Progressive Housewares January/February 2015

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January/February 2015

Your Waste & Recycling. Sorted.

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100 YEARS

#pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com Facebook Pyrex UK (Official)

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www.max-publishing.co.uk Introducing Intelligent Waste™, a completely new category for Joseph Joseph, specifically created to cater to the various waste and recycling needs of modern life. The first product in this innovative new range is Totem, a unique waste separation and recycling unit. Occupying the same space as a conventional kitchen bin, Totem offers many more functions without compromising on capacity.

For more information contact: info@josephjoseph.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

January/February 2015

PROGRESSIVE HOUSEWARES

Your Waste & Recycling. Sorted.

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk Subscription £50 per year for the UK, £75 for overseas Subscribe online, or email mike@marketingreinforcements.co.uk or call: Marketing Reinforcements on 020 8943 9541 (9am-5pm).

Editor’s comment I can hardly believe that PH has now been collaborating with the CHA to create the annual Retail Barometer of independent cookshops. for over a decade. Over that time, of course, we have seen remarkable changes in retailing, with indies having to work ever harder to fight for their share of consumer spend, through service, display, events and marketing (as echoed in views on our Christmas news). In recent years, Retail Barometer respondents stated that it was the economic climate that has had the most detrimental affect on business, whereas now the consensus recognises that it is the fundamental shift in housewares shopping patterns Above: PH’s Jo Howard with Dunelm’s and subsequent fall in high street footfall. For the first time in the Retail Claire Sollis looking at some of the Barometer findings, there is notable uncertainty as to whether the kitchenware in the retailer’s Oxford long-term future for independents will be positive (see pages 38-41). store (pages 50-51).

However, the picture is far from gloomy as almost half of Retail Barometer respondents look forward to growing their business in 2015 (and another 50% anticipate stability).Independent cookshops put new products at the top of the list of positive influences on their business, and highlight the importance exhibitions for their sourcing. The latter is also emphasised by department store buyer, Amy Blood of Bentalls (in the State of the nation feedback article, pages 22-23), who is among those buyers scouring shows for points of difference to provide good reasons for consumers to visit their stores.

And of course, consumers still love to shop in shops (as well as online) – after all, 56% of John Lewis shoppers wanted to pick up their purchases in a store rather than have them delivered to home, and consumers bemoan the loss of a local cookshop (see news).Hence local and central governments and consumers (through spending choices), as well as suppliers, need to recognise the importance of backing what everyone seems to want – a diversity of shopping opportunities.

Meanwhile, this is a year of significant anniversaries, including Pyrex’s centenary (pages 52-53), Le Creuset’s 90th (page 44) and Global’s 30th (see news). Interestingly, all these major brands are appealing to the emotional bonds that consumers build with trusted kitchenware products.

Of course, the show season has kicked off (with January’s Home) and Spring Fair and Ambiente are just around the corner, followed by Chicago’s IH+HS. So it is time to dig out your most comfortable shows and arm yourself with a refillable water bottle (pages 54-57) in the quest for your next big things. Look forward to seeing you in the aisles!

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

global innovation award

inhouse

In this issue 7-19

News

Jo Howard Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

21

CHA news

Warren Lomax Publishing director warren@max-publishing.co.uk

22-23 Food for thought: State of the nation New year comments from several industry figures.

Jakki Brown Editor-in-chief jw@max-publishing.co.uk Emma Cain Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk Patrick Wade Advertisement director mediap@aol.com Mark Grayson Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk

25

Lizzy’s Braine’s From the frontline

27

Tony’s Take – On cast iron

28-37 Spring Fair Preview 38-41 The CHA/PH Retail Barometer readings The independents’ survey.

42-46 Market focus: Cookware PH considers some of the latest developments.

47-49 Ambiente preview 50-51 Retailer focus: Dunelm 52-53 Face to face: Pyrex’s Sarah Large 54-57 Market focus: Food and drink on the move 58-59 What’s Cooking in wedding and celebration gifts?

60

Product focus: wedding and celebration gifts

62-63 New products

Progressive Housewares

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For further details, please contact Nespresso on 0800 442 442.

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News

Left: British Gold from Utensa on display at Trevor Mottram.

TOP STORY

British Gold shines

Sarah Wood of Trevor Mottram, Tunbridge Wells was among many to acknowledge the frustrations of Christmas trade that was “much much later”,resulting in deliveries as late as December 18.

Good sellers included bakeware (“for proper cakes and baking”) including the Cook@ Group’s exclusive British Gold by Utensa, as well as “anything that made vegetables into spaghetti”,mandolines, basters, Swift cookware, Scanpan roasters and Bredemeijer teapots from Haus. Textiles and knives continued to perform well after Christmas, reports Sarah, with purchases resulting from burns or cuts from inferior oven gloves and knives over the festive break!

Below: Steamer Trading’s recently opened Bluewater store.

Steamer’s online growth Ben Phillips, md of Steamer Trading reported strong growth online and “very positive like for like” sales in stores for the Christmas period, with a noticeable uplift after the mailing of the retailer’s annual catalogue, and “better than expected” results in its new Bluewater and Southampton stores. Ben reflects on “extremely strong growth in knives, electricals and coffee,” and acknowledges the massive impact of the last three shopping days in the run up to Thursday December 25 , taking “over £1m in just three days!”

Above: Kitchenalia in Bedford worked hard to make the shop attractive for Christmas, with a stunning window inspired by the film, Frozen.

Cookshops’ Christmas Christmas trade may not have dazzled for every single independent, but there were definitely some bright sparks! Independent cookshops, including Trevor Mottram in Tunbridge Wells and Abbotts Cookshop in Sheffield, were among those reporting that Christmas trade was “better than expected”.

Sales came late in the month for most, including Dinghams of Salisbury and Winchester.

Partner, Anne Hardingham says the shops were “slightly up” on 2013,” and Charles Viancin silicone lids were notable bestsellers. Jim Thoms, director of Kitchen Corner, Lancaster describes sales as, “pretty good – similar to previous year”. Vouchers made popular gifts, bringing customers in after Christmas.

In Dartington, Mary Atkins of Cooks&Kitchens was “reasonably pleased” with the festive trade although she admits:“Trade felt different – less manically rushed – I don’t think it will ever be the same as it was as people’s shopping habits have changed.” The shop’s online sales were particularly strong, with a “more extended sales period, starting from Black Friday when people seemed to feel the need to order something online, even though we didn't get involved with discounts – right up to December 22 when we were still shipping!” In store, gift food performed well (adding “theatre to the shop”), particularly with hamper sales (pre-made or customised, and mixing food with kitchenware gifts). Mary admits:“The weakest area was electricals which were down on previous years, so perhaps Black Friday had an impact.”

At Kitchenalia in Bedford, Susie Allen, concurs that electricals were “especially down in the last couple of weeks before Christmas, even though we were price matching where we could with the internet.” She describes Christmas trade as “patchy” with “exceptionally busy” last few days. She reflects:“Life here in the shop is still very challenging,” adding:“We are finding that we are having to work even harder for the sales.”

Martin Edwards, owner of The Stratford Cookshop, Stratford-upon-Avon and The Broadway Cookshop reports that Christmas trade at the former was “ok” and similar to last year, while Broadway was very quiet due to the unfortunate closure of the main road by Severn Trent for water works from the end of November.

Click and collecting Christmas at John Lewis

Below: Christmas hit - Kenwood kMix

John Lewis was a festive winner, reporting like for like growth of 4.8% for the five weeks to December 7 (up 12% on a like for like basis when compared with 2012). Meanwhile, its online sales for the five weeks were up 19% on 2013, representing 36% of total John Lewis sales during the period. Some 56% of online orders were collected in shops.

Andy Street, md of John Lewis, said:“This year confirmed the new shape of trade for Christmas, with an early peak at the end of November driven by Black Friday and last minute gift buying.”

Black Friday contributed to John Lewis’ biggest week for sales in its 150 year history (up +22% on 2013).

Its At Home and new format shops, including Exeter, Poole and Chichester grew business over the festive period, while Home as a department grew by 2.3% on 2013 for the five-week period (following a “strong year.”) Popular Christmas gifts included the NutriBullet, Nespresso coffee machines and Kenwood kMix. Practical pre-Christmas purchases were also significant. Zoe Stewart, buyer for Utility Shop at John Lewis told PH:“It was a great Christmas for Utility, hitting record highs! Key successes were bins, cleaning equipment and kitchen accessories- a clear sign that everyone was getting ready to host Christmas!”

The Black Friday effect According to figures released by BDO's High Street Sales Tracker, sales on the high street fell over the crucial Christmas period. “For most retailers, Black Friday took the wind out of their sails for December," stated Sophie Bevan, head of retail and wholesale at BDO. She added, “When like-for-like sales dropped by over 3% in the second week of December, retailers started to get nervous, resulting in early discounting." * Meanwhile, Home Retail chief executive John Walden described what had been a “volatile trading environment,” highlighting the impact of Black Friday when “consumers satisfied their Christmas shopping lists with bargains.” However, he emphasised that by adopting a “more cautious trading stance over the period,” Argos (although resulting in flat like-for-like sales for the 18 weeks to January 3) “achieved both improved gross margins and good cost management.”

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The No. 1 Trendsetter

See you at Ambiente 2015!

Hall 3.0 | E 50

NEW

RADIANCE TECHNOLOGY

www.teflon-art-innovation.com DuPont™ and Teflon® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

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News

TOP STORY

Spring Fair’s new Table & Kitchen Spring Fair’s rebranded Table & Kitchen area – formerly Kitchen, Dining & Housewares – will be unveiled in the new location of Hall 9 of the show (February 1 – 5 NEC Birmingham). The strategic move positions kitchenware near The Summerhouse in Hall 8 and Spring Fair’s main Gift offering in Hall 5 (with a walkway to Hall 9) offering crossover buying opportunities. More than 150 companies will exhibit within Table & Kitchen, including 45 that will be Above: View of Spring Fair 2014. brand new to Spring Fair in 2015, alongside 25 international suppliers.

The Retail Shop brand is another new feature for Spring Fair (evolving from the successful ecommerce zones at Spring and Autumn Fair). Retail Shop provides insight into cutting-edge technology and retail sector solutions, with exhibitors that offer essential services for successful multi-channel retailing. ● Table & Kitchen exhibitors include: Kitchen Craft, CKS, Sabichi, JWP, EPE, Horwood, Grunwerg, Portmeirion, Arthur Price (launching the “next generation” of cutlery), Creative Tops, RKW, Wilton, Kuhn Rikon, Churchill China, Ethos, Burton McCall and BergHoff UK. New to the fair are: Exclusive Distribution (with tabletop brands Vista Alegre, Atlantis Crystal and Casa Alegre), Nespresso, FBA International, Meld Home (Merry Berry collection), Magicup, HSCL Gourmet Gadgetry and Meyer Group. ● Organiser, i2i Events Group reports 10% year-on-year growth in exhibitor numbers at the 2015 event. (See linked stories and Spring Fair Preview pages 28-36).

The royal touch Maxwell & Williams launches The Historic Royal Palaces Collection at Spring Fair. Its Hampton Court Palace Tijou Gates design recalls the intricate gilded foliage of the Tijou Screen - the wrought-iron gate crafted in 1702 as a and backdrop to William and Mary’s Privy Garden.

Meanwhile, the fine embroidery of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and the floral beauty of Kensington Palace gardens provided inspiration for The Kensington Palace Rose design (pictured).

Polder enters the UK market at Fair Multi-category US housewares brand Polder is making its UK debut at Spring Fair. Calvin Scott, president of Polder explained: “The company’s expansion into the UK is a key component of our ongoing growth strategy, and is the next step in becoming a global brand.”

Nick Gabb has been appointed director of sales for the company, whose warehouse and customer service team is based in the south of England. Kerry Cooper, Polder’s general manager commented: “Nick’s considerable experience at strategically growing brands in the UK market is perfect for Polder’s equity and objectives.”

Spring Fair theatre goers’ guide Visitors can gloss up on retail know-how at the rebranded Trends Theatre (Hall 6) with presentations from trends experts, WGSN and seminars whose topics range from effective branding and merchandising to specialised marketing techniques.

Meanwhile, the e-commerce seminar theatre (Retail Shop in Hall 4) provides a series of seminars and presentations on some of the most challenging areas in online retail. The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) stand and seminar theatre is also in Hall 4

Above: Dishrack from Polder – one of the company’s wide range of housewares products.

Buyers’ Power at Spring Fair

Denby is built to last

There is still time to vote for housewares buyers in the inaugural Buyers Power List, which will be making its debut at Spring Fair, and has a closing date of January 30. The results will be announced on Monday February 2. Organised by i2i Events Group, the awards set out to recognise influential buying teams and individuals across all sectors represented by Spring Fair.

There are three different categories: Power 30 (30 noted buyers who are influential in their sector); Best Independent Retail Buyer or Team (featuring 20 independent retailers) and Best Multiple Retailer or Department Store Team (focusing on 20 teams from the major retailers).

The Power 30 category will be voted on and ranked by the industry with the order revealed during the awards ceremony.

The Independent Retail Buyer or Team and Multiple Retailer or Department Store Team categories will also be announced at the event with one overall winner awarded the title in each category.

Visit www.springfair.com/buyerspowerlist

Denby launches its new brand positioning at Spring Fair, with new communications (including point of sale) that highlight the durability of its stoneware and its craftsmanship.

Martin Duggan, Denby sales director commented: "Denby stoneware is built to last and our new brand positioning,‘Made of Strong Stuff’ highlights its strength and quality with a confident, modern attitude.” He adds:“The same of course could be said of our people. We are a 200 year old brand and proud of our long heritage." * Following another successful trading period in 2014, the shareholders and board of Denby Pottery have decided to formally bring the business sale process, that began last February, to an end.

"The ongoing performance of the business, and growth, led by our international markets, have convinced the Board that Denby's strong performance will continue to build in the coming years," stated Paul McGowan, chairman of Denby Holding and chief executive of Hilco Capital.

Above: Denby’s Spring Fair launch: Peveril (inspired by the deep inky hues of the rare John Blue mineral found in the Peak District caves and caverns).

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News

Peter Rabbit for grown-ups’ kitchens Stow Green is showcasing Peter Rabbit ranges for adults at Spring Fair. Adrian Bedford, partner at Stow Green reflects: “Beatrix Potter characters and Peter Rabbit in particular have a powerful appeal to all age groups and what we have done with these new ranges is to transfer that appeal to a practical range of attractive table top and kitchenware items.”

Inset:What More’s hq.

Baking with What More Plastic housewares manufacturer, What More UK is now entering into bakeware.

The Lancashire-based supplier reports over £2m investment in new product and manufacturing processes. Director Tony Grimshaw commented: "We are delighted to increase manufacturing at our site in Altham, which enhances our ongoing investment in all our existing processes.

The company has demonstrated its market leading aspirations over many years and this is an exciting addition."

TOP STORY

Viners acquired by The Rayware Group The Rayware Group has acquired the iconic Viners of Sheffield cutlery brand. The cutlery brand was previously owned by PCS Brands, which went into administration on October 30.

Jonathan Brown, head of sales at The Rayware Group said of Viners:“As a famous brand renowned for exceptional quality and heritage, it has been loved and supported by generations of trade customers and retail consumers.” He Above: Viners cutlery – now continued:“Back under family ownership, we are confident that with investment and the brand is part of The product development we can bring Viners back to its former glory.”Viners will form part of Rayware Group.

The Rayware Group’s stand at Spring Fair.

In a statement to PH, KPMG (whose partners, Paul Flint and Will Wright were appointed as administrators for PCS Brands) confirmed that ‘the intellectual property rights, goodwill and stock relating to the Viners brand’ was sold to The Rayware Group ‘as part of a £1.6m deal’ and that,‘significant plant, machinery and tooling from the George Wilkinson division’ has been sold to What More UK for £0.5 million (see linked story).

In December, the Norfolk based RTA Winerack division of PCS Brands was sold to RTA Global for £322,449, and the Samuel Groves division of the group to the U Group for £215,000. KPMG stated that it was ‘in discussions regarding the sale of the remaining brands associated with the George Wilkinson division of the business.’

KPMG anticipated that trading from Viners retail outlets would cease at the end of January, stating that:‘remaining stock both wholesale and retail will be sold to the highest bidder on a one off basis.’

Consumers go “anti-tech” and embrace DIY foods Jude House, marketing manager at The Rayware Group (including Kilner), highlights predictions that consumers are “going anti-tech” in 2015. She is optimistic that this means that more people will be “taking up preserving and pickling – often with homegrown vegetable – and brewing their own alcoholic drinks and infusions often to give as thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts.” Moreover, a butter churner is among The Rayware Group’s Spring Fair launches, addressing the growing number of home food producers. * See Retail Barometer pages 38-41 for more on the growth of Preserving.

Chairman Paul joins Le Creuset’s celebrations Chairman and owner of Le Creuset, Paul Van Zuydam recently attended the official opening of Le Creuset’s latest store at Windsor Royal Station. Head of UK retail, Katherine Tranter said the company was “thrilled” that Paul had “made the special visit to celebrate with us and our customers.” Paul also features on a new video to celebrate the launch of Le Creuset’s cast iron Signature casserole, along with chefs, Tom Aikens and Michela Chiappa. A version of the video will be available for in-store use.

• For the full story on Le Creuset’s cast ion launch, see page 44.

Right: Paul opening the stylish new Le Creuset shop in Windsor.

8 shapes and sizes available now.

#pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com or call 01564 786 030

Facebook Pyrex UK (Official) Twitter @PyrexUKOfficial

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design, colour and function for the home ADDIS HOUSEWARES AEROLATTE AMEFA ANNIVERSARY HOUSE APOLLO HOUSEWARES ARTHUR PRICE CHARLES BENTLEY & SON BERGHOFF WORLDWIDE BHL BLACK & BLUM BOBBLE BODUM BRABANTIA BURTON MCCALL BUTTERCUP CHINA BWT CHARLES VIANCIN CHARTERHOUSE COOKWARE CITY LOOK IMPORTS COUNTRY MATTERS CREATIVE PRODUCTS CURVER DARTINGTON CRYSTAL DAVID MASON DESIGN DENBY BRANDS DEXAM DKB HOUSEHOLD DNC THE DRH COLLECTION E-CLOTH EDDINGTONS ELIA

ETHOS EUROPASONIC FISKARS FOSSEWAY TRADING GEH GILBERTS GIMI GOURMET GADGETRY GREEN PIONEER I GRUNWERG HAUS HOME ACCESSORIES HORWOOD HOMEWARES HOT PLATE PRODUCTS ICB NOSTICK IC INNOVATIONS ICTC IMPERIAL GROUP JEAN DUBOST JERAY JOSEPH JOSEPH JUST MUGS JVL HOMEWARE SOLUTIONS JWP KILNER KINETICO KUHN RIKON LADELLE LE CHATEAU TEXTILES LE CREUSET LEKUE-EMILE HENRY MAHITTI

MAKE INTERNATIONAL MASON CASH, RAVENHEAD AND PRICE & KENSINGTON MASTRAD MAXWELL & WILLIAMS METALTEX MEYER N J PRODUCTS NAVIGATE NEAT IDEAS NORDIC WARE OCTOPUS PUBLISHING OXO GOOD GRIPS PENDEFORD HOUSEWARES PHA KITCHESSENTIALS PREMIER HOUSEWARES PYREX READY STEADY COOK RKW ROBERT WELCH DESIGNS ROOT 7 ROSTI MEPAL H & L RUSSEL SABICHI HOMEWARES SALTER SCOTT BROTHERS SIMPLEHUMAN SISTEMA SMASH GLOBAL SODASTREAM SWAN T&G

And don’t forget to visit Exclusively Electrical our sister show running alongside Exclusively Housewares ARIETE (JALENO) BAMIX (PROVEN PRODUCTS) BEURER DUALIT EPE INTERNATIONAL EWBANK GROUPE SEB

HOMESPARES CENTRES HOSTESS (CROSSLEE) JURA KITCHENAID KUVINGS (IPAS) MAGIMIX MEYER

REDMOND SMART WORLDWIDE TEAM UKI UP GLOBAL SOURCING VITALITY 4 LIFE VITAMIX WITT

For more information on the show take a look at www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or call 0121 237 1130

TAYLORS EYE WITNESS TEFAL TERRAILLON THE COOKWARE COMPANY TONTARELLI TRADESTOCK TYPHOON ULSTER WEAVERS UNIKIA UP GLOBAL SOURCING WESCO WESTERN HOUSE WHAT MORE WHITEFURZE WHITFORD WILTON XYSTOS ZODIAC STAINLESS PRODUCTS ZWILLING J A HENCKELS

Run by the industry, for the industry

Exclusively Housewares will run alongside its NEW sister show Exclusively Electrical, designed especially for small domestic appliance buyers

www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

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News Below: Richard and Antony Joseph with Totem that organises domestic waste in flexible compartments.

TOP STORY

Joseph Joseph re-vamps waste

Through the Pyrex glass Pyrex recently launched its centenary celebrations by getting consumer journalists cooking, with the aid of TV chef, Simon Rimmer, at an event at London’s Underground Cookery School. Journalists from key consumer food, women’s, home and lifestyle titles used Pyrex’s new Optimum roaster and centenary jug to create a three course meal. They also sipped cocktails from Pyrex’s Glass Lab range. * Pyrex has produced a coffee table book called Pyrex Passion, which charts the 100-year story of the brand and some of the people linked with it, including contemporary employees at its borosilicate glass factory in France. *See pages 52-53 for Pyrex’s centenary feature.

Above: Cooking with Pyrex at the brand’s recent event.

Right: Pyrex's alternative to drinks glasses at its press event.

Joseph Joseph launched Totem at January's Home, the first product from its new Intelligent Waste category. The result of three years’ research and development, this innovative waste and recycling separation unit continues the company’s ethos of problem solving.

Joseph Joseph founders, Richard and Antony had long held frustrations with existing waste and recycling options, and so began a quest for the perfect solution. Richard explains to PH:“Conventional bins don’t offer solutions to what we see as key issues – separation, capacity and flexibility.”

With the new Totem waste separation and recycling units, sections can be used to reflect a household’s particular disposal needs, as well as local authority collection and separation requirements. Antony acknowledges that at present, many households “compromise” when it comes to waste, often resorting to multiple bins, boxes or bags for different materials. Hence:“It all creates more domestic clutter.”

Joseph Joseph also set out to “maximise footprint”, so while Totem combines big capacity with flexible functions such as a multi-purpose drawer and removable food waste caddy, it only occupies the same space as a conventional kitchen bin.

Totem is available in two colourways (Stone and Graphite) - blending with existing products from the company - and two sizes, 50 or 60 litre. It is exclusive to John Lewis for three months and launches to the wider trade from April. Joseph Joseph will also be showcasing Totem at various trade fairs across the world in 2015.

Lids and non-stick raise cookware sales The cookware market (including pots, pans, bakeware and pressure cookers), as tracked by GfK, declined year on year in 2014 by 8.1% and 15.6% in volume and value respectively. However, GfK’s cookware account manager, Robyn Tovey states that: “The cookware market is still in a healthy state, with the value of the market 13.6% higher in 2014 than in 2012.” She continues: “The year on year declines in 2014 are representative of a strong year in 2013 Above: A Tower pressure cooker from RKW. that was spurred by a number of high profile promotions.”

Robyn also highlights that cookware had a positive last quarter, recording growth of 5.6% in value in Q4 2014 vs Q4 2013. She adds that, boosted by innovations in non-stick material, “Pans specifically experienced a good end to the year, with Q4 growth reaching 12.5% in value.”

Sales of fry pan lids grew by a massive 242% in volume and 177% in value, thanks to advertising campaigns for the accessory. Robyn notes that: “Pressure cookers also saw a positive end to the year as this category grew 2.5% in both volume and value from October to December of 2014 in comparison to the corresponding period of 2013.” She cites an “increase in distribution coupled with a number of promotions.” * For more cookware news, see pages 42-44.

Return of the This double award winning design by Oliver Hemming represents an entirely new approach to spice grinding, replacing the pestle and mortar with a practical and elegant mess free solution. Using the bowl of the Spice Boy the chef can measure and see the mixture before pulling the stopper to release the blend of spice into the body for grinding.

Great for rock salt and pepper, use as a matching pair or as a standalone for all your spice requirements.

Adjustable Ceramic Mechanism Spring Fair Launch Offer – see the team on Hall 9 E60-F61

www.eddingtons.co.uk t: +44 (0) 1488 686572 e: sales@eddingtons.co.uk

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News Left: TVS’ Valentina Tulino at Home.

TOP STORY

Home and away

Showing off Italian style Italian made cookware brand TVS unveiled its products in the UK for the first time in 10 years. "There is great potential in the UK for us now, driven by so many British TV programmes that are pushing people to cook," explained sales executive Valentina Tulino. "It's become more fashionable than going out, and at Home we unveiled our new designs and finishes such as our diamond surface. All our cookware has been designed as something to show off in the kitchen, but everything is functional, soft and ergonomic.

For example, our kitchen tools can't scratch the bottom of a frying pan."

Home kicked off the show season in style, co-located with Top Drawer and Craft at London Olympia (January 11-13). The event provided an exciting line-up of UK and international exhibitors in its growing Cooking & Dining sector, with newcomers such as BlissHome, George East and Mistral Brands.

Another first-timer at Home, ICTC chose the event to preview its re-branding of its bestselling C’est Ca textiles. Sales director, Ruth Cutter explained: “C’est Ca has been a major name in kitchen textiles for many years but with our focus on exporting our UK made textiles it has become Above: ICTC’s textiles preview at necessary to have a brand that reflects the Britishness of the products while still Home, with new prints, colours and maintaining the links to the well-loved and established name in the UK.” ICTC’s shapes for 2015. stand was designed to inspire customers by showing how brands including Mauviel cookware, La Rochère glass and Virginia Casa ceramics can work “together as a complete retail concept,” noted Ruth. * Will Hobhouse, chairman of Heal's was among the keynote speakers at Top Drawer, Home & Craft. Will reflected on Heal’s investment in crafts and British made goods and explained, "We can't compete with John Lewis and Amazon, so we took the view that we wanted our products to have a place in people's homes, and that, ideally, we would like them to be in every room."

Also speaking at the shows was Sebastian Conran, who was exhibiting his Universal Expert collection of innovative home goods ranging from cookware to storage. "Good design must always seem effortless, but in truth, the process is complex," he highlighted. (See linked Home story).

Sweet home Chicago Chicago is set to welcome the world for its International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) from March 7-10. Besides over 2,100 exhibitors (including 400 new companies) in three sections (Dine + Design, Clean, Contain + Sustain and Wired + Well), the show’s packed programme of seminars and presentations include Top Trends for 2015 from Tom Mirabile, IHA's trend forecaster and senior vice president, Global Trend & Design, Lifetime Brands, and How to Transform Your Business Into a World Class Brand by Howard Lim, HOW Creative, while gia’s expert jurors will consider, What Makes a Prize-Winning Retail Store?

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead using Housewares Connect 365 and viewing the webinar at www.housewares.org. * John Lewis will be representing the best of UK retail at the gia (Global Innovation Award) gala and exhibit area at the IH+HS. Right: Production demonstrations at IH+HS 2014.

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News Below: The Design Plus Award at Ambiente 2014.

TOP STORY

Ambiente’s clever Solutions Ambiente’s Solutions exhibition once again provides essential insight at the show (with over 4,700 exhibitors) showcasing “a selection of extraordinary product solutions with the potential to become sales hits with consumers,” explains Nicolette Naumann, vice president Ambiente/Tendence. Solutions highlights 22 products, curated by designer, Sebastian Bergne, who says, ““The variety of entries was greater than ever before.” He adds,“Interestingly, it is frequently the small, simple products that are characterised by restrained intelligence and quality.” Products selected to be part of Solutions 2015 (in the foyer of Hall 4.0) include Joseph Joseph’s CanDo, Kahla’s Magic Grip, Mastrad’s Balancia Collection, Lékué’s Cookie Puzzle Animals, AdHoc’s Cheeez Mill, Kitchen Craft’s Master Class Crusty Bake, Kuhn Rikon’s Mixer Spatter Guard and Tescoma’s 4FOOD containers.

The Design Plus Award (exhibited in Galleria 1) offers another good means to find exciting, well-designed products, which has been judged on “elegance, design quality, functionality and sustainability,” states Nicolette. Most of the prize winners for 2015 hail from the Table and Kitchen sector, including Amefa’s Integrale cutlery, for those with restricted hand motor control, and Stelton’s To Go Click vacuum flask. The Design Plus line-up also includes products from Alessi, Berndes, Joseph Joseph and OXO. ● Ambiente (at Messe Frankfurt) runs from February 13 to 17. Other highlights include tours with young Trend Watchers from Fontys University of Applied Science in the Netherlands. ● *With the USA as Ambiente’s partner country for 2015, some 90 exhibitors come from the USA and include companies such as American Cookware, Chef’n, Design Ideas, Gibson, Hampton Forge, KitchenAid, Lenox Corporation and Vitamix. ● See http://ambiente-blog.com/

In a spin with bobble Members of the press were invited to break into a sweat to mark the launch of the new bobble sport bottle. January’s press event comprised an exhilarating spin class at Boomcycle, London. The new design has an improved filter flow, textured grip and fits bike crates and cup holders.

Right: Jenny Dahlman (left) and Viv Cudahy (front right)of Auteur (distributor of bobble) at the bobble spin class.

PEOPLE ● Tony Butler has joined the PHA KitchEssentials sales team. Tony has many years experience in the housewares industry and has worked with such household brands as OXO, Joseph Joseph and Bialetti. Tony will be covering Greater London, the south east of England and East Anglia. ● Sebastian Lazell joined the Denby Group as md on January 12. He was previously chief executive of GHD. Sebastian has had his own consultancy business and also spent a number of years at Unilever, becoming md of the business in Australasia and undertaking a number of senior international general management and marketing roles. He replaces Garry Biggs, who has left Denby after 10 years to pursue other opportunities. ● Dartington Crystal has appointed David Tennant as area sales manager for the North of England.UK sales director Rob Kindred said: "David already knows the territory and many of our existing customers. With a growing portfolio of brands and product collections it is an exciting time for him join us."

Right: David Tennant.

Kitchenmonger ‘s Newbury branch closes its doors Kitchenmonger closed its Newbury branch in mid January after 13 years of trading. The town centre site has planning permission for conversion to a two bedroom flat. Shop manager, Paul Redman said the remaining ground floor retail space would not be big enough for the business to remain. Paul commented on his customers' sadness on closing in local press, saying: ““I had one woman come up and hug me in the street. The shop has become a social hub."

Paul also reflected on customers' prompt reactions: "When I put the news on Facebook, I’d had 60 hits within an hour."

Progressive Housewares

17

18_PH_JAN_FEB 2015 12/01/2015 10:29 Page 1

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7-9-11-13-15-17-19 NEWS_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 19/01/2015 11:44 Page 19

News

NEWS IN BRIEF

TOP STORY

BHETA meets Argos BHETA’s next Meet The Buyer takes place with Argos on February 19 at the Holiday Inn, Milton Keynes. Argos’ trading manager, Yvonne Stinston, will head up the buying team’s mission to find new and innovative ranges.

Participating BHETA members will be allocated a 20-25 minute appointment with the relevant buyer for a maximum of two people (with a set presentation format). Existing Argos suppliers are welcome alongside potential new suppliers, but would need to focus on new products outside of current listed business. BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones explained that, while BHETA would try to accommodate as many interested suppliers as possible, participants may be drawn from lots, with a view to a follow-up event.

Argos has over 750 stores located within a ten mile radius of 90% of the UK population and is the nation’s third most visited website. * BHETA’s next Housewares Forum takes place on Wednesday February 25 at Federation House, Birmingham, featuring Richard Lancaster, trading director for Poundland and David Hewitt, merchandise director at Bentalls in Kingston. Simon Boyd, operations director for Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical will present an update on the shows, and PH editor, Jo Howard will provide an insight into 'How housewares suppliers can get the best out of Progressive Housewares.’ * See Food for thought: State of the nation 2015 for views from BHETA’s Will Jones.

Below: Business at Exclusively Housewares 2014.

New housewares at Exclusively The 14th Exclusively Housewares (June 9-10 Islington Business Design Centre) boosts many new suppliers as well as long term supporters. Simon Boyd, show director explains: “This is because the majority of our regular small domestic appliance suppliers have moved across into Exclusively Electrical, or taken a second stand there.

This has given us the first real opportunity in Exclusively Housewares’ history to significantly add to our exhibitor line-up.”

New companies this year include Berghoff Worldwide, Buttercup China, BWT, Charles Viancin, Charterhouse Cookware, Country Matters, Creative Products, E-Cloth, Fosseway Trading, Hot Plate Products, I C Innovations, ICB, ICTC, Kinetico, Ladelle, Lekue-Emile Henry, Mahitti, Smash Global, Unikia, What More UK, Whitefurze and Wilton, with a few more names to be announced.

Visitors to Exclusively Electrical - situated in the Gallery Hall at the Business Design Centre – will share the Buyers’ Lounge and dining area with Exclusively Housewares guests, and enjoy the same hospitality.

Roux scholars cook for Global’s 30th

Below: Chef Andrew Fairlie preparing mackerel with his Global flexible boning knife on January’s recipe video.

Winners of the Roux Scholarship have created 12 exclusive recipe videos to celebrate Global's 30th Anniversary.The videos – all showing the chefs’ knives skills using their favourite Global knives - are being posted month by month on Global’s website.

Global knives and UK distributor, Grunwerg are a valued supporter of the Roux family’s Roux Scholarship competition.

January’s recipe comes from Andrew Fairlie, who won the first Roux Scholarship in 1984.

Since then he has become the only two Michelin starred chef in Scotland (at his restaurant at Gleneagles), and one of only 15 in the whole of the UK. Andrew’s recipe is Cured Mackerel, Carpaccio of Cucumber, Slow Cooked Crab and Seaweed Mustard. * As part of its anniversary celebrations, Global is giving a member of public the chance to win a special prize.The brand is asking for pictures or videos to be posted via Twitter in answer to the question:‘What would you do for a Global knife?’

● House of F raser reported like-for-like sales increases of 8% over the Christmas period. "The peak Christmas trading came late. However it was the best we have ever recorded," stated John King, chief executive of House of Fraser. ● Tiger Retail, the Danish varietal retailer and housewares stockist reported a “very robust Christmas trading period” with likefor-like sales in the 24 stores opened prior to 2014 up 6.48%. ● T&G starts its 40th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of a new logo and a host of new product launches at Spring Fair and Ambiente. ● A retailing guide will be available at Spring Fair from exhibitor Cybertill, offering retailers advice on how to plan their sales and marketing strategy for Christmas 2015. ● Kitchen & Dining was among the strongest category for The Giftware Association's Gift of the Year (GOTY) awards. The winners and highly commended companies will be announced on Sunday February 1 at Spring Fair, after the show closes. ● ICTC is introducing Italian designed and manufactured storage brand Snips to its portfolio at Spring Fair. Snips has been designing innovative, practical and stylish storage products since 1890. ● Nespresso and KitchenA id have joined forces to create a new espresso machine with a design that echoes KitchenAid’s iconic Artisan mixer. ● Magisso’s Naturally Cooling Ceramics Collection was recently bestowed with the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art. The barware from the same collection won a gia design award Right: Bowl from Magisso. in 2014. ● Lakeland has partnered with the V&A to produce a range of decorative cupcake and cake accessories using inspiration from the V&A’s archives.

The patterns are a combination of lace and designs originally created for chintz fabrics by designer William Kilburn (1745–1818). ● Lakeland is opening a new store at intu Trafford Centre in the Spring. ● Emma Bridgewater spoke about the need for investment in Stoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme after the Autumn Statement. Asked whether both recent governments had let Stoke down, she answered: “I think maybe they have.” ● The latest housewares company to sign up as a partner of The Rainy Trust is aerolatte UK. Director Alan Green explained: “I heard about a couple of difficult situations and the efforts of the RDT and was inspired to get involved.” ● NY Now is celebrating 30 years of its Accent on Design, plus 100s of new exhibitors at the “blockbuster” edition of the US show held January 31- February 4.

Progressive Housewares

19

20_PH_JAN_FEB 2015 12/01/2015 10:29 Page 1

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21 CHA._Layout 1 19/01/2015 11:10 Page 21

CHA News EXTRA Pensions in perspective

New Year, new challenges, new approach!

Firstly, please let me wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. I hope the tills rang out loud and that you achieved or went beyond your targets.

This Christmas and New Year was a new challenge for many, including us, with the advent (from the US) of Black Friday. I could have done without that one thanks! New and more aggressive discounting is not good for the retail industry. It may be good for revenue; it may even help in short term survival, but you know as well as I do that these discounts have to be paid for by someone.

Above: CHA chairman, Trevor So who will pay? In my opinion the whole of retail will pay Draper with fellow CHA member, Chris Lyn-Thomas (of the price for deceiving the consumer with unrealistic and Kooks Unlimited, Richmond), untrue 70% off sales for so long. We are now on the verge of scrutinising new products at last year’s Excellence in Housewares deflation in this country and in Europe; this will put Product Judging Day. even greater pressure on margins and profitability and will add a new dimension to retailing not seen before in this country.

The prospect of this new retailing environment fills me with some foreboding, for at the end of this next period of time, I wonder what the retailing landscape will look like. My fear is that it will be considerably smaller than it is at present. The advantages handed to the multiples over the independent retailers by suppliers will aid an already acute imbalance of power leading to independent bricks and mortar retailers being forced out of business at an ever increasing rate due to their inability to compete.

A new approach is needed!

Some of you will have already heard that Lesley and I have sold The Billericay Cookshop.

The new owners are opening it as a deli with some cookware and we wish them every success. We have had a wonderful 12 years in this industry and look forward to keeping in touch with the many friends we have made.

However, I will not be leaving just yet. I will remain CHA chair for a while and will still be working on other projects associated with retailing.

Trevor Draper

CHA chairman

Due to the success of the first bira pensions webinars, bira is providing another opportunity for its members to attend a free webinar to learn about the new legal requirements for all employers to provide a workplace pension for staff.

Towergate Financial will host the webinars and explain options for newly tailored, simple and cost-effective bira pension schemes. *For more informationa and to register for a webinar, go to: www.bira.co.uk/news/birapensions.

Inset: CHA stand at Spring Fair.

Stop by at Spring Fair The CHA stand at Spring Fair (Hall 9 J14) will be offering advice on how to reduce business costs and provide support in areas like legal requirements. Meanwhile, bira is hosting a number of short, informative seminars during the show covering topics such as workplace pensions and other updates in employment law, business insurance and retail training.

Have your say!

The CHA invites members to join discussions on the future developments of the CHA and its activities, as well as get to know fellow retailers, by attending one of the CHA’s quarterly Committee Meetings. Attendees will hear the latest news and updates from the industry and be able to share their own views about the key issues that are influencing independent cookshops and housewares retailers. Call the CHA on 0121 446 6688. * For news and views from CHA members, see The Retail Barometer pages 38-41.

Conference spotlight on service

Irish eyes for retail

Customer service specialist, Andrew McMillan is the keynote speaker for bira’s 2015 High Street Conference.

Andrew McMillan spent over 20 years with John Lewis Partnership, the last eight responsible for leading customer service across the department store division. He is widely recognised for his role in developing John Lewis’‘best practice’ sales and service culture, and regularly advises organisations on their customer service strategy. Andrew’s motivational keynote address will reflect his belief that service quality should reflect the internal culture of an organisation.

The bira conference takes place on Wednesday May 13 at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Warwickshire, with the theme,‘Building the Future Together’. The event promises a mix of current topics from the independent retail industry along with networking, an interactive expo and an evening of retailer and supplier awards. Visit www.thehighstreetconference.co.uk for more information and to book a place.

After successful tours in Scotland and New York last year, the 2015 bira Retail Study Tour will take in Northern Ireland and Eire in October (Sunday 11 to Friday 16).

Delegates will start Above: There is no better place to mix business the tour in Northern and pleasure than Ireland, says bira.

Ireland and move down to Dublin and on to Cork. The trip promises valuable insights into the practices of inventive and exciting retailers as well as a chance to see Ireland’s best attractions in good company.

To register an interest, visit www.bira.co.uk/irishtour.

Left: Keynote conference speaker, Andrew McMillan.

Progressive Housewares

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22-23 Food For Thought_Grid 19/01/2015 11:19 Page 22

Food for thought

State of the nation 2015 Inset: All powerful - consumers!

Time to trade up Alan Hawkins, ceo, bira 2014: “It was a particularly tough year for the housewares industry, and I know that several leading CHA members have commented that things are not getting any better.

Black Friday supposedly brought some comfort to hard-pressed retailers in the run-up to Christmas, but I have not seen any evidence of whether that helped or hindered independent traders.

A couple of years ago everyone was commenting about the home-baking craze and the positive effect it had on some product areas.

While that continues, particularly around the time TV programmes are transmitted, I think there is now a much more settled approach to product sourcing.

Unfortunately, the show-rooming that was being talked about a few years ago is becoming more prevalent, with consumers either doing their research online or by visiting shops to discuss their requirements and then making a separate buying decision as to the best channel for them.

Over the last 10 years the consumer has moved to become the champion of how the retail industry is running, rather than a pawn of it.

Another recurrent theme is that products have become so good the need to buy replacements becomes less frequent and, with the current economic climate, products are not replaced due to fashion trends.”

2015: “I would say anecdotally that there is a squeezed middle in the cookshop trade, as there is in general retailing. Quality products in

22

Progressive Housewares

As 2015 dawns, PH asks several members of the housewares industry for their views on the year past and the year beginning.

Looking back and looking forward – PH asked: How has the housewares industry evolved in 2014?

What challenge or opportunity would you highlight for 2015? And how should the industry tackle this? prosperous areas are still selling well and cheap products are often the first choice for those forced to make a purchase. For that reason, 2015 will be a year to encourage customers to aspire to a better-margined product, rather than being caught in an ever-downward spiral of price and margins.

I would recommend making the best of the first part of 2015 when bad news is held back due to the forthcoming general election. There will then be a period of ‘living within our means’ after the

election, which will reduce the spending power of customers, possibly coupled later in the year with an increase in interest rates, which will affect mortgages and disposable income.

As a trade association bira is not finding good financials easy to achieve and I suspect the same applies to many of our retail members. As I am told by my peers - and you may be told by your bank manager - the answer is in your own hands and good retailers and good trade associations do well whatever the circumstances.”

Buying British and local Kenneth Webb, managing director, Ulster Weavers 2014: “It has been a difficult year for the housewares industry, in fact retail in general. At a time when we are being told we are coming out of recession, the reality with retailers is that times are harder than they have been. Footfall just isn’t what it was and the consumers are keeping their hands in their pockets; however it’s not all doom and gloom. The resurgence of people wanting to buy British and support their local shops has been cause for celebration. People recognise that when they are spending their hard earned cash they want quality from names they can trust.”

2015: “The challenge for 2015 is for us as a supplier to give the housewares industry product and design that will support the growing ‘Make it British’ trend. In 2013, we looked at the trends forming in the industry and took the brave steps in January 2014, to bring some manufacturing back home to Northern Ireland. 2015 sees our catalogue expand with products that are designed and made in Northern Ireland.

During 2015 the feel good factor should hopefully return to retailers. With the expected birth of a second Royal baby and then later in the year the Rugby World Cup, we as a supplier to the trade will get behind our retailers and support them in any way we can."

22-23 Food For Thought_Grid 19/01/2015 11:19 Page 23

Food for thought

Consumers are king David Grunwerg, director, Grunwerg 2014: “The most significant development over the last year or so has been the steady empowerment and emancipation of the consumer.

Today’s public have the technology and confidence to dictate not just what they want to buy, but where, when, and how they wish to make their purchases, and what price they are prepared to pay. Social and cultural barriers have been breached also, and the ‘Harrods shopper’ is becoming increasingly comfortable looking for bargains in TK Maxx or Aldi.

Online marketing and sales channels have helped to accelerate the process of bringing new innovations to the attention of the public, and those retailers who were most flexible and responsive to the opportunities presented have benefited to the detriment of others.”

2015: “Retailers who rely on traditional sales environments and techniques will have to develop and exploit points of difference, and the ability to attract, excite and inspire the public to spend money with them. It is no longer sufficient to rely on loyalty and habit to generate footfall and custom.

For importers, one of our biggest challenges will be to come to terms with the growing self-confidence and prosperity of the Chinese, and to find ways of meeting the increasing requirements and expectations of their manufacturers, who may be tempted by more lucrative markets closer to home.”

Working together William Jones, executive director – housewares, BHETA 2014: “Last year was reasonably positive. Small green shoots of recovery appeared in terms of the economy, Exclusively Housewares flourished – so much so that we are launching Exclusively Electrical in 2015 – and if increasing BHETA membership is any measure – 21 new members in 2014, then the industry is more buoyant.

One of the most positive aspects is co-operation for the greater good. In the past it was all about who had the most power – retailers or suppliers.

Right: “Retailers including Now that power is in Homebase, Argos, Lakeland, the hands of the Wyevale and The Range have all been part of productive consumer, both relationships in 2014, and 2015 will retailers and suppliers see other big players like have been rethinking Wilkinsons, Poundland and John Lewis joining the party,” says and there is a new BHETA’s Will Jones, pictured with (left) Argos’ Huw Crwys-Williams, spirit of mutuality in senior trading director at Argos. the air.

While BHETA’s events have been delivering sales opportunities for some time, this year saw suppliers and retailers acknowledging the wider benefits of getting together. Not only were BHETA events oversubscribed, all parties are now saying that product developments and new listings simply would not have happened without these opportunities to meet outside the normal channels.”

2015: “‘Bricks and clicks’ remains a constant source of tension between suppliers and retailers with online initiatives from some of the links in the supply chain - especially ones that ‘go direct’ – creating problems. For suppliers, the issue is about

how best to support their brands, given the choice of routes to the consumer is greater - without alienating traditional retail and distribution partners. Retailers are increasingly seeing their future as omni-channel, building their own brand, but keeping a place for the traditional consumer brand if it adds value.

Again sharing plans for mutual benefit is the best way forward. The answers lie in different combinations of product innovation, service levels, project-led marketing support, tailored solutions for the independent market, creating your own branded ecommerce route; dual, triple or even quadruple branding to pick off different bricks and clicks routes under or over the radar.

And exploring export – in combination with any of the above! “

Inset: All sorts of consumers now love hunting for housewares bargains at TK Maxx.

industry than ever with everyone after a slice of the ‘housewares pie’.”

2015: "Our greatest challenge as a stand alone department store with limited online presence is getting customers into the store to shop. We can offer the best range of products at competitive pricing, but the consumer has more options than ever for where to spend their money and footfall has been a challenge in 2014. Another challenge is discounting, which is now the norm rather than the exception. The true value of core cookshop products such as cookware and bakeware has been eroded; when the consumer can buy a good quality baking tray for £5 it’s hard for them to see the value in one for £12. The cycle of discounting means selling more to maintain sales which is hard when footfall is down.

Trade shows always provide opportunities. We can find new ranges and lines that refresh our product mix and keep the business moving forward. Chicago's International Home + Housewares Show was a great show for us last year – things we found there have been selling brilliantly over the Christmas period.

Opportunities also lie in store; we can revitalise the department to maintain customer interest.

For example, there are plans for new shop fits and category moves next season.”

Refresh and revitalise Amy Blood, cookshop buyer, Bentalls, Kingston-uponThames 2014: "The larger multiples are getting bigger and gaining a more dominant presence on the high street and online. It’s a more competitive

Above: Image from Chicago’s IH+HS 2014 – a worthwhile show for Bentalls.

Progressive Housewares

23

Products: Present Time, Burgon & Ball, J-Me, Suck UK, Present Time, Burgon & Ball

24_PH_JAN_FEB 2015 12/01/2015 10:30 Page 1

INSPIRING BUYING IN 2015 THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS FROM OVER 3,000 EXHIBITORS. REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET AT WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM/PROGRESSIVEHOUSEWARES

Lizzy p.25_Layout 1 15/01/2015 10:43 Page 25

Lizzy ibraine’s

From The Frontline

After the chaos!

Below: Lizzy with Charles Viancin lids at the BBC Good Food Shop Winter.

Bottom: T&G products on The Kitchen Shop’s stand at the show.

The Kitchen Shop’s Lizzy Braine ‘comes up for air’ and looks back over ‘a crazy Christmas’.

C

hristmas was nice and busy this year, but it was extremely tough as we all had weeks and weeks of dreadful colds. Most of our members of staff were off sick and somehow family members had to struggle through. By the time we reached January, we are all very tired and relieved to have made our way out the other side.

In the run up to Christmas, we chose to open on two Sundays only - these coincided with events in Lichfield, and we demonstrated Lekue Popcorn makers and Cottage Delight Marshmallow Making Kits. We also participated in Small Business Saturday on December 6. For anyone who doesn’t know, this is a day that is nationally marketed to entice people to spend with independent small businesses. We offered a free bottle of Grumpy Santa Cottage Delight Beer for purchases of £25 or over. Mostly they were very well received but we did get one lady who said she didn’t like beer and demanded something else! Perhaps we’ll give away ‘Grumpy Customer Beer’ next year!

We also took a gamble and paid for a stand at the NEC for the BBC Good Food Show Winter towards the end of the year. The costs are high, but we thought we would give it a try because we had some wonderful support from Wendy from T&G, and Peter and Linda Battersby from Charles Viancin.

They helped us on the stand and worked very hard. It was exhausting but great fun. Both companies’ products sold really

well. I wish we could sell CrushGrind Mills as fast in our shop as we were from our stand!

We packed our stand with a selection of stock from T&G, such as mills, Pride Of Place pottery, carving boards, and we announced the recent arrival of Charles Viancin’s wonderful Silicone Lids, which amazed people.

We even sold a huge T&G butcher’s trolley to two very slim ladies. I have no idea how they carried it home! They were quite happy to take it in two goes, across the NEC and all the way up to the

car park! We also kept the shopping trolley obsessed visitors happy by stocking a selection of the new folding ones from Ulster Weavers and sold the lot.

We were asked for every single gadget and kitchen tool you could think of but we didn’t have them on our stand! Typical isn’t it?

However, as The Kitchen Shop is located around 40 minutes from the NEC, from a PR point of view, the show was successful with people rediscovering our shop.

We were in a great position to direct people to Lichfield for after sales and we were glad we took

flyers. One example was a lady who enquired about AGA pans and I proudly announced we are an AGA Cookshop authorised retailer. She came in a couple of weeks later, ordered some pans and spent quite a bit of money too.

We learnt a lot from all this and I think we’ll do The BBC Good Food Show Winter again. We are really happy with the results, but without the massive help from our suppliers, it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as successful. So I’d like to say a big thank you to Wendy, Charles and Linda for all their hard work and help.

My next big project for this year is to get our shop online. With this in mind, this will be my last article as I’m moving over to let someone else have a go. Thank you for the opportunity to show you all a little window into the ups and downs of our business. Happy New Year and Happy Selling!

Lizzy Braine works in family run cookshop, The Kitchen Shop, Lichfield, with her sister Vicky Woolston and parents Barry and Hilary Woolston.

Progressive Housewares

25

26_PH_JAN_FEB 2015 12/01/2015 10:34 Page 1

Visit the DKB stand at Spring Fair & Ambiente Spring Fair 31 Jan-5 Feb Hall 9 D76-77 Ambiente 13-17 Feb Hall 1.2 J50 Contact 01252 522 322 To book an appointment

MASTER OF ASIAN COOKING

27 Tony's Take_45 15/01/2015 11:09 Page 27

TONY’STAKE OUR INDUSTRY MAN STATESIDE

Cast iron connections Cast iron cookware was essential for US colonialists and cowboys and now its ‘de rigour’ for trendy up-cyclers. Ex-pat and former housewares distributor, Tony Boulton has found a new affinity for cast iron in his home in Texas (having shunned the material on Design & Grace, his ecommerce site, due to its shipping costs.) He also reveals that the material is indispensable for US Southern-style cooking.

S

ince I first fell in love with a Wüsthof

she had acquired called Southern Cast

many other southern favourites like shrimp

knife, I have been a huge fan of

Iron. It carries the banner ‘Special

étouffée, fried catfish, creamed corn and

stainless steel. Of course, so has the

Collector's Issue’ (and as my dear wife

good ol' patty melts.

rest of the world over the last decade or so

collects both books and magazines, this

– and it has been a major bonus for

edition was perfect for her.)

cookshop retailers and large appliance

I never realised how darned cheap cast iron is - I mean the raw pig iron version

As it always my aim to show my love for

here, as opposed to elegant enamelled

manufacturers. But I have suddenly been

her, I started to do some research and was

European products. Whatever the price, it

drawn towards the beauty and practicality

intrigued and surprised by the importance

still doesn't work well if you have to send it

of cast iron. As some readers may

of the cast iron skillet to the whole

to a customer by post, but the basic cast

remember, I was involved with the Staub

Southern cooking tradition. But truth to

iron skillet is a steal (pardon the pun).

company back some years ago – helping

tell, it comes into its own when used for

What is even more exciting was

introduce it to some of the new cookshops

specialities with which I was very unfamiliar

discovering a neat little website from

that were opening up in the 1990s. Since I

before I crossed the Atlantic. I'm talking

where you can buy – for somewhat of a

have lived in Texas for over a decade, I

about things like chicken fried steak,

premium price – ‘vintage and antique

have become aware of how important cast

blackened fish, cornbread and one of my

collectible cast iron cookware’. There's a

iron cookware was back in the days of the Old West, for example, the heritage of slow cooking using the ubiquitous ‘Dutch

favourites, the grilled cheese sandwich.

company in Florida that restores old pans right down to the bare metal, re-seasons

But the list

them and offers them with full details of

Oven’. There are claims that this casserole

does not

age and condition. That ought to please

pot was invented by Paul Revere

stop there

the environmentally conscious!

(industrialist, metal worker and famous

and this

patriot in the American Revolution), but as

exciting

beloved with a smart new Lodge skillet

an adopted Texan, I suspect this is just a

new

from the local store or do I take my chance

Yankee tale.

addition

on a freshly seasoned antique piece from

The other day, my wife surprised me by announcing that she “needed” a cast iron skillet (that's a frying pan where I come

to our magazine collection has

So now I'm torn. Do I surprise my dearly

the 1930s? Run the gauntlet and head for the mall or pay shipping to the antique cast iron specialist? It's a tough call for

from, but these days I'm

someone who likes supporting

bilingual). I am familiar

local business, but makes a

with cast iron for

living from e-commerce. Either

slow cooking, but

way, the trend towards

it seems that a

industrial looking furnishings and

skillet has many

repurposed items in the home

other uses that I

sits comfortably with one of the

had never realised. The

most basic cooking utensils money can buy.

source of my

As you can seek I am a

wife's new

convert. I think I've joined

enthusiasm

the new iron age.

for cooking was a magazine

Left: Man of iron - Tony Boulton with a piece of cast cookware.

Progressive Housewares

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Lesser & Pavey will be showcasing a great new range of tinware at this year’s Spring Fair. Available in a new colourway - Sage Tin, with Pastry Cutters, Cat and Dog Food Tins in a new shape and Cake Tin, to mention a few of the select items to the new range. This range is just part of the extensive ranges Lesser & Pavey offers for the home and kitchen, as well as gifts to suit all.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 E-mail: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Hall 5 Stand C04/D03

Charles Viancin will be launching its new Butterfly Collection of lids, coasters and accessories at Spring Fair 2015. Inspired by nature, the new Charles Viancin Butterfly Collection includes three Butterfly Lids from 15-28cm in three different colours, four bottle stoppers, four coasters, six drink markers and four pairs of drink covers. All products are available in various colours.

Charles Viancin Tel: 01280 841333 Email: salesuk@charlesviancin.com Web: www.charlesviancin.com Hall 8 Stand D1/E1

A burst of colour will be the striking feature of BHL’s latest glassware collection by Luminarc. One exciting addition is the stackable ‘Storing Jar’ which features a colorful BPA free airtight lid and a durable, dishwasher safe glass container. Available in two sizes and three vibrant colours to mix and match, the Storing Jar offers a sleek storage solution, which will brighten up any kitchen.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 2763459 E-mail: websales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B60/C51

Wildflowers servingware from Maxwell Williams is inspired by the palette of a cottage garden in the Spring. Each piece is intricately patterned with garlands of tulips, daffodils and daisies within borders of soft aqua tones. Delicate in appearance, but made from high quality ceramic, the Wildflowers range is dishwasher-safe for easy entertaining. Selected pieces are available beautifully gift-boxed – in case you can give it away!

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk Hall 8 Stand D11/C12

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Progressive Housewares

T&G celebrates its 40th year in the Housewares industry with some exciting new products at this year’s Spring Fair. On show will be the new ‘Loaf & Larder’ collection with its natural and elegant clean lines – featuring hand painted ceramics and raw oak. There are also some amazing new items in ‘Pride of Place’, you won’t be disappointed! New for 2015 are a selection of CrushGrind® mills including the new Delia Online mills, a new range of salt, pepper and spice mills. These mills are all unique in design combined with excellence in function and quality.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com Hall 9 Stand F30/G11

p28-33-Spring Fair_Cookware 15/01/2015 18:06 Page 29

Alongside the Tru-Stone range, RKW will also showcase a new line in Morphy Richards Sensor Bins that will form part of the expanded Morphy Richards Accents range featuring Translucent Metallic Red, Plum, Black and Stainless Steel variants, and solids in Cream, Blue, Barley, Sage and White. Sensor Bins are also now available in the Chroma range.

RKW Tel: 0844 826 9361 Web: www.rkwltd.com Hall 9 Stand K10/L11

Tradestock will be unveiling two magnificent new Royal Mail collections - British Birds and British Butterflies, on its new stand in Hall 5. Presented across a selection of tabletop and giftware items, including FreeForm® (shown here), British Birds features vivid illustrations of four distinctive, and much loved birds, whilst British Butterflies features delicate hand-painted illustrations of these enchanting garden visitors. In addition to these new ranges, the company will present some striking new designs from both Howard Shooter and the in-house design team across a host of tableware, kitchenware and giftware.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk Hall 5 Stand J41

The Fresh Air compost collector lets oxygen flow through kitchen waste, keeping it drier and allowing aerobic breakdown to happen more slowly with less smells. Biodegradable waste bags available. The Scrap Happy collector is perfect for the smaller kitchen, hang it over a drawer, scoop scraps into it and pop into the freezer until you have time to dispose of it. Helping the planet has never been so easy!

PHA Kitchenessentials Web: www.phakitchenessentials.co.uk Tel: 0151 651 2265 Hall 9 Stand H55

Known for its feminine and exclusive eclectic designs, Monsoon’s Dinnerware Collection blends together the exotic allure of eastern colour and prints with a western bohemian style and influence. Combined with Denby’s expertise and manufacturing ceramics for over 200 years, ‘Filigree’ and ‘Kyoto’ are stylish, practical and durable and the entire range can be used in the oven, dishwasher, microwave and freezer.

Denby Tel: 01773 740715 Web: www.denby.co.uk Hall 9 Stand C10/D11

The Cookware expert, Stellar, has taken a fresh approach to its new stainless steel cookware collection Stellar TATE, resulting in an innovative high performance range, which offers added benefits for safety and storage. Unique to Stellar Tate is the perfectly flat lid, enabling pans to easily and draining is safer and easier as integral to the lid is a handle that locks to the main pan handle.

The range is built to Stellar’s high standards with a 5mm forged thermic base, which is optimised for use on an induction hob and yet operates efficiently on all other hobs too.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.stellarcookware.co.uk Hall 9 Stand A24/B25

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Brand new for 2015 from Anniversary House are two licensed ranges. The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and Paddington Bear™ themed ranges. The co-ordinated ranges include favourite product types such as Hand Made in the UK Sugarcraft, Cake Frills, Resin Cake Toppers, Edible Wafer Toppers, Cello Bags, Cookie Cutters, Disposable Tableware and more!

Anniversary House Tel: 01202 590222 Web: Web: www.creativepartyltd.com Hall 9 Stand B40 /C41

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the iconic Vintage Kitchen, Typhoon introduces the new Vintage Americana storage with co-ordinating beech wood range. Clay, green and yellow get an American makeover with the ice colours inspired by a retro era. With high quality materials and advanced production techniques, this range has been created to withstand the rigours of everyday life, and look striking in any kitchen.

Rayware – Typhoon Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.rayware.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B10/C11

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Progressive Housewares

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Tower Vacuum Jars from RKW keep food fresher for longer thanks to their unique pumpaction vacuum system. As well as storing perishables, the Tower Vacuum Storage Jars are great for marinating, as the lack of air within the containers means that sauces and marinades are absorbed faster than when using conventional containers. Their lightweight polycarbon construction also means that the jars are suitable for freezer and use.

RKW Tel: 0844 826 9361 Web: www.rkwltd.com Hall 9 Stand K10/L11

Sweetly Does It Edibles introduces a tasty new dimension to the growing brand, with an extensive collection of edible decorations for adding fun, sparkle or a personal touch to cakes of all kinds. From ready to roll flavoured icing and dazzling metallic coloured sugar sheets to sprinkles shaped like cars, stars, balls and strands. There are themed and festive decorations, glitter and even marker pens to personalise treats, and the spectrum of colour, from pastels and brights to bolds and shimmers helps create a rainbow of delight.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk Hall 9 Stand G24/H25

Charles Viancin will be launching their new Grape Collection of lids, coasters & accessories at Spring Fair 2015.

Inspired by nature, the new Charles Viancin Grape Collection features a distinctive green colour along with purple grapes and includes 3 x lids, a pair of drink covers, drink markers, bottle stoppers and pourer & stopper.

Charles Viancin Tel: 01280 841333 E-mail: salesuk@charlesviancin.com Web: www.charlesviancin.com Hall Stand D1/E1

A simply timeless addition to the White Basics ranges, White Rose classic white dinnerware recalls the romantic style of the world’s most beloved flower. Its softly scalloped edges will add grace and elegance to any table, as stand-alone pieces or styled together as part of the set. Made from prestige porcelain and is dishwasher safe.

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk Hall 8 Stand D11/C12

Heritage houseware brand Tower is set to capitalize on the success of its national TV advertising Cerasure cookware campaign by unveiling a revolutionary new ceramic non-stick cookware range - ‘Cerastone’. The premium Cerastone range offers unrivalled efficiency and best-in-class non-stick properties thanks to a unique manufacturing process that uses four variants of stone to create the Cerastone coating. The particles in the coating not only raises the foodstuffs to prevent sticking, but also enhances heat distribution for more efficient cooking.

RKW Tel: 0844 826 9361 Web: www.rkwltd.com Hall 9 Stand K10/L11

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HL will be launching an exclusive new collection of premium cool bags from Thermos® at this year’s Spring Fair. From individual to family size, the new Essentials and Freeport ranges are the ultimate outdoor accessory, and have been designed with high performance Thermos® technology to maximize the freshness of your food and drink. Combined with useful features such as PVC free heat-sealed lining, a quick access lid and an adjustable shoulder strap, these built to last cool bags will meet the demands of every adventure.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 2763459 E-mail: websales@bhlgroup.co.uk Website: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B60/C51

Two new collections join the successful partnership: ‘Monsoon Home Dinnerware Collection by Denby’, each having it’s own unique character and style: ‘Filigree’ is a delicate pattern with soft modern curves adorned in silver scrolls inspired by traditional ornaments on fine cream china whilst ‘Kyoto’ is an oriental inspired floral in soft watercolours of aqua and blue with bolder tangerine and pink on fine cream china. Both ranges include pieces for eating, drinking and serving.

Denby Tel: 01773 740715 Web: www.denby.co.uk Hall 9 Stand C10/D11

Snips® designs, and produces a fantastic range of innovative storage containers offering essential items for everyday use; from the Take Away ice range and Cake Design to the Fresh Savers. Snips® manufactures all items in Italy, believing this is necessary to obtain maximum quality in every aspect of a product.

ICTC Tel. 01603 488019 Web: www.ictc.co.uk Hall 9 Stand D80/E81

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Progressive Housewares

Make an ice pop friend with Zoku’s charming new Character Pops. These individual moulds make it fun and easy to create healthy ice pops in the shape of your favourite character with eight to collect including; turtle, hedgehog, frog, princess and more, all on show at Spring Fair.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4682 Web: www.burton-mccall.co.uk Hall 9 Stand D60/E61

Brand new for 2015 from Anniversary House is a range of Kitchen Tools and Icing Equipment. This brand new range of useful Kitchen Tools are supplied in shelf ready tub displays – perfect for stimulating countertop impulse purchases! The Icing Tools are headercarded, ready for display and the Piping Icing Starter Set comes presented in a luxury box and provides you with everything you need to ice beautiful cakes.

Anniversary House Tel: 01202 590222 Web: Web: www.creativepartyltd.com Hall 9 Stand B40 /C41

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2015 2 100 exhibitors from over 40 countries 60.000 professional attendees from over 125 countries

Established in 1830, de Buyer offers over 2,000 products to over 95 countries around the world. TICCuk is proud to have been appointed UK distributors for de Buyer and will be featuring many of its best selling lines at the Spring Fair, including the ever popular Mineral range of wax coated pans, the new Kobra hand held Mandolines (both pictured) and the beautiful Prima Matera Copper cookware, which is suitable for use on all cookers including induction.

TICCuk Tel: 07714835915 Hall 9 Stand A77

Source from leading housewares manufacturers and suppliers worldwide – innovative new products not yet available at European or Asian shows.

ProďŹ t from inspiring ideas and qualiďŹ ed partnerships – ďŹ rst-class learning and networking opportunities for both independent specialty retailers and corporate buyers.

7 – 10 March Chicago, USA

Show information and free online pre-registration for visitors: www.housewares.org/attend for exhibitors: www.housewares.org/exhibit

The new Kilner vintage preserve jars are must-haves for any preserve lover, whether a beginner or at a more advanced level.

Designed by Kilner with a vertically-ribbed vintage styling on the exterior, these elegant jars are also suitable for general storage in and around the home as well as for gifting. Available in 250ml, 500ml and one-litre capacities.

Rayware – Kilner Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.rayware.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B10/C11

For more information, contact: IHA UK OfďŹ ce, Pam Plant Tel: +44 777 4 132199 Email: pamplant@btinternet.com

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Can you smell that rich aroma‌ of success? (delivered by JURA coffee machines)

JURA has become a synonym for the perfect coffee experience. Designed and engineered in Switzerland, JURA speciality machines prepare sophisticated coffees to suit any taste. By using technology intelligently, JURA creates products that are genuinely progressive, including energy efficiency.

JURA machines have won many accolades for their outstanding technology and futuristic designs. All it takes is the touch of a button and you can enjoy freshly ground, freshly extracted coffee at any time of the day. With the help of the latest technology you can even prepare trendy specialities such as cappuccino and latte macchiato.

JURA UK are actively looking for quality retailers who can embrace, market and sell our top end, luxury bean-to-cup JURA coffee machines. Please contact David Naylor, Commercial Manager to discuss what you can bring to the JURA brand in the UK.

t: 01282 868266 david.naylor@uk.jura.com JURA Products Ltd, Vivary Mill, Vivary Way, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 9NW. f: 01282 863411 w: juraproducts.com

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La Cafetiere features The Monaco, a strikingly modern French press, crafted of clear glass with an enamel frame and a stainless steel plunger. It features simple, crisp lines that form geometric shapes and brews up to eight cups of rich, fresh coffee. The Monaco comes in Retro Blue, Pistachio, Black, Cream and Red. A Cafetiere is a simple way of brewing freshly ground coffee, so you can drink in style wherever you are.

Creative Tps Tel: 01536 207 756 E-mail: press@creative-tops.com Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 9 Stand G10

The Historic Royal Palaces Collection introduces two ranges designed by acclaimed British designer William Edwards, celebrating a unique collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces.* Inspired by the iconic Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, each of the two ranges, crafted from fine bone china, offers a five piece place setting of side plate, dinner plate, rim soup and cup and saucer. There are also individually hat-boxed items including teapots, mugs, cups and saucers, and each range is available in three colourways. Maxwell & Williams add the finishing touch to this important Collection, with a selection of gold-plated cutlery.

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk Hall 8 Stand C12/D11

At Spring Fair 2015, Elia will be promoting its Linear cutlery range.

Linear is a stylish, contemporary pattern, made from 18/10 stainless steel with delicate, elongated handles. The range includes a full place setting, coffee spoons and fish cutlery. Linear complements all table settings, owing to its elegant design and shiny mirror finish. It is available for sale per piece or in a 24-piece gift-box cutlery set.

Elia International Tel: 0208 998 2100 E-mail: Sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk Hall 9 Stand C30

Confetti Embossed is the stylish new kitchenware collection from Beau & Elliot, the boutique brand from Navigate. The new range includes three sizes of large oven-to-table serving dishes, presentation bowls/fruit bowls, large presentation plates, mugs and an elegant water jug, embossed with the company’s signature hearts design in an off-white glazed finish. Other complementing pieces include ceramic and glass storage jars with or without lids, and in various sizes. Navigate has also added to its lunch category with new designs across insulated satchels, lunch tote bags, flasks and hydration bottles.

Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 E-mail: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.co.uk Hall 6 Stand G22/H23

Meyer is making an exciting return to this year’s NEC for Spring Fair 2015, bringing with it two industry experts and a stable full of new products and home concepts to showcase. The world renowned Michelin starred chef, Raymond Blanc will be cooking up some culinary delights at 2.30pm on 2nd February, while cake decorating expert Juliet Sear will be creating some delightful treats throughout the day on Wednesday 3rd. Visitors to the Meyer stand can also leave their business cards for the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win an Ipad Air. Meyer Group Tel: 0151 482 8000 Hall 9 Stand F44/G25

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The classic and quality made Peugeot mill makes the perfect gift this Christmas. The variety of mills feature Peugeot’s precision engineered grinding mechanisms with a lifetime guarantee. The u’Select range lets you choose the grind from six settings with a simple turn - this is available in the traditional Paris collection, which sits beautifully well in any home.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 2344611/22 Hall 9 Stand D60-E61

Made from durable, high quality stainless steel, this superb Studio three-piece cookware set from BergHOFF features a revolutionary four-layer sandwich base with copper centre, which provides fast and energy efficient cooking. The large ergonomic stay-cool handles offer a safe comfortable grip and the glass lids, complete with steam vents, make it easy to monitor the food during cooking without having to remove the lids which can result in a loss of heat and valuable nutrients. The set is stylishly packaged in a colourful, informative gift box.

BergHOFF Tel: 01280 703335 E-mail: uksales@berghoffworldwide.com Web: www.berghoffworldwide.com Hall 9 Stand C40/D41

The new MegaBowl is a game-changing, all in one, manual food preparation and mixing bowl system, with a triple slicer, coarse grater and finger guard/food pusher. The MegaBowl forms the core of the new 360 system, making light work of food preparation and mixing. The unique revolving mechanism makes preparation fast, efficient and effective. Other items in the 360 system include an integrated fine grater, ‘GrateMate’, a herb/pizza cutting wheel ‘Wheelie’, and an apple wedger ‘Wedgie’, along with a sifter, ‘NiftySift’ and rotary whisk, ‘Whizzi’.

Dexam Tel: 01730 811899 E-mail: sales@dexam.co.uk Web: www.dexam.co.uk Hall 9 Stand D53

Creative Tops is pleased to present The Toile tea party. This set is designed so individual pieces can be mixed and matched together to create the ultimate heritage collection.

The elegantly shaped tea cups and saucers feature illustrations adapted from a 19th century printed textile book and the patterns have been lovingly enhanced to create stunning oversized illustrations as seen on the Ovey Chintz side plate, or delicately arranged, as seen on the Dutch Garland tea cup.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207 756 E-mail: press@creative-tops.com Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 9 Stand G10

The Cascade Mugs by Denby are a new stand-alone mug collection show casing some of its most popular glazes, featuring a unique ‘raindrop’ relief pattern, which the glaze cascades around to create a striking effect. Available in nine different colourways; Azure, Imperial Blue, Jet, Pavilion, Orchard, Veranda, Portico, Piazza and Fountain - each member of the family can choose their favourite!

Cascade Mugs have all the inherent qualities of Denby, being safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer.

Denby Tel: 01773 740715 Web: www.denby.co.uk Hall 9 Stand C10/D11

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37_PH_JAN_FEB 2015 12/01/2015 10:37 Page 1

Birmingham Spring Fair 1st - 5th February 20 1 5 Hall 8, Stand No. C12/D11 w w w .m axw ellan dwilliams .co.uk

38-39-40-41 Retail Barometer 2015_v8_Grid 16/01/2015 10:38 Page 38

The independent picture In demanding and competitive trading conditions, independent cookshops and housewares retailer have been pulling out the stops to get themselves noticed – with social networking and show-stopping displays among their priorities. While 2014 saw mixed experiences for indies (60% up or level vs 40% down), 94% expect to grow or remain the same in the year ahead. PH explores the findings of the CHA and PH’s 10th Retail Barometer survey.

2014’s Retail Barometer readings Looking back

businesses in 2014 was ‘new products’, followed by ‘promotional activity.’ Suppliers, keep it coming!

Towards the end of 2014, the CHA and PH sent out Retailers clearly seized the opportunity to spruce up to get its 10th Retail Barometer survey to all of bira’s their shops noticed last year. Partial makeovers were the order cookshop and housewares members in order to of the day for 2014, with a third of respondents citing ‘new shop create a current picture of life as an independent units’ as an area of investment, followed closely by external decoration.

– the highs, lows, frustrations and hopes.

Website development came in behind these (even though this had been ‘Tough’ is the word most used to tipped as the priority area by 2013’s respondents). However, people power describe housewares - according to was considered as important as online presence, with an equal number respondents who were asked for just one word to citing ‘extra staff training’ as a key investment for 2014. sum up the industry - ahead of ‘challenging’, and other External decoration was Themes among the high points of the business year for Retail Barometer popular descriptors including ‘changing,’‘competitive’ Above: the second most popular investment in shops in 2014. respondents included increases in sales, awards, new products and suppliers, and, equally,‘innovative’.

Top: Bakeware sales were stable for most in 2014. Image from a and being valued by customers (for example:“the loyalty of my customers,” At the end of 2013, some 47% of the Retail card by Hallmark. “continual positive tweets and personal comments from local people,” and Barometer respondents for that year predicted that “Being told by shoppers that we are important in their community.”). their business would grow in 2014, while a further 50% anticipated stability.

Common ‘lows’ include sales drops at particular times of the year and The results of the recent survey, however, were not so healthy – while Independent view: Independent openings of new shopping developments or competitors in the local area.

34% did in fact fare better than the view: “We need a campaign to previous year, 26% remained steady get VAT down to 17.5% - the Growth while sadly, 40% did worse. On a extra 2.5% is a stealth tax that is PH asked cookshop and housewares positive note, the customer average retailers for their expectations of 2015 killing the industry.” spend increased for 29% - and remained stable for the majority (see figures below).

Growth 47% The consensus among the indies was that ‘changing consumer habits (lower footfall and the trend towards increased online shopping), followed by Decline 6% ‘discounting by online retailers’ were the factors most commonly cited as having had a detrimental effect on their business in 2014, with the general Same 47% economic climate and parking issues too having been major dampeners on trade. Meanwhile, the overriding main positive factor affecting independent

How has your business fared over the last year?

PH looks back at the last three years of Retail Barometer data:

2014 vs 2013 Better 34.4% Same 25.0% Worse 40.6%

38

2013 vs 2012 Better 42.9% Same 17.1% Worse 40.0%

Progressive Housewares

2012 vs 2011 Better 15.6% Same 15.6% Worse 68.8%

The average spend per customer Reviewing the last three years:

2014 vs 2013 Increased 29.0% Same 51.6% Decreased 19.4%

2013 vs 2012 Increased 39.4% Same 39.4% Decreased 21.2%

2012 vs 2011 Increased 15.6% Same 34.4% Declined 50.0%

38-39-40-41 Retail Barometer 2015_v8_Grid 16/01/2015 10:38 Page 39

The independent picture

Getting attention Similar to the previous year, social networking is the most widely used means of promotion as independent cookshops and housewares retailers make use of the likes of Twitter, Facebook and blogs to build up customer loyalty and shout about new products, events and offers (see Top promotional tools list).

Discount promotions were key in 2014 – jumping from the joint 10th marketing mechanism in the previous report to the second most popular means of promotion or advertising. Further proof that the consumer wants more for their money is that ‘free gift’ promotions now appear on the list too – in joint sixth place.

If it is not discounts and added value purchases, then it is added excitement that was needed to woo shoppers in the last year. In-store theatre was more significant in 2014, with cookery events and demonstrations the fourth most popular means of promoting stores.

Meanwhile, press advertising continues to feature strongly, taking third place on the list. Customer evenings and charity fundraising were initiatives adopted by a large number of respondents, while several individual respondents emphasised the importance of fortnightly window changes to grab customer attention, as well as “deep discount” sales and a “fiver fest” promotion.

Top promotional tools

The most popular promotional or advertising initiatives in 2014 were: 1 – Social networking 2 - In-store discount promotions 3 - Press advertising 4 – Cookery events and demonstrations 5 - Collaboration with other retailers 6 = Direct mail/leaflet campaign 6 = Free gift promotions 7 = Gift voucher scheme 7 = Web advertising 7 = E-newsletter Note: Respondents were asked to indicate all initiatives used in 2014.

Inset: One respondent cited the refit at a nearby Sainsbury’s as a lowpoint for their business in 2014.

Below: Popular appeal - preserving products from Kilner.

What’s on the wishlist?

The jambusters Preserving is the one category that shone in 2014, showing growth for over half of the independent cookshops and housewares retailers in the Retail Barometer and stability for the rest (see table page 40). (In the previous Retail Barometer the category had also grown for over half or respondents).

Continuing on the ‘make it yourself’ front, cake decorating was a mixed story (having boomed in recent Barometers). In 2014, a majority experienced growth, but equal sets of 31% experienced stability or decline. The latter is also a reflection that sales related to the home baking boom slowed in comparison to previous Barometers. For the first year in the decade of Retail Barometers, bakeware did not show overall growth as a category. In 2014, it remained stable for the majority (63%), but still grew for 30%.

Non-stick cookware and Tools and Gadgets are also stronger categories overall – with the majority of respondents reporting stability and fewer experiencing decline.

The ‘growth’ categories added to the list by individual respondents were gift food and greeting cards. Meanwhile, the weakest category overall for respondents was cast iron cookware, with 70% reporting decline in sales (back in 2013, some 54% experienced decline).

When asked, ‘If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change about the UK housewares industry today?’ the most popular responses (mentioned by almost a quarter of respondents) relate to the internet.

While some indies would banish the internet altogether, others would eliminate Amazon or online only retailers, or ban online discounting, or charge rates to internet retailers.

The second most popular focus for change is supermarkets – wishes vary from stopping supermarkets selling housewares altogether to stopping them selling branded products or discounting, or simply to have fewer supermarkets! After this, the next most popular wish would be to stop suppliers from selling direct to consumers.

Some wishes would be spent influencing perceptions to affect changes in behaviour. For example, one respondent would give all members of the housewares industry “the ability to see cause and effect,” while another would focus on the minds of UK consumers, and: “Educate people so they understand and value quality kitchenware in the same way they do in the rest of Europe.” This retailer elaborates: “People here will happily spend £100 on a bottle of wine that they will have drunk in an hour, but won't spend it on a saucepan that will last a lifetime! They do in Europe!”

Independent view: “I don’t think anybody today actually knows what the market will look like in six months, never mind next year. We are all in a period which the changes have very little to do with the established industry movers and shakers.”

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The independent picture

Independent view: “Business rates for bricks and mortar retailers have got to change immediately; otherwise more and more established shops will shut up, thereby effecting communities and isolating people who are unable to use the internet. We (independents) are an integral part of society, where often we are the only contact the elderly have with 'real people'.”

Sector by sector in 2014?

Category Bakeware Barware Cake decorating Cast iron cookware Casual dining Ceramic non-stick Children’s products Glassware Knives Mugs Non-stick cookware Oven to tableware Preserving Small electricals Stainless steel cookware Storage containers Textiles Tools and gadgets Waste management

Growth 30% 11% 38% 8% 11% 39% 24% 16% 31% 20% 18% 14% 56% 22% 11% 38% 21% 27% 27%

Stable 63% 39% 31% 22% 36% 42% 41% 47% 38% 47% 67% 48% 44% 43% 57% 41% 54% 63% 54%

Decline 7% 50% 31% 70% 53% 19% 35% 37% 31% 33% 15% 38% 0% 35% 32% 21% 25% 10% 19%

The internet’s effect in 2014

The Retail Barometer asked: How do you regard the internet’s effect on your business?

Negative influence 52% Positive influence 10% Neutral 3% Mixed feelings 35%

Independent view: “In spite of the very hard times we are having, I feel that the housewares industry is a delightful one.”

Below: Cookshop categories illustrated on Abraxas’ ecommerce site home page. Illustrations do not infer participation in The Retail Barometer.

Competing for consumers Independent retailers’ concerns about suppliers that are selling directly to consumers have not abated since 2013. Some 61% of the 2014 Retail Barometer respondents regard the practise of selling directly as a serious threat, with a further 36% seeing it as a threat.

Views on supermarkets’ expansion into non-food are not taken lightly with 87% seeing them as a threat (52%) or serious threat (35%).

In 2014, considerably more independents regard the internet’s effect on their business as negative than in recent Retail Barometers - 52% (see pie chart above) as opposed to 37% in 2013 (and 25% in 2012). Those who are

experiencing an overall positive effect from the internet dipped from 17% in 2013 to 10% in 2014.

Meanwhile, the growth of discount websites is regarded as a serious threat by 48% and as a threat by a further 45%.

Independent view: “It's all about footfall, ours is down by about 7% and our sales are down by a similar figure. However we have got customers to spend more and our average transaction value is up significantly, but not enough to offset fewer customers. Long term looks tough. It's not all going to internet though as I believe they are having a tough time too.”

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Window for the world An equal number of respondents’ websites are primarily for information or advertising as those that are primarily for the purpose of ecommerce sales. For example, one retailer describes its website’s purpose as: “to add value to customers ie recipes and tips.”

While some respondents mention their positive sales via Amazon, another respondent’s comments reflect the costs of commitment in ecommerce, stating the purpose of their website has been “to cost a lot of money, make no profit and give me sleepless nights!”

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The independent picture Right: Getting noticed – an eye catching window from Kitchens, winner of last year’s Excellence in Retail Display (Independent) Award in the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards.

Looking ahead: 2015 and beeyond Nearly half (47%) of Retail Barometer respondents look forward to growth for their business in 2015, while the same expect business to remain about the same as 2014. Physical shops appear determined to attract consumers’ attention in the year ahead: display is the main focus of business improvements for 2014’s Retail Barometer respondents (cited by 40%). Getting noticed online with website developments is another priority, followed closely by marketing and then physical shop improvements. After these come improvements in customer events and staff training. Other speculative improvements include expansions, and, for one growing online and physical retailer to “Increase sales channels and look at pop-up shops.”

Looking further ahead, there is now more uncertainty about the longer- term future for independents than in previous Retail Barometers (see pie chart below).There is a shift from those who are ‘positive’ about the future of independent cookshops and housewares retailers in the next 10 years to those that say there are ‘neutral’ (regarding the future as neither positive or weak). Some 40% express neutral views, with 27% still ‘positive’ (these figures reflect a reverse of those that were ‘neutral’ and ‘positive’ about the next ten years in the 2013 and 2012 Retail Barometers).

Below: Busy aisles at Spring Fair.

The future?

How do you view the future of the independent housewares retailer or cookshop in the next ten years?

Positive 27% Very weak 3% Neutral 40% Weak 30%

And finally…helpers and hinderers

Face to face sourcing The importance of sales reps and agents is reflected in the Retail Barometer, with 97% of independent retailers citing these as one of their sources of new products. However the importance of exhibitions is also clear – some 89% of respondents cite these as a route to new products (creeping up from 84% in 2013). Feedback from customers has risen in significance when it comes to stocking new products, with 62% claiming that this influences product sourcing.

Respondents were asked to indulge in a little wishful thinking with the question: which celebrity or well-known figure (living today) would you most like to work voluntarily in your business for a week? Top of the list comes doyenne of baking, Mary Berry (who turns 80 in March). It is no surprise that cookshops would like Mary to help them attract custom – as PH went to press, the queen of home cooking and Great British Bake Off judge was a finalist in the National TV Awards’ (along with other TV judges, Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini). Moreover, Mary had two cookbooks in the top 10 Christmas bestsellers and Bake Off enjoyed its highest ever viewing Above: George Clooney with figures last year.

Nespesso coffee (pictured in the brand’s latest TV campaign).

For those that did not choose Mary to work in their business, George Clooney and Jamie Oliver were equal runners-up.

One respondent stated that George would be serving coffee – who better?

Respondents were also asked which celebrity or well-known figure they would least like to work in their business for a week. Russell Brand topped the ‘least loved’ followed by (not hired) Alan Sugar.

What’s your mantra?

‘Keep serving and keep smiling,’ ‘Service! Service! Service!’ and ‘Make someone smile today’ are among the business mantras for independent cookshops – a majority included references to good service and smiling. Among other cookshop mantras is: ‘Be positive, be polite, be practical, be open minded to change.’

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Market focus

Hot stuff

What’s happening in cookware this spring?

PH opens the oven door and hovers over the hob to provide a preview of some of the hottest new developments in pots and pans.

Inset: New Intuition stainless steel from Tefal.

Below: Made of tough stuff – Cerastone.

Tefal puts the pressure on

Tower’s solid collection

Pressure cooking is one of Tefal’s major stories for 2015, with the introduction of three new pressure cookers. The brand will be actively raising awareness of this fast cooking method, with new resources for retailers and consumers, including interesting, accessible pressure cooker recipes.

Marketing manager, Stefan Kaczmarczyk anticipates plenty more converts for the method of “uninvolved cooking” that creates “phenomenal results with intense flavours” and which “saves time and money with the use of cheaper cuts of meat.”

Tefal is also relaunching its whole Jamie Oliver range across substrates, with a new curvaceous “modern, streamlined” handle, improved coatings and refreshed packaging.

Besides this,“stainless steel is big for us this year,” admits Stefan, with two new ranges.“It’s a substrate that’s about style and aesthetics,” he adds.

Heritage houseware brand Tower from RKW promises a “showstopper” with its Spring Fair launch of Cerastone cookware, featuring “the first truly ceramic coating.” Steve Galbraith, Tower’s housewares buying director states: “Cerastone marks a great leap forward in non-stick cookware and offers improved functionality and efficiency to kitchens, both commercial and domestic.” He explains: “Cerastone is made up of a mix of organic and inorganic materials, which are

Present and future cooking with Tefal ● Cookware was up around 2% last year vs 2013 for Tefal, according to Groupe SEB’s Stefan Kaczmarczyk, who anticipates similar growth this year. ● While the UK’s cooking culture is improving, there is room for improvement, Stefan speculates. “The UK is the capital of watching cooking programmes, but it doesn't translate into people who can cook!” he exclaims. However, focus groups suggest a prevailing attitude that buying “a decent pan” will help the end result. ● According to Stefan, more consumer education is needed as “a lot of shoppers don’t know if they need to replace a pan, even if the coating is cracked and peeling.” ● Diverse cuisines are far more common, Stefan reflects, but: “There are lots of ways of cooking that haven’t hit us yet.” ● Meanwhile, Indian cooking is growing for all types of consumers, with sales of Tefal’s Madras collection “going through the roof’ in 2014 and peaking after repeats of Rick Stein’s India TV programme. ● The Stir-fry is Tefal’s best selling piece of non-stick cookware. “If we ask a focus group what six pieces of cookware they would take to a dessert island, it will include a stir fry,” states Stefan. ● Ideal pans of the future envisaged by Tefal’s focus groups include “smart pans that tell you when you are starting to brown!”

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totally PTFE and PFOA free and safe for the environment when in production and in use.”

The coating can withstand high temperature, is scratch and chip resistant and affords exemplary non-stick qualities from “three unique layers of ceramic/stone,” says Steve.

He highlights that “Cerastone also acts in conjunction with the forged aluminium unibody construction to improve efficiency and heat conductivity ensuring reduced cooking times.” He adds:‘“The Cerastone coating also contains particles that raise the foodstuffs to prevent sticking and making cleaning easier, as well as enabling even heat distribution for more efficient cooking.” Moreover, Steve states that:“Exclusive colouration and pigments within the coating make every piece of cookware very realistic and natural looking to stone.”

Tower will also unveil its new Connect cookware at Spring Fair, featuring detachable handles for space efficiency. Steve reports:“Our extensive market research indicated that aesthetics and storage practicality are two of consumers’ most wanted qualities in cookware and it’s that which inspired us to create the Tower Connect range.”

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Market focus

Right: Small is beautiful – from Staub. New pieces offer the opportunity of accessorising with Staub’s existing cast iron.

Pans people – the latest cookware stories

Original ceramic evolution from GreenPan GreenPan will introduce new collections and additions to its core collections at Ambiente, and celebrates entering its 8th year in the UK market as “the original” ceramic non-stick cookware brand. Darren Murley, GreenPan UK trade sector manager reflects that: “Over that time we’ve seen retailers and consumers really buy into the concept of ceramic non-stick cookware – its healthier cooking properties as well as the whole eco story.” He highlights: “GreenPan was recently listed as one of the top 25 housewares products by leading US industry magazine HomeWorld Business in its 25th anniversary issue, describing the brand as “having helped change the face of the US retail cookware market with its ceramic non-stick coating marketed as a natural, effective alternative to long-standing polymer nonsticks.”” The brand’s third generation Marathon ceramic non-stick coating promises “performance and durability,” while Darren also emphasises the recent innovation of Magneto induction base technology.

Above: No strain to drain with Stellar Tate from Horwood.

Below: GreenPan’s cream-coated induction-compatible Sofia cookware.

• Creative Tops is taking cookware upmarket with its Noir Premium Pans from Sabatier, which launch at Spring Fair. Managing director, Pat Dawson reports: "We've seen a demand for superior investment cookware,” and notes: “Not only does the classic design of the collection bring the brand back to its traditional heritage of superb craftsmanship, the non-stick ceramic coating of each pan requires less oil, offering customers a healthier way of cooking too.”

• Staub (from Zwilling UK) is ‘scaling down’ with its Ambiente launches, which include mini cocottes and ramekins that reflect demand for individually presented portions.

• Cooking at the table is a theme for Kuhn Rikon this year, exploiting the Swiss company’s expertise for fondues and raclettes (with launches at Spring Fair and Ambiente). Edward Margetts, managing director of Kuhn Rikon UK explains that the new mini raclette “uses candlelight to effectively cook and warm food,” and, “While it is mainly for indoor entertaining use, it can also easily be used for outdoor summer activities including camping and caravanning.”

• At Spring Fair, Horwood will reveal a solution to draining with its new Tate range. James Robinson reports: “A common complaint about cookware is storage and safe draining.” He explains: “Stellar Tate pans not only stack due to their unique flat glass lid, but they also drain using just one hand. The lid has a unique handle that extends to lock on to the pan handle, so that, with one single hand, the lid is locked to the pan and liquid can be drained away.”

• Imperial is introducing an Eaziglide non-stick collection featuring Neverstick2, which, explains social media controller, Laura Brown “is seven times stronger than conventional non-stick.” She elaborates: “Neverstick2 withstands 70,000 cycles, as tested by an independent abrasion test. To put this into perspective: other three coat non-stick systems will only withstand 10,000 cycles.” Hence “dry-frying is now possible without needing to add any extra substance like butter or oil,” and, “Food will easily glide across the pan’s surface,” states Laura.

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Market focus Inset: Molten metal, pictured in the casting production line. Le Creuset’s foundry produces some 15,000 whole units of cast iron cookware per day (Monday to Thursday, followed by three days of cleaning at the foundry).

Cast iron in the spotlight

Le Creuset is reinventing cast iron cookware

This year sees a £1m media campaign by Le Creuset to boost cast iron. From March, new consumer advertising will reinforce Le Creuset as a lifestyle brand, with strong visuals that “capitalise on fashion and home interior trends,” explains senior brand manager, Ingrid Lund (see Bloom image above).

In the autumn, Le Creuset will celebrate its heritage and 90th anniversary with consumer events such as a pop-up restaurant and pop-up exhibition. Social media activity will reinforce the emotional bonds that surround the brand, asking consumers for “their most cherished memories with Le Creuset.”

Le Creuset has also announced a collectable limited edition reproduction of its original 1925 cocotte (called Champagne), with a production run of 1,925, to be distributed around the world, each with a number certificated and a bag of sand from the pot’s mould.

In its anniversary year, Le Creuset is also highlighting the high level of craftsmanship involved in its cast iron production. Each casserole goes through 30 pairs of hands. Manual processes include removal of any burrs from rims, and the skilled checking and infilling of any tiny holes.

Le Creuset ‘s launch of its Signature casseroles in February marks the start of a massive year for cast iron. The launch follows some £100m investments into the 90 year-old brand’s foundry at Fresnoy-leGrand in northern France. Doubling capacity at the foundry, there have been major improvements in casting and enamelling. Senior brand manager, Ingrid Lund explains that these developments have enabled a launchpad for “the next level of innovation.” Ingrid also highlights several years of research into Above: Image from Le Creuset’s Bloom campaign, featuring Thinking pink new Signature casseroles in 2015 special colours: Chiffon enhanced cast iron design to Asking the question, ‘What colour is missing from Le Creuset’s Pink, Teal and new Elysees Yellow. Le Creuset’s Neil range?’ via social media prompted the brand’s highest ever “improve the cooking performance.”

McIntosh notes that: “Increasingly young consumers are response rate to a post – some 900 relies in just two hours, mixing colours.”

As a result the new Signature reports head of marketing, Neil McIntosh. ‘Pink’ was the most casserole represents the popular choice, and, as a result, the brand ran a successful online trial of new colour Chiffon Pink. The pastel shade is “remodelling of an icon,” without now one of 2015’s three key colours (pictured above). making dramatic design changes to * Currently, the world’s favourite Le Creuset colour is cerise Who’s cooking? (red), which accounts for 40% of production.

At least 35% of premium cookware is bought as what is known and loved by Le a gift, according to Le Creuset’s head of Creuset fans worldwide, notes marketing, Neil McIntosh. Besides gift seekers, with enhancements including the new enamel.

Ingrid. It is now “more comfortable to grip and Neil notes that key consumer groups for Le Creuset cast iron comprise: brand loyalists – Looking ahead, advances in Le Creuset’s more ergonomic, making lifting easier ” with 45% primarily women aged 35-55 who are cooking enamel technology also enable greater diversity of larger handles (in length rather than width so as to for others, young urbanites (wanting speed, results and style) and “experimental” men (who colour, as well as different textures. Ingrid states: not take up more space). Stylish new stainless steel are eager for impressive results).

“We will be pushing our own boundaries in knobs are slightly bigger and flat topped “as we terms of colours and know people turn the lid upside down when they finishes.”The brand are cooking,” notes Ingrid, while new lids have Inset: Part of the enamelling process at Le Creuset’s foundry. works closely with trend built-in stabilisers to prevent rocking. forecasters and, thanks However, arguably the most significant to greater production development is Le Creuset’s advanced new efficiency (shortening enamel, which is up to 40% more resistant to the time to change thermal shock, 16% more resistant to mechanical colour runs),“can react shock, at least 24% more resistant to enamel and respond erosion, with increased resistance to acid attack more quickly to trends,” from foods like tomatoes, and less absorption from adds head of marketing, foodstuffs (such as curries), reports Ingrid.

Neil McIntosh. The Moreover, the new enamel is at least “45% easier to future looks bright – and clean” with enhanced dishwasher durability, she pastel (see breakout) – adds. Over 2015 and 2016, Signature roasters, for cast iron. skillets, grills and frypans will be introduced – all

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Several of Kuhn Rikon’s ceramic fondues feature traditional Swiss designs hand drawn by its own design team. In contrast, its new black aluminium light-weight model is easy to clean, and cooking food rarely sticks to the surface.

It is a comprehensive collection, including a varied choice of eight fondues in red, black and decorative - five fondue sets, four different burners, transmission plates and accessories including fuel paste and six fork sets.

Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902458410 Web: www.kuhnrikon.com Spring Fair: Hall 9 Stand G40/H41 Ambiente: Hall 3 Floor 1 Stand E10

Ultra-smooth and finished with the Le Creuset ultimate non-stick coating, Toughened Non-Stick offers a comprehensive selection of shapes and sizes enabling you to create quick and simple everyday dishes or more elaborate meals for special occasions. New to the range is a 28cm Wok, ideal for creating delicious dishes healthy stir-frying of meat, fish and vegetables to deepfrying and tempura cooking for delicious, crisp results. Used with a heat-resistant Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Glass Lid (available separately) it is perfect for braising, steaming and boiling too; all popular cooking techniques in Oriental, Asian and European cuisines.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Cookware

The Kenwood Multipro Excel Food Processor and Blender (FPM910) benefits from a powerful 1300W motor and unique ‘Tri-Drive’ system, coupled with a variable speed, pulse and illuminated auto function, enabling total control. The food processor comes with two durable and BPA free Tritan™ bowls, in 4L and 1.6L sizes - which are also dishwasher safe, as well as a 1.6L Thermoresist™ Glass Blender which can withstand extremely hot or cold temperatures. The model also includes an integral weighing function, eliminating the need to swap between scales and the processor – creating more room on the worktop.

Kenwood Tel: 0239 239 2392 Web: www.kenwoodworld.com/uk

Chef is the perfect choice for your core stainless steel range of cookware. One of Beka’s best-selling ranges, Chef ’s practical ergonomic design is combined with quality manufacture and competitive retail pricing.

The encapsulated sandwich base ensures optimal heat conservation and distribution, and the staycool handles ensure safety.

This comprehensive range includes 27 pieces including non-stick fry pan option. The range is suitable for all heat sources including induction and is dishwasher safe.

ICTC Tel: 01603 488019 Web: www.ictc.co.uk

Introducing the new three and five piece Natural Cookware Sets from Judge. Each item is lined with an eco friendly matt grey ceramic coating (Whitford’s acclaimed Fusion), to provide the convenience of easy clean without the associated worries of traditional non-stick – as the coating is both PTFE- and PFOA-free. Stylishly designed, with thick thermic bases, making them suitable for all hob types, stay cool textured phenolic handles, and ovenproof up to 180°C, the Judge Natural pan range delivers environmentally, while being effortlessly functional too.

Horwood Tel: 0117 9400000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

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Cookware

GreenPan cookware was recently listed in the housewares top 25 by leading US title HomeWorld Business, describing the ceramic non-stick brand as “having helped change the face of the US retail cookware market”. GreenPan is looking for similar results in the UK and one of the latest moves is additions to its popular Venice hard anodised collection,, including the buffet casserole pictured here.

GreenPan Tel: 01483 255842 Web: www.green-pan.co.uk

Today’s time pressed consumers are looking for convenience, versatility and durability from their kitchenware and that is exactly what Prestige’s new Stone Quartz collection delivers. The collection’s innovative Stone Quartz non-stick coating features across every category including cookware, bakeware and knives (pictured). The knives are coated in Stone Quartz making them stain and rust proof. Every item in the new collection is guaranteed for life and consumers have a 30-day money back guarantee for added peace of mind.

Meyer Group Tel: 0151 482 8000 Web: visit www.prestige.co.uk

Introducing the three tier Steamers and Steamer insert from Horwood. Available in five different sizes, ranging from a diminutive 16cm for the small kitchen, to the large 24cm set ideal for large families, Stellar’s Premium Steamers are made from stunning 18/10 mirror-polished stainless steel. Each Stellar Three Tier Steamer set contains four components – a base pan with a durable, thermally efficient bottom for quick and even heat distribution, two vented steaming pans with cast helper handles, and a vented glass lid, helping you to stay in control of your cooking.

Horwood Tel 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.stellarcookware.co.uk

Only recently introduced to Europe, tierra negra™ ceramic cookware and tableware has a history stretching back over 700 years in South America. Handmade from natural clays, and with a stunning black satin finish, it is suitable for cooking and serving virtually any foods. It can be used in the oven and over the hob – gas, electric, ceramic or Aga. It can even be used to barbecue food outside over charcoal; and it is also microwave and dishwasher safe.

Scot Columbus Tel: 0131 660 1998 E-mail: info@scotcolumbus.co.uk Web: www.tierranegra.co.uk Another Swiss cooking at the table concept is Kuhn Rikon’s new Mini Raclette, which uses candlelight to effectively cook and warm food. The new Mini Raclette cooking set comes complete with three tea lights, an ergonomic scraper and cooking pan with a non-stick coating. Whilst it is mainly for indoor entertaining use, it can also easily be used for outdoor summer activities including camping and caravanning.

Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902458410 Web: www.kuhnrikon.com Spring Fair: Hall 9 Stand G40/H41 Ambiente: Hall 3 Floor 1 Stand E10

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An exciting Ambiente debut is promised as the next generation FreeForm® is unveiled on the Tradestock stand. FreeForm® Professional elevates the brand to a higher level with Trays (shown here), ‘Hot Plate’ and ‘Prep & Serve’ all created in an exciting and striking combination of high quality bamboo and silicone, fused together seamlessly. The key FreeForm® attributes – versatility, flexibility and function, are all there, however an array of additional features including soft-grip handles and colour, as well as non-slip and heat resistant properties transform the brand into something truly revolutionary.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk Hall 1.2 Stand D77

Serving drinks with style and convenience has never been more achievable, than with the new range of Double Walled Glassware from Judge. Available in eight useful and attractive varieties, ranging from tumblers to coffee mugs, the new collection employs a thermally insulated ‘air pocket’ design to create the ultimate drinking experience. Made from scratch-resistant borosilicate glass, and carefully crafted for a comfortable lip, each vessel is individually mouth-blown by artisan glassmakers meaning that every single item in the range is unique.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

Visit Rank Sharp Industries at the Brabantia stand to see the newly launched Brabantia Small Electrical Appliance range. This stylish new collection combines the product expertise of Rank Sharp Industries and the timeless style and quality of the Brabantia brand. Highlights of the range include a contemporary kettle and toaster collection – available in a variety of colour and style finishes, a selection of blenders and juicers featuring leading technology and a selection of irons to complement Brabantia’s existing Laundry range.

Rank Sharp Industries Tel: 07432 294 077 E-mail: robin.curtis@ranksharp.co.uk Hall 5 Stand C91

If it is design, function and quality you are looking for, then look no further than T&G. Celebrating our 40th year in the Housewares industry sees the launch of exciting new CrushGrind® mills which include the new Delia Online mills, designed for Delia Smith by T&G plus a range of salt, pepper and spice mills all containing the award winning CrushGrind® mechanism. Also on show will be the new “Loaf & Larder” collection, as well as some amazing new items in “Pride of Place”, with the addition of red acacia wood; you won’t be disappointed!

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com Hall 1.2 Stand A50

Brand investment and strong product development have meant Meyer will be residing in a new extended stand that will showcase all of its brands. On show will be its latest Anolon and Silverstone kitchenware ranges as well as exciting new product introductions and home concepts for 2015.

Meyer Tel: 0151 4828000 Hall 3.1 Stand E40

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Explore the complete spectrum of opportunities, possibilities and perspectives. Discover a unique diversity of products for your core and supplementary assortments. Ambiente is the most important event for the international consumer goods industry – and the most exciting source of inspirations for your business.

This is the fair that reects the world market.

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

13 – 17. 2. 2015

try

Partner coun

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The DRH Collection is back for a second year exhibiting at Frankfurt, after a warm welcome from international buyers in 2014! Visitors are promised lots of new lines on show, including two stunning glassware launches under the family-run company’s own Anton Studio Designs brand – Manhattan and Solar. Solar (pictured) continues a design trend which DRH has made its own, offering glass effects, this time vibrant colours in the bases of the range which covers martini, wine, flute and hi ball.

The DRH Collection Tel: 020 7249 0710 Web: www.thedrhcollection.com Hall 1.1 Stand C20

At Ambiente 2015, Elia will be showcasing its new Effra cutlery range, which makes a stunning visual impact due to its distinctive and eye-catching design.

Nominated for the Catering Excellence Awards, this pattern is a perfect example of Elia’s attention to detail in cutlery design. With sleek curves, ergonomic design and heavy gauge, this pattern makes an exciting statement on any table setting, as well as fitting comfortably in the hand. This range is crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, with a high shine mirror finish.

Elia International Tel: 0208 998 2100 E-mail: Sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk Hall 4.1 Stand A74

New from simplehuman is the innovative 45-litre rectangular pedal bin range. Available in three colours (black, grey and white), each bin has an integrated liner pocket to store and dispense liners from inside the bin – handy! They also come with all the useful features you’d expect, like a stainless steel liner ring to hide messy bag overhang, a wide pedal for ease of use and patented lid-shox technology for a slow, silent close. Available from April 2015. simplehuman Tel: 01491 875974 E-mail: sales@simplehuman.co.uk Web: www.simplehuman.com/uk Hall 5.1 Stand B51

Elegant retro is the essence of Geometti and Calico, two new tabletop ceramic collections from Kitchen Craft. Geometric shapes are hot and hip and Geometti is bang on trend with stylised geometric motifs on crisp white linear shapes across a lovely collection of tabletop accessories such as teapot, jugs, egg cups, mugs, storageware and a fabulous gift packaged set of space saving stackable cups with saucers. Calico, on the other hand, oozes understated style with organic shapes featuring a soft debossed embellishment, which creates a subtle decoration on crisp fresh porcelain.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk Hall1.1 Stand B70/71

Creative Tops is pleased to present ‘In to the Blue’ Designer Tableware from Mikasa. This beautiful contemporary tableware collection featuring natural illustrations and sea blues and seaweed greens, placed across a full range of tableware and home accessories. The mix of different materials from stoneware, coloured glass and ombre fabrics, provides an authentic hand-made, rustic feel. This whimsical tableware assortment enables the user to mix and match across the range, using stripes and fish elements on crisp white backgrounds as well as pretty accent pieces, helping to create a stylish contemporary feel in the home.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207710 E-mail: export@creative-tops.com Web: www.creative-tops .com Hall 4.2 Stand K15

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Retailer focus

Inset: Loughborough opening – the store recently relocated to an out of town sight.

Bottom: Views of Dunelm’s Camarthen store.

Growing kitchen D

unelm now has a dedicated trophy area at its head office in Leicester showing off its three Excellence in Housewares trophies as well as consumer awards, including House Beautiful’s Favourite Home Retailer of the Year (recently beating John Lewis to the top spot, and coming in second to JL in the Favourite Online Retailer category of the magazine’s awards).“We’re very proud that we have been recognised by the housewares industry and that our team’s hard work is paying off,” admits product director, Claire Sollis.

Of course, Dunelm has come along way since 1979 when Bill and Jean Adderley (parents of ceo Will Adderley) traded home textiles in the market in Leicester. Its expansion continues with the imminent opening of its 150th store – and several more in the pipeline, along with an ongoing re-fit programme for existing stores However, kitchenware is a relatively new

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Dunelm has scooped The Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Excellence in Non-Specialist Retailing Award for the third consecutive year, as well as top consumer awards. In the run-up to the chain’s 150th store opening, PH met with product director, Claire Sollis to reflect on how kitchenware is growing. direction for the retailer, as Cookshop was given its first “proper” presence when it was re-launched around six years ago, reflects Claire. She emphasises:“Cookshop, Dining and Utility is really important for us as a one stop shop for the home,” adding that:“Cookshop is definitely a growth area.” The sector is evolving as the team “has learnt more about what our customers want” as well as by working closely with suppliers, states Claire.

Underlying this growth is the fact that Dunelm appeals to a very broad customer base, including “all types of demographic, different tastes and levels of cooking skills,” says Claire. She explains that

Dunelm’s customers have become “more diverse as we've become more well known through new stores and our online presence.” This is in addition to the younger generation that has “grown up with Dunelm”.As a result the retailer provides “breadth of offer”,addressing those consumers “who ‘can’t cook, won’t cook’ to aspiring chefs.” Pots and pans include the retailer’s Infinity Copper Tri-Ply and Copper Base, Brabantia Stainless Steel, Circulon Origins Hard Anodised, ranges from Prestige, Tefal, JML plus

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Retailer focus cast iron, and Dunelm People’s person branded non-stick Claire Sollis joined Dunelm four years ago, having “always aluminium, stainless steel, been in retail” (including stacking shelves as a student). hard anodised and ceramic Claire began her career as a technologist for Marks & cookware. Tagines are among Spencer, but then moved into a buying role when she joined Next (where she worked for nearly 13 years) and also seasonal offerings while worked for Sainsbury’s prior to Dunelm.

Claire admits that her technical background – covering Chapati and Kadai pans from sourcing and quality control – is “really beneficial, helping Tefal’s Madras collection me to understand manufacturing and the whole process of product development.” As a buyer, she relishes “taking reflect the popularity of ownership and making products happen – I like the balance global cuisines. Bakeware and of science and creativity.” cake decorating are other She also loves working for a company whose focus is people – both customers and staff. “I love working with my good examples of Dunelm’s team, and Dunelm prioritises looking after its people.” wide offering – the former Moreover, when asked why Dunelm is a consumer favourite, Claire reflects that, besides breadth of range, this embraces a tiered offering is thanks to a people-focused culture: “We are from basic non-stick trays to approachable,” she highlights. hard anodised, while decorating includes silicone moulds and trendy cake pop kits. The Cake Boss range of cake decorating tools from Meyer Group is another recent addition to stores, and when it come to baking with and for children Claire reflects that,“Thanks to baking on TV, people want to make more elaborate birthday cakes like castles or trains.”

Claire also recognises that consumers’“tastes evolve” and may cross from traditional to contemporary, while individuals have different cooking needs.“We have a should be easy to find but we also need to large chunk of people who are time poor, inspire people. For example, if you have come in contrasting the hobby cook who devotes for a wooden spoon, you want to pick it up excessive time to cooking. I’m a classic example easily, but if you are browsing you want to see of both - during the week I hurry to put how products will help you, or look good in your something together to eat, while last Sunday I home.” TV screens showing features and benefits spent hours decorating my Christmas cake!” of branded and own brand products generally she confesses. change their subject matter every month.

Displays are also evolving at Dunelm, balancing Cookshop is also incorporating “informational” “needs vs wants.” Claire elaborates:“Products

Above: Claire besides a cookware display in Dunelm’s Oxford store.

Left: Claire Sollis holding the Excellence in Non-Specialist Retailing trophy with Faye Atkins, buying director, presented by Aimee Hodgkins, head of design at Creative Tops (right).

headers such as cookware types and substrates.

Refits and new stores will reflect improvements in point of sale and ease of shoppers’ flow, confirms Claire.

Evolution includes building on ideas with suppliers, some of which lead to “exclusives”, points out Claire, who states:“Our strongest supplier relationship is when we are on the same wave length, focusing on our customers.” She adds:“There are plenty more opportunities for us to carry on improving.” As for the future, Claire acknowledges:“There are a lot of retailers out there doing a good job and everyone is ‘upping their game’ – including Dunelm!”

In the mix at Dunelm * Small electricals have become a significant part of Dunelm’s Cookshop over the past two years, with brands such as Morphy Richards, Breville and Russell Hobbs sitting alongside Dunelm’s own Spectrum colour range. * Dunelm’s Dining offering has grown to include Royal Doulton, Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver brands in recent years. Claire recognises consumer’s faith in brands as well as acknowledging that “it’s all about customer choice.” * A bay devoted to children’s cooking reflects the importance of “getting into baking and cooking at an early age and making it fun,” Claire acknowledges. * Dunelm has twice-yearly seasonal launches. Vintage continues to be a strong trend, while 2015 sees more of geometric designs, notes Claire. She highlights: “Bright colours are back and pink is an important colour.”

Outdoor cooking and entertaining is a theme for spring/summer, in keeping with casual dining trends and renewed consumer fervour for going al fresco, thanks to our recent “favourable summers!”

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Face to face

Making the century Iconic brand, Pyrex is celebrating its centenary by engaging with consumer palates and emotions. PH spoke to Sarah Large, International Cookware’s interim marketing manager for the UK, about Pyrex, past and present.

Inset: The Vintage bowl has been launched for Pyrex’s centenary. This “Cinderella’ shape was very popular in the 1950s and 60s,” notes the brand’s Sarah Large.

Bottom left: Some of the Pyrexette children’s pieces from the 1920s in the US (ad pictured) are similar to Pyrex’s modern Minis (launched in 2009).

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n the run-up to Pyrex’s big year, the brand updated its tagline to ‘Great time for homemade’.

Interim marketing manager, Sarah Large emphasises that the change reflects the “emotional values” behind the brand. Remarkably, “75% of British kitchens have some Pyrex in them,” so it is not surprising, that: “Most people have something in their minds when they hear the name, Pyrex.” Sarah acknowledges: “We’ve been trusted in kitchens for 100 years, and we are all about home cooking.”

In fact, Pyrex’s innovative glass cookware began in the domestic kitchen of Bessie Littleton, an American housewife who was annoyed when earthenware cookware broke at hot oven temperatures. Bessie’s husband worked for the Corning Glass Works, developing a new type of glass which withstood temperature change – essential for new railroad signaling lanterns that now accommodated electric bulbs (hotter than gas lights, meaning that snowflakes would crack the old glass on impact).

Bessie asked her husband to bring home two sawnoff battery jars (used for railway signage) and cooked a cake with them! Bessie’s impressive results led to the development of the first borosilicate glass cookware, patented in 1915. The name ‘Pyrex’ is reported to allude to the first commercial product – a pie dish - and Corning’s original glass brand, Nonex.

The UK market embraced Pyrex in the 1920s. As Sarah emphasises, this was a time when women created everything from scratch, including daily

Pyrex collectors’ pieces The Pyrex jug was one of the first products to claim its place in the Excellence in Housewares Awards’ gallery of icons. The icon has been re-launched as a limited edition centenary jug, with the 100-year logo. Sarah is aware that “there really is a market” for collectors’ pieces – “a lot of people emailed after our 90th anniversary, looking forward to the 100th!” Centenary glassware launches also include the Vintage Bowl (pictured).

Meanwhile, vintage Pyrex has a massive following among collectors - particularly patterned glassware that was prolific in the 60s and 70s. As Sarah notes, the website, “Pyrexlove.com was started by UK fans and speaks volumes about the nostalgia attached to the brand.” Sarah reveals that a new patterned range is in the pipeline (planned for launch at Exclusively Housewares), and she admits that she would like to see more trend-inspired patterns in the future.

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Face to face

It’s the tough stuff • Launched in the 60s, Pyrex’s new formulation withstood higher and lower temperature variations (paving the way for the freezer food boom in the 70s and microwave cooking in the 80s). Pyrex’ “high-flame” glass ceramic dishes (and subsequent Pyroflam range) used a formula that had been developed as a protective cladding for NASA’s space shuttles (to resist thermal shocks during reentry into the atmosphere).

• Proof of Pyrex glass’ tough credentials is that: “A few years ago, Robert Dyas had a warehouse fire and the only products that survived were Pyrex glassware!” notes Sarah.

• Pyrex borosilicate glass is made from pure sand (80%), sodium carbonate (4%), aluminium oxide (2.5%) and boron (13%). At its production plant in Chateauxrous in France, 150 tons of material is melted per day in the furnace at around 1,500 C. • Sarah acknowledges a renewed focus in product development since Los Angeles based Aurora Capital Group’s acquisition of Arc International (including the licence and distribution rights for Pyrex in the EMEA region). The acquisition took place last February, and heralded the new company name, International Cookware.

Above: For brides and mothers – vintage Pyrex advertisement from the US. Left: Pyrex’s Sarah Large (left) and PH’s Jo Howard at International Cookware’s UK office.

desserts, with “people sitting down together to eat and talk – with no TV!” She adds: ‘Glass was seen as fragile, so people were very excited about being able to cook in it.” (She points out that Pyrex was marketed as an ideal wedding present for the modern woman right up to the 1970s).

The 1920s were also a time of social change – after the First World War, domestic maids and cooks took public jobs and middle class housewives were keen for modern tools to help them cook. Pyrex could be used for both cooking and serving food and its cleanliness was another marketing asset (when microbes had been discovered relatively recently

by Pasteur.)

A century on, there is a renewed focus on the value of ‘homemade’ food and multi-functional features are a priority, Sarah highlights. She points out that, Pyrex glass offers modern consumers “peace of mind – a 10 year guarantee – and the safest, sturdiest, most durable glass

cookware on the market.” She adds: “It doesn’t retain flavours and food colours and transfers from microwave, dishwasher, freezer and so on.” Sarah also notes that today’s consumers “have become increasingly concerned about what products are made of – that they are lead and BPA-free.” Moreover, glass is “ideal for storage of healthy home-cooked food and money-saving batch cooking” as well as for reheating lunches and dinners.

Today’s challenge is “to show that home cooking can be quick and easy,” for timeLeft: Chic in the 80s – a Pyrex advertisement from 1983-84.

pressed consumers, notes Sarah - hence Pyrex’s recipe development, using glass and its other substrates (that have multiplied since 2004).

The brand’s centenary celebrations see the revival of classic dishes, which reflect various decades – including trifle, traditional meat pie, chicken casserole, lasagna, chicken kiev and cupcakes – each will appear alongside advertorials in Your Home magazine, as well as on Pyrex’s website, via social media and on collectible recipe cards.

Besides tickling nostalgic tastebuds, Pyrex is asking consumers to fanfare their attachment to the brand by asking (via social media), “Who has the oldest piece of Pyrex?” Centenary activities will also invite Pyrex fans to bake a centenary cake and share a photo. Sarah acknowledges: “People are very proud of their creations; we get a great response when we ask people to show what they have done at home.” She reflects: “This year is a great opportunity for us to heighten our level of engagement with consumers.”

Back to the future According to Sarah Large, current cookware trends include: ● Stove top cooking – Last year, Pyrex launched its aluminium non-stick Attraction range of pans with its patented magnetic removable handles, and will add more to the collection in 2015. Back in the 1930s, Pyrex launched its first pans with detachable handles - its glass Flameware. ● More colour – Pyrex is set to launch a new edition of its ceramic Impressions range in a retro inspired tone. Looking back, the rainbow burst into 1950s and 60s kitchens with the help of Pyrex’s Colourware. Sarah highlights the post-war consumer optimism that boosted the desire for colourful homewares (along with Formica kitchenware and technicolour films!)

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Market focus

Stepping out and about Whether it is a coffee in the car, water at the gym, breakfast at a desk, lunch in the park, or a sociable supper in the garden, there are increasing demands for practical and aesthetic products that take food and drink out of the house. PH gets on the move to look at the market for ‘on the go’ and outdoor products.

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ix years ago, demand for Sistema’s lunch boxes and drinks bottles peaked in the summer ‘Back To School’ period, but the brand’s UK general manager, John Prest states that now, sales have “flattened out,” with demand continuing to be high through to the end of the year. It is a sign of the times that “food on the move” products have grown up, and are part of everyday living for all ages, not just for kids’ packed lunches.

Of course, there are a number of factors that have led to rising demands, including the importance of saving money in the recent recession. Ryan Collins, director of Uberstar sums up modern demands for reusable bottles and coffee cups: “More than ever we are seeing strain put on our daily lives. People are working harder and not earning as much in real terms.

As such, we are looking to make our lives more efficient and ‘drinks on the move’ is a vital part of this.” He adds that: “consumers are “becoming increasingly aware of the burgeoning landfill” caused by disposable cups and drinks containers.

Jonny Turner, business development manager at Root 7, also highlights the appeal of products that help “save a few minutes” in our “time-poor society” (allowing consumers more time for doing something they enjoy.) He also points out that there is an “increased emphasis on healthy living, meaning people are getting outdoors to exercise a lot more,” hence needing “products which they can take with them.”

At Kitchen Craft (with its expanding Cool Movers range), marketing manager, Claire Budgen recognises that rising

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Above: Lunch bags for grown-ups include Navigate’s new thermally insulated satchel which reflect the high street fashion trend for old-style school satchels. Pictured is the Beau & Elliot Vintage Confetti pattern (which echoes 60s style).

Below: Versatile and space-saving good2go from JWP.

awareness of the importance of eating “healthily and consistently” means that consumers are more likely to take their own food out with them. She observes: “More and more offices are built in out of town areas and the typical lunch ‘hour’ is often reduced to just 30 minutes, meaning we need options to take

breakfast, lunch and grazing food to work.” She also acknowledges that: “More people are coming into work earlier to beat the ‘rush hour’ and then eating breakfast at work or on the bus while travelling.”

With increasing demand has come diverse shapes, sizes and features for containers that accommodate much more than the traditional sandwich. John Prest at Sistema observes the rise of “grazing” and with it demands for “smaller boxes to separate out nuts, raisins, fruit and dips, yoghurt and so on.” At JWP, marketing assistant, Paul Birtwistle acknowledges that the company’s good2go range has an array of different sizes, including smaller pots “for holding berries and other small fruit and nuts” as well as baby food. The collapsible nature of the silicone range means that “eating

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Market focus

Easy outdoors Aladdin’s European marketing manager, Luis Moreno acknowledges the casual, spontaneous nature of outdoor dining events, recognising that consumers “want to connect face to face and spend quality time with friends and family over a meal or drinks more often.” He adds: “Consumers are asking for products that are unique and durable as well as microwave and dishwasher safe and being easy to store.”

Hence the new Aladdin Everyday Entertainment collection includes Chip and Dip sets, bowls, plates, cutlery sets, trays and tumblers “that are practical, easy to use and more importantly fun and unique.”

Environmentally conscious consumers are being drawn to Zuperzozial from Forma House, notes the distributor’s Richard Watts. The range, which includes outdoor tableware and food containers, is made from natural bamboo and corn powder “and takes around three years to degrade once disposed of,” says Richard. He adds: “The rustic, almost stone-like feel to the range, also complements perfectly the philosophy behind this collection.”

Above: Outdoor entertaining with Aladdin’s tumblers from Burton McCall.

Fans of metal and glass A rising number of consumers are avoiding plastic in their food and drinks containers, notes Charity Nichols, director of Green Pioneer and Gary Woodhouse, sales and marketing director, Whitby & Co. Green Pioneer is introducing full stainless steel containers in its new A Slice of Green range at Ambiente (Kitchen Trends hall), including wide mouthed bottles “so you can see what you are drinking,” notes Charity. She reflects that “a lot of retailers are recognising the consumer trend for packing their own leftovers from the fridge rather than buying pre-packaged lunch.” Hence the popularity of U-Konserve’s glass range with microwaveable containers and bottles with protective silicone wrap.

Charity observes: “A lot of people find that it’s nicer to drink from glass and well as appreciating its clean, non-leaching properties.”

Green Pioneer is also addressing the tween and teen market with its “reusable sandwich bags with prints such as burgers on them.” Charity notes: “It’s good for the future to convert this age group into using reusable lunch products, but they won’t use them unless they looks cool!”

Whitby & Co will present its Klean Kanteen “toxin-free, reusable alternatives to plastic drinking bottles and food storage containers” at Spring Fair. David explains: “Consumers are increasingly aware of the ingredients in their food packaging. Whether it be plastic drinking bottles or lunch boxes that may contain harmful BPA and toxins or the non-recyclable nature of certain packaging, they are tuning in to healthier and more environmentally sound choices.” He adds: “Educating consumers has been key to driving awareness of alternatives as many weren’t aware of the damages of BPA or its prevalence in packaging, nor did they realise just how much food packaging is non-recyclable.”

Besides appealing to those enjoying “the great outdoors on many levels” due to the Klean Kanteen’s insulating features and ease of cleaning, the brand also appeals to families with its “Kids’ Kanteen” drinks containers and baby bottles and sports range. Meanwhile, David notes that the new Growler bottle “offers consumers the chance to enjoy carbonated drinks on trips and activities” as it stores “liquids under pressure”.

can be done on the move without fear of carrying cumbersome food storage containers around,” while separate compartments “enable people to keep main meals and sauces apart, meaning food prepared earlier that day or the night before won’t go limp, remaining fresher for longer,” notes Paul.

Meanwhile, “Liquid lunches” in the form of soups and smoothies are increasingly popular for time-pressed, health conscious consumers, as Claire Budgen highlights, adding that Kitchen Craft’s stackable water bottle “can be prepared ahead” and stored

easily in fridges alongside “three options of flasks or mugs for soups and drinks.”

Cool bags themselves have also diversified to suit all tastes, concurs Kitchen Craft’s Claire, Navigate’s marketing director David Atkinson and Spearmark’s marketing manager, Süreyya Hilmi. Spearmark has been inspired by high street fashions with its introduction of insulated ‘lunchbag’ satchels and sports-style

Above: U-Konserve glass containers from Green Pioneer.

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Market focus

Right: Stainless King tumbler by trusted brand, Thermos from BHL.

One for the road “Ever since the UK embraced coffee culture in the late 90s,” demand and options for drinking tea and coffee while ‘on the move’ have grown, highlights Ryan Collins of Uberstar (exhibiting at Home). As consumers learn what makes a good coffee, they are more likely to “need a great vessel to drink from,” reflects Ryan, adding that as Uberstar’s JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup is “made from borosilicate glass, it's extremely durable and doesn't taint the flavour of your drink as opposed to alternative reusable plastic cups.”

That! Inventions plans to launch its new “coffee solution,” Sip That! at Chicago’s IH+HS in March.

That’s Howard Chiu, co-founder of the company, explains that the scientific travel cup “takes the temperature of coffee from 85 degrees down to 75 degrees” when it is filled, and then retains this optimum drinking temperature for an hour by “re-releasing the temperature that has been absorbed” by the exterior of the cup. The innovative US brand, That! is about to makes its UK debut via distributor, Auteur at Spring Fair (revealing its first four products to UK retailers).

Products for those who are out and about for many hours – whether for work or pleasure include Root 7’s Vinnebago – “a thermal flask which is triple walled and incudes a vacuum seal, keeping hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 25 hours,” explains the distributor’s Jonny Turner. He emphasises that the product keeps coffee, wine or water “at the same temperature as when they were poured into the Vinnebago.”

Meanwhile, Lucy Kelvin marketing assistant for BHL Group confirms the year on year growth of Thermos products, particularly the Stainless King range, which includes food flasks and travel tumblers. Established in 1904, Thermos’ latest vacuum insulation technology “means that while the heat or cold in other containers may find their way inside and thus alter the performance, Thermos vacuum insulation creates an airless space between two stainless steel walls, virtually eliminating temperature change and resulting in an insulation layer that performs for hours,” explains Lucy.

bags, particularly apt for teenagers and ‘tweenagers.’ Süreyya reflects that when it comes to products for school or college students: “We noticed most lunchware was aimed at younger girls and boys, and that there was nothing specifically tied in with fashion.” She adds: “These lunchbags are more like a fashion accessory.”

David at Navigate speculates that demand for adult lunchbags has accelerated with “the growing number of part-time, freelance or self-employed in the UK workforce, who with less economic security, are looking to make savings on the cost of buying a lunch each day.” He highlights recent figures showing a 24% rise in those working freelance in the last two years, and states that: “During that time Navigate has seen a growing demand for more attractive, feminine designs across the lunch bag sector and, in response, produced its Beau & Elliot tote bag range.” He acknowledges: “We recognised a gap in the market for more feminine, stylish lunch bags, almost like small handbags.” Hence, food and drink on the move is as much about style as it is practicality.

The wine lover’s choice Simon Swift of govino UK explains that his reusable wine glasses started with a search for the perfect vessel for his pop-up wine bar business (The Wandering Wine Company).

He reports: “We needed a really fantastic quality polymer glass for outdoor event use to represent wine’s aromatics and flavours in a way that the usual plastic glass does not do. We found nothing in the UK market, so widened our search, ending in Napa Valley, California.” He adds: “We immediately saw the potential for the home market, and the opportunity for all to enjoy wine and other drinks in environments where a traditional glass does not work.” The ‘glasses’ are ideal for outdoor dining, pool-side drinks, holidays and yachts, notes Simon.

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Left: Teen appeal – Spearmark’s sports bag style lunchbag.

Below left: Govino products for wines, beers and spirits “look and perform like fine crystal” and are made “from a flexible, BPA free polymer,” explains govino UK’s Simon Swift.

Water works Aimee Hodgkins, head of marketing and design at Creative Tops: notes that travel cups such as the iced beverage cup from Creative Tops’ Fresh Popcorn collection helps busy consumers to drink their daily recommended water intake of “eight glasses of 200ml for a woman, and 10 glasses for a man” (from the European Food Safety Authority recommendations).

Aimee notes: “While trying to consume two litres a day of water may seem quite a challenge, it’s very much worth the effort.

Commonly known benefits of drinking enough water include losing weight, as often our brains mistake thirst for hunger, boosting the appearance of skin, improving your mood and preventing headaches. “ She adds: “In fact, the benefits of drinking water can directly counteract the negative side effects of drinking too much caffeine!

“Meanwhile, Sistema is launching eight new sports bottles at Ambiente with alternative tops to its bestselling ‘twist and sip’.

Food on the Move and Oustide dining p57_v8.QXD_Outdoor Dining p67 16/01/2015 10:52 Page 57

OutdoorDining andFoodandDrink OnTheMove Kitchen Craft has developed its Coolmovers collection to include more storage and travel items, to make it easier to prepare and carry fresh, healthy food. New items include easy to store and stack containers with different compartments for keeping breakfast, lunch and snacks, including pots for milk and salad dressings and cool packs to keep contents fresh. There is also a fabulous selection of bags in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes with insulated interiors for optimum freshness, so you, and your food, can travel in style.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Beautifully styled in food- safe BPA-free polymer, the new innovative govino wine glass reflects the wine’s true colour and full flavour aromatics, looking and performing much like crystal. Unlike most plastic-style vessels, all govino products are reusable so can be safely used again and again. Environmentally friendly, all govino products are also 100% recyclable. Available in five different designs.

Govino Tel: 02074494097 E-mail: swift@wonderingwine.com Web: www.wonderingwine.com

Pictured is the Mr. Men and Little Miss collection from Creative Tops. The beloved characters from the Mr Men and Little Miss collections have been an important part of British heritage since the 1970,s and have only grown in popularity. Discover the story of your favourite Mr Men or Little Miss character and reignite your passion for this timeless brand with this range! The classic characters are featured across a range of travel mugs, lap trays and mugs and are the perfect way to brighten up a cup of tea!

Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207668 Web: www.creative-tops.com

Kitchen Craft has introduced some fresh, exciting new designs to the Coolmovers collection, including the charming Butterfly Lane (pictured).

Delicate designs of our favourite garden visitor grace a substantial selection of dinnerware such as plates, bowls, serveware and drinkware. That, however is only part of the story, as a host of coordinated accessories including placemats, coasters, enamel mugs, tealight holders, cool bags and even paper bunting, a ‘Garden Party’ sign and seat cushions complete this endearing range to create a wonderful tranquil ambience.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

New for 2015 is the fantastic Take Away range from Italian brand Snips®. This excellent range includes innovative products, perfect for outdoor entertaining and food on the go! There is a Fresh Lunch Box with two layers, Yoghurt Ice Box, which doubles as a fruit box, Maxi Ice Container - perfect for transporting food for picnics and an Ice Cake Holder which keeps desserts like cheesecake, pavlova chilled. All of the Take Away range incorporates a chill pack and are 100% made in Italy to ensure maximum quality.

ICTC Tel: 01603 488019 Web: www.ictc.co.uk

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What’s Cooking?

In Wedding and Celebration Gifts?

PH asked four independent cookshops which kitchen/dining products are at the top of their gift-givers wish list.

Dean Hawes, buyer, Williams & Griffin, Colchester A Fenwick Group department store.

Nespresso Inissa and Aeroccino from Magimix This makes the perfect fresh coffee in an instant.

Vitamix Pro 300 from Vitamix

A kitchen gadget that will chop, blend, make hot soup and ice cream.

Cotton White 30cm Shallow Casserole from Le Creuset Glitz Flutes from Dartington

Perfect for one-pot cooking, hob to oven.

Global Knife Block set from Grunwerg

Style and function, super sharp Japanese knives.

Elegant champagne flutes with Swarovski crystal elements.

Royal Albert Miranda Kerr Tea Set from WWRD This has delicate timeless design.

Above right : The kitchen gadget that does it all Vitamix’s Pro 300 creates everything from smoothies and soups to creams and ice creams - what more do you need?

Right:This Royal Albert Miranda Kerr Tea set from WWRD makes the perfect wedding or celebration gift - a touch of sheer class.

Peter Jackson, partner, Abbotts Cookshop, Sheffield Specialist cookshop on an arterial road two miles from the city centre.

Scanpan roaster from Haus

Good cooks love the Scanpan range and will send people in to buy it for them for a special birthday.

Bialetti Moka Espresso Stovetop from Hot Plate Products Wüsthof Classic Knives from Haus Thermal Cafetière from Grunwerg

This iconic product is always a good gift for coffee lovers, whatever the occasion.

The 20” Cooks Knife in particular is something that men lust after.

This stainless steel insulated cafetière costs a lot more than you would spend on yourself, so it makes a great present.

Top Gourmet Carving Board from Gilberts

People that already own one of these choose them as special gifts, as they know how good they are.

Mandolines from Dexam, OXO and Bron

Mandolines are popular gifts for cooks, from the Handheld Kyocera Ceramic Mandoline from Dexam (which is easy to store and clean) to the OXO Good Grip’s model (a good domestic mandoline), right up to the very upmarket Bron mandoline from France (a serious chef’s tool).

Left: Dexam’s hand-held Kyocera ceramic Mandolin is the perfect gift for all kitchen enthusiasts - easy to use, clean and store.

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Right: A touch of elegance - Grunwerg’s Café Ole Thermal Cafetiere is that aspirational product - not only beautiful, but functional too.

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What’s Cooking?

Darren Smith, partner, Smith & Webb Cookshop, West Malling High street cookshop situated in a historic market town.

Nespresso Lattissima coffee machine from Beam Group 3-ply Stainless Steel Saucepans from Le Crueset Henkels Pro S Knives and Knife Block from Zwilling

People love a Costa coffee and this machine makes it very easy to replicate that, with an

Index Chopping Boards from Joseph Joseph

Brilliantly designed chopping boards - people always find these are a great addition

integrated milk frothing facility (and at a very reasonable price).

These are high-end pans that you will have for a lifetime. They are often given as a wedding gift that will last the test of time.

These knives are of a professional standard. They have a beautiful balance, riveted handles and are made from high quality ice cooled steel.

to the kitchen.

KitchenAid Artisan Mixer from Beam Group

This is one of our most popular electrical buys. The Artisan Mixer is built to last and work hard in all kitchens. People say it is the ‘eye candy’ of the kitchen too.

CrushGrind Salt and Pepper Mills from T&G

These ooze quality. Faulty mills are so common after a short time, but when investing in the CrushGrind system you know you are buying a product to last, with a lifetime warranty.

Right: For that professional edge - any discerning cook will want these Pro S Knives from Zwilling - the gift that just keeps giving.

Right: For that Coffee House taste, at home, the Nespresso Lattissima coffee machine from Beam ensures a quality taste, as well as looking good in the kitchen.

Kim Foster, owner, Copperfields of Whitstable Long-established cookshop in a seaside town, under new ownership from early 2014.

Loop Collection from Black + Blum

The Candelabra Loop, Flower Loop and Fruit Loop Bowl all sell really well. They are contemporary and stylish and can be used together or as individual pieces.

Champagne and Wine Cooler from Epicurean Stellar Induction 5000 Cookware and Stellar James Martin Cookware from Horwood Chasseur Cast Iron Cookware from Dexam

Made from hammered finish stainless steel, this bowl holds six bottles of Champagne or white wine, or can be used as a punch bowl without its lid. It is a lovely wedding present.

Both of these cookware ranges from Horwood are very good quality, practical and good looking with longevity.

These are French quality products in lovely colours – particularly the new Meringue and Storm Blue. The wok is beautiful!

Chestnut Roasters from Victor

In cast iron or carbon steel, these are fun, useable gifts for winter weddings and celebrations – for traditional cooking on open fires and log burners.

Pride of Place from T&G

Ceramic kitchen storage, jugs, butter dishes and eggcups in nice shades of green and cream, which work well together or separately. A good collection that is not overly expensive.

Right: This Champagne and Wine Cooler from Epicurean is the perfect wedding gift and will ensure a truly successful soirée.

Left: A lovely statement piece - this Fruit Loop bowl from Black + Blum sits perfectly on its own or as part of a range of novel and contemporary items.

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British manufacturer Rowlett Rutland has been making toasters for over 65 years and the Regent has the features you’d expect from a contemporary toaster, combined with fab retro styling, the same as when it was first made – in the 1960s! Those models weren’t available in colours and these now include yellow (winner Best British Product, the Home Show 2012), tangerine, plum, white, sky blue and new in 2014, gold.

Rowlett Rutland Tel: 01372 450 855 Web: www.RowlettRutland.co.uk

Lion Sabatier’s Edonist range is fully forged, with a full bolster and full tang, with a lot of hand finishing, together with an ergonomic styling of the handle. The knives are created using Nitrogen strengthened stainless steel (4116 Nitro + Steel) which gives much improved hardness, longer cutting time, and much better anti-corrosion capacity.

Kitchen Kapers Tel: 01276 24438 E-mail: sales@kitchenkapers.co.uk Web: www.kitchenkapers.co.uk

Pictured is a brand new product launched in October ’14 from I.O.Shen. An Oriental two-piece Knife Set containing the Sahm Khom Slicer and the Mai Peng Parer, presented in a gift presentation box – this is a stunning addition to the I.O.Shen family! Personalise the gift set with text or a logo with our engraving service and make this a truly unique, one-off bespoke piece.

I.O.Shen Tel: 01869 357700 Web: www.ioshen.co.uk

If you want to get the hottest trend of the moment which will become a lasting favourite for entertaining in style then the new Master Class gourmet wooden prep and serve boards from Kitchen Craft are perfect. A wonderful range of different wood types including rosewood, crushed bamboo, acacia, oak and mango wood, each in a selection of styles and sizes and with an array of finishing touches such as metal detailing, rope handles and chalkboard sections allow you to create an impact, make a statement and serve in style.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

The Sophie Conran for T&G range of boards comprises 15 gorgeous boards, in uplifting colours and five different shapes, making an elegant and tactile collection. The boards are manufactured using traditional techniques, but are finished using new technologies such as laser engraving, which allows fine detail in the designs. There is no surface finish applied to leave the pale natural look of the timber, which will age over time.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

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profit

from the

experience

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

10.00am - 5.30 pm 8.30am - 5.30 pm 8.30am - 5.30 pm 8.30am - 3.00 pm

S E R A W E S U O H L A N IO T A COME TO INTERN SHOW WITH US Come to the International Home & Housewares Show with the only officially endorsed agent in the UK, being the preferred travel partner for the organisers, IHA.

business class. Please let us know and we will be pleased to give you a quote.

For the 14th year running we are pleased to offer you some great flight rates out of the UK to Chicago as well as specially negotiated rates at the Show hotels in Chicago.

Our hotel rates offer you a great saving compared to the hotels’ own cheapest rates. We are able to offer you rooms at most hotels in Chicago, subject to availability.

We will be pleased to recommend some to you or if you have a favourite please let us know and we will be happy to let you have the availability and prices.

Our fares on direct flights from London Heathrow start at only £533.00 return in economy class. We are also able to offer fares in premium economy or

Contact us now by phone or email and book your preferred flights and hotels. We look forward to hearing from you and making your reservations.

Exposé Travel 18 Croydon Road • Caterham • Surrey • CR3 6QB Tel: +44 (0)1883 349576 • Mobile: +44(0)777 617 4786 • Email:paul@exposetravel.biz

New Products p62- IBC_v8_Pages 46-49 14/01/2015 16:38 Page 62

new

products

Made from an alloy, which provides superior thermal conductivity for even heat distribution, which is essential for the baking of successful breads and cakes, Stellar’s new pan collection has been electrochemically-hardened (hard anodised) for unbeatable durability. This anodising technique gives the pans a significantly longer lifespan than traditional bakeware and makes it virtually non-porous, safe to use with metal utensils, and it is almost inherently impervious to residual flavours. The new Stellar Hard Anodised collection comprises 24 essential kitchen favourites, including Baking & roasting trays, loose base flan tins, cupcake trays and cake tins of various sizes.

Horwood Tel 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.stellarcookware.co.uk

Inspired by a long heritage of iconic, kitchen classics, world-renowned cookware brand, Le Creuset, is proud to present the next generation of its artisan-crafted, enamelled cast iron cookware, with the unveiling of the all-new Signature Cast Iron Casseroles. Available in a superb selection of shapes, sizes and ten iconic colours, the new Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Casseroles blend the very best of classic Le Creuset style and performance, with key performance and design enhancements that make cooking and serving even more comfortable and convenient.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Kitchen Craft will celebrate 165 years with another momentous product launch, which includes the introduction of the Living Nostalgia Commemorative collection. Featuring a range of storageware in a vintage style, the Living Nostalgia range has also been enhanced with the introduction of a new colourway – French Grey. This is an appealing addition across the collection, which includes this domed cake tin comprising an elevated platter/serving plate with silicone seal, which holds the domed lid secure to keep cakes fresh.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk The new Megabowl is a game-changing, all in one, manual food preparation and mixing bowl system, with a triple slicer, coarse grater and finger guard/food pusher. The Megabowl forms the core of the new 360 System making light work of food preparation and mixing. The unique revolving mechanism makes preparation fast, efficient and effective. Other items in the 360 System include an integrated fine grater ‘Gratemate’, a herb/pizza cutting wheel ‘Wheelie’ and an apple wedger ‘Wedgie’. A sifter ‘Niftysift’ and a rotary whisk ‘Whizzi’.

Dexam Tel: 01730 811811 Web: www.dexam.co.uk

Vektra, the world’s first vacuum electric kettle, hit the world by storm when it was launched last year. Now I.Grunwerg has now brought out new colours for the Vektra series 1 and 3 ranges, including a classy stainless steel, a hot chocolate brown and striking black and red style. These new additions will appeal to anyone from homeowners to restaurateurs.

Grunwerg Tel: 0114 2756700 Web: www.grunwerg.com

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An evolution of the iconic Kenwood Chef from the 1950s, the new Kenwood CHEF Sense boasts a top-quality, ultra-sleek two-tone silver and gloss-white finish, splashguard, extrawide feed chute, illuminated control dial and an intelligent speed-regulation system. In addition, the all-new Twist Fit system allows for simpler connection with every slow-speed attachment. An adaptor is also included in pack to ensure that old Chef attachments can be used with the new CHEF Sense Twist Fit technology. The CHEF Sense has a five-year guarantee and comes with three height-adjustable K-beater, whisk and dough hook bowl tools, ensuring the best results.

Kenwood Tel: 0239 239 2392 Virtually unbreakable, govino unveiled its Web: www.kenwoodworld.com/uk innovative new collection of polymer glasses and decanters at the Home Show, Olympia, London.

Beautifully styled in food-safe BPA-free polymer, the new innovative govino wine glass reflects the wine’s true colour and full flavour aromatics, looking and performing much like crystal. Unlike most plastic-style vessels, all govino products are reusable so can be safely used again and again.

Environmentally friendly, all govino products are also 100% recyclable, and are available in five different designs.

Govino Tel: 0207 449 4097 E-mail sswift@wonderingwine.com or

new

products

One of the most sought after knife brands in the UK, Global knives, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! So to mark this special occasion Grunwerg have kicked off the celebrations by releasing a range of special chef sets and gift sets for a limited time only.

Grunwerg Tel: 0114 2756700 Web: www.grunwerg.com

The recently launched Voyager range of coordinated items by Stow Green has proved exceptionally popular in many areas of the market. This evocative world map theme is available across an attractive range of mugs, trays, placemats, coasters, glass trinket trays, paperweights, lap trays and printed-paper napkins. The classical cartography embellished with images from bygone travel eras has created a fascinating collection, which has a very wide appeal.

Stow Green Tel: 01451 821491 Web: www.stowgreen.co.uk

#pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com Facebook Pyrex UK (Official)

Twitter @PyrexUKOfficial

Inspired by sun-kissed summer meadows, blooming gardens and sweet spring bouquets, Le Creuset unveils a stunning, timeless colour collection of cookware for Spring Summer 2015. Including Teal, new Elysees Yellow and new Chiffon Pink, this beautiful colour collection is perfect for adding tender floral accents to your kitchen. Choose from a selection of round, oval and shallow Cast Iron casseroles and complement your collection with a selection of Stoneware Rectangular Dishes, set of Ramekins, Petite Casseroles, Mugs and Eggs Cups.

Le Creuset Tel; 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

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1980

1990

2000

2010

G-773889A

2020

Some things never go out of style...

Specially selected Global 30th Anniversary knife sets & blocks & GS-89A special edition Anniversary Cook’s Knife available to order now!

Please contact sales@grunwerg.co.uk or call 0114 275 6700.

Proud sponsors of

www.globalknives.uk.com

GlobalKnivesUK

@globalknives_uk