The KBIS/IBS expo was a big success according to all the people that I talked to. In case you missed WeatherStrong there, they have a recap video and a summary on their website.
Gozney announced the Arc Lite, a new pizza oven that will drive new customers to the brand. It's only $399 yet shares the same dome look and some features from their more expensive ovens. It adds uniformity to their line-up while also standing out at that price point.
Broil King also has a new
grill coming soon. They announced the pellet and gas hybrid Baron grill. It's pretty slick how they're accomplishing this because it's through a conversion kit that consumers can buy as an add-on to their grill. That's in addition to other versatile accessories like an infrared side burner.
I was on The BBQ Central Show on
Tuesday for my monthly spot. I talked with Greg Rempe about the Oklahoma Joe's Bronco drum cooker, Blackstone's new Santa Maria grill also named Bronco, and other happenings in the world of outdoor cooking. I was on right after Steven Raichlen, so make sure to listen to the whole show.
SharkNinja has been focused on international expansion, and as part of that, they've brought their FlexFlame propane grill to the UK. Back in the US, they also have a development for the
FlexFlame. They've released a connected version that lets you adjust temperature from your phone.
Much like SharkNinja, YETI has a stong brand that they're using to drive international growth. I included a chart in the article from their earnings this week that shows their international growth, and it tells quite the story. In addition to that, they also appointed a new CFO from Home Depot.
Finally, American Fire Products has been focused on operational
efficiency for the past year. While other companies are raising prices, they've used this focus to now lower their prices. It's part of their long-term strategy too, so it's not a temporary change.
