We’re now a nation of BBQ experts... so let’s hope we get a sizzling summer!

PEOPLE are prepping their outdoor spaces for a sizzling summer at home and spending more on their gardens, latest DIY sales show.

Homevalue has seen a 60% year-on-year surge in sales of barbecues in the first three months of 2021, with the store setting record sales of barbecue products over Easter.

There has also been a 200% increase in the sales of garden furniture over the same period.

The retail group has also recorded a 105% increase in horticultural gardening products.

Backing up this trend is research commissioned by barbecue firm Weber which reveals Irish people rate themselves as ‘sizzling hot’ at barbecues. Despite having a much colder climate, we are now giving South Africans and Aussies a run for their money in the BBQ stakes – due to the pandemic.

Research by OnePoll surveyed 1,000 barbecue owners and found nearly 70% have improved their grill skills since the first lockdown and nearly a quarter are now better at it than ever before.

This is no longer a ‘fun in the sun’ pastime as 69% admit to taking it very seriously – with 64% rating themselves sizzling hot with a pair of tongs in hand.

With adults now barbecuing more frequently since the start of the pandemic (a 25% increase), almost two in ten took to the grill daily and 57% made it a weekly ritual.

Some waited for the warmer months to light those flames or turn on the gas – but one in ten weathered the cold on a weekly basis during winter too.

Dan Cooper, grill master at Weber, which commissioned the research, said: ‘The increased frequency of barbecuing over the past 12 months is a signal that the barbecue has been a centrepiece for many households. It’s a place where people have been able to get together and enjoy good food with good company, safely.’

Homevalue’s Jason Doherty said: ‘Recent sales trends have highlighted the determination of Irish people to make the most out of their outdoor spaces this summer with revamps, upgrades, new planters, new furniture and new barbecues.

‘For many of us, the garden and humble balcony are getting some long-overdue appreciation and love, prompted by the increasing role that our personal outdoor spaces have and continue to play in our personal lives during the pandemic. We’re excited to support customers with their home and garden improvements this summer and we can only hope the weather matches their barbecue ambitions.’

The green-fingered are also buying more gardening materials and horticulture products, and are becoming more self-sustainable with homegrown fruit and veg.

‘Making the most of outdoor spaces’