Zip Feux, official partner of Barbecue Expo and Grill Arena sponsor

Three years of presence, a partnership that became obvious

Some brands pass through; others put down roots. For three years, Zip Feux has been part of the Barbecue Expo landscape: a loyal stand, a passionate team and a product every barbecue lover knows — the firelighter, the small gesture that turns a pile of charcoal into cooking-ready embers.

In 2027, that presence becomes a true alliance. Zip Feux joins the circle of official partners and puts its name on the show's most spectacular event: the Grill Arena, where the best pitmasters go head-to-head live. A clear symbol — because before every battle, before every ember, there is a spark. And that spark is exactly Zip's craft.

Over 80 years mastering fire

Behind Zip Feux is Zip®, a brand with proud Irish heritage, made by Standard Brands within the SHS Group. Its tagline says it all: “Zip®, in the heat of the action for 80 years.” A rare longevity, born of a founding invention — the kerosene firelighter — that launched a long tradition of innovation and reliability.

From its historic Castlebellingham site in Ireland, the brand now reaches many markets: the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Canada and the United States. An international player that has kept the standards of a maker attached to its craft, attentive to its responsibilities in health & safety, the environment and quality control.

A range for every fire

Born from the firelighter, Zip's range now covers the whole fire ritual:

• Kerosene firelighters — the original, for fast, reliable lighting;
• Natural firelighters — the eco range, already 25% of the brand's sales;
• Barbecue charcoal — from spark to cooking;
• Winter fuels — for the fireplace, stove and fire pit.

A partner committed to more responsible fire

This is perhaps where Zip Feux surprises most. Far from the sometimes-polluting image of lighting products, the brand runs a five-year sustainability programme with very concrete results:

• Energy: the Castlebellingham site now runs on 100% renewable energy (vs 10% before March 2022);
• Water: 9.5 million litres saved over five years, i.e. −50% manufacturing consumption;
• Waste: zero landfill, everything recovered for energy;
• Packaging: redesigned in 2023 with renewable materials (such as sugarcane), saving the equivalent of 1,430 trees. FSC® certified products.

Grill Arena sponsor: at the heart of the action

By backing the Grill Arena, Zip Feux doesn't pick just any zone. It's the show's main stage: sixteen pitmasters, live duels, a champion crowned in front of the crowd. And it all starts with a light. Hard to imagine a more natural match between a brand whose job is to start the fire and a format whose DNA is the intensity of live flame.

For visitors and exhibitors alike, this partnership sends a strong signal: Barbecue Expo 2027 surrounds itself with established, reliable and committed players who share one passion — fire, well mastered.