Summer is here and with it comes the promise of grills, cookouts and barbecue. Grilling is an American pastime and barbecue is quickly becoming the new apple pie.

The numbers speak for themselves. Seventy percent of American households own a grill or smoker, with 45% planning to purchase a new one this year. Ninety-seven percent of those owners used their grill in the past year. Help these grill masters show their chops with aprons and barbecue accessories that sizzle.

The growing popularity of barbecuing presents unique sales opportunities. Check out some tips for selling to this industry. You might even get invited to enjoy some smoky, slow-cooked goodness.

Partner with Grill and Smoker Companies

With grill and smoker sales heating up, the time is ripe to partner with grill manufacturers. To capitalize on an advertising opportunity, work with companies to logo goods like caps and aprons to help grill masters look the part.

Target BBQ Competition Sales

Barbecue competitions have grown into a sports-like event. Each year hundreds of pitmasters and thousands of festival attendees convene for barbecue competitions. Take a look at the festival and competition calendar to see when and where events take place. Connect with festival organizers and work with them to create branded merchandising opportunities.

Outfit Barbecuing Clubs

Throughout the country, barbecue clubs are growing in popularity. Groups get together to conjure new dry rubs, sauces and approaches to perfecting their favorite cuts of meat. A quick Google search yields many local and regional clubs. Help bring together these clubs and collectives with t-shirts that unify their look.