North America Charcoal Market Research Report: By Type (Lump Charcoal, Charcoal Briquettes, Japanese Charcoal, Sugar Charcoal), Application (Metallurgical Fuel, Barbecue, Industrial, Filtration) - Industry Analysis and Demand Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The North American charcoal market is expected to reach $466.6 million by 2030. This is primarily attributed to the increasing consumption of barbecued food and significant usage of charcoal in recreational cooking. Moreover, the importance of charcoal in water treatment plants is expected to support the market over the forecast years (2021–2030).

The COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted the market for charcoal in North America owing to the temporary lockdowns, curfews, and restrictions imposed by the government of the U.S. and Canada. In order to curtail the spread of the disease, manufacturers of charcoal had to reduce the number of workers in factories and workshops. This directly impacted production and made fulfilling orders difficult. Furthermore, there has been a reduction in the demand for this product from end users, namely chemical, metallurgical, and filtration product companies, in turn, hampering the charcoal market growth in North America.

Natural and Additive-Free Attributes Led to Dominance of Lump Charcoal in 2020

In 2020, lump charcoal accounted for the largest revenue share in the North American charcoal market, on the basis of type. This was owing to the wider application of lump charcoal over other types of charcoal, as it does not contain any additives and is natural. Applications of lump charcoal include filtration, as metallurgical fuel, and barbecue. These factors will lead to the domination of the lump charcoal category in the coming years as well.

Highest Usage of Charcoal in North America Witnessed for Barbecuing

Throughout the forecast period, the highest consumption of charcoal will be witnessed in barbecue applications. This is ascribed to the upgradation of the dining themes and integration of the barbecue technique in their menus by the restaurant owners in the region to attract more customers. Steakhouses in the region already witness a high footfall, and their rising popularity across the region is expected to keep generating a high demand for charcoal.

Increasing Usage of Charcoal for Recreational Cooking Propelled U.S. Market

During the historical period (2014–2020), the U.S. held the larger revenue share in the North American charcoal market due to the high consumption of lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes in recreational cooking, particularly for grilling and barbecue applications. According to a survey conducted by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) in 2020, almost two-thirds (64%) of the U.S. adults own a grill or smoker. This has led to a high-volume consumption of charcoal in the country. Further, the high significance of charcoal in water treatment applications is likely to lead to a high-volume consumption of this product in the country in the coming years.

Rising Popularity of Barbecue Food Is Key Market Trend

The most-prominent trend in the North American charcoal market is the increasing consumption of barbecued food in restaurants, coupled with the rising customer demand for unique flavors. Furthermore, restaurants that feature barbecued food at the center of their menu are mainly characterized by a live cooking setting, complemented with a vibrant atmosphere, extensive buffet spread, and great music. Since charcoal provides a smoky flavor and caramelized exterior to the food, it is extensively used as barbecuing, even gaining preference over conventional cooking gas. Hence, the increasing interest of people in barbecued food would support the demand for charcoal in the region.

Rising Demand for Healthy Food Supporting Usage of Charcoal in Recreational Cooking

The high-volume usage of charcoal across North America for grilling and barbecuing is the major factor supporting the demand for this product. The increasing adoption of a healthy lifestyle and changing food preferences of consumers are resulting in a substantial demand for charcoal for barbecue and grilling applications. Grilled food is low in fat and retains much of its nutritional content. Thus, the increasing awareness on a healthy diet, complemented by the growing culture of hosting private get-togethers in the open, is contributing to the rising popularity of barbecued food, which, in turn, is supporting the demand for charcoal across North America.

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High-Volume Consumption of Activated Charcoal in Water Treatment

The rising level of water pollution has forced governments in North America to enforce stringent laws for water treatment control and waste treatment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies recommend activated charcoal as a cost-effective agent for eliminating harmful chemical impurities. Activated charcoal eliminates impurities from the water through surface adsorption. This, in turn, is supporting the demand for charcoal for water treatment applications across the North American region.

The North American charcoal market is fragmented in nature owing to the presence of a large number of players, such as Royal Oak Enterprises LLC, Parker Charcoal Company, Timber Charcoal Company LLC, Duraflame Inc., Kingsford Products Company LLC, BOB–Q Charcoal, The Saint Louis Charcoal Company LLC, The Fogo Charcoal Company, Basques Hardwood Charcoal, and B&B Charcoal.

Some Key players in North America Charcoal Market Are:

Market Size Breakdown by Segment

The global North American charcoal market report offers comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with market estimation for the period 2014–2030.

Based on Type

• Lump Charcoal
• Charcoal Briquettes
• Japanese Charcoal
• Sugar Charcoal

Based on Application

• Metallurgical Fuel
• Barbecue
• Industrial
• Filtration

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada