Bring contemporary touches to the world’s oldest cooking method.
Cooking over a live fire is a culinary practice found across all continents and has been nurtured over tens of thousands of years (Raichlen, 2010). And while some regional methods showcase low-and-slow smoking, others focus on fast, direct grilling. From Serbian ćevapčići (pork, veal and lamb sausages) and Peruvian anticuchos (beef kebabs) to Filipino lechon manok (rotisserie chicken) and Indian tandoori aloo (grilled potatoes), global barbecue provides endless sources of inspiration for new product offerings and menu items.
“Barbecue” is a mainstay descriptor for snacks all over the world—and the demand for intense flavor is growing. Bold options like beef brisket and pulled pork flavored crunchy broad beans (UK), mala barbecue crispy chicken skins (Thailand) and applewood smoked cheddar potato chips (Costa Rica) can be found on retail shelves. For those who crave healthier varieties, barbecue flavors are moving into new formats—think green pea crisps, plant-based tomato jerky and air-dried carrot chips.
In foodservice, we’re seeing regional flavors transcend borders. In some cases, that means fusion dishes—with North American chain restaurants serving up Memphis-style barbecue chicken pizza, hot dogs with bulgogi and kimchi mayo and maple-whiskey BBQ burgers. Korean barbecue is especially taking off in the US, showing 271% growth on menus since 2018 (Datassential, 2022). For others, it’s about introducing authentic techniques to a new audience. One supper club in London serves up South African braai (featuring pork chops, eggplant and mackerel) while Japanese diners can enjoy spit-roasted Angus beef at a Brazilian churrascaria in Shibuya (Mintel, 2023).
American barbecue is known for its diversity in proteins, seasonings, woods and sauces, which can help manufacturers bring authenticity to their offerings. Think Kansas City ribs slathered in sweet sauce, dry-rubbed Texas brisket, chicken with mayonnaise sauce in Alabama and Carolina pulled pork, dressed in vinegar or mustard sauce. But St. Louis-style BBQ smoked ribs have even been spotted in Colombian grocery stores! And while the category is dominated by meat, diners looking for plant-forward options can turn to smoked “salmon” made from carrots, pea-protein steaks and plant-based barbacoa. Low-sugar sauces made with hibiscus tea, balsamic vinegar and beetroot powder are filling a gap in the marketplace, too (Mintel, 2023).
Whether you’re serving classic meats or plant-based options, slathered in sauce or simply dry-rubbed to perfection, one thing is certain—the bold, robust flavors of barbecue deliver universal appeal.
Segment Snapshot
QSR/FOODSERVICE:
Restaurants serving barbecue or grilled options frequently reflect local culinary traditions, but inspiration from other markets is taking shape in regions with strong international influence.
PROTEIN PROCESSORS:
Sauces, seasonings and ready-to-cook meal options provide consumers with shortcuts to elevated smoky flavors. Plant-based proteins are also proliferating across regions.
SNACKING:
CPG brands are differentiating their offerings by leveraging specific meat barbecue or grilling flavors. High-protein, satiating ingredients such as legumes and meat are being used to satisfy the appetites of consumers between meals.
Simple Techniques, Mouthwatering Results
Balinese ribs are known for being basted in a sweet, sticky, tangy glaze called kecap manis. Chef Jonny Tomlin will show you just how it’s done with his Indonesian Ribs and Cashew Brittle recipe, showcasing slow-cooked baby back pork ribs seasoned with Griffith Foods Indonesian BBQ Rub. The ribs are brushed with Griffith Foods Sweet Soy Glaze and topped with crumbled cashew brittle for an unexpected finishing touch.
Create And Innovate
Yakitori
True Japanese yakitori is all about the tare, a multipurpose glaze and dipping sauce. Our version features skewered mushrooms, green onion and bacon-wrapped shishito peppers, grilled to perfection and glazed with a sake-infused Korean barbecue sauce.
Featuring Custom Culinary® Korean-Style Barbecue Sauce
LOOKING TO HEAT UP YOUR BARBECUE OFFERINGS?
Whether they’re rubbed, marinated, basted or glazed, BBQ dishes have one thing in common—it’s all about coaxing the most flavor out of every bite. To put your signature spin on a on old favorite, or to reimagine a regional style, look to products from Griffith Foods and Custom Culinary®. Our flavor profiles are shaped by authentic barbecue traditions from around the world.
Seasonings
From marinades to topical rubs, our unique seasonings enhance flavor, appearance and aromatics for slow-cooked meats, grilled items, snacks and more.
- Cherry-wood Smoked Chicken Marinade
- South African Braai Rub
- Kansas City, Texas, Carolina and Memphis Rubs
Sauces and Dressings
Always crafted with a chef-driven approach, our sauces and condiments feature authentic flavor profiles from around the world to complement your barbecue offerings.
- North African Harissa Sauce
- Mojo Sauce
- Vegan Remoulade Sauce
Dough Blends
Our bakery and dough systems are designed with ingredients that improve taste, texture and performance—which means exceptional breads that pair perfectly with smoky entrées.
- Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread Mix
- Indian Naan Flatbread Mix
- Brazilian Pão de Queijo Mix
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL:
Contact your Griffith Foods representative to learn how these exciting, versatile products can enhance your product and menu offerings that span the world of barbecue.
Chef Tip: “It’s not just about the meat. Barbecue techniques can be applied to the preparation of pineapple, pears, peaches or plums, resulting in grilled fruit that adds flavor, texture and overall interest to barbecued meat entrées. Grilled fruit also makes for an excellent dessert, especially when paired with spice-infused cream.”
–Chef Mark Serice, Vice President Global Culinary, Griffith Foods
Looking Forward: What’s next in the world of barbecue?
BBQ SAVVY:
Consumers will expand their knowledge base, both in terms of globally inspired BBQ flavors and new protein formats. Brands will need to specify beyond simply “barbecue” on menus and packaging labels.
A LIGHTER TAKE:
Healthier snack formats can bring traditionally heavy, meat-centric flavors into new territories. Whole grains, legumes and nuts will incorporate barbecue flavors for everyday snacking.
PREMIUMIZATION:
Thanks to international awareness of various barbecue types, there are opportunities to elevate offerings with more specific/authentic flavors and cooking techniques.
© 2023 Griffith Foods. All rights reserved.
Sources:
“Carolina Barbecue: The popular slow-cooked pork,” Nation’s Restaurant News, September 26, 2022.
Datassential MenuTrends, “Most Popularly Menued Regional BBQ Styles,” 2018-2022.
Mintel, 2023 FlavorIQ® Food and Flavor Outlook Report, January 2023.
Nick Solares, “The American Barbecue Regional Style Guide,” Eater.com, June 16, 2016.
Steven Raichlen, Planet Barbecue! New York, Workman Publishing, 2010.
