Kitchenware International Nov Dec 2019

KitchenWare INTERNATIONAL

Nov/Dec 2019

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134

www.kitchenwareinternational.com

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1 1 — O 7. — 2 O 2 S K O LO OD GO People shape the world of business. Ambiente gives structure to the international sector. With an outstanding variety of design and trends, an unparalleled range of products in all areas and expertise around current themes.

Information and tickets: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

70146-003_AM_Allgemein_Kitchenware_international_216x303 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • js: 16.10.2019

the show

C O N T E N T S 6

News A round-up of global news

10

Trend Gorgeous green

12

New products Recent launches

14

Trade Talk Brexit examined

16

Trend The eco-kitchen explored

20

Retail Helsinki-based Kokkipuoti

24

Category focus Cookware

28

Preview Las Vegas Market

30

Preview Maison & Objet

32

Preview Top Drawer

33

Preview Homi Milano

34

BHETA column Consumer trends

INTERNATIONAL

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COVER Supplied by Lumenflon www.lumenflon.com

KitchenWare INTERNATIONAL

Nov/Dec 2019

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134

www.kitchenwareinternational.com

To subscribe, email: robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHING

KitchenWare

Published by Lema Publishing Ltd. 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness Berkhamsted Herts, HP4 2UB

At the heart Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930 of retail Fax: 00 44 (0) 1442 289950

hen you encounter someone as blatantly passionate about her career path as Kiira Öhblom is about her Helsinki-based cookshop Kokkipuoti, it does fill you with a certain sense of jealousy.

Why can’t I commit to something as passionately as she has committed to cookery and her family store?!

It is fleeting, of course, and very quickly replaced with admiration. Kiira lives and breathes Kokkipuoti and has done since her parents Kirsti and Jyrki Valtanen established it back in 1968. Her passion for cookery and the utensils we use in the kitchen is admirable, as is her commitment to sustainability and ensuring her customers really consider each and every purchase they make. She believes in the products she has in her stores, she understands them, she understand her suppliers and her team but above all, she understands her customers. You’ll find our interview with Kiira on page 20.

There is a lot more to this, our final issue of Kitchenware International for 2019, too.

Turn to page 10 to catch a glimpse of some gloriously green products - one of the hot colours of 2020 following Dulux’s reveal of Tranquil Dawn - a light, gentle, soft hue - as it’s colour of the year.

This joins Pantone’s hotly anticipated announcement of its colour of the year Classic Blue.

Speaking about the new shade du jour, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute said: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed

by Pantone 19-405 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.”

According to Pantone, this colour represents a dependable and stable foundation to move forward to a new era while also bringing calmness, confidence and connection to a room. It will be interesting to see how Classic Blue works effectively in a kitchen setting and

Kiira lives and “ breathes Kokkipuoti and has done since her parents Kirsti and Jyrki Valtanen established it back in 1968

”

whether it is adopted by influencers as a must-have colour following the recent, fairly persistant, prevalance of navys and dark blues in kitchens. Personally I’m really itching to see some new shades start trending - let’s see what the forthcoming show season has to offer up.

Another trend which we don’t want to see fade away is this global sway towards sustainability, accountability and us, as human beings, being more responsible for this beautiful planet we have been gifted. Part of that effort starts at home - and the heart of the home is in the kitchen. We have focused in on some products which are making efforts to be more sustainable, whether that in the materials used in their making or how they are made. Take a look at pages16 through to 20.

This issue also focused on all things cookware.

We speak with the likes of Samuel Groves, Bergner, Haden and Duralex to get their take on the category. There is a real trend towards induction friendly products, hammered finishes and copper is making a real and very welcome return. You’ll find more of an insight from page 24 onwards.

We also round up some of the exciting global shows which will take place in the coming months from London’s Top Drawer, Homi in Milan, Maison & Objet in Paris and Las Vegas Market.

Mairead Wilmot

The Team EDITOR MAIREAD WILMOT mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

news Haden partners with Poodle & Blonde

Haden has collaborated with luxury lifestyle brand Poodle & Blonde as they join forces on an exclusive limited-edition range of kitchen appliances.

The range is inspired by Haden’s pioneering kettles, originally launched in the 1950s, but now given a fresh update with Dalmatian spots and peachy pink colourway.

The ‘Margate’ kettle and toaster set featurs Poodle & Blonde’s best-selling Tottenham Dalmatian print – available directly from Haden and Poodle & Blonde’s own website.

“We are thrilled to be working with Poodle & Blonde! We absolutely love their unique British style and passion for all things interior. The Margate collection gives the Haden and Poodle & Blonde fans an opportunity to bring interior design into their kitchen with a high-quality Haden kettle and four slice toaster,” said Sachin Bagga, Director of Haden Appliances. This was echoed by Kierra Campbell and Whinnie Williams, founders of Poodle & Blonde who added: “We are so excited to release these unique products in collaboration with Haden. This is our first collaboration with Haden, and we feel honoured to be working with a British brand that has such amazing history.”

Inspired by… pink Hark back to 2017 when millennial pink was the Pantone Colour of the Year. And while shades of the colour frequent most rooms in the house from bedrooms to living rooms, can pops of pink ever really work in the centre of the home – the kitchen?

English Blind

Wren Kitchens

These Vintage Cerise Roller Blinds from English Blind are a sight to behold. Made to measure and with a three-year guarantee, you’ll certainly be thinking pink with these in your kitchen. www.englishblind.co.uk

Embrace the full glory of this Infinity Plus Contour Kitchen Island from Wren Kitchens.

Available in matt or gloss, Wren say the colour is “as soothing as a sunset, a unique Baker Miller Pink kitchen couldn’t be more on trend”. www.wrenkitchens.com

8 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Smeg Always here with a fresh palette, Smeg has long been extolling the virtues of pink. For the colour conscious consumer, they have – amongst their many products – a Victoria traditional dual fuel 4 cavity cooker with gas hob with a pink enamel finish, a two-piece toaster in Rose or even a dishwasher, if that takes your fancy.

Bringing life to Hong Kong The upcoming HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair will bring L.I.F.E - lifestyle, interior, fashion and enrich – to the 2020 edition of the show. Running from April 20-23, each sector of the show brings something different to the discerning buyer.

Lifestyle will cover exquisite dining, home decor and ecofriendly houseware products, meanwhile Interior refers to trendy interior designs for the living room, dining room and kitchen. Fashion will showcase the trendy designs from the young entrepreneurs in the start-up zone and the products from concurrent events, Hong Kong Fashion Week and Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishing Fair and Enrich will spotlight quality-oflife-enhancing products such as pet supplies, baby products, gardening supplies and beauty and healthcare products.

Buyers can find all kinds of houseware products from basic items to the most sophisticated ones under one roof. The fair showcases a wide spectrum of houseware products included kitchenware, tableware, interior decor products, smart home appliances, eco homeware, home cleaning, pet supplies, baby products, outdoor & gardening products and more. And in 2020, buyers can source fashion-related products from the concurrent HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week.

HKTDC has teamed up with WGSN, a world-renowned trend forecasting authority, to set up an on-site display featuring new concepts and highlighting key lifestyle, interior and fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2021.

WGSN will also host a seminar to examine the upcoming colours, fabrics, shapes and moods. event.hktdc.com

Bergner bring chefs on board Bergner has brought two European-based chef on board as brand ambassadors. Italian chef, Michelin starred Carlo Cracco, known for his role on Masterchef Italia, and Slovenian chef Karim Merjdadi, known for his role in Masterchef Slovenia, are now Bergner brand

ambassadors, spreading the company’s good name in their respective regions.

Karim also joins Bergner’s The Cook & Chef Institute, a foundation comprised of figures from the world of international haute cuisine and Bergner, who have come together to share strategic thinking about cooking and technological innovation in kitchenware.

WMF brings coffee to Milan International hospitality exhibition Host took place in Milan recently – October 18-22 – and WMF showcased its latest professional coffee machines.

The company shone a spotlight on the new brand signature “Designed to Perform”. In terms of functions, highlights include the Chilled Coffee and Fresh Filtered Coffee optional equipment technologies which are available for various fully automatic models offered by the premium manufacturer.

The WMF Turntable function also debuted at the event which allows multiple coffee specialities to be produced automatically and sequentially.

Fair visitors also got to sample the delights of the WMF 5000 S+ and WMF 1500 S+ fully automatic machines equipped with the Fresh Filtered Coffee technology option.

“In order to ensure the greatest degree of flexibility in our product range while meeting the requirements of profitability and minimum space requirements, WMF has introduced the innovative technology Fresh Filtered Coffee, with which one coffee machine can prepare a variety of coffee specialities as well as delicious filtered coffee. In this way, we have the perfect solution for customers in our portfolio,” says Viola Linke, Vice President Global Marketing Professional Coffee Machines, WMF Group GmbH. Another highlight at the Milan trade fair was the new WMF Turntable, which enables multiple coffee specialities to be produced automatically and sequentially.

200,000 the number of visitors who attended Host in October

Samuel Groves takes starring role on ITV Eagle eyed views of two ITV cookery shows will have spotted products from kitchenware specialists Samuel Groves.

The company’s cookware, bakeware, utensils and cast ironware all feature on Nadia’s Family Favourites and Beautiful Baking with Juliet Sear on Sunday mornings. Loose Women’s Nadia Sawalha (pictured top) has a new 10-episode show called Nadia’s Family Favourites while Juliet Sear (pictured bottom) – the face of baking on This Morning with Phil and Holly – recently debuted her new show on ITV. Samuel Groves says their products – which are made in the UK - were chosen for both shows because of their quality and range variety.

MasterChef Academy to open first campus in Hong Kong A globally popular concept, MasterChef has helped bring cooking - and all things kitchen - into homes around the world.

Now, Endemol Shine China, part of global content creator, producer and distributor Endemol Shine Group, has announced the strategic collaboration with its local partners, IP Lab and The Big Things, to open the first MasterChef Academy in Hong Kong at The Mills.

Developed with the spirit of the show at its core, the MasterChef Academy provides kids and their families an engaging and highly immersive experience as they embark on their very own MasterChef journey. The academy uses MasterChef inspired recipes for aspiring chefs of all ages to learn and enjoy being a “MasterChef” their own right.

MasterChef UK’s 15th season remains the BBC’s number one top rating cookery show for the third consecutive year. While in the US, the show has just celebrated the 200th episode.

“China is a key growth market for brand licensing, and activations such as this that work so well in a local market, and for all ages, really demonstrates the relevance of our brands to multiple audiences.

Experiential is a real focus for the growth of the MasterChef brand, and MasterChef Academy offers people a unique opportunity to experience MasterChef as a real participant rather than just a passive viewer,” said Jane Smith, Group Director, Brand Licensing & Gaming, Endemol Shine Group.

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 7

news Melitta introduces bean to cup coffee machine Melitta has introduced its latest offering – a bean to cup coffee maching called Avanza.

Just 200mm wide, Melitta say the Avanza is one of the world’s smallest fully automatic coffee machines boasting an ultramodern front panel with LED symbol display, a cappuccinatore for consistent high-quality milk froth and a large bean hopper to store up to 250g of whole beans until it is time to grind, delivering the purest coffee performance.

It also features a super-quiet grinder with five grinder settings, adjustable coffee strengths plus

an integrated aroma extraction system to ensure the optimum coffee aroma develops. This prebrew system moistens the freshly ground coffee with water before the actual brewing process starts to enable great tasting coffee, cup after cup.

You can also prepare two drinks at once with the Double Cup mode.

And the Service Function allows for convenient and easy access to the cleaning and descaling programme, filter change, brewing temperature settings and water hardness settings.

Inspired by… mindfulness

The force is with Le Creuset Le Creuset has collaborated with Disney on a Star Wars collection. The collection was released online recently and sees the cookware icon partner with the famous franchise on a range which includes roasting dishes, silicone trivets, mini cocottes, round dutch ovens, and more.

Of the range, Le Creuset says: “The fun, thoughtfully-crafted series offers something for everyone, from young Padawan learners to Master, Jedi chefs: the best-loved characters of Star Wars and the legendary quality of Le Creuset – tools to help you master your destiny in your culinary quest”, adding it is a “collaboration that spans generations and promises to fill kitchens everywhere with excitement”.

8 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

Home décor retailer Dunelm has launched its S/S ’20 campaign inspired by all things mindful and serene. This image from the most recent campaign features a “mindful kitchen” — that translates to gentle hues on the walls, natural belly baskets masking as storage, oak wooden stools, and recycled glass carafes. What will you be inspired by at the upcoming trade shows?

Growth in non-stick cookware The non-stick cookware market is growing, according to a recent study undertaken by Persistence Market Research.

A growth of 5.5 per cent YOY is estimated in 2019, influenced by the changing lifestyles of urban consumers, increasing demand for low oil consumption utensils and emerging cooking trends which are boosting the global non-stick cookware market landscape across the globe.

The report goes on to say “increasing focus on utensils which keep valuable food ingredients intact and a growing preference for oil-free food is contributing to the build-up of the non-stick cookware market through 2029”.

Ceramic coated non-stick cookware is seen as the emerging trend for non-stick cooking category. Due to intense market competition, manufacturers are now focused on innovative product offering such as PFOA-free cookware, multiple non-stick layer coating, and interestingly, colour variety by brands such as Rachael Ray, KitchenAid, Paula Deen are seen as desirable.

The study further observes that departmental stores, hypermarkets/supermarkets, and mass retailers are considered as the leading players in the global non-stick cookware market.

These insights are based on a report on Non-stick Cookware Market by Persistence Market Research, www. persistencemarketresearch.com

Did you know… the global market for non-stick cookware is growing at a steady pace. However, East Asia is ready to snatch market share from developed countries such as North America and Europe owing to a large population, growing middle class consumers, and a growing interest in low oil consumption utensils.

Fresh colours Neutral palettes may be in somewhat in vogue but we love a splash of colour in the kitchen. Take inspiration from these 100 per cent cotton kitchen towels by Creations Jan-Vier from The Design Gift Shop.

The kitchen towels are woven using natural cotton and with its extra large size of 55 x 88 cm can also be used as a table runner or even a small tablecloth. It has undergone a specific treatment called finishing, which consists of a prewash and a drying and guarantees a remarkable quality and longevity.

Ambiente is looking good Coffee powerhouse Melitta will be showcasing their product line at Ambiente 2020. The German company will make their shoe debut in Hall 4.0 and will be joined in the same hall by Fiskars who will be presenting the well-known Finnish design brand Iittala.

Meanwhile, Ambiente has adopted its motto for its next edition – 2020 looks good. The trade fair – which run from February 7 to 11 – has attracted several well-known first-time exhibitors, such as Melitta, along with companies who are returning to the show floor after an absence.

Did you know…?

HoReCa will have its own separate hall at Ambiente 2020.

Organisers say: “Hall 6.0 offers more space for knowledge exchange with fellow professionals, product presentations by other top exhibitors, as well as a venue for the premiere of the HoReCa Academy”.

Pantone announces Colour of the Year Timeless, elegant, thought-provoking – all words which have been used to describe Pantone’s Colour of the Year.

Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue has been chosen as the colour of 2020 with Pantone saying: “Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. Imprinted in our psyches as a restful colour, Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. Aiding concentration and bringing laser like clarity, Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue re-centers our thoughts. A reflective blue tone, Classic Blue fosters resilience.”

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute adds: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-405 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.”

And the winner is…

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

AWARDS

2020

OF EXCELLENCE Along with showcasing the very best products from global exhibitors, Ambiente 2020 will also play host to an awards ceremony run by Kitchenware International’s sister title Tableware International.

All of the entries for the 2020 Tableware International Awards of Excellence have now been collated and are with an esteemed judging panel for review.

A fantastic 169 brands have entered the competition which is being judged by several of the biggest names in the industry.

The awards ceremony takes place Sunday 9 February at Messe Frankfurt, during Ambiente, and the finalists will feature in an awards supplement in January while the overall winners will be announced at the ceremony in February and featured in a winners’ supplement which will be published in March.

we’ve seen more and more demand for UK manufactured goods from our customer “ In recentbase.yearsIncreased emphasis has been placed on guaranteed quality, shorter lead times and increased control over communication. Greater awareness among UK consumers of the environmental impact of the products they buy has also increased support of UK manufacturing. These developments have been magnified because of Brexit and the uncertainty around the UK’s future course. In planning for the UK leaving the European Union we have attempted to increase our stock holding to iron out any problems in our supply chain, this has proved expensive and hard to achieve with the changing date of departure. However, our main strategy has been to invest in machinery and equipment in order to be ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Dominic Fraser, manufacturing manager, U Group – Samuel Groves gives us some insight into the upcoming Brexit. Turn to page 14 to hear more industry voices.

”

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 9

Trend Green

Dulux

Tranquil Dawn

Green, glorious green Dulux recently announced its Colour of the Year for 2020 as Tranquil Dawn – a gentle hue which, according to the paint brand, has been “inspired by the morning sky, to help give homes the human touch. This versatile shade of green can be used to create spaces for care or for play, to find meaning or for creativity”. Green of all shades has since popped up in several 2020 trend predictors so Kitchenware International unearthed some gorgeously green products

Viners

Bergner

Degrenne Tea and coffee are realms where the pleasures of the senses are enhanced by aesthetic beauty.

The Salam teapot is a timeless reference for anyone who loves tea. Created in 1953 it is Degrenne’s flagship product.

The Salam’s body is cleverly lined by a felt sleeve, keeping tea at an optimum temperature for twice as long as a classic teapot (approximately two and a half hours). The pot’s removable filter reveals all the subtlety of tea and prevents the bitter taste that comes from brewing tea for too long. The Salam’s timeless design, blend of porcelain and stainless steel and its combination of finishes make this teapot truly unique: every 20 minutes, somewhere in the world someone buys a Salam teapot! www.degrenne.com

Coming with a 10-year guarantee, Infinity Chefs Essence collection encompasses quality, design and technology – oh, and a gorgeously green-toned handle. Crafted from forged aluminium, the range shows resistance to rust, wear and tear. Excellent heat distribution which prevents hot spots and makes for quicker heat-up and longer heat retention, all of which gives the collection magnificent energy saving qualities. The pieces combine the rust red, neutral grey, arctic blue and moss green of the handles and knobs with the universally elegant matt black aluminium of each body.

Viners Organic Green 5 Piece Knife Block comes in an earthy green that is perfect for blending into existing interiors. The handles are crafted from 35 per cent wheat fibre which is a natural by-product from the wheat farming industry historically burnt by farmers, while the blades have been made of at least 80 per cent recycled steel, making this set ideal for any environmentally-conscious home. The contoured handles provide maximum comfort and a secure grip making everyday food preparation as effortless as possible, and an added bonus of a 10-year guarantee.

www.bergnerhome.com

www.viners.co.uk

10 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2 - 5 | JAVITS CENTER

E XPERI ENCE

WI TH LI DIA B ASTIANIC H

Exclusive one-day appearance!

See Lidia Bastianich Live on the Epicurean Kitchen Stage at NY NOW® February 4, 2020 @ 12:30pm / Javits Center, NYC

Shop the unique brands your customers crave and see the newest product launches only at NY NOW®

With more celebrity chef appearances throughout the market.

Follow NY NOW [insert soor register at nynow.market/kitchenwarew20 to receive the schedule announcement and complete details.

new products

Bergner

Richardson Sheffield Blending natural textures with exceptional design, Richardson Sheffield’s Scandi brings classic minimalism into the heart of the home. Built to last, its simplicity belies the skill and quality materials that make up each piece.

Crafted with premium MoV stainless steel and taper ground blades, these knives offer unrelenting performance and effortless precision cutting.

Carbonised ash wood handles provide water resistance, antibacterial qualities and durability, while an ergonomic shape and unique design features, including multi-sized rivets, further elevate the range.

Reflecting the healthy and wholesome Scandinavian way of life, these knives will form the foundation of your cooking.

www.amefa.com

Inspired by Nordic culture, the Infinity Chefs Nordic range from Bergner is a collection of innovative kitchen utensils, made of high quality materials for tasty, clean, healthy, organic cooking. The induction friendly collection is made of 18/10 stainless steel with a QuanTanium coating, which Bergner say is the first and only multi-coat non-stick with Titanium. With multiple layers, they say it out-performs all conventional coatings on scratch, abrasion, wear resistance, giving you a coating that stands up to almost anything.

The range includes saucepans, frypans, casseroles pots, a wok, serving pans, along with a range of knives and kitchen utensils – think grater, ladle and more.

www.bergnerhome.com

Focus on… new products Designed to keep your shop shleves fresh, here are some of the latest products from top range kitchenware providers

Typhoon From chic artisan coffee shops to international chain stores, the trendy coffee movement is here to stay. With our brand new Café Concept collection, you can bring the coffee shop feel to your own kitchen, with mix and match neutral coloured pieces for brewing and serving a multitude of different teas and coffees, from lattes to espressos.

In addition to a selection of specialist mugs, the range offers serving plates and saucers designed to fit all cups and mugs, whilst the bowls can be used for snacks, sugar, cream or jam for the perfect afternoon tea. All are available in soft neutral tones of pink and grey to coordinate with other Typhoon collections.

www.typhoonhousewares.com

Typhoon Typhoon Elements serve boards are perfect for entertaining. Natural materials such as terrazzo stone, wood and marble are combined to create beautiful patterns with elegant brass accents to finish off these stunning boards.

The range works for serving and preparing foods and the matching coasters bring a sense of luxury to the table. Available in three sophisticated designs, they are sure to bring a modern look to any dining table.

www.typhoonhousewares.com

Tefal Tefal’s Optigrill Elite is the latest to join the range. Tefal says the new model is the “most intelligent and versatile yet; with extensive features both vegetarians and flexitarians will love”.

A step up from its predecessors, the Tefal Optigrill Elite boasts an impressive twelve automatic programmes, catered to all types of meat and fish as well as four specific to vegetables – think seared cauliflower steaks, juicy aubergines with a crunchy crust, and succulent griddled cherry tomatoes.

Its intelligent, automatic sensor measures the thickness and amount of ingredients ensuring the cooking time and temperature is adapted to each piece of food.

www.tefal.co.uk

ScanPan Arthur Price The perfect accessory for your kitchen, Arthur Price has a long history of designing and creating quality crafted knife blocks.

New designs - copper, grey marble and gold fleck - are sleek and contemporary, ideal for the modern kitchen. Each five-piece set comes with a chefs, paring, utility, bread and carving knife and all attach to a magnetic block. The blades are crafted from the finest stainless steel and boast exceptionally fine edges.

www.arthurprice.com

The first collection from Scanpan’s Crafted by Chef range is TechnIQ. A series born with the purpose of meeting all the requirements a professional chef has of their most important tools. The TechnIQ series is known by the completely new design, new surfaces, rethought geometry and angles. And then there’s the new non-stick coating, Stratanium+, which is revolutionary in itself. The range has been tested by chefs such as René Stenholt, Thomas Sjögren, Tommy Friis and Ronny Emborg.

www.scanpan.eu

Kilner The Kilner Stackable Jar Set with Dispensing Taps & Stand has been entirely designed with the consumer in mind. The two jars stack on top of one another, allowing them to be filled with two different liquids and served in tandem. This is a space saving alternative to our standard storage jar, with the dispensing push tap being perfect for summer parties and social gatherings.

www.kilnerjar.co.uk

Trade Talk

Tobias Mautner, sales manager, GEFU

Will Jones, chief operating officer, BHETA

“Brexit’s impact on the housewares industry really depends on the agreement. As leading housewares companies from the UK import most of their products from China, it will depend on how the UK’s deal with importing taxes from China will turn out. In terms of negotiations with China, I believe the EU has a better position as it is a bigger economy. Should there be significant import taxes from EU to UK and reverse, European items will get more expensive which will slow down sales. In terms of strategy it will be a challenge to keep the current price terms stable for consumers.

In order to reduce the taxes on the items we could imagine supplying the UK directly from our overseas warehouse to the distributor. This will, in the end, depend on the final deal between the UK and European Union.”

“Hello Europe, this is Brexit calling” The 31 January, 2020 is deadline day for Britain – plans to exit Europe may be in full swing in some quarters, but if and when, Brexit does actually happen, is the industry prepared for it?

Kitchenware International caught up with industry insiders to learn their thoughts on the matter

Maurizio Rispoli, head of international sales, Horwood “Some of the biggest impacts of Brexit have already been felt across the industry. The drop in exchange rates, on-going customer uncertainty and loss of confidence has without doubt impacted results over the last couple of years. Moving forward, it is critical we, as an industry, work together to mitigate any negative impacts that leaving the EU may bring, particularly concerning logistics and transportation.

As far as we are able to, we have plans in place for every potential outcome of leaving the EU. Our supply chain is both flexible and solid as a result of the excellent relationships we have founded. Our growth plans have, and continue to be, multifaceted, thus not focusing on one specific area. In practice, this mean that we have the ability to flex our activity as required. Furthermore, our 14 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

latest acquisition, (Horwood purchased EcoSouLife August 2019), and recent product developments, not least the launch of Smidge at the beginning of this year has broadened our consumer offering, thus we have more touchpoints in what could become an even more competitive industry.

Change is imminent and we are doing our best to embrace that change while continuing to move forward and look to the future - whatever the outcome may be.

Regardless of the UK’s position, we operate in a global economy and being ready, able and willing to operate across the world gives us a solid foundation for continued growth.”

“It has been, and will remain for some time, incredibly difficult for all businesses - including BHETA members - to strategise for the UK leaving the EU, because some of the key facts that anyone would need to put together a comprehensive strategy are missing. I think this is one of the key reasons for the prolonged tension across supply and retail, leading to ‘hedging of bets’ and concerns about investing in ideas and innovations just when that is what’s needed. The biggest danger is the risk of allowing our sectors to become paralysed by the lack of direction from above. Fortunately, most of the BHETA members I talk to are choosing the best option, which is to ‘get on with it’. By which, I mean, nurture the trading relationships they have; take account of trends and seasonal opportunities and back innovations in product, retail method and routes to market accordingly; and look for operational improvements in their businesses. All these things are vital at any time, but because we may well not know the full impact of Brexit in terms of its effects on labour, costs, tariffs, legislation and so on for several years, it is crucial that business does not just sit and wait for these outcomes to become clearer. It may well be ‘business as usual’ for some time to come, so we must redouble efforts to move forward within areas we are better able to control. Besides which, once the election is over and its outcome perhaps makes the future of Brexit clearer, there may be a positive bounce in consumer confidence, and if that is the case, the industry needs to be ready to take advantage.

Having said that, BHETA is busy providing all the information it can to members about possible impacts and mitigating actions that could be considered ahead of any more certainty. BHETA has just held a very successful forum in which its business service providers set out some clear assessments of likely legislative implications over the next few years with advice on a variety of actions that could be taken, short or longer-term.

These included radical insights into the probable effects of currency fluctuations, forthcoming legislative change in areas such as recruitment, employment law, packaging waste, the impact of counterfeiting, the future of cross border fulfilment and the emerging export markets outside of the EU. In many cases, you could argue that the action points emerging from this kind of discussion are in many cases valid anyway, regardless of Brexit In other words, whether the actions we take now are because of Brexitx - or despite it, the conclusion is still the same – positive focus, business as usual and get on with it.”

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14-17 March 2020 | Chicago, USA For hotel reservations for the Show, visit: www.onpeak.com/ihs20

Trend Eco-friendly

Bergner Bergner has tapped into rice waste - 95,000 million kilos of rice waste (husks) is produced annually – recycling the waste material into revolutionary new rice husk lunch boxes, part of its Walking Collection of sustainable food and water containers. In fact, the lunch boxes themselves can be eaten. These highly durable, ultra-light containers don’t absorb or release moisture.

Plus, they are 100 per cent recycled and recyclable, biodegradable and contain no chemical compounds. www.bergnerhome.com

The kind kitchen

Being kind to the environment often starts in the home where the simplest of changes can make a huge difference.

We bring you a selection of kitchenware products making an effort to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious

Kilner Kilner Kids Jars are specially designed as a food storing alternative suitable for children from six to eight months old. These jars are perfect for storing, serving, warming and bringing along on those busy days when parents are on-the-go, and they are available in two sizes of 110ml and 190ml.

The Kilner Kids Jars feature a new decal design with an easy push-on silicone lid which is airtight and leak-proof. Each set includes six glass storage jars, six silicone lids in three vibrant colours and 12 adhesive labels that are easy to remove. www.kilnerjar.co.uk

Typhoon With Pure, Typhoon has brought together a coherent collection of reusable and recyclable products that focus on making small lifestyle changes that have a big global impact.

Choose from three unique designs, Green is The New Black, Active and Stay Wild that feature a selection of matching double-walled stainless steel bottles, toughened borosilicate glass bottles, wheat fibre mugs and bamboo fibre lunch boxes for a complete set. The double-walled stainless steel bottles keep drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours.

The Pure Colour range – pictured - includes double and single-walled stainless steel bottles, bamboo fibre lunch boxes and borosilicate glass coffee mugs that are available in vibrant colours of pink, black, white, yellow and blue. www.typhoonehousewares.com

Did you know...?

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the world is now nearly one degree warmer than it was before widespread industrialisation, the global average temperature for the first 10 months of 2018 was 0.98˚C above the levels of 1850-1900, according to five independently maintained global data sets, says the BBC. 16 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

Orthex Group The GastroMax Bio product range includes essential utensils for the home kitchen. The products combine durable blades in stainless steel with handles in bio-based plastic. The material used to replace fossil-fuel plastic is made from spruce and sugarcane and offers up to 60 per cent reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional plastic. It combines the natural look of wood with the functional benefits of plastic, such as being dishwasher proof. www.orthexgroup.com

EKO

Richardson Sheffield

The EKO Deluxe Phantom Sensor Recycling Bin brings something new to recycling in the home - a wave of your hand over the dual ‘butterfly’ lid opens it to reveal two inner colour coded buckets for easy waste separation.

The no-touch solution to recycling offers a perfect, hygienic solution for when hands are full or for when you’re doing messy tasks in the kitchen.

The opened dual lid reveals two large (20litre) colour-coded buckets and there’s a countdown to highlight the lid’s imminent closure. There’s also an option for manual opening and closing with a touch button. The black inner bucket is manufactured with recycled plastic, and at the end of life can be recycled.

The sensor itself is ultra-long lasting – tested to open and shut up to 20,000 times on just one set of batteries and can be used with rechargeable batteries too. www.ekohome.co.uk

Richardson Sheffield’s Natural Kitchen chopping board range provides sustainable, eco-friendly and recyclable style for the home and kitchen. Made from FSC Certified Bamboo, not only are these boards great for knives, prolonging their life by helping to keep the blade sharp and true, they are also kind on the environment.

Durable and easy to clean, Natural Kitchen products are multifunctional and can be used as statement cheese boards, serving boards or for everyday chopping – and there are nine unique designs. www.amefa.com

T&G Woodware

Smidge

The Ocean range from T&G Woodware is a collection of kitchenware products that are practical, sustainable and inspired by the love of the sea. The range includes ceramic storage, wireware baskets shaped as a whale and fish, trivets shaped as a crab or fish, whale shaped wood boards and cork tablemats and coasters in organic shapes, as well as fish pot stands. T&G donates to www.PlasticOceansUK from sales of these products to support this important charity. www.tg-woodware.com

Smidge’s Slice & Dice Chopping Boards are made from recycled, sustainably sourced paper, with silicone grips to prevent slipping.

It’s like chopping on wood but they are resistant to bacterial growth, are kind to knives and can withstand the rigors of the dishwasher.

Available in three sizes in natural or slate with aqua or citrus accent colours. www.wearesmidge.com

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 17

Trend Eco-friendly

KitchenCraft Combining sustainability, functionality and style, the Natural Elements eco-friendly range embraces natural materials to offer a stylish, sleek organic feel to the home whilst being kind to the environment.

In a variety of feel-good colours, the collection offers items made from bamboo fibre or other natural materials in order to reduce use of single use plastics in kitchenware, and includes travel mugs, bread bins, storage canisters and a lunchbox which seal in airtight freshness, as well as compostable food/freezer bags and sandwich/snack bags as alternatives to cling film. The range is set to be expanded in the new year with some exciting new lines being included as part of a significant S/S '20 launch. www.kitchencraft.co.uk

GEFU GEFU’s fruit and vegetable net is an ecological and sustainable option for the modern shopper.

The reusable cotton nets are the perfect companion when shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables and are ideal for buying fresh and unpackaged food. They can be tied with a drawstring and can carry up to three kg, along with being machine washable at 30°C. www.gefu.com

The Wood Life Project Eco-friendly, plastic-free, sustainable, British-made and Britishsourced materials go into all The Wood Life Project’s products, right down to the packaging used.

The products are manufactured in the UK and use wood harvested from trees in the UK only. The children’s plate range make wonderful, guilt-free and timeless gifts and are both practical and durable. There is the bear, the fox and the rabbit, which comes with separate compartments are perfect for fussy little eaters.

Other products in the range include the jigsaw plate which comes as a base plate, with interchangeable animal ears, the nesting three bears porridge bowl set and the lunchbox, which is fastened by magnets. www.thewoodlifeproject.com

18 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

Duralex

Fact!

The WMO says the 20 warmest years on record have been in the past 22 years, with 2015-2018 making up the top four. If this trend continues, temperatures may rise by 3-5˚C by 2100.

Duralex’s Freshbox range is made from chip, shock and thermal shock resistant glass (up to 130˚c) which contains up to 30 per cent recycled Duralex glass and is 100 per cent recyclable. The lids are made of polyethelene, a safe material that is BPA free and conforms to food contact. The collection is available in a range of sizes and colours - blue, frosted, purple and green - in both round or square bowls, all of which are both nestable and stackable, perfect for easy storage and ideal for heating, serving, storing and transporting your favourite dishes. www.duralex.com

Beeswax Wraps Born out of a love of crafting and desire to cutdown on single use plastics, Carly and Fran began making beeswax wraps in their kitchens in early 2017. Fast forward two years and this inspiring duo have created the perfect beeswax blend to make their wraps tactile and sticky (without leaving a sticky feeling anywhere) and stylish too.

All still handmade, now in their workshop with a wonderful team of almost twenty, Carly and Fran pride themselves on not only creating a planet friendly product but running a planet friendly company too.

Their latest collection of beautifully illustrated wraps has been designed with bees in mind, bursting with a meadow of beautiful flowers from the British countryside that bees love to pollinate.

Available in a range of sizes to work for all of your needs, their wraps come in sets of twos and threes, making it easy to ditch the cling film straight away. www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk

Viners Made from 35 per cent wheat fibre, the biodegradable handles of Viners Organic Utensils will decompose under composting conditions, bringing you one step closer to sustainable living.

The collection offers a variety of utensils from a solid spoon to a whisk for every cooking task. www.viners.co.uk KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 19

Retail Kokkipuoti

Trusting t I

nspired to open its doors after restaurant wholesalers Kirsti and Jyrki Valtanen heard tales of a speciality cookshop opening in Harrods, Kokkipuoti has – for 51 years, no less – been centre stage in cookware retailing.

That decision wasn’t made on a whim, mind you. The family company Sanitea Ltd, which sold wholesale to restaurants and institutional kitchens, had been attracting curious shoppers to its streetlevel showroom in Helsinki for

One of the first cookware shops in Europe, Helsinki’s Kokkipuoti has been to the fore of retail since 1968. But what has 2020 in store for this forwardthinking retail outlet? Kitchenware International sat down with owner Kiira Öhblom to learn more many years – so there was a market, the Valtanens knew that much. They just may not have realised Kokkipuoti would still be attracting curious shoppers more than 50 years later.

That Harrods concession was the Robert Carrier Cookshop, named after the American chef who found fame in London contributing recipes to the likes of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

The Valtanens employed famed Finnish graphic designer Erik Bruun to not only design the store’s logo, but also its interior,

and Kokkipuoti opened its doors on 28 November 1968.

“There had been some shops specialising in china or crystal and also some kitchen wholesalers, but close to none specialising in kitchenware,” the Valtanen’s daughter Kiira, who now runs the store, tells us. “At the same time as Robert Carrier Cookshop and Kokkipuoti started, Pot og Pande opened in Virum, Denmark and Tom and Frank Hollingworth opened Hollingworth Cook Shop in Stockholm, Sweden.”

The 1990s saw Jyrki and Kirsti’s children join the family business and the aforementioned Kiira – who just so happens to also be a home economics teacher - now runs Kokkipuoti.

But enough of the past, what of the present? Kokkipuoti has picked up numerous accolades over the years, enough to demonstrate they know retail and they know cookware. Let’s be frank, Kokkipuoti is not a whimsical store, it is a very, very serious cookware shop – they

Addressing aesthetic “For me, personally, the aesthetic of the shop and the cookware is essentially important and thus you can also see it in our store. Products can and should be displayed beautifully. The importance of memorable experiences grows and differentiates us from online shops. This is more and more important in this era of click and collect – we can combine easy shopping, service and memorable experiences. We have for years strongly invested in our own graphic design and our own shopping bags and wrapping.”

Kiira Öhblom, Kokkipuoti 20 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

g the brand live and breathe what they sell and they know it inside out.

They are about sustainability, they are about quality – high-yield, quick turnover is not in their DNA. Kiira echoes this, and explains they want to “promote kitchen culture by offering customers wow experiences when it comes to cooking utensils”, and they want to do this, she says, in a store which is an “aesthetically pleasing, high-quality environment enabling visual inspiration”.

Sustainability is another key driver for Kiira and her team – they adhere to a ‘less is more’ ethos. Essentially, she says she wants to “navigate customers through the clutter”, pointing them towards “the best kitchenware available”.

“Less is more also means that when utensils are adequately chosen and of a high quality, they also are by definition

sustainable,” Kiira says. “The current trend towards openspace kitchens means that kitchenware and cooking utensils are on display for everyone to see, and thus they have become almost home furnishings and decorative items – maybe going too far sometimes? Our aim is to choose cookware for our customers that is top quality and designed just for cooking, nothing else.”

And although they shun trends, one thing that is important to Kokkipuoti is sustainability.

“Sustainable development and environmental awareness is increasing and we strongly believe that classic utensils which, when properly maintained, can last from generation to generation and are at the heart of sustainability.

We gladly get engaged in these discussions with our customers

and it is constant learning by both parties,” Kiira tells us.

Her customers are switched on - they want to know how and where products are manufactured, what sort of life cycle they have “They appreciate products which are still manufactured in Europe, and which have a long life-cycle,” she adds.

And who are these customers? “They are long-term aficionados who take cookery and culinary pleasures seriously on a semi-professional level. We also have kitchen professionals from the area. We are seeing a new generation of enthusiasts who understand the importance of quality long-lasting utensils and appreciate expert guidance.

They understand that good kitchenware is an investment but that ultimately it leads to better and more sustainable cookery and everyday pleasure!”

Of course, that is not to say that Kokkipuoti closes its doors to people who don’t know their butcher’s knife from their steak knife, quite the opposite.

“We do have our ordinary consumers too, they’re not necessarily good cooks but they want to get help cooking and selecting the best utensils.”

Catering to its broad clientele base has been crucial to the store’s success, and providing an expert service is really at the very heart of what they do. You can practically feel Kiira’s passion for Kokkipupti and that narrative is passed down to her staff.

“The very core of Kokkipuoti’s business is and always has been its expert service. The majority of our personnel have trained in the culinary area or are passionate about food. Understanding cooking and how to utilize cookware and thus being able to fulfill

In-store theatre In 1976, Kokkipuoti began giving demonstrations and kitchen classes. They regularly collaborate with leading chefs from top restaurants in downtown Helsinki by offering courses and themed evenings.

“We want to give memorable experiences to our customers and this is why we have organised various exhibitions in our store - French pocket knives, Versace Home 20 years, Rosenthal, renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, Kitchenaid at 100 years, and now Alessi’s The Dream Factory.”

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 21

Retail Kokkipuoti

Would you believe…

Many moons ago, in cooperation with Phillips, Kokkipuoti introduced microwave ovens to consumers in Finland and even had classes teaching customers how to use them!

customer needs is part of our essential set of values, and also a way for us to differentiate ourselves from departments stores and other competitors.

We are able to give detailed instructions on how to use and maintain the cookware.”

The types of products gracing the hallowed halls of Kokkipuoti are varied but they have one thing in common – they are from the very best kitchenware brands. In fact, Kiira says there has been a systematic concentration on stocking only the highest quality goods for decades now and this has contributed to the store’s success.

“We cover everything needed in cookery - knives, pots, kettles, baking utensils, small appliances - complemented by carefully selected special

products according to season and themes. Kokkipuoti has, from the very start, specialised in cookery utensils like knives and cookware, not so much on tableware, crystal or cutlery.

We want to celebrate classic functional European kitchen aesthetic.”

Shows such as Ambiente are crucial for maintaining relationships with suppliers – many of whom have built up a 50-year relationship with the store, says Kiira.

“Good personal relationships and cooperation are crucially important, especially right now when retail business is facing difficulties due to online stores.

It is very important that bricks and mortar stores survive. We need the cooperation of both manufacturers and stores so that consumers can still see and shop the products ‘live’.”

In saying that, Kiira and her team are not

Developing online Kokkipuoti has had an online store since 2012. It’s a growing sector for them and their eventual aim is to transfer their expertise and know-how into their online offering in accordance with the Kokkipuoti brand. resting on their laurels, they have recently begun to expand the business’s reach – excitingly, they are “developing products and services which blur the line between kitchen and living room”.

Explaining more, Kiira says they have invested in a collection of their own – “the products and textiles illustrate our own visuals based on our brand. We believe that this

Blurring the lines Kokkipuoti has developed their own range of products which blur the line between living room and kitchen.

22 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

will in the near future be one of our growth paths even internationally and may even go separate from our shop concept.”

Kokkipuoti’s longevity is testament to their commitment to growth, learning and brand development, this is a cookware shop with heritage and pedigree and that deserves to be celebrated. www.kokkipuoti.fi

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Feature Cookware

Fact!

Duralex

Duralex Glassware is produced in an environmentally friendly manner with recycled tempered glass which is reinforced for culinary use, resistant to thermal shock between -20˚c and 300˚c and are freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe

Cooking up a storm

As our living spaces change, becoming more open and multifunctional, so too do the things we use each and every day — cookware being one of them

T

oday’s consumers are a demanding lot – they are switched on, switched in and have done their research. They watch Masterchef: The Professionals, they have understand the benefits of an induction versus gas hob, and they won’t be fooled by looks alone – it helps, obviously – but it is not the be all and end all.

Understanding today’s consumers is just a small part of what a manufacturer has to do when bringing cookware to market – they need to understand, and be one step ahead – of what consumers want, predicting what will trend

from season to season.

“We are finding that consumers are looking for classically styled pans, with a supported lifetime guarantee and that are suitable for all hobs,” says Samuel Groves’ managing director Lee McDonagh, who tells us the company’s Tri-ply Stainless Steel collection is proving popular. It seems Samuel Groves’ customers really are engaging with the classics because the company’s range of copper pans is trending.

“Copper pans have an endearing quality,” says Lee. “But not many are suitable for induction hobs, however the

Did you know?

Samuel Groves has launched a range of copper pans suitable for induction hobs.

24 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

new Samuel Groves range of induction copper is, so we are expecting this to be a very popular collection.”

Bergner has also picked up on the interest in induction hobs, with communication and corporate culture director Izar Villegas telling us there is “significant research in induction hobs that both reduce energy cost and cooking time”.

The global movement towards sustainability has not gone unnoticed at Bergner either.

“We’re paying special attention to making our products sustainable and responsible to the environment and society,” Izar says. “Currently, the sector is paying special attention to recyclable packaging, and also to coating that allows us to use less oil or fat - so cookware becomes more efficient.”

Samuel Groves

And this conscious effort to be more accountable is set to continue into 2020 and beyond, “we predict the eco-sustainable movement will increase,” Izar tells us.

But it’s not just about sustainability for Bergner, aesthetics plays a part too – expect to see more hammered copper finishes which Izar says, “is the new black”.

Metallic finishes are certainly an ongoing trend, agrees Haden’s director Sachin Bagga, and these will be highlighted with more organic tones.

“Lots of wood accents, greens and terracottas,” he says.

Expect to see...

We asked… which of your cookware products is a current bestseller and why?

Bergner

“Our Haden Perth Goldstone range has worked really well for us! The phenomenal two layer spray coating has been developed with Whitford to allow for ultimate cooking performance. We even offer a lifetime guarantee on our cookware lines, allowing the consumer to make an investment purchase at a good price! Our signature Perth Slate Grey colour fits in well with most kitchens and the goldstone technology allows consumers to cook virtually oil free.”

Sachin Bagga, director, Haden

Moreover, Sachin points out “as consumers look to make more considered purchases, we can expect to see more multifunctional pieces which offer great value and are hugely practical”.

This is echoed by GlassCo’s sales and marketing director Caitlin Frost who, like Sachin, hits on the buzz word – multifunctional.

“Versatility and durability are big trends in cookware at the moment.

Products which are multifunctional and do not take up space are

extremely popular. A piece of cookware is now expected to be suitable to prep, store, cook and serve a meal in.”

This, Caitlin says, is where Duralex has its strength, that, and the products are made in an environmentally friendly manner with recycled tempered glass. Echoing what retailer Kiira Öhblom of Kokkipuoti says her customers want below, Caitlin tells us cookware trends in 2020 will combine functionality, design and durability.

“Designs of a simple, timeless appearance will increase in popularity as the consumer mindset moves towards buying long-lasting products.”

“They are long-term aficionados who take cookery and culinary pleasures seriously on a semiprofessional level. We also have kitchen professionals from the area. We are seeing a new generation of enthusiasts who understand the importance of quality long-lasting utensils and appreciate expert guidance.

They understand that good kitchenware is an investment but that ultimately it leads to better and more sustainable cookery and everyday pleasure!”

Kiira Öhblom, Kokkipuoti, on the types of customers coming into her Helsinki-based cookware shop

“Oval roasters and ramekins are our current bestsellers.

Oval roasters because they are perfect for turkey roasts and are available in three sizes (3.1L, 4L and 5L) – the largest size is the bestseller as it is suitable for a turkey or large piece of meat with space for vegetables or stuffing around to cook or a wide range of other meals.

The roasters are also nestable and therefore easy and convenient to store once used. The ramekins are particularly popular for desserts, available in two sizes (8.5cm and 10cm) the 10cm is the bestseller. As these ramekins are thermal resistant between -20˚c and 300˚c, oven, microwave and freezer safe they are suitable for a large range of desserts or appetisers and are stackable for easy storage once used. All of the Duralex Ovenchef range are larger than equivalent roasters in the market but more reasonable in price. They include ergonomic handles that help with gripping during extraction from the oven. Deep roasters (6.5cm-7.5cm) are ideal for the preparation of voluminous meals and made from glass which is a healthy and hygienic material, perfect for containing and conserving meals whilst preserving the taste, quality and freshness plus reinforced to highly resist physical and thermal shocks.”

Caitlin Frost, sales and marketing director, GlassCo Ltd “Currently our bestseller is our premium tri-ply collection Hi-Tech 3 by Masterpro. A durable and efficient range of cookware. The premium tri-ply triple layer, made of magnetic stainless steel for the outer part, aluminium for the heart and 18/10 coated stainless steel for the surface, provides exceptional heat distribution across all areas of the pan and retains heat efficiently. Moreover, the non-stick surface is virtually impossible to wear or tear, allowing you to even use your knife inside the cookware. It’s also the fastest, thanks to its full induction base, which is compatible with all sources of heat.

Moreover, this range is highly durable and resistant for any cooking style.”

Izar Villegas, communication and corporate culture director, Bergner “The 8” flared sauté, a real work horse of a pan and a must-have for any kitchen, hugely versatile and can be used for browning, searing and frying, it’s also fantastic for induction hobs.”

Lee McDonagh, managing director, Samuel Groves

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 25

Feature Cookware

Bergner Using the latest multi-layering technology, where premium-grade stainless steel and aluminium are bonded together to form a special three-layer material, Bergner’s 3-ply Stainless Steel HiTech3 collection allows heat to spread evenly and quickly throughout the entire pan from base to rim. High resistance hygienic 18/10 stainless steel coated with honeycomb patterned pallatium non-stick coating ensures durable cooking surface, highly resistant to wear and tear.

When used correctly on medium and low heats it will give an excellent performance, releasing foods and residues easily. It is an ideal surface for healthier cooking with very little oil or fat. Helpful design features such as helper handles and an all-round pouring rim to prevent drips, makes cooking with 3-ply Stainless Steel cookware easy.

The range is suitable for use on all heat sources, including induction, is dishwasher safe and comes with a reassuring 10 years guarantee.

Stay Cools cast stainless steel long handles and knobs are ergonomic and avoid from burning. The handles are secured with stainless steel rivets.

www.bergnerhome.com

KnIndustrie Part of the Black Family, KnIndustrie’s Big Eat Black collection has been created to cook dishes that are prepared in sizeable quantities, whether to be shared on special occasions or simply to enjoy traditional preparations such as stews and soups.

These generously sized, 36cm pan and casserole are made of non-stick mat black painted aluminium and ensure a uniform distribution of heat, both along the bottom and along the walls, for optimal cooking results. The design approach aims for a contrasting effect with the habitual colours of the kitchen and seeks clean shapes that look stunning thanks to the colour black, used not only for the exterior of the pans, but also for the interior and their gloss effect painted handles.

www.knindustrie.it

26 KITCENWARE INTERNATIONAL

Did you know…

Each Duralex product is made with up to 30 per cent recycled Duralex glass within it and is 100 per cent

Duralex Cookware The Duralex Ovenchef range was designed for ‘simple, perfect cooking’. Roasting dishes perfect for a wide range of meals that are suitable for oven to table and microwave and freezer safe. Both rectangular and oval roasting dishes are available in three nestable sizes which are suitable for easy and convenient storage, the rounded corners also contribute towards easy cleaning and ensures that no food is missed! Also included is a square roaster and two ramekin sizes. The Ovenchef range is made from Duralex tempered glass which is specially designed for oven cooking, withstanding temperatures between -20˚c and 300˚c degrees. Duralex tempered glass is chip and shock resistant, dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

www.duralex.com

Tramontina Tramontina has introduced a non-stick version of their Brava Cookware Collection.

Comprising a 16cm saucepan, 24cm casserole, 20cm deep casserole and 24cm frypan, the set includes a triple layer base which ensures even heat distribution, more efficient cooking and is suitable for all hob types including induction.

The tight-fitting lid includes a steam vent, and all items are dishwasher safe. However, aside from these key functional features, one of the most overriding aspects of Brava cookware is its stylish appearance, originating from the striking contrast of the stainless-steel body against wood-effect handles on both the pots and lids. Extremely ergonomic and tactile with a velvety soft touch, these wood effect handles are, in fact, made from heat-resistant Bakelite. The set comes gift boxed.

www.tramontina.com

Haden Haden has developed a sophisticated and technical cookware collection to make the culinary experience professional and stylish. This range of Haden Perth Goldstone pans have an eye-catching gold speckle interior which offers a superior non-stick performance needing very little or even no oil when cooking. Made from toughened forged Aluminium and PFOA free, a balanced even heat distribution gives a chef’s cooking experience. The range is perfect for all the budding home chefs and those looking to make healthy and delicious meals a thing of today.

www.hadenappliances.com

Mason Cash has expanded its In The Forest collection to include food preparation, kitchen storage and tabletop items, which join the mixing bowls and all purpose bowls.

The In The Forest Pie Dish is perfect for baking quick and even pastry for deep filled family pies. The rim acts as a support for crimping the pastry, and the dish is embossed beautifully with detailed woodland forest characters to fit alongside the wider collection.

Made from chip resistant stoneware. Oven and freezer safe and suitable for dishwasher and microwave.

Mason Cash

www.masoncash.co.uk

Stellar The Rocktanium range has become a core part of Stellar’s pan offering, featuring PFOA-free QuanTanium non-stick coating.

It requires little to no oil, promoting healthier cooking methods and making it the perfect choice for those looking to cut out the unnecessary calories associated with frying. Thanks to the thick construction, these non-stick pans provide an even heat and are suitable for all hob types, including induction.

They are also oven friendly up to 210°C – perfect for dishes that require finishing off in the oven, such as frittatas and omelettes.

The pans come with a 10-year non-stick guarantee and are dishwasher friendly.

The pan set features five of the most commonly used pieces of cookware: three saucepans (16cm, 18cm and 20 cm), a milk pan and a frying pan.

www.horwood.co.uk

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 27

Show Preview LVM

AP Lazer P1- 4154

AP Lazer offers a portfolio of laser machines ready to launch your high growth business success. Create meaningful kitchen products for your customers while you enjoy increased revenue and strengthened customer relationships. The personalization possibilities are endless!

aplazer.com

In kitchen heaven Curious kitchen buyers will find their fill of wares at Las Vegas Market

G

ourmet buyers at the upcoming Las Vegas Market can look forward to viewing a host of exceptional collections. Open from January 26 to 30 – the market’s winter edition promises to offer everything you need to ensure your retail outlet is brimming with the very latest product choice for the kitchen.

Visitors will discover the housewares, gourmet and tabletop brands at Las Vegas in Building C: Floors 1 and 11 and also in The Pavilions - Gift, Home, Design Lifestyle, and Design Home.

Organisers say housewares, gourmet and tabletop brands at Las Vegas Market “tempt the senses and make fast work of food prep and presentation."

They add: "It’s easy to whip up a unique assortment for your store: first, visit showrooms in Building C and The Pavilions; mix in measures of gourmet seasonings, candies, jams, and sauces; 28 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

add handy kitchen gadgets in materials of your choice; and finish with a dash (or two or three) of dinnerware, stemware and serving pieces that complement your store’s price points.”

Speaking about all the market has to offer, Bob Maricich, chief executive officer of International Market Centers says: “Las Vegas Market offers buyers and suppliers an unparalleled platform to build their business in the West. As the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western US, Las Vegas Market is the perfect platform to launch new lines, discover the latest trends and find West Coast-exclusive products and programming.”

One of the newest ventures at Las Vegas is Market Snapshot which showcases – on social media, market websites and buyer communications - innovative and on-trend products from the market.

In the 11 weeks leading up to market, a variety of cross-category products will be selected each week as finalists for the People’s Choice awards. Online voting for the awards will then open two weeks before opening day, and winners will be announced at the market. The initiative is also running at The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market.

“Buyers come to market to discover new product, and this new initiative will give them weekly insights into some of the best resources featured at IMC’s markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas,” Dorothy Belshaw, IMC chief marketing and digital officer says.

“With Market Snapshot we are providing buyers with a preview of emerging trends and unique finds, and through our at-market People’s Choice awards, we are recognising products that buyers tell us are the best overall.”

Highlights include the 15th

Don’t miss…

Messermeister You’ll find Messermeister’s Oliva Elité 6 Piece Magnet Block Knife Set displayed in the Muir Sales Showroom C1105 at Las Vegas Market. The set consists of an 8” stealth chef’s knife, 9” bread knife, 6” utility knife, 5” cheese and tomato knife, 3.5” paring knife, and an acacia magnet block. www.messermeister.com annual Las Vegas Market Design Icon Award, recognising awardwinning interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Las Vegas Market also will include two proprietary trend programs: First Look – 2020, with directional trend previews; and Best of the West, featuring a curated panel of taste-making influencers and designers discussing West-Coast “Life and Style,” in partnership with REstyleSOURCE. In addition to these industry-exclusive offerings, Las Vegas Market presents a full schedule of seminars and guided tours for retailers and designers, including Pantone 2020 Colour of the Year; Designing for Diverse Demographics; Desert Modern Design; and Meet the Makers Tour – Experience the Creativity! www.lasvegasmarket.com

Ameico C187

Check out Anseong Daejanggan from Ameico.

Anseong is a South Korean city known for its brass, stone and iron crafts and artisans. Daejanggan means blacksmith shop, which today is run by Master Shin In-young who learned his craft from his uncle in 1966. Named by the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, Master Shin forges and hand hammers kitchen, farm and garden tools in the traditional manner. As a recognised heritage craftsman, he has been called upon in the restoration work on the stone pagoda of the Mireuksa Temple in Iksan to produce the necessary stone working tools.

www.ameico.com

Olivia Riegel C162

Inspired by the Art Deco Movement Olivia Riegel’s Silver Emerson Dessert Serving Set has contemporary silver finished cast pewter handles encrusted with hand-set clear European crystals. With engraveable stainless steel blades, the set arrives in a signature gift box and is also available in a gold finish.

www.OliviaRiegel.com

Sea Stones C1106

What the retailer says…

“I enjoyed the Pavilions so much and found new fun things there… quality products, and we had a great time perusing the high energy, helpful vendors. I was so happy to see not only my favourite companies, but also new companies. I booked chefs to do demos in my cooking school and met faceto-face with inventors and manufacturer reps to discuss their products. I came back rejuvenated and ready to face the holiday season thanks to my experience at Las Vegas Market!

My customers count on us to bring in new items, and I’ll be ready for them.”

Jan Boydstun, Owner, Kitchen Kitchen Inc.

A decanter, cold tea brewer and chiller all in one product? It does exist. Three unique functions in one versatile design from Sugi Trios. To use as a wine decanter, simply pre-chill the chilling core before attaching. This ingenious design redirects and spreads out wine over the chilling core service to aerate and decanter the wine while keeping it chilled up to an hour. For Tea Brewer, add tea leaves into the infuser basket attachment and the desired amount of water before refrigerating and to use as a chilled carafe, just add whatever you choose to the drink vessel and attach the pre-chilled core.

Peking Handicraft You’ll find Peking Handicraft at Las Vegas Market specialising in home textiles, decorative accessories and gift items.

Check out the100 per cent cotton Tidey-Up Apron designed by Hello!Lucky or this Seas the Day Kitchen Towel set of two also designed by Hello!Lucky.

The Sea Stone Splash Sponge & Brush Holder is designed compactly to sit at the edge of your sink.

The reclaimed granite base features a hand carved divot that allows the dish brush to stand upright. Two hand curved aluminum rods work together to securely hold your sponge allowing plenty of air to dry. And its stout granite base naturally prevents tipping.

The durable, tall aluminium rod is hand formed to capture the brush and is finished with beach stone gathered from New England beaches.

Storing the brush upright eliminates the mess of drips from soap-dispensing wands.

The natural, organic design keeps your brush and sponge close at hand and allows your dish wand to stand high and dry after each use. The compact design fits perfectly near your sink and the all-natural materials look beautiful in your kitchen.

www.us.thatinventions.com

www.pkhc.com

www.sea-stones.com

That Inventions C1105

C1055

Show Preview Top Drawer

RetailFest

London calling Bringing together a curated selection for the most discerning kitchenware buyer, Top Drawer is a must-visit event to add to your calendars

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he first stop in the 2020 show calendar is Top Drawer in London’s Olympia.

Taking place from January 12-14, there are ten curated sectors for design-led buyers to peruse – home, hospitality, gift, fashion, craft, greetings & stationery, play, pulse/spotted, food emporium along with helpful retail clinics designed to bring buyers face-toface with experts in everything from logistics to shop design.

A global edit of more than 1,500 brands will be on show at Top Drawer, and kitchenware buyers can expect to discover the latest in contemporary design. In the kitchen and dining sector, Top Drawer says they have brought together “a considered edit of the very best tableware, cookware and culinary accessories”.

Launching as it does in early January means Top Drawer is the very first show in the diary, and show organisers have dedicated themselves to a campaign which speaks volumes about what Top Drawer really represents with the 2020 Live Design Campaign.

Live Design illustrates the elements that make the iconic show about so much more than just buying and selling, but also a place that stimulates the sharing of ideas and experiences.

For more than thirty years, Top Drawer has been the bi-annual meeting place for creative retailers, hospitality specialists and interior professionals who share a passion for design; the ultimate destination for product launches from the biggest names, discovering emerging talent, making meaningful

connections and being inspired.

This season names include LSA International, Garden Trading, Caverswall, Zaim Design Studio, Stelton, Blomus, Forma House, Broste Copenhagen, Eva Solo, Seletti, Serax, Sue Pryke, Zanetto Argenti and Coach House, to name just a few.

Show organisers are focused on keeping the needs of the industry at the very heart of Top Drawer’s evolution, the considered expansion of its curated sectors and seminar programmes, as well as the introduction of more networking opportunities over recent editions, have enriched the Top Drawer experience; deepening the connection between buyers and suppliers. Across its two stages, RetailFest and Design Talk, will provide unmissable original content specifically crafted to stimulate ideas and discussion, encourage growth and foster success from some of the best names in the business. www.topdrawer.co.uk

The Wood Life Project

Stand Q33 Visit the The Wood Life Project at Top Drawer to discover their UK-manufactured products which use wood harvested from trees in the UK only.

The children’s plate range make wonderful, guiltfree and timeless gifts with a bear, fox and rabbit shaped plate.

Other products in the range include the jigsaw plate which comes as a base plate, with interchangeable animal ears, the nesting three bears porridge bowl set and the lunchbox, which is fastened by magnets.

At Top Drawer they plan on launching more children’s plates and a range for pets. www.thewoodlifeproject.com 32 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

Visitors to January’s edition of Top Drawer can look forward to the always interesting RetailFest which presents an inspiring and innovative line-up of speakers, industry experts and influencers.

You can expect lively panel discussions, insightful interviews and practical masterclasses with hugely relevant topics being discussed throughout the exhibition. To give you just a hint of what’s on – you can look forward to a social media masterclass, a digital masterclass, marketing masterclass, trend talks, and a thought leader interview with a panel of successful creative entrepreneurs retailers and designers. That’s just a small glimpse into some of the really fascinating, businessenhancing talks on offer.

Beeswax Wrap Company Stand A7 Carly and Fran began making beeswax wraps in their kitchens in early 2017.

Fast forward two years and the wraps are still handmade in their workshop by a team of nearly 20 people. Their latest collection of beautifully illustrated wraps has been designed with bees in mind, bursting with a meadow of beautiful flowers from the British countryside that bees love to pollinate. Available in a range of sizes to work for all of your needs, their wraps come in sets of twos and threes, making it easy to ditch the cling film straight away. www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk

Homi Show Preview

An Italian feast!

Silvan

Did you know…

Homi Milano opens its doors January 24 – 27 and kitchenware buyers will be well catered for during one of the season's first shows

T

hink Alessi, KnIndiustrie, Microplane, Sambonet - all under one roof. That’s just a mere snapshot of the many kitchenware suppliers who will be gracing the halls of Homi Milano this January. The exhibition runs from January 24 to 27 and is one of the first annual showcases for international buyers to sink their teeth into.

This year, Homi Milano organisers have opted to do things a little differently, taking a fresh approach to the layout of the show. Along with kitchenware, you’ll still discover everything for the home from textiles to décor to gifts to fragrances to tableware – but with a new userfriendly layout. For 2020, Homi will be based around three visitor routes which organisers say are “designed

to meet the needs of industry professionals and deliver a diversified consumer experience”.

The first route is HOME Retail Inspiration, which has a special focus on the target audience of specialist stores, large retail groups and online stores. If offers up a highly varied, versatile product offering, which in itself is split into the Fragrance Inspiration and Textile Inspiration areas, both of which feature a wealth of products to discover.

HOME Boutique&Design, meanwhile, gives a platform to quality manufacturing and is targeted at department stores and innovative concept stores, as well as interior designers, architects and industry operators looking for original, innovative products. Its Creazioni Italiane area will be entirely dedicated to Italian craftsmanship and design, while World Designers will bring together the best, most innovative and most unique work from international designers.

The third route - HOME International Delivery - is aimed at

the multi-product distribution and international import and export markets. It will showcase a huge range of products at different price points to appeal to retail operators sensitive to competitiveness needs in terms of margins and product mix. It offers a range of innovative products and plenty of inspiration across all of its sub-sections, not least the accessory and stationery areas.

Homi will also feature a Festivity area, open from January 22 to 26. The area will focus on the traditional festive periods and other big occasions, with Christmas decorations and nativity sets taking centre stage. The decision to set special dates and create a special area for the Festivity section is designed to boost synergy within the sector and accommodate the need of exhibitors and buyers alike.

Homi will also include a packed programme of workshops, talks and meetings, offering trade visitors an overview of market trends, ideas and suggestions to help them grow their business. www.homimilano.com

There is pre-opening for Festivity trade buyers from January 22-26 at Homi

Sambonet

“All kitchen accessories make a home special, and are an expression of the personality of those who live there.

Design in the kitchen embellishes the home, instantly bringing refinement and sophistication.”

Francesco Zani, CEO, KnIndustrie in conversation with Homi Milano. KnIndustrie will exhibit Homi at Pav 2 H01/ K02.

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 33

Show Preview Maison

25 years of Maison & Objet This January Maison & Objet marks its 25th anniversary but show organisers will be looking forward, not back - we learn more

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s Maison & Objet prepares to mark its 25th anniversary in 2020, show organisers are determined to look towards the future, rather than the past. The first edition of the Parisian show takes place January 17-21, and the theme will be (Re)Generation.

Maison has collaborated with international consulting firm NellyRodi to scrutinise all the

elements expected to spark change over the next 25 years.

Maison’s January edition looks at the “engaged generation” – their desires and expectations - having grown up in a world marred by crises of many kinds, from economic to identity.

These are well-informed consumers, according to trend hunter at NellyRodi, Vincent Grégoire. They are “keen to pull together to change the world and, spurred on by the likes

Opinel Hall 3 Stand A2/B1

Opinel’s Intempora has been designed by Big Game studio, the handle on this new collection offers great comfort and secure grip. Sandvik 12C27M stainless steel blades are resistant to corrosion and with a 30° sharpening angle are very efficient. The Intempora knives are used by the Alain Ducasse cooking school.

www.opinel.com

of Greta Thunberg, they don’t hesitate to become actively engaged”.

They are led by their ethics, they advocate fair, responsible and virtuous trade and are a “generation deeply concerned about making a meaningful difference, which is in itself injecting new values into everyone’s way of living.”

But crucially, for suppliers, it means they champion smaller, artisan brands with regional productions, and of course, sustainability is top of their agenda.

However, Vincent points out that they are a wi-fi generation who want a smoother and easier relationship with consumption which means trying things out, voicing their opinions and using the web as their source of inspiration. Designer Ramy Fischler will be creating an installation representing these generational in consumer behaviour at Maison – the theme will also be presented in the What’s New exhibition areas with a selection of new products curated by Elizabeth Leriche, François Bernard and François Delclaux. www.maison-objet.com

30 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

New York and Paris to collaborate New York City and Paris’ premier design events have joined forces with NYC x Design, Maison & Objet, and Paris Design Week announcing a global collaboration.

NYC x Design, which takes place May 12-20, is New York City’s year-round platform for design, culminating in its annual design festival each May. Meanwhile, Paris Design Week – September 3-12 next – overlaps with Maison & Object, and invites international professionals and the general public to discover the best showcases of design in the French capital each September.

With similar target audiences for the three events, the organizers will identify opportunities where they can develop programs to provide their visitors with unique experiences. Some collaborations being developed include cooperation on unique installations and exhibitions that can travel to the New York City and Paris shows, and VIP programmes, to name just a few.

“The design community we work with is a global one and there is a strong connection between France and the United States, between Paris and New York City,” said Philippe Brocart, Managing Director, SAFI, the organization that puts on Maison & Objet.

“This collaboration with NYC x Design will create new ways to share creativity, technology, and ideas as we all continue to push the industry forward.”

The planned activities are currently being developed and are expected to launch beginning in January 2020.

KitchenCraft

Hall 3 Stand A62/B61

You can check out the MasterClass Smart Space Stacking Bakeware Set on the KitchenCraft stand at Maison in January. The professional 7-piece stacking bakeware set takes up just 41 x 31 x 9cm of room in cupboards and drawers, as the entire set nests into the space of the largest tin, so even those with small kitchens can bake to their heart's content. Seven pieces made from heavy-gauge carbon steel, which is renowned in the baking world for its strength, durability, and even heat distribution for consistent bakes. They've also been finished with a 100% BPAfree non-stick coating.

You’ll also find Colourworks from Creative Tops – the spatula head has been cleverly crafted to include a set of ultra-soft flexible fins to quickly clean whisk and mixers of excess batter, while the firmer outer edge hugs surfaces making fast work of scraping mixing bowls and pans.

www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Brickwalls and Barricades Hall 3 Stand D55 The Identity Apron - made of rich and super soft full-grain leather from Italy - captures the essence of luxury and exudes sophistication and elegance.

The bright and fashionable colour palette in eyecatching tones complement a texture that begs to be touched. A water and stain repellent treatment is applied during tanning to assure these aprons to be the premium choice for both domestic and professional use.

www.brickwallsandbarricades.com

1995

the year Maison & Objet began life

Designer of the Year

“For me, it is important to always show something different, make sure that what I design explores a new idea, uses new technology in a poetic way.”

Maison & Objet’s Designer of the Year Michael Anastassiades who first exhibited at the show in 2007. His work can be found in collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the MAK in Vienna, the Crafts Council in London and the FRAC Centre in Orleans, France.

Alessi

Redecker

Hall 3 Stand C14 / D13 Visit Redecker’s stand to check out their Home and Yard range. Household brushes and tools for any situation – think brooms, shoe brushes, dust brushes, clothes brushes, beautiful objects for children and kitchen accessories. Made entirely from 100 per cent natural materials for both body and bristles.

www.redecker.de

Hall 3 Stand E2/F1 Alessi will be showcasing their range at Maison this January. Expect to find the DC06/9 FM Moka Espresso coffee maker in aluminium casting with a magnetic steel bottom suitable for induction cooking. Designed by the architect David Chipperfield, "Moka" is a tribute to Italy's favourite espresso coffee. Following the amazing success of “Moka”, here is a version of the espresso coffee maker with a magnetic base, suitable for all heat sources, including induction hobs. Fitted with a double funnel filter, “Moka” can be used to prepare espresso coffee as well as standard filter coffee.

www.alessi.com

KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 31

Column Bheta

Is the future in specialisation?

Now that we are in the thick of the buying season, perhaps it is time to look at things in a positive light, says BHETA’s Will Jones.

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hey call this ‘the golden quarter’ – the run up to Christmas - and once upon a time, when life was more predictable, cookshops, kitchenware and tabletop retailers were among the many who could expect to benefit. This year, there seem to be some prophets of doom around, especially in some sections of the news media. It’s not helpful to see national newspapers quoting one big name retailer predicting “the worst Christmas for retail since the collapse of Woolworths!”.

And at the beginning of October, JLP’s chair Sir Charlie Mayfield was quoted following the partnership’s board restructure as saying the moves were to enable JLP and Waitrose “break out of the cycle of declining returns that are affecting most established retailers.”

It does concern me that as we read reports like these alongside statistics telling us that consumer footfall both in the High Street and in the out-oftown ‘destination’ stores is ‘mixed’, we are talking ourselves into gloom just when we need effort, innovation and positivity.

Especially when the truth is that not every sector and not every category within every sector is experiencing problems. Here’s another statistical fact: cookshops, housewares retailers and garden centres do not figure anywhere

in the top ten most vulnerable categories for store closure in the first half of 2019.

So, it’s time to focus on some more positives for our sector. While I suppose it’s inevitable that headlines can be bleak, given the number of jobs and the acres of floorspace that can be affected when a big established retailer has problems, pundits might serve retail better if they reflected that in the last Sunday Times ‘Top 100’ fastest growing companies in the UK, one third of them were retail businesses. The cited brands were a mix of online, bricks and mortar and omnichannel, and operated across many different retail categories, but there were a few things they did tend to have in common.

These were that most were not in the established categories – they were innovators, even if they had been trading a fair while. Secondly, many remained in private hands, able to make decisions and act upon them with relative speed.

And thirdly, most were specialists.

They had taken either one or just a few categories and really mastered their subject; and knew precisely who their customers and potential customers were.

This is the recipe for success in our sector – innovation, proactive action and expertise.

In those three ingredients, several consumer boxes are ticked.

The first is brand. Being known for excellence in a specific area

Did you know…

In the first half of 2019, cookshops, housewares retailers and garden centres do not figure anywhere in the top ten most vulnerable categories for store closure.

34 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL

About BHETA The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is the voice of authority on everything home improvement and home enhancement, including DIY, housewares, garden, small domestic appliances and home decor. It represents £5 billion at retail and 9,000 employees and brings together manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and opinion formers to drive growth at home and abroad. For more information about retailer and supplier co-operation, contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130, or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk

“

Our sector is one where specialist knowledge and advice can really count. Whether that is guiding the consumer to a new product or a brand they have never tried before; or explaining why a product justifies its premium price.

”

Will Jones, chief operating officer, British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) puts a retailer top of mind for customers with a purchase wish list – especially at Christmas.

The second is customer experience. In this age of experiential shopping, the retailer who can delve the deepest in the subject matter will provide the most comprehensive, authentic and memorable ‘occasion’ for the destination shopper.

Service is the next great winner.

Our sector is one where specialist knowledge and advice can really count. Whether that is guiding the consumer to a new product or a brand they have never tried before; or explaining why a product justifies its premium price. Or putting together a wedding list, finding an obscure gift or helping a student or a first-time renter move out or move up. It might also be making, repairing, enhancing or sourcing second hand.

Finally, there is choice, but not in

the way that generalist retailers usually mean it. Sometimes, the winning approach is in reducing choice, eliminating decision fatigue and helping consumers find the best solution and then move on to something that is more important in their lives.

The trick is to refresh and re-invent whenever necessary, while knowing what underlying qualities to preserve, adapt and maximise and always to deliver on service so that consumers can feel indulgent but justified in their choice. Get that right and the golden quarter can be tackled with optimism, no matter what might be going on elsewhere.

There is much to be said for the specialist; and this sector is one where it can really deliver.

For more information about BHETA, contact the Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130 or visit the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.

%9&HUW

Casteline collection Olive wood removable handle concept

www.cristel.com