America’s No 1 gas grill BBQ brand Char-Broil® has appointed Al Harris, aka Dr. Sweetsmoke, as its BBQ champion in the UK. In his role, Harris - who is one of the leading UK judges and BBQ demonstrators in the UK - will promote and demo Char-Broil’s innovative range of BBQs, teach BBQ skills at cookery schools and help Char-Broil encourage UK consumers to get that real American flavour into their BBQ meals. The sponsorship will run for two years, until Summer 2018.
Dr. Sweetsmoke was at Solex on the Char-Broil stand on Tuesday, July 11 talking all things BBQ. Retailers had the opportunity throughout the show to win a visit from Dr. Sweetsmoke in 2018 to demonstrate and showcase his cooking skills.
Dr. Sweetsmoke learnt his BBQ skills in his US home State of California as a young boy and moved to the UK 14 years ago. Stunned by the cold climate and feeling homesick he turned to barbecuing in all weathers and built his reputation as one of the leading UK BBQ experts from there.
“We’re delighted to have Dr Sweetsmoke as our Ambassador in the UK,” says Thorsten Schwenecke, brand marketing manager Europe for Char-Broil. “With his American roots, his respected reputation among the professional BBQ community, Awards such at British BBQ Grand Champion, TV experience, teaching skills - and being one of the key judges at leading UK barbecue events – he’s a great asset for Char-Broil UK.”
Char-Broil this year launched its most comprehensive range of barbecues onto the UK market.
Following the introduction of its innovative Award-winning TRU-Infrared technology, Char-Broil® revolutionised the category yet again with the launch of its first-ever hybrid grill - Gas2Coal – which combines gas and charcoal cooking options, putting to rest the debate over the perfect fuel.
For many barbeque fans, that smoky charcoal taste is a key ingredient for the perfect grilling experience, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of gas. The company has also launched its first Digital Electric Smoker, a one-of-a-kind Smoker which is ideal for those who love the classic, rich flavour of smoked foods and want a modern, hassle-free way of doing it themselves.
Dr Sweetsmoke. told SOLEX SUN: “In reality barbecuing is about spending fun and quality time with friends and family. I learnt from my father who is from Louisianna. It’s not like cooking by yourself in a kitchen. Food is a binder of people. My aim is to get British people cooking on the BBQ year-round like me.”
“I’m delighted to be representing the Char-Broil brand and its exciting range of BBQs with real innovation at their core. TRU-Infrared technology ensures even cooking with no flare ups, making food up to 50% juicier, and the new Digital Smoker is a great way to bring that delicious smoked flavour to food.”
Dr Sweetsmoke kicked-off his Ambassador role for Char-Broil at Solex 2017 and then has BBQ cooking classes at Craft Foods London in July and August; followed by a fundraising BBQ for a leading publishing house; and Char-Broil demos at Wingfest 2017. 
www.charbroil.eu
