Charcoal Briquettes Market Size & Growth [2033]

Charcoal Briquettes Market Overview

The Charcoal Briquettes Market size was valued at USD 2.36 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 3.54 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.21% from 2025 to 2033.

The charcoal briquettes market is witnessing robust growth driven by the rising global demand for sustainable and efficient fuel alternatives. Charcoal briquettes are manufactured by compressing biomass materials such as sawdust, coconut shells, rice husks, and wood chips. As of 2024, over 38 million tons of charcoal briquettes are produced annually across the globe, with more than 65% of the output originating from Asia-Pacific and African regions due to abundant raw material availability and low production costs. Charcoal briquettes provide higher energy density compared to lump charcoal, offering calorific values exceeding 7,000 kcal/kg, making them suitable for cooking, barbecuing, and industrial heating.

With over 1.4 billion people globally relying on biomass fuels for cooking, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for cleaner-burning briquettes is intensifying. The market is also supported by shifting consumer preferences toward eco-friendly grilling products in developed countries. For instance, in the United States alone, approximately 800,000 tons of charcoal briquettes are consumed annually, with usage peaking during summer barbecuing seasons. The charcoal briquettes industry is rapidly evolving through technological innovations in carbonization and compression, contributing to improved burning efficiency, reduced smoke emissions, and extended shelf life—factors that are positioning briquettes as a preferred solid biofuel globally.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for eco-friendly and efficient fuel sources for household and commercial cooking is the leading driver of the charcoal briquettes market.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific dominates the charcoal briquettes market, accounting for more than 58% of the global consumption in 2024.

Top Segment: Cooking applications represent the largest market share, comprising over 60% of total charcoal briquette consumption in 2024.

Charcoal Briquettes Market Trends

The charcoal briquettes market is currently shaped by several influential trends that reflect evolving consumer demands, industrial usage patterns, and sustainability priorities. One of the most prominent trends is the growing adoption of mechanized and eco-friendly production technologies. As of 2024, over 45% of new briquette manufacturing facilities have integrated advanced carbonization kilns and extrusion systems, increasing production efficiency by 25% and reducing harmful emissions by 30% compared to traditional methods. Another significant trend is the increasing preference for sustainable and clean fuel alternatives, especially in developing countries where more than 2.6 billion people still rely on biomass for cooking. Charcoal briquettes, with an average energy content of over 7,000 kcal/kg, have gained widespread popularity for their cleaner burn and higher efficiency. In response, governments and NGOs have promoted briquette use, leading to a 12% increase in global production between 2022 and 2024, reaching nearly 8.5 million metric tons annually. In urban centers across Asia-Pacific and Africa, the emergence of eco-labeled, odorless briquettes has driven consumer interest in branded, low-emission cooking fuels.

In developed regions like North America and Europe, lifestyle-driven trends such as outdoor cooking and recreational grilling are fueling demand. For example, in the U.S., over 17 million tons of charcoal were used in 2024, with more than 50% of it attributed to barbecuing. This demand has prompted manufacturers to innovate with instant-light and flavor-infused briquettes, tailored to premium consumer segments. Hexagonal and pillow-shaped briquettes are also becoming popular due to their extended burn times and superior thermal retention, with hexagonal formats representing over 40% of new product launches in 2023. Another notable trend is the rise of industrial co-firing applications, where charcoal briquettes are being blended with fossil fuels in boilers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs, especially in regions like India, Indonesia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The trend toward circular economy models is also visible, with more producers sourcing agricultural residues such as coconut shells, rice husks, and corn cobs to manufacture eco-friendly briquettes. Lastly, digital transformation is reshaping consumer access to briquettes, as subscription services, online retail platforms, and smart-packaged products grow in popularity. These integrated trends indicate that the charcoal briquettes market is not only diversifying by product type and application but is also shifting toward cleaner, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible growth models.

Charcoal Briquettes Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for eco-friendly cooking fuel

Global reliance on biomass for daily cooking exceeded 2.6 billion people in 2023, and charcoal briquettes captured over 60% of cooking-fuel market share in Africa and South Asia. In rural and peri-urban settings across Africa and South Asia, over 70% of households opted for charcoal briquettes due to affordability, ease of transport, and efficient combustion, reducing wood fuel use by 35% year-over-year.

RESTRAINT

Raw material price volatility

Raw biomass costs witnessed 15–20% fluctuations in 2023, straining small- and mid-scale producers. Coconut shell shortages in the Philippines rose prices by 12%, squeezing margins across Asia-Pacific. Strict emission standards in Europe and North America—where particulate limits fell by 25% in 2022—have forced retrofits or closures of 18% of legacy kilns, especially in unregulated developing markets.

OPPORTUNITY

Industrial boiler co-firing

In 2024, over 1,200 industrial plants globally began blending briquettes with coal, achieving 30–40% fuel cost savings and reducing CO₂ emissions by 20%. Emerging clean-energy regulations in countries like India and Indonesia incentivize biomass co-firing, spurring a 25% increase in plant conversions between 2022 and 2024.

CHALLENGE

Competition from gas/electric grills

Despite rising briquette use in grilling, gas and electric grills—in North America and Europe—commands 45% of outdoor cooking equipment sales. In 2023, grill retailers sold 2.5 million electric units compared to 1.8 million charcoal grills, pressuring briquette volumes. Production remains fragmented: Asia-Pacific and Africa combined hosted 68% of global briquette output in 2024, yet branding and quality consistency issues limit full cost-competitiveness.

Charcoal Briquettes Market Segmentation

The charcoal briquettes market is segmented by both type and application.

By Type

Lump Charcoal: comprised roughly 30% of the global charcoal market in 2024, with leading markets including Brazil, India, and Nigeria due to high purity fuel demand.
Charcoal Briquettes: Dominating with 70% share, briquettes accounted for approximately 8.5 million metric tons of annual output in 2024, favored for uniform quality and long burn time.

By Application

Cooking: With 60% of total briquette consumption in 2024, cooking is the dominant use. In rural Africa and South Asia, more than 70% of households depend on briquettes daily.
Barbecuing: Outdoor grilling constitutes about 25% of market volume. For example, in the USA, 17.1 million tons of charcoal were consumed in 2024, with 50% of retail sales tied to barbecue briquettes.
Industrial Applications: Approximately 15% of market usage comes from industrial heating and boiler fuel; co-firing reached over 1,200 plants globally in 2024.

Charcoal Briquettes Market Regional Outlook

North America

charcoal briquette sector produced approximately USD 650 million in 2023, representing around 20% of global market value. In 2024, the U.S. alone consumed 17.1 million tons of charcoal, with barbecue usage accounting for half the market. North American outdoor cooking culture drives a 30% increase in restaurant and hospitality briquette usage since 2021 . Environment regulations in Canada and the U.S. have led 18% of older production sites to adopt cleaner carbonization methods by 2023. Demand peaks in Q2–Q3, with 60% of annual consumption occurring between May and August.

Europe

charcoal market was valued at approximately USD 500 million in 2023, with briquettes commanding a 40% share of total charcoal use. Regulatory pressure, such as a 25% tightening of particulate emissions in 2022, prompted production shifts to sustainable feedstocks—coconut shells rose to 15% of output by 2024. Recreational grilling increased by 18% in 2023, boosting demand in Germany, France, and the UK. Industrial usage, including light-metal heating, represents about 10% of the regional market.

Asia‑Pacific

Charcoal briquette output in Asia-Pacific topped USD 1.2 billion in 2023, accounting for 45% of global market value. The region produced nearly 8.5 million tons of briquettes in 2024—a 12% increase year-over-year. India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam led production, with coconut shell briquettes making up 20% of output. Over 80% of African households (mirrored in parts of Southeast Asia) used briquettes daily in 2024, driving rural demand . Urban demand increased as outdoor foodservice venues doubled briquette consumption from 2021 to 2024.

Middle East & Africa

charcoal fuels were used by over 80% of households in 2023; approximately 70% of these used briquettes as primary cooking fuel. Briquette output in the region reached 3.2 million tons in 2024—a 15% yearly increase. Middle Eastern countries like Turkey and Egypt added biomass regulations in 2023, sparking industrial co-firing projects that consumed 250,000 tons of briquettes. Deforestation-aware programs in sub-Saharan Africa replaced over 50% of wood-fired cooking with briquettes in pilot regions by late 2024.

List of Top Charcoal Briquettes Companies

Kingsford (USA)
Royal Oak Enterprises (USA)
Duraflame (USA)
Weber-Stephen Products LLC (USA)
Cowboy Charcoal (USA)
FOGO Charcoal (USA)
B&B Charcoal (USA)
Fire & Flavor (USA)
Jealous Devil (USA)
Kamado Joe (USA)

Kingsford (USA): is the largest manufacturer of charcoal briquettes in the United States, holding over 60% of the U.S. market share as of 2024. The company produces more than 1 million tons of charcoal briquettes annually, supplying to over 50,000 retail outlets nationwide. Its product range includes original, mesquite, applewood, and instant-light briquettes, making it the dominant player in both the traditional and premium grilling segments.

Royal Oak Enterprises (USA): ranks as the second-largest briquette manufacturer in North America, with distribution across 25+ countries and a growing presence in Latin America. In 2023, the company expanded its production capacity by 60,000 tons annually with the addition of a new facility in Arkansas. Known for its wide variety of hardwood-based briquettes, Royal Oak has become a preferred supplier for both home consumers and foodservice operators.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The charcoal briquettes market is witnessing an influx of investment activity across manufacturing infrastructure, sustainable sourcing, and clean energy transitions. In 2023 alone, more than 250 new briquette production facilities were either announced or expanded globally, with Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for over 60% of these developments. This surge in facility development is largely driven by local and foreign direct investments aiming to capitalize on the increasing preference for renewable solid fuels. For instance, in Kenya and Uganda, the government partnered with private enterprises to invest in more than 80 biomass conversion units, each producing up to 10 tons of briquettes per day. Across India and Indonesia, new investments exceeding 50 million units of annual briquette production capacity were installed, focusing on coconut shell and agricultural residue as feedstocks. In the industrial segment, briquettes are being integrated into thermal applications as a cost-efficient alternative to fossil fuels, leading to the retrofitting of over 1,200 boilers globally for biomass co-firing compatibility. Investments have also poured into briquette supply chain innovations such as bulk packaging, mechanized bagging, and digital logistics, cutting handling costs by 18–22% year-over-year.

European companies, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, are heavily funding R&D into low-smoke, odorless briquettes tailored for urban use, reflecting a rising consumer preference for cleaner indoor cooking and grilling solutions. Notably, large hospitality and foodservice operators in North America invested in long-term contracts with briquette producers to ensure consistent supply for year-round operations. This trend reflects a diversification of consumption beyond seasonal barbecuing. Carbon offset markets are also incentivizing briquette manufacturers, with certified carbon-neutral briquettes entering premium retail segments across Europe and Japan. Approximately 15% of total new briquette investments in 2023 were directed toward eco-label compliant production lines. Furthermore, new product development investments surged by 35% compared to the previous year, with a focus on additives such as starch binders, herb-infused smoke control compounds, and enhanced ignition coatings. Investors are also supporting community-based micro-enterprises in rural areas to meet local demand while generating employment. Governments in South America and Asia are providing tax credits and capital grants to projects utilizing forestry waste for briquette production, creating long-term viability in waste-to-fuel initiatives. These converging investment strategies—industrial, residential, and regulatory—are significantly enhancing the commercial appeal and scalability of the charcoal briquettes market.

New Product Development

Innovation in the charcoal briquettes market has accelerated dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing performance, sustainability, and user convenience. One of the most significant developments is the widespread adoption of herb-infused briquettes, which have captured 8% of retail shelf space in North America and Europe by 2024. These briquettes, often blended with rosemary, mesquite, or hickory, are designed to impart unique flavors during barbecuing. Another major innovation is instant-light charcoal briquettes, now comprising over 20% of all consumer-grade briquettes sold in the U.S., thanks to the integration of food-safe ignition agents that eliminate the need for lighter fluids. In the Asia-Pacific region, manufacturers are increasingly launching hexagonal and pillow-shaped briquettes, offering superior combustion efficiency and extended burn times—up to 4.5 hours, compared to the average 2.5 hours for traditional round briquettes. A key development area has also been low-smoke and smokeless variants, designed for urban grilling and indoor use. In 2023, European producers released multiple low-emission briquette lines using refined coconut shells and sawdust composites, reducing visible smoke emissions by over 70%.

Some companies have also introduced bio-starch binders, completely replacing synthetic binders to ensure a fully organic product. Additionally, colored briquettes—especially black or white-branded options—are gaining ground in premium markets. In Japan, over 12,000 tons of compressed white charcoal briquettes, called binchotan-style, were sold in 2024, mostly to restaurants. Meanwhile, smart-packaging initiatives are revolutionizing consumer engagement. QR codes printed on briquette packaging now link buyers to cooking tutorials, safety instructions, and emission reduction statistics. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, community-driven innovation has led to the creation of affordable banana peel and maize cob briquettes, targeting rural households with minimal production costs. Furthermore, major U.S. brands have begun offering custom-formulated briquettes tailored for specific meats or cooking durations, adding personalization to the grilling experience. The emergence of eco-friendly multi-use briquette blocks—capable of doubling as heat sources and insect repellents—is another novel feature, currently in pilot trials in tropical regions. By 2024, more than 150 new briquette SKUs had been introduced globally, reflecting the market’s dynamic product development pipeline and growing consumer sophistication. These innovations are not only enhancing product diversity but also helping companies secure competitive advantages through branding, sustainability, and functionality.

Five Recent Developments

Kingsford launched a new instant-light, low-smoke briquette in April 2024, featuring a proprietary all-natural starch binder and sawdust blend, reducing ignition time by 40% compared to its predecessor.
Royal Oak Enterprises expanded its Arkansas production plant in Q3 2023, adding a new facility capable of manufacturing 60,000 tons of briquettes annually, targeting both U.S. and Latin American markets.
Duraflame introduced a rosemary-infused charcoal briquette in September 2023, marketed specifically for poultry and fish grilling, which gained distribution in over 4,000 U.S. retail outlets within six months.
Weber-Stephen Products LLC partnered with an Asian manufacturer in 2024 to produce binchotan-inspired compressed briquettes, aiming to supply the growing Japanese and South Korean foodservice segments.
FOGO Charcoal launched a subscription-based briquette delivery model in 2023, reaching over 25,000 active subscribers by mid-2024, driven by demand for consistent grill-ready supply among avid outdoor cooks.

Report Coverage of Charcoal Briquettes Market

The charcoal briquettes market report provides comprehensive, fact-based coverage of the entire global value chain, from raw material sourcing and production processes to distribution channels and end-user applications. It includes in-depth assessments of feedstock trends, highlighting how sawdust, coconut shells, rice husks, wood chips, and other biomass residues contribute to regional briquette output. As of 2024, over 65% of global briquettes are produced using agricultural waste, supporting the market’s shift toward carbon-neutral fuel solutions. The report evaluates the market’s segmentation by type—distinguishing between lump charcoal and briquettes—and by applications, including cooking, barbecuing, and industrial heating. It further investigates regional performance, with Asia-Pacific leading global consumption and production, followed by North America and Europe. The analysis incorporates supply-side and demand-side data, tracking volumes across both retail and commercial channels. Trends such as increased use of hexagonal and instant-light briquettes, adoption of sustainable packaging, and growth in branded consumer products are also covered.

Moreover, the report analyzes the market's technological evolution, including advancements in kiln designs, carbonization methods, binder compositions, and moisture control techniques. It provides a granular view of the competitive landscape, profiling leading players such as Kingsford, Royal Oak Enterprises, and Weber-Stephen Products LLC, including data on production capacities, product launches, and expansion strategies. Investment activity, including new manufacturing plants and partnerships in developing economies, is examined, along with the influence of regulatory frameworks promoting low-emission cooking fuels. The study also captures consumer behavior insights, such as seasonal grilling patterns, fuel preferences, and brand loyalty metrics. It outlines current challenges like price volatility in raw materials, competition from gas and electric alternatives, and distribution inefficiencies in rural areas. Opportunities highlighted include industrial co-firing, eco-label certifications, and digital retail models. Five recent innovations and developments (2023–2024) are also presented to underscore real-time shifts in the market. Overall, this report offers a complete view of the charcoal briquettes market’s structure, performance indicators, and forward-looking investment themes, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions across the supply and demand spectrum.