Good Morning! 

Traeger released a sub-$1,000 connected pellet grill a couple weeks ago, and now they've followed it up with a value-priced griddle. They launched the Irontop this week, a griddle that retails for $499.99 in a 2-burner configuration and $599.99 for the 4-burner.

That's a key price point because Traeger has always played further upmarket with their Flatrock griddle. The Irontop is where all the action is, and is going toe-to-toe with Blackstone. They even call out that their griddle has more even heating than a Blackstone griddle with the Omnivore griddle plate.

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Figuring out the right way to target consumers will be an ongoing theme this summer. A company that does that as good as anybody is Kingsford parent, Clorox. They released earnings this week and it was all about revenue growth management. They lowered their guidance based on what they're seeing with a stretched consumer and added costs from the conflict in the Middle East.

Pit Boss has been finding different ways to reach consumers as part of their growth strategy this year. They've partnered with Academy Sports on a NASCAR sponsorship. The two companies had a fan event yesterday and there will be additional experience today at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Big Green Egg has a collaboration of their own that's expanding. They've partnered with ASW Distillery in Atlanta on a bourbon that's finished with staves that had heat put to them in a Big Green Egg. They started the collaboration last year, but now the bourbon is headed to retailers and for sale online.

Finally, Cuisinart released a little electric grill that has a smoke mode, just like the Ninja Woodfire Grill. You can load it with pellets that it heats, and it circulates the smoke with convective cooking. The new grill also has a water cup in the grill to help with moisture.

Have a Great Weekend!

Wes Wright

Founder and CEO

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