The National Barbecue Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association founded in January 1991 and incorporated in the State of North Carolina in 1993. The organization was created to address the needs of the broad, diverse and growing barbecue industry. At the time of the association’s launch, there was no organization supporting and uniting those with a personal and professional passion for barbecue.

Our association is rooted in thousands of years of history. Around 500,000 BCE, early humans learned to control fire and roast meat for survival (a concept possibly adapted after animals were roasted in naturally-occurring forest fires). Archeological evidence indicates that early man was indeed using fire to cook meat by 125,000 BCE.

At the time the association was formed, there were a variety of organizations specifically focused on a particular segment of the barbecue industry, but no single group designed to unite and strengthen the industry overall. One thing was certain, however—any mention of the word "barbecue" always sparked a conversation that ignited new friendships. It’s a tradition we carry on to this day!