a few burgers and sausages on the outdoor grill. Instead, hosts of BBQ events often feel high-pressure to please their guests, and so are trading up on meats, seasonings and sauces which offer a more premium offer or are from a trusted, reliable brand that consumers can depend on in high-stakes cooking.”
Products and brands that deliver on taste as well as value, particularly given the current cost of living crisis, are proving popular with shoppers. Dry seasonings for example are a more cost-effective way to add value and flavour to meat than sauces, with the double benefit of ensuring home cooks still feel like they’re actually cooking.
BBQ hosts are more interested in different cuisines from around the world than ever before. The UK consumer’s appetite continues to grow more curious and confident when introducing international cuisines, not just from day-to-day meals but also on BBQ occasions. At BBQ events featuring large groups of people, hosts have the pressure to cater to different preferences in taste, flavour and dietary requirements. Having a variety of dishes, cuisines and flavour profiles ensures there’s always something for everyone.
“Our work with Aldi in 2025 focused on a summer BBQ range that inspired customers and drove in-store theatre, which resulted in great sell-through,” adds Dixon. “Retailers are receiving increasing pressure to inspire customers – both at shelf and online. Providing busy customers with inspiration and accessible education cuts through the competition, allowing customers to take advantage of the occasion and feeling empowered to do so.”
As a seasonings and sauces company, a variety of The Flava People‘s products lend themselves very well to the BBQ occasion. The brand’s best-sellers, which have high levels of repeat purchase, include Flava It! Chinese Style and Flava It! Smoky BBQ marinades, and Flava It! Greek and Flava It! Tikka seasoning mixes.
The Flava People recently launched two new products to the Flava It! range: Flava It! Extra tasty and Flava It! Hot Honey.
Flava It! Hot Honey is a drizzle-free Hot Honey seasoning mix combining cracked red chilli and honey powder, designed to add sweet and spicy flavours to everyday favourites, including barbecue food.
Flava It! Extra Tasty seasoning mix features ground spices and herbs to add full flavour to savoury dishes including barbecue food, making it a highly versatile store cupboard staple that replaces salt and pepper with deeper, moreish flavour. Extra Tasty is already available to meat specialists to add savoury umami notes to almost any protein.
Consumers can prepare for a season of outdoor dining this spring and summer with Bar-Be-Quick’s selection of barbecues and accessories. They are ideal for any event, whether you’re hosting a garden celebration or having a spontaneous picnic.
The Original Instant Barbecue is the ultimate addition to unplanned al fresco fun. Ready to cook within 20 minutes, this instant grill will easily feed up to four people and is an essential for any impromptu barbecue, available from £3.00.
For those planning a bigger occasion, the Party Size Instant Barbecue feeds up to 10 grill-loving guests and burns for up to 1.5 hours. It’s simple to set up, lights with a single match and is an affordable and spontaneous way to feed everyone outdoors, available from £6.00.
Comments are closed.