Meat Industry INSIGHTS Newsletter

980537 Memorial Day Launches Projected Seven Billion Hot Dog Season

May 20, 1998

Washington - Americans are expected to eat at least seven billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

The Council estimates that Americans eat 20 billion hot dogs each year, but more are eaten in the warm weather months when the grills are fired and hot dogs have that great barbecued taste.

And a new poll shows that Americans agree: summer is the best time to eat a hot dog. According to Yankelovich data collected earlier this month, 42.4% of Americans said that summer was the best time to eat a hot dog while 34.0% said any time was a great time to eat a hot dog.

Many Americans will enjoy hot dogs this summer in conjunction with sporting events, because hot dogs are the ultimate hand-held food. In fact, a March survey by the Council found that major league baseball fans will consume more than 26 million hot dogs while enjoying games. That's enough wieners to stretch from Yankee Stadium in New York City to Dodger's Stadium in Los Angeles.

New poll data also showed that hot dogs rank among the top five meats that will land on the barbecue, with 64.3% of Americans saying they expected to grill hot dogs this summer. Other grilling favorites, according to the poll, are sausages, steaks, chicken and hamburgers.

The Council offered several tips for a successful summer barbecue:

* Keep hot dogs cold, either in the refrigerator until ready to grill or in an ice cold cooler while away from home at picnics.

* Hot dogs are pre-cooked and need only be heated for best taste. Be sure to separate hot dogs from other uncooked meats and poultry.

* When cooking fat free hot dogs, wrap them in aluminum foil and cook as you would a baked potato.

* Accent hot dogs generously with your favorite toppings.

The study was conducted of 1,234 individuals via telephone, May 18-19, by Yankelovich Partners. The margin of error is 2.8%.

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is a project of the AMI Foundation and is funded by contributions from hot dog and sausage manufacturers and those who supply them with equipment, ingredients and services. Established in 1994, the Council conducts scientific research to benefit hot dog and sausage manufactures. The Council also serves as an information resource to consumers and media on questions related to quality, safety, nutrition and preparation of hot dogs and sausages.

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