The new FIRE&FOOD will be released on November 21, 2025.
Dear readers,
The end of the year is approaching. Time for a look back – and a look into the future. One thing is certain: much will change in the near future. Today, we stand at a threshold similar to that at the beginning of industrialization. The transformation into the information age is gaining momentum and demanding major changes from society. While the use of AI was considered an interesting gadget just a few years ago, it is now becoming increasingly clear how it is beginning to permeate all areas of life. Work, mobility, science, media – everywhere, the use of AI will change what we are used to.
We at FIRE&FOOD are also subject to the pressures of a changing world. This is due to altered media consumption habits among readers and AI companies that train their AI with our knowledge. Together, these factors increasingly threaten our business model. If the costs, which have so far been financed through magazine sales and advertising revenue, can no longer be covered, "business as usual" is no longer an option. But FIRE&FOOD wouldn't be FIRE&FOOD if it couldn't respond to such challenges.
As a first step, we've launched the FIRE&FOOD reading app in recent weeks as our future communication interface. Here you'll find all FIRE&FOOD publications from the last twenty years for leisurely browsing. It's like a grilling library, completely free of intrusive social media. And the best part? You can even use the app via your desktop browser. Currently, two separate accounts are required for the app and our shop. However, we're working on merging them in the future.
Next year, the app will receive an AI bot. This bot, which will be constantly updated with FIRE&FOOD grilling expertise and that of our vetted partners, will become the best and most trustworthy AI when it comes to grilling and BBQ. This allows us to guarantee the quality of the search results and to maintain the existing, valued trust in our magazine. Because trust is a value that will undoubtedly become even more important in the future.
Despite the digital hype and social media, the number of FIRE&FOOD print readers is growing. Forecasts predict this growth will continue for at least the next ten years, confirming our work. The print edition will therefore remain an essential part of FIRE&FOOD. However, this unfortunately necessitates a price increase. Rising production and shipping costs, coupled with declining advertising revenue, make this moderate increase necessary.
But now to the content. For this issue, we visited some fascinating people and companies. We went to Petromax, where Frank Rommersbach shared the history and future direction of the well-known brand with us, and Christian Battel told us the exciting Skotti story. You'll also find out what and who is behind the backyard butcher shop in the new issue.
Of course, informative and delicious BBQ events with FIRE&FOOD will be taking place again in 2026. Following the successful launch of BBQ WEEK at Motorworld in Cologne, it will continue there next year. You can find our event overview in the magazine and online HERE. And of course, we have plenty of great grilling and BBQ recipes for you. Have fun trying them out and enjoy!
We look forward to your visit and seeing you again soon.
Let's have a barbecue together!
Elmar Fetscher, Editor
