To celebrate its role as the official BBQ partner of Queensland Day celebrations on 6 June, Queensland IGA supermarkets teamed up with award-winning local butcher Jackson Miano from Bellmere Butcher to create a limited-edition pineapple-infused snag, combining fresh Queensland pineapple, chicken mince and cheese in what could be the state’s most controversial BBQ creation yet.
Jackson Miano said the idea was equal parts “Queensland pride” and “causing a little bit of chaos around the BBQ”.
“Look, some people are going to absolutely love it and some people are probably going to think I should lose my butcher licence,” he said.
“But Queensland is famous for great pineapples and great BBQs, so we thought – why not bring the two together? At the very least, it’s guaranteed to get people arguing around the barbie!”
The tropical-inspired creation will headline a Queensland Day BBQ celebration outside IGA Alexandra Hills, where locals will be invited to taste-test the snag, cast their verdict and settle the debate for themselves.
The debate comes as new IGA research reveals Queenslanders take their BBQs very seriously. Half of Queenslanders fire up the barbie at least once a month (50%), while one in four admit they’re the type who likes to take complete control once they’re standing behind the grill (25%).
The research also uncovered a fierce state versus state divide over one of Australia’s most iconic BBQ questions – what should a sausage actually be served in? While 55% of Queenslanders believe a snag belongs in a classic single slice of bread, NSW residents are less convinced, with just 33% backing sliced bread and an equal 33% preferring a bread roll instead.
There was, however, one rare point of agreement. The majority of both Queenslanders and NSW residents declared onions a non-negotiable addition to a BBQ sausage (86% respectively), proving there are some lines Australians simply won’t cross.
However, the research did suggest the humble backyard BBQ can quickly become a judgement zone, with more than half of Queenslanders admitting they’ve judged someone based on their barbecue skills (52%).
Dan Rigney, owner of IGA Alexandra Hills, said Aussies take two things very seriously – their BBQ opinions and buying quality local meat.
“”We know our customers are incredibly passionate when it comes to firing up the barbie, and when you’re buying meat for a BBQ, you really can’t beat local,” he said.
“But Aussies love a good BBQ debate, so we thought we’d stir the pot with the pineapple snag – and with six in 10 Queenslanders willing to give it a try, it seems plenty of people are up for it.
“At the end of the day though, Queensland Day is about community, local pride and bringing people together – and there’s no better place for that than standing around a BBQ with family and mates.”
