Charcoal Market (Charcoal briquettes and natural lump)

For US Market: I?ve been able to determine how big the market is
(great info at www.hpba.org) and know that Kingsford (owned by Clorox)
has the no. 1 position and Royal Oak is no. 2, but don?t know their
exact market shares or who is number 3-5.

1) I would like to know who are the major players and their respective
market shares?

2) I also would like to know how much is sold through what channels -
i.e., grocery, big box, drug and convenience, etc.?

Answers for above should be based upon annual sales volumes and given
as a percentage or dollar amount. Approximate volume by weight would
be acceptable if sales numbers are not available.

3) Also, I would like to get any info regarding international markets.
? who the players are and what channels is charcoal sold through. Most
interested in Western Europe, Australia and Canada, but also South
Africa, Mexico, Far East and South America (in order of highest
importance).

MWS23 --

Years ago a friend did a study of this market in the U.S.  and found
that an extraordinary amount -- something like 60% -- was sold on two
weekends (4th of July and Labor Day) each year.  Of course that may
have changed, with changes in American grilling habits, but those
numbers would beat even the concentrated turkey market, where
something like 50% of the consumption comes at Thanksgiving and
Christmas.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

Thanks, Omni. Those are big grilling days, but not that big. About 60%
is sold over a 4 month period from May through August - which
basically covers those holidays (plus Memorial Day).