Progressive Housewares January February 2016

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Introducing...

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January/February 2016

Dial Date it. Don’t waste it. ™

PROGRESSIVE HOUSEWARES

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Editor’s comment www.max-publishing.co.uk New Dial™ storage containers from Joseph Joseph offer the perfect solution to the problem of tracking ‘Best Before’ and ‘Use by’ dates on food. Each container in the range comes with a clever contra-rotating dial in the lid, which allows you to simply and clearly date the contents, whether it be bought food or homemade. Simply turn the dial clockwise to set the month and anti-clockwise to set the day. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, these BPAfree containers are perfect for use in the fridge or freezer.

Date it. Don’t waste it.

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).

It used to be the ‘Delia effect’ that prompted consumers to dash to their local shop for the doyenne of home cooking’s ‘must have’ frying pan. Now professional diver, Tom Daley posts his photo on Instagram when cooking his breakfast in the new year, and there is an online scramble to find this ‘cool’ segmented pan. (Lakeland’s site is now taking consumers’ orders for the Master Pan for delivery in April!). Of course, comments on the pan were not universally positive, but this was nevertheless a great example of social media’s power - and consumers’ might - to spark conversation and pass judgement on a product’s style and functionality. Moreover, the housewares industry would surely agree with one’s Twitter user’s enthusiasm that her social media platform was dominated by talk about a piece of cookware: ‘My timeline is mostly talking about Tom Daley's frying pan. If this is 2016, I like it.’ (See news).

Aside from the ‘wild card’ element of who’s going to post what and when (and with what impact), the importance of product marketing (including TV campaigns) is highlighted in this issue’s Food for Thought on the State of the Nation (pages 21-25). The “velocity” at which consumers expect information is another aspect of our changing cultural Above: (Left to right) PH’s Jo Howard with Kitchen Craft’s customer dynamics – one of House of Fraser buyer, Christabel Biella’s service team: Liz Wilson, Carol Hymers, Martina Carthy, Samantha reflections on the challenges of the year ahead, and the sort Murray and Noreen Sweeney (see pages 50-51).

Below: PH’s Jo Howard met Ken Hom at a recent demonstration at of consumer expectations that need to be met. State of the Dunelm in Coventry (see pages 40-41).

Nation also includes thoughts from bira, Lakeland, John Lewis, Steamer Trading, and award winning independents, Potters Cookshop and Bakers & Larners, as well as several suppliers in addition to BHETA. So, with more views on the current retail climate from this issue’s Shop Talk guest columnist, The Good Cookshop and in news, PH’s new year’s issue provides plenty of insights into the dynamics of housewares in 2016.

Lidl’s array of housewares offers in the new year reinforced the ever-increasing competitiveness of the market as we began 2016, no doubt adding to the determination of many retailers to seek out points of difference and added value for their housewares offering this year. Many retailers started their search at Top Drawer in January, and I look forward to passing many more in the aisles of Spring Fair, as well as further afield in Frankfurt and Chicago. Talking of Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show in March, London-based independent chain, Lords will be flying the flag for British housewares retailing as our gia UK winner 2015/2016, inspiring fellow housewares stockists from all around the globe with its innovative business practises.

I hope that you have a fruitful show season – with plenty to tweet about in the way of exciting new finds!

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.

Jo Howard inhouse Jo Howard Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax Publishing director warren@max-publishing.co.uk 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

Editor

In this issue 7-15

News

45

Tamsin Douglass’ From the frontline

17

BHETA news

47-49 Ambiente preview

19

CHA news

50-51 Face to face: Kitchen Craft

21-25 Food for thought: State of the Nation

52-53 Retailer focus: Blue Diamond Group

26-33 Spring Fair preview

54-55 What’s Cooking for healthy living?

34-38 Market focus: Tea and coffee

57-59 Product focus: Healthy living

40-41 Celebrity face to face: Ken Hom

60

42-43 Market focus: Cutlery 44

Top Drawer review

Shop talk: David Goodenough from The Good Cookshop

61-63 New products

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N AT U R A L C A N VA S

Made in England and hand-crafted by skilled artisans, the pieces are both beautiful and functional…

The timeless, neutral tones and shape design of Denby’s Natural Canvas make it a range suited to any home’s style and colour and works equally well when mixed and matched with other items.

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The unique Denby glaze gives warmth as well as durability and makes every piece unique.

The ‘roulette’ texture, inspired by the iconic Chevron pattern of the sixties and seventies, showcases the earthy, artisan roots of the range.

Many items serve several functions – the sugar bowl as a ramekin or olive bowl, the cafetière as a pretty vase or handy large jug, the pasta bowl as a baking dish and smart design features are built in. Every item can be used in the oven, dishwasher, freezer and microwave.

All of these features make Natural Canvas tough enough to be loved and enjoyed from quiet Tuesday teatimes, to Friday nights with friends to Sunday lunches with the extended family, offering beautiful form but without the formality.

S P R I N G FA I R 2 0 1 6 NEC Birmingham Hall 9 Stand 9C10 - D11 9am - 6pm Sun 7th - Wed 10th February 9am - 4pm Thurs 11th February

AMBIENTE 2016 Messe Frankfurt Hall 4.1 Stand B21 9am - 6pm Fri 12th - Mon 15th February 9am - 5pm Tue 16th February

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News Left: 200th anniversary - Blue Italian from Spode (featuring a serene Italian countryside scene in a detailed Imari Oriental border).

TOP STORY

Spring Fair’s beeline for Hall 9

Out of the blue Spode (from Portmeirion Group) celebrates the 200th anniversary of iconic design, Blue Italian this year. Celebrations will include window display competitions, retailer hosted birthday parties across the globe, a social media campaign, the pledge of 200 hours to local charities as well as films, point-of-sale material and, importantly, the launch of two new Spode collections at Spring Fair.

Josiah Spode I is widely regarded as redefining the pottery industry in the late 1700s when he perfected the technique of blue under-glaze transfer printing. His son, Josiah Spode II, launched Blue Italian.

Kitchen, Dining & Housewares at Spring Fair (February 7 – 11 at NEC, Birmingham) returns to Hall 9 for the second year. Hall 9 is adjacent to The Summerhouse in Hall 8 and the Contemporary Gift Halls 6 and 7, making it ideally placed for crossover buying. Hall 9 also provides a hub for top buyers, housing the VIP Seasons Club.

Improvements to visitor flow around the show include an express entrance in Hall 9 (leading to the Atrium) – one of the “raft of improvements” described by Spring Fair portfolio director, Nick Davison.

Cookware highlights in Hall 9 include Meyer Group’s celebration of 30 years of Circulon and the re-launch of leading Italian brand, TVS into the UK market (see separate story). Meanwhile, Paul Hollywood will be causing temperatures to rise around Kitchen Craft’s stand (see separate story). * Some 3,000 of the best British and international suppliers, including hundreds that are new to Spring Fair for 2016, will present up to 300,000 new products at the show across 14 categories. Some 44% of visitors do not attend any other trade event and 75% of all visitors place orders with suppliers as a result of their attendance at Spring Fair. * Hall 6 houses the e-commerce Theatre and Retail Solutions exhibition area. Meanwhile Volume Home & Gift items will occupy Halls 10, 11 and 12. For more information and to register, see www.springfair.com (See linked stories).

Above: Paul Hollywood will be visiting Spring Fair (see linked story below).

Make your Wish List

Spring’s Fair’s new online Wish List facility enables buyers to explore exhibitors’ products throughout the year, as well as plan for their visit to the show. Buyers can save and print ‘shopping lists’ of favourite items from a comprehensive database of Spring Fair exhibitors’ products. The search and select mechanism also provides insight into trends as popular products are placed on wish lists.

There is also a dedicated new Licensing section of the Spring Fair website, highlighting properties including The Great British Bake Off and Katie Alice.

Kitchen Craft teams up with Paul Hollywood Paul Hollywood’s baking range from Kitchen Craft launches at Spring Fair (February 7-11) with an appearance by The Great British Bake Off judge and renowned baker himself on Monday February 8.

The range has been a year in development and addresses bread, dough products and other home baking including and beyond the realm of cakes, "creating a highly innovative and commercial range of kitchen products and accessories," explains Kitchen Craft's marketing controller, Claire Budgen. The results are “a meeting of minds,” she adds, combining Kitchen Craft’s bakeware expertise with Paul’s insights as an expert baker. The range will appeal to both men and women (with a significant number of men now enjoying baking at home), Claire confirms.

“We are thrilled that Paul will be at the show, and for him to be involved in the preview launch of our new collection which Paul and the Kitchen Craft design team have worked on together," said Claire.

Satish introduces TVS at Spring Fair Satish Jethwa (having had 20 years of experience as a retail buyer and buying director, including many in housewares) will be at Spring Fair in his new role, developing the TVS brand in the UK and Ireland. He will showcase 11 ranges at Spring Fair – embracing both induction and non-induction, with unique designs - as well as invite discussion on own label production.

Satish reports: “I am very impressed with the R&D and Design Team at TVS in Italy and also the recent ranges in induction cookware, as well as the unique TVS patented non-stick coatings that have won Global Awards.” He advises “shrewd and serious buyers” to review their supplier base considering the likes of TVS (which has invested in a manufacturing plant in Tunisia, in addition to its domestic production) “as Asia is getting limited, more and more expensive as well as having longer lead times.”

Satish describes his return to the housewares industry as “excellent,” elaborating: “I was really amazed at the warm reception and help received by the industry - housewares is truly a unique industry, mainly because of the people. “

Give us a gluggle Eddingtons has been appointed official distributor for Wade Ceramics this year. Wade’s pie funnels and dishes continue a rich tradition of design and manufacture in Britain since 1810, while classic Wade Pestle and Mortars (synonymous with the Milton Brook brand) use destinctive unglazed vitrified electrical procelain and beechwood handles.

Wade is also famous for its unique Gluggle Jugs (introduced in 1867 and still produced in the Stoke on Trent). When poured the jugs produce a ‘gluggling’ sound.

Above: Satish Jethwa of TVS UK with some of the cookware that will be on show at Spring Fair.

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Outdoor Excellence New Spring, Summer and Children’s Collections • • • • • •

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Look and feel of ceramic Bold on trend graphics Durable lightweight melamine Resists breakage and scratching 100% BPA Free Dishwasher safe

Distributed by Eddingtons Ltd Spring Fair Hall 9 E60 F61

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News

TOP STORY

Christmas sparkles?

Christmas 2015 saw peaks and troughs in sales for housewares retailers of all sizes, including some sparkling performances, particularly in the final few days before December 25.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership reflected on a “strong Christmas trading period,” with Home up by 5.1%. However, he acknowledged the variations in nonfood trading, stating: “Patterns of trade shifted significantly, characterised by three distinct sales peaks – Black Friday, Christmas and Clearance – with higher sales and a different channel mix for each peak.” For example, Black Friday weekend saw the processing of 18% more parcels than the previous year. “Sales in our shops for the total six week period were fun! down 1.2%, reflecting lower footfall pre-Christmas, but were up INSIDE All you need for Christmas: fabulous gift ideas and festive DISCOVER Great offers across the store 16.2% during the first week of Clearance (week ending 2 January),” Sir Charlie explained.

Above: An example of Christmas Robert Dyas appeared to suffer from lower high street footfall, with its festive marketing in 2015 – from independent sales falling by 2.5% for the six weeks to Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, House of Fraser department store, Jarrold of Norwich.

The Christmas brochure included gift was among Christmas winners, with a huge increase in online sales. (See Retailer ideas from its Cookshop. news in brief.)

On the independent front, Gary Gordon of Kitchen Kapers reflected on a non-uniformity of sales patterns across the festive season, particularly skewed by Black Friday (with branches varying from a lack of customers, put off by 2014’s media reports of shoppers’ riots to “mad” uptake of the retailers’ promotional offers). Like many, Gary notes that: “Christmas shopping started late due to Black Friday.” He also notes that the late timing of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has not helped consumer confidence (especially when there is uncertainty over tax credits and pensions). However, in the busy four-day run-up to Christmas Day on the Friday, Kitchen Kapers’ Woking store saw its “biggest trading day ever on Christmas Eve.” Fellow southern-based cookshop, UK Cookshop in Hurstpierpoint and the town of Burgess Hill reported a “busy” Christmas, with encouraging growth for its second Christmas in the latter location. Customers began to “come in with lists from the beginning of December,” notes co-owner Nikki Sharp. Derbyshire independent, Bakewell Cookshop and Northumbria’s La Cookshop (on the Bladgon estate) were also among those reporting good Christmas trade. Meanwhile, sales patterns at border cookshop, Cook Craft in Berwick-upon-Tweed was influenced by the political climate of 2015 (see separate stories on Christmas, and more retailer views in Food for Thought pages 21-25).

Changing strategy At Upstairs Downstairs in Oswestry, co-owner, Yossi Gliksmann reports that, like many fellow independent cookshops, “our turnover is down,” due to lower footfall, but adds:“our profits are up”. Yossi states that he has adapted his retail strategy, stocking fewer products from fewer suppliers but “concentrating on better products with better margins,” while placing frequent, smaller orders.

Yossi reflects that, while Christmas trade was unremarkable, his new approach to buying is starting to pay off over a longer trading period.

Upstairs Downstairs continues to strive to boost footfall via its awardwinning Cookery Workshop. On February 6, The Cookery Workshop hosts a cooking event by Josh Donachie, who recent starred on MasterChef: The Professional (pictured). The innovative young chef will be cooking some of his new recipes.

RETAILER NIBS ● House of F raser saw an overall 5.3% lift in like-for-likes over Christmas boosted by its biggest-ever online trading day on Black Friday (jumping 40% year on year online).

The retailer reported that its sales in the seven days before Christmas rose 6% (online up 61.8% and store sales up 2.2%.) ● Debenhams reported a strong performance in the seven weeks to January 9, with a 3.7% increase in like-forlike sales despite acknowledging tougher high street trading. ● John Lewis’ online sales for the Christmas period grew by 21.4% compared to last year (representing 40% of total sales) and mobile continued to be its fastestgrowing channel. Sales through Click & Collect were up 16% - chosen by half of all online orders. ● Cooks & Kitchens of Darlington closed its store on December 23, thanking loyal customers who have supported the independent retailer for the last 13 years.

Cooks & Kitchens is now focusing on its online business (which has been established for over 10 years) as well as attendance at local events and shows. ● The BDO High Street Sales Tracker reported an overall drop in like-for-like sales of -5.3% for non-food physical stores in December (the worst figure recorded since December 2008). ● A rgos saw a 2.2% fall in same store sales over the 18 weeks to January 2. As PH went to press, Sainsbury’s was expected to make another offer for the Argos side of Home Retail Group while Australian retailer Wesfarmers was close to buying Homebase from Home Retail Group for £340 million.

More Christmas spirit At Cookcraft in Berwick-upon-Tweed, owner Liz Murray saw a boost in consumer confidence post general election, particularly as she acknowledges the “economic and political challenges” of her geographic location on the England/Scotland border.“We had happier customers than the previous year, starting from mid November,” Liz notes.

While the week up to Christmas was “not bumper”, sales “equalled out” as the festive build-up was better. Cookcraft experienced a “fabulous week” between Christmas and New Year, with good weather and shoppers with time to spend on themselves.

Lighting up Christmas: bright start for newcomers Newcomer, Luxe Cookshop reported on its positive first Christmas. The cookshop officially opened last October, as a concession within Northampton’s independent home furnishings centre, Bells. Run by Abigail Goodes (daughter of Dawn and Fenton Goodes, who also have a well-established lighting concession in Bells), Luxe Cookshop is situated “in the middle of the store, next to the café, so perfect for browsing”. Abigail notes:“The general atmosphere of the store is lovely and the Cookshop fits in well.” She describes festive trade as “massively better than expected, with so many people wanting to buy gifts, such as spiralizers.” Compact Christmas gifts that were easy to post also did well, Abigail reports, citing Charles Viancin lids (with their own demonstration area), Root 7’s Chilsner and Corkcicle, and T&G Crushgrind Salt and Pepper sets. * Another housewares newcomer, Wildleaf of Olney, was also pleased with its first Christmas (having opened in September). Co-owners, Matthew Philcox and Cathy Dale (familiar to the industry, having been a manager for Abraxas) have introduced a cookshop into an existing deli and café, with a comprehensive range of stock including gadgets, china and glass, food preparation essentials and cookware. (See What’s Cooking comments pages 54-55).

Above:T&G Crushgrind mills were among Christmas gifting hits at Luxe Cookshop, Northampton

Progressive Housewares

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For the very best in housewares, tableware and small appliances ADDIS HOUSEWARES AEROLATTE AMEFA ANNIVERSARY HOUSE APOLLO HOUSEWARES ARTHUR PRICE AUTEUR AYDYA CHARLES BENTLEY & SON BERGHOFF WORLDWIDE BHL GROUP BLACK + BLUM BODUM BOSKA CHEESEWARES BRABANTIA BRITA BURTON MCCALL CHARLES VIANCIN CITY LOOK IMPORTS COOKWARE CO COUNTRY MATTERS CREATIVE PRODUCTS CROWN TRENT CULINARY CONCEPTS CURVER DAVID MASON DESIGN DENBY BRANDS DKB HOUSEHOLD DNC THE DRH COLLECTION DUBOST COLAS PRADEL EATON HOME & DINING E-CLOTH ECOEGG EDDINGTONS ELIA EMILE HENRY EUROPASONIC FAIRMONT & MAIN FALCON PRODUCTS FISKARS FOSSEWAY TRADING

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PLASTICFORTE POLDER PREMIER HOUSEWARES PRICE & KENSINGTON PYREX RAVENHEAD READY STEADY COOK RKW ROBERT WELCH DESIGNS ROOT 7 ROSTI MEPAL H&L RUSSEL RYLAND PETERS & SMALL SABICHI SALTER SCOTT BROTHERS SIMPLEHUMAN SISTEMA SMASH GLOBAL SODASTREAM STERCK SWAN PRODUCTS T&G TAYLOR’S EYE WITNESS TEFAL TERRAILLON TONTARELLI TRADESTOCK TYPHOON ULTIMATE PRODUCTS VACU VIN VILLEROY & BOCH WESCO WESTERN HOUSE WHITEFURZE WHITFORD WILTON BRANDS WORLD KITCHEN ZODIAC STAINLESS PRODUCTS ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS

And don’t forget to visit Exclusively Electrical, our sister show running alongside Exclusively Housewares ARZUM ELEKTRIKLI BENROSS GROUP BEURER BRABANTIA APPLIANCES CONNECT SERVICES DUALIT EPE INTERNATIONAL EUROPASONIC

GROUPE SEB HEALTHY FOODS/ YONANAS JURA PRODUCTS KALORIK KITCHENAID MAGIMIX MEYER NUWAVE

RKW SAGE APPLIANCES SMART WORLDWIDE SMARTWARES EUROPE TEAM UKI ULTIMATE VITA-MIX EUROPE WITT

For more information on the show take a look at www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or call 0121 237 1130 10_HW_Jan Feb 2016.indd 1

Run by the industry, for the industry

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

www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

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News

Click and collect via new Dexam site Dexam chairman, Roger Morgan-Grenville highlights an innovative feature of the company’s “new brand building website.”

He explains: “In order to involve our trade customers, and to ensure that we are supporting, rather than competing with them with the transactional element, we are offering, besides the normal ‘where to buy’ facility, a paid click and collect option for a geographical spread of cookshops, the first 20 of whom have recently signed up.”

Roger advises: “Anyone interested in joining this scheme should contact their Dexam area sales manager.”

TOP STORY

Mary talks “blockbuster gadgets” Spiralizers and the NutriBullet were two subjects of ‘What Britain Bought in 2015’ - the Channel 4 TV show presented by Mary Portas, (airing over Christmas). The programme reflected on 2015 as the “year of clean living”, as well as highlighting the power of social media on food trends.

With sales of NutriBullet equating to one in 60 households owning the personal blender, Mary stated: “It's almost a case of who doesn’t have a NutriBullet.”

Above: A scene from ‘What Britain Bought in Meanwhile, Mary described the phenomenal rise of the spiralizer (the 2015’ when Mary Portas talked at length to Matthew Canwell in a Lakeland store. product saw a 1400% increase in sales on Amazon).

Shopping guru, Mary interviewed Lakeland’s director of buying, Matthew Canwell about the slicing gadget. Matthew explained how Lakeland has stocked spiralizers for “a number of years’ and had concerns that it had prepared for the trend too early, with “pallets and pallets” of stock. Matthew highlighted the influence of blogger and spiralizer fan, Ella Woodward, whose healthy recipes grabbed fellow consumers’ attention, and sparked off spiralizing fever. When the spiralizing craze exploded, Lakeland’s pallets sold out in three weeks, and Matthew confessed that a spiralizer sold every four minutes last year.

The programme also looked at the influence of Black Friday, shifting from the high street to online last year, as well as mentioning consumer caution surrounding the general election, with consumers holding back on big ticket items “including home stuff,” Mary noted. (For industry views on 2015, see Food for Thought pages 21-25).

Below: The recently opened permanent Nespresso boutique at Bluewater.

Nespresso’s retail expansion Below: Tom Daley’s breakfast snap got consumers talking about pans!

Tom’s pan-tastic post Olympic diver, Tom Daley prompted demand for segmented frying pans when posting a photo of himself on Instagram using such a pan to cook breakfast on January 3. A frenzy of comments followed on Instagram and Twitter, with Tom’s fiancé, Dustin Lance adding to the conversation, with another image and comment: ‘With all the curiosity around @tomdaley1994's new pan, thought I'd share the result.’ Tom’s frying pan photo has prompted over 50,000 likes, while sales of a new similar pan at Lakeland reportedly went up 1,000% by the afternoon following the diver’s breakfast.

CellarDine appoints PHA CellarDine has appointed PHA KitchEssentials as its exclusive distribution partner for the UK market managing independent retailers.

The arrangement covers all the key lines and best sellers from the CellarDine collection to include the newly designed Rouge 02 wine breather, Zap Cap bottle openers, ChillCore, traditional barware, bottle coolers and gift sets.

Nespresso has further plans for new stores and pop-ups in 2016, confirms Francisco Nogueira, managing director for UK & Ireland.

Last year the brand opened three new boutiques across the UK and Ireland and trialled its first two pop-ups.

Francisco also highlights the brand’s innovative new customer experience – currently being trialled at the new Bluewater Boutique. He explains: “Coffee specialists are equipped with a tablet which allows them to spend more time with customers and take their order on the go avoiding the need for the customer to queue. At the touch of a button, the order is sent to the back office and the purchases will then be ready for the customer to collect, hassle-free within seconds at a small window in the coffee wall.” Francisco emphasises: “This new retail experience is designed to maximise quality time spent with customers, helping to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.” (More on Coffee, pages 34-35).

Le Creuset embraces vibrant Brazil With the world’s attention set to focus on Brazil for the Olympics later this year, Le Creuset is launching its Vida Brazil campaign in February. The Vida Brazil campaign comprises two main themes, including Colour Carnival (see image), highlighting an array of products appropriate for Brazilians’ love of one-pot cooking including its national dish, the Feijoada, a hearty, flavoursome meat and black bean stew.

The second theme (in store from April 2016) is ‘Churrasco Misto’ (mixed grill) which explores Brazil’s passion for grilling, barbeque cooking and street food. The theme highlights Le Creuset’s extensive range of grills, including a new Signature Grillit.

The brand has partnered with TV Above: Le Creuset’s Colour Carnival collection chef, presenter and street food pioneer, Andy Bates, who has created 10 includes casseroles and stoneware in new exclusive recipes. Le Creuset is also launching a glossy lifestyle magazine, Cool Mint, in combination with Marseille, with its first edition focusing on Vida Brazil.

Cerise and Soleil.

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News Below: Abeego from Green Pioneer – natural food wrap.

TOP STORY

Ambiente’s problem solvers

Dolce Vita at Ambiente Ambiente puts the spotlight on Italy as its partner country for this year’s show. Show visitors will enjoy an eye-catching Dolce Vita exhibit (Hall 4.1 foyer) created by renowned Italian designer Paola Navone (pictured), and showcasing a tradition “craftsmanship and craft skills” as well as “that special Italian notion of conviviality, notes Paola. She has also designed the Café 'Milano Milano in Hall 4.1.

PEOPLE ● Michelle Dickinson has taken over as

managing director of Burton McCall, moving from her previous role as director of marketing. Mike Edwards, who was md for the last two years has joined parent company, Bollin Group as business development director. Michelle comments: “I am both delighted and excited to have the opportunity to lead this team of talented people in such a great business.” ● Jim Norman (pictured) has joined the Denby Group as business team leader for English handmade brands, Burleigh and Poole Pottery. Jim's new role combines head of marketing and UK sales for both brands. Jim's previous experience has included working with Luxury Pens, Premium Beers, and Travel and Leisure. ● Bryony Dyer has been promoted from finance director to managing director at Dexam, while Roger Morgan-Grenville remains as a key figure as Dexam’s chairman, closely involved in business development.

(See also John Rae retires- page 15). ● Peter Battersby (pictured right), who heads up UK operations for Charles Viancin has accepted the additional role of export director for the brand. He will now be developing the brand in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other areas of Europe where the brand are not already established. Peter Battersby states: “We have had great success with the brand in the countries in which we already operate and I greatly look forward to exploring new markets."

Ambiente opens its doors to the world from February 12-16 at Messe Frankfurt, promising an array of special features to inform and engage its visitors.

The enlightening Solutions display (hall 4.0 foyer) showcases products that ‘provide solutions to real problems’, curated by industrial designer, Sebastian Bergne. These include Mono’s stainless steel mesh, shaped to look like a butcher’s glove for the cleaning of pots and pans (gently removing dried or burnt-on food residues) and the Olivilla Frying Pan from Illa, which has a nonstick, olive oil-based surface coating.

The special exhibition also includes Abeego re-useable food packaging material from Green Pioneer, the Pulcin espresso can from Alessi, Sensor Pump sensor soap dispenser from simplehuman, Presto food shaping mould from Tescoma, the ZingAnything Citus Zinger and Mastrad’s Express Whisk.

• The 27 products selected for Ambiente’s Design Plus awards include the ‘Superleggero’ series of ten wine glasses by Riedel - very light glasses with ultra-thin walls, enhancing the pleasure of drinking wine through optimised glass shapes.

• Companies selected for Ambiente’s first Ethical Style Guide are marked with an Ethical Style label at the show, and on its website. Rudi Dalvai of the World Fair Trade Organisation, one of the jury members who selected exhibitors for the guide, expressed his surprise at the high numbers of exhibitors that applied to be listed, and admitted: “it has been a challenge to do the final selection.”

• Last year’s Ambiente hosted 4,814 exhibitors from 95 nations and 134,620 trade visitors from 152 countries.

Blend to perfection with ‘best buy’ NutriPro The Salter NutriPro 1000 from Ultimate Products was highlighted as ‘Best Buy option’ on BBC2's What to Buy and Why programme on January 8. With the help of basketball team, The London Lions, presenter, Cherry Healey investigated whether cheaper bullet blenders can compete with more expensive ones. Bullet blenders were judged on price and the similarity of quality with high priced blenders, with end results judged on overall smoothness and flavours.

Simon Showman, ceo of Ultimate Products expressed his delight that the Salter Nutri Pro was “awarded the Best Buy on BBC2’s What to Buy and Why ahead of other products such as the NutriBullet and the NutriNinja.”

Simon reports: “Healthy eating is a significant area of focus for the Salter brand and we will be launching some exciting new products into the range at Spring Fair.”

Millennials are shaping the future

Below: Crowds at the opening of 2015’s IH+HS in Chicago.

‘Millennial’ is the trend buzzword for 2016, according to Tom Mirabile, trend expert for the International Housewares Association (IHA). The term covers consumers born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s. Tom will provide insight into this influential consumer group in a seminar at The International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) in Chicago (7.30 am on Monday, March 7).

Other IH+HS highlights include renowned colour/design forecaster, Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman’s presentation on colour trend directions (12 noon on March 7), as well as an investigation into how colour pallettes appeal to particular consumer mindsets (12 noon, March 8).

• The IH+HS (March 5-8, organised by the IHA) sold out in late December, more than 10 weeks before opening day. The show exceeds last year’s exhibit space and hosts more than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, including 400 new companies exhibiting for the first time. See www.housewares.org

Progressive Housewares

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News

NEWS IN BRIEF ● Dexam is launching a The School of Wok

range of works, developed with the help of the cookery school’s Jeremy Pang. ● Portmeirion Group has launched a Royal Worcester and a Spode collection (including commemorative mugs and plates) to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. ● Newell Rubbermaid has acquired Jarden Corporation in the USA – the combined company, Newell Brands is projected to become a $16 billion consumer goods company. ● Hot Plate Products has taken on UK distributorship for Casabella, focusing mainly on its original food preparation and cleaning products. ● Portmeirion Group expects its profit before taxation for the year to December 31 2015 to be slightly ahead of market expectations, at over £68 million, an increase of at least 11% over the previous year. This is the seventh consecutive year of record sales. The new kiln starts production in February to meet demand for UK made goods.

John Rae’s farewell

Dexam’s buying director, John Rae is to take early retirement at the end of March, having spent 27 years with the company.

John started as an area sales manager and was promoted to field sales manager and then sales director before his present role.

He reflects: “I’ve been fortunate enough to do lots of travelling, visiting many interesting places and meeting lots of different people, many of whom have become close friends.” John adds: “I just want to say a massive thanks to Dexam for giving me all of these wonderful opportunities and for being such a supportive company to work for. I bid a fond farewell to everyone”. He concludes: “It’s an overused cliché that our industry is one of the nicest and most fun to be involved within the retail sector, but I strongly believe this is the case!”

TOP STORY

Home life at Top Drawer Home, Craft, Gift and Fashion came together, along with a

Below: Keith Brymer-Jones at his potter’s wheel at Top Drawer.

brand new Food Emporium for gift and artisan foods, and a ‘Spotted’ section for up and coming talent under the newly re-branded umbrella of Top Drawer (January 17-19 at London Olympia).

Show director, Alejandra Campos confirmed a very strong interest in Home from visitor registrations. Top Drawer’s Home included Joseph Joseph (showcasing food storage and waste solutions), LSA (celebrating 50 years with cocktails on its stand), Alessi, Beam Group, Robert Welch Designs, Microplane, Studio William and Stelton from White Brands.

New uses of colour in housewares included shimmering titanium coated knives from Kuhn Rikon – the new range has “taken the game on from Colori,” notes Edward Margetts, md of Kuhn Rikon UK. Meanwhile, first time exhibitors included Utility (Brighton) – a retailer that has developed its own enamel housewares, typifying the ‘rustic utilitarian’ trend at the show.“We have been selling the range in our shop for 18 months and this is our first time as exhibitors at a trade show,” stated Martha Tiffin. She added:“When people feel the weight, they know this is very well made and like the fact that it is made in Europe.”

Top Drawer visitors met Keith Brymer-Jones, judge of BBC2’s Great Pottery Throw Down, who was throwing his potter’s wheel live inside the entrance to Home. Keith – who is head of design at Make International – also revealed his ‘Life as a Potter’ in a talk at Academy Live, with insights into the TV show and its impact. He also reflected on meeting business partner, Dominic Speelman when exhibiting as a solo potter at Top Drawer, and going forward into mass production of his work. Keith admits to being “blown away” by the expertise of the family run factory in China that produces Make’s ceramics.

Keith also talked about the exposure gained by Make’s YouTube videos (Dom’s idea) that “show our products in a light-hearted way.” Keith’s performance skills in his ‘Rolling Clay with Keith’ (Adele spoof ) video caught the attention of Love Productions – the company behind Great Pottery Throw Down – who approached him to be a judge. Keith reflects: “The most successful PR is when you don’t feel like it’s PR!” Other presentations at Top Drawer’s Academy Live included lifestyle entrepreneur, Charlie Gladstone from Pedlars, social media expert, Warren Knight and homewares designer, Ella Doran.

Below: Auteur’s Jenny Dahlman using one of F’lint’s brightly coloured rollers on the F’lint and remoodeez stand at Top Drawer.

Auteur is on a roll at Top Drawer Auteur launched two new brands in the Home section at Top Drawer. F’lint is a compact retractable lint roller - the result of a mission to find ‘a better way” to ensure pristine clothes, says founder, Daniel Woolman, who once experienced a lint disaster in his luggage on a business trip.

Meanwhile, funky looking remodeeez was created to solve another problem encountered by a frequent business traveller, Jason Jacobs, who as a keen runner needs to carry trainers and running clothes in his luggage. He explains: “We set out to design a safe and effective product that would permanently remove the odour and moisture in any closed space with ingredients that are safe for both the people who use them and the environment as a whole.” The products contain non-toxic activated carbon coconut husks and are ideal for use inside fridges, laundry baskets, cars, bags, trainers and shoes.

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BHETA’s New Year events BHETA’s retailer engagement for 2016 has already got off to a busy start, following its highly successful programme last year (which included the recent Homebase Meet the Buyer day, described as “invaluable” by its buying team.)

A host of housewares suppliers attended BHETA’s first Meet the Buyer event of 2016 - the first ever with the UK’s leading home improvements and garden retailer, B&Q (on January 14 in Southampton).

Some 12 B&Q buyers met with BHETA members, with a remit that included addressing any gaps in the retailer’s current offering (which includes homewares and kitchen Above: BHETA’s first Meet the Buyer event for 2016 was with B&Q. accessories, tableware and utility products).

B&Q is looking to trade with companies of all sizes, and, to speed up its listing process, has partnered with Birmingham Innovations to act as distributor. B&Q online currently has four million hits a week and is the fastest growing part of the business.

Meanwhile, housewares suppliers were meeting with Home Hardware’s buying team near Bristol on January 21 (as PH went to press). BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones described this as a “unique opportunity for potential suppliers.”

Retailer owned, Home Hardware comprises over 400 members including independent housewares stockists and cook shops, ironmongers and garden centres. The organisation enables its members to compete against multiples by combining buying power, and provides national distribution from its two distribution centres at Barnstaple and Bedford.

As typical of the successful Meet the Buyer format, participating BHETA members were allocated a 20 minute appointment with the relevant buyer for a maximum of two people, with a set presentation format. * Forthcoming Meet the Buyer events include Wilkinsons on March 22 and Wyevale Garden Centre Group on May 11.

New members boost opportunities

The latest housewares companies to join BHETA include Kalorik, Culinary Concepts, and IC Innovations gift and housewares.

BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones comments, “It’s clear that recent BHETA events focusing on retail engagement and networking are attracting companies and brands in the housewares market to join BHETA.” He reflects: “ Above: A kettle and toaster from Kalorik.

This is great as brand names and a great range of categories within both home improvement and home enhancement both add to our ability to create really good business development opportunities for all our members.”

SUPPLIER STORY

Inset: Some of What More UK’s donations that were delivered to flood relief centres.

What More helps flood victims Messages of thanks have been coming back to What More UK, following the plastics manufacturer’s donations to help victims of December's flooding.

What More donated pallet loads of stock from its Altham warehouse to help people with the clean up and salvage operation after hundreds of homes were flooded by Storm Desmond and then Storm Eva. Initially, 800 Wham branded mops, 400 mop buckets and 400 heavy duty brushes were dispatched to emergency flood relief centres in Kendal and Carlisle, with distribution priority given to the elderly and those in greatest financial need.

Later, plastic storage boxes were sent out to Glenridding in direct response to a social media appeal and more brushes, buckets and waterproof plastic boxes were distributed to other flood-stricken areas in the north.

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018_HW_Jan Feb 2016.indd 1 A4.indd 1 Tower Progressive Housewares

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Spring cleaning Phew! Well here we are – mid January - having survived the rigours of another retail Christmas. It is always such a build-up: planning from July to September, busy in October and November and then manic in December. There is always such a sense of satisfaction locking the doors on Christmas Eve, knowing that you have a bit of time off: time to relax and reflect, before starting the process of analysing the Christmas period, restocking the shelves, and planning strategy for the next year.

This is the time when we finally come back up for air at Cooking Marvellous. We have done our sales analysis for 2015, and we are now planning our way forward for 2016. We have Above: CHA chairman, Joan earmarked the stock that hasn’t sold well last year and will be delisted, is the md of online business, and looking forward to listing some lovely new stock. We get such a Cooking Marvellous. sense of satisfaction in doing a good stock “spring clean” - no hiding place for the poor performers – anything that brings in less than our benchmark minimum turnover has to go.

I did feel a little sad this year compiling my stock delist list – there were quite a few stock items that I feel just a bit emotionally attached to – products that have been with us from day one, and were the back bone of our profit in past years: products that I never would have imagined I would remove, like fish poachers, potato ricers and silicone cup cake cases.

However, times and trends change, and you have to make way for the new star performers to come. The exciting question is: what will they be? So Spring Fair, here we come!

Joan Woulfe, CHA chairman Advice, support and top tips at Spring Fair The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) will be offering retail advice and support to CHA members at Spring Fair (stand 9J14), covering everything from saving on utility bills to checking retailers’ auto enrolment dates.

Meanwhile, bira’s national membership manager, Julie Conway (pictured) will present Making the Difference – Top Tips for your Independent Retail Business, a seminar on Sunday February 7 at 11.55am and 1.45m on the Fashion and Accessories Stage, at 3.45pm on the Ecommerce Stage, and on Tuesday February 9 at 11.50am on the Fashion and Accessories Stage. The seminars will be relevant, short, to the point and aimed directly at making life easier for independent retailers, with quick and easy to action tips.

Above: bira conference venue: the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa.

Inspiration at bira’s Conference

Two new speakers have been announced for bira’s High Street Conference on May 11 at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich Spa. Claire Harper - the former marketing director at Mamas & Papas – will be sharing her brandbuilding and retail insights, following the conference theme of how to help independents’ growth. In the past few years, Claire set up her own customer-centric brand (IndiaCoco), firstly online and then moving into high streets.

Gift wrapping guru, Jane Means (renowned for her gift wrapping courses and providing giftwrap services to renowned retailers and the super-rich and famous) also joins the line up, which includes housewares retailer (and gia UK winner 2015/2016), Lords’ ceo, Shanker Patel.

The conference will connect retailers to other like-minded, forward-thinking, independentfocused individuals, and inspire delegates “to introduce new ideas to their business plan and understand what it takes to implement them,” confirms Sarah Golden, marketing and membership director at bira.

Sarah states:“Our incoming national president, Vin Vara (of the London-based Tool Shop group incorporating housewares), is keen to highlight what’s possible for the future success of independents. So we’ve put together a strong programme of speakers that reflects the current and future USPs indies need to remain relevant and stand out from the crowd.” She adds:“It’s a must-attend event for all independent shop owners and those selling to independents.”

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Food for thought

State of the nation 2016 As a new year dawns, retailers and industry figures reflect on what has defined 2015 for the housewares industry and look forward to the challenges ahead.

Inset: Some highlight that customers are the real winners in a highly competitive marketplace.

Below: Upping the game when it comes to training – Steamer Trading’s past year’s training sessions included product training with Raymond Blanc.

PH asked three questions:

Question 1: What, in your opinion, was the defining feature of the past year in housewares (and how would you describe its significance)?

Question 2: What excites you about the year ahead?

Question 3: What challenge or opportunity would you like to see the housewares industry address in 2016, and how?

Price promises, and differentiation

Ben Phillips, managing director, Steamer Trading Cookshop 1: "The defining feature of the past year has been the impact of price matches (and consumer awareness of these) coupled with the uncertain direction of Black Friday, skewing customer behaviour. The result of Black Friday 2015 was to delay consumers from starting Christmas shopping as they waited to see what was happening with prices. For example, people were coming into our shops to look at expensive coffee machines two or three times before making any decisions.

Big retailers knew what they doing this year and were very selective on offers, while increasing numbers of smaller retailers took part with some significant discounts for Black Friday.

Not surprisingly, November was a horrible month for retail, while December brought more

reasons to hold-off from Christmas shopping, with more price promotions plus unseasonably warm weather, as well as four weekdays to shop before Christmas Day itself. Of course, the figures taken in these busy final four days have been making up for slow sales earlier in the month in many cases.”

2: “2016 will be an opportunity for good specialist retailers to really up their game and differentiate what they are doing, for example, with knowledgeable staff, and a good integrated

online and in-store presence. We will all work harder, but we will be seeing long-term rewards for those retailers that have invested.”

3: “The challenge for suppliers (if they have not already acted) is to avoid putting their products into retailers who do not have the willingness to demonstrate and to sell products on their merits rather than on low prices. For the long-term health of the industry, we need to avoid the situation where certain products are permanently on offer.”

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Food for thought Below: Heritage story: a vintage Le Creuset advertisement.

Changing lifestyles, individuality, and storytelling

Christabel Biella, buyer for Home - brands and concessions, House of Fraser 1: “2015 was a year to celebrate brand heritage and continued innovation, reaching out to people's lifestyles as they change and evolve. We celebrated Le Creuset's 90th and Dualit's 70th anniversaries. Both brands showed that their brand values stand the test of time, with new launches from their most recognised product ranges. These products are not the same, but have been re-worked to meet the current demands of the home. The industry also continues to find answers for people's changing living and eating trends, for example with the launch of Joseph Joseph's Intelligent Waste to help de-clutter recycling and waste as we become more environmentally conscious. And the continued healthy eating drive being met with the explosion of the Nutribullet and its rivals, as well as spiralisers. 2015 showed that the power of meeting demand of what people want now really pays off, but at the same time the speed to market is not to the detriment of quality or design."

2: “2016 is a year for even more personalisation for the home and experimentation with materials and colour on everyday objects. We will see even more use of more luxurious and natural materials on everyday products making housewares more design conscious and aesthetically

Authencity and inspiration

pleasing, from metallics such as golds and more shades of copper, to wood, leather and marble as kitchens and living spaces merge even more in the home. This will stretch from a kettle right through to storage. We will also see a bigger range of colours than ever before on everyday items to further personalise the home, which in itself is ground breaking. This is a new territory to be in for the width of choice to the consumer. In addition to more choice, there will be an explosion of digital content from brands to further enhance and bring product to life on screen.”

3: “With the increasing demand for faster information, product availability and even wider choice, the challenge continues as to how to be more flexible and agile to meet the demands of the change in velocity. We are being challenged to follow consumer journeys more closely as they shop the different channels through mobile, online and in store - and making sure we show the right information to the customer at all times to make their purchase as easy as possible.

This requires a more customer-centric approach, tapping into what drives customer behaviours and thought processes to make their buying decisions.

How do we do this? With better product information - not only on technical products but all products, telling the customer about what relevant design features a product has, and how it will improve their lifestyles, and giving them a story of the provenance of the product.

This can be done through imagery, digital content, video, and in store through labelling and packaging, customer service and clear simple POS. For more technical products, we need to do the product comparison for our customers to make their buying decision easier.

Finally, timing is everything - launching the product at the right time to hit that spot of consumer demand will make all the difference.”

Matthew Canwell, director of buying, Lakeland 1: “I think that 2015 has been defined by the influence everyday people can have on trends in cooking and eating. We’ve seen this happen with the publication of Deliciously Ella, which has become the biggest selling cookbook of the year. Written by someone from necessity, it’s become a best seller because of its authenticity.”

2: “Authenticity is something that customers are

Above: Bestselling cookbook of 2015, Deliciously Ella reflects consumers’ desire for healthy living and authenticity.

resonating with. They have more choice today than ever before. They are more informed than ever before. And they need to understand you and your business more than ever before. People buy from people they like – so let’s give them more reasons to like us through great service and allowing them to have input into our businesses that they see being acted on.”

3: “Looking forwards, I can see that there will be yet more changes for everyone in the world of retail. Sure, convenience and price are key factors - hence the unstoppable rise of the internet – but customers are looking to be inspired and introduced to things they didn’t know.

The internet cannot do that – it is brilliant for what you know you want, but falls short of inspiring you to do things you hadn’t thought of. And that’s where retail shops come in. We must inspire, excite, enthuse our customers to try new things, enticing them with possibilities and making them achievable with the products we sell. So while 2016 will surely be challenging, it will definitely be as exciting as we make it.”

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Progressive Housewares

Healthily hydrated

Michelle Dickinson, managing director, Burton McCall 1: "Hydration, both hot and cold stood out in 2015, with the category sales growing in both depth and value for Camelbak and Aladdin within both our nationals and independent customers alike.

The housewares category proved a positive year in 2015 for Burton McCall, with the addition of two new brands, Bamix and Placematix (winning The Top of the Table category at the Excellence in Housewares Awards)."

2: "We are excited that our portfolio is set to strengthen again early in 2016 with the addition of a further premium brand, and our continued aim is to offer our customers great service and great brands."

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Food for thought

Black Friday, and putting the spotlight on housewares

Nicola Hattersley, buyer for Cookshop, John Lewis 1: “Black Friday, whether you like it or not, is now a key feature of the retail calendar in the UK and part of what we are calling the three peaks of Autumn. Even though Asda has now stepped out of the arena, I am not sure other retailers will continue to follow suit. It is significant as it is now changing the pattern of consumer spending. The build to Christmas was always a given, prior to the advent of Black Friday, but now how do we get consumers to visit shops and continue spending after the clamour of Black Friday week?”

2: “We have continued to innovate and develop our own brand offer. Our House and Croft brands are now important

Above: John Lewis’ Cook magazine – an example of how the retailer is engaging with its customers.

elements within the range but the John Lewis brand itself has been a focus in key categories and we will see new launches throughout the year ahead. We have written a new strategy for the office and this will see us building up our focus on four main areas of the assortment. Our Cook magazine has also been revamped and we will be looking strategically at how best we can market our ranges and engage our customers.”

3: “The brands need to continue to innovate to excite both us as buyers as well as customers. It does require time and investment but the brands that are doing that are seeing the growth. However this has to be supported by marketing but in a way that brings the product to life. A lot of our industry is about products you never knew we needed, so how do we tell the customers that?”

The election, and rising costs

Alan Hawkins, ceo, The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) 1: “It is good to sit down at the end of the year, often in the warm glow of Christmas, and think about the prospects for the year ahead. In reality, however, planning and reacting to the market are ongoing processes that need to be carried out month in, month out.

Independent retailers are particularly good at this, as they do not have to wait for head offices to tell them what to do.

Looking back over 2015, perhaps the defining moment was the general election.

This seemed to create a lot of uncertainty in the minds of consumers, as they were not sure what a change of government or, indeed, another hung parliament would mean for them. Sales had been negative year-on-year throughout 2014 and barely positive during the first quarter of 2015. Surprise, surprise, postelection there was the first real indication of improvement, with bira’s surveys showing that cookshop and housewares sales were 6% ahead.

Unfortunately, however, this optimism has not continued. In the latter half of 2015 the

slowdown in China seemed to have spooked the markets, which affected consumer confidence. bira’s survey results have now drifted back to reporting marginal growth only. Anecdotally, bira hears that some suppliers are talking double-dip sales reductions, but I believe this exaggerates the state of the market.”

2: “Looking forward to 2016, I normally try to be optimistic and, in terms of external comment, I think it does nobody any good to talk the market down. Good suppliers and good retailers will still have an excellent 2016, whatever the underlying conditions.”

Above: Uncertainty prior to the general election influenced consumer confidence in 2015 (although David Cameron – pictured – remained at Number 10)

3: “I believe, however, there are more concerns about the year ahead than usual. Despite good overall employment figures there are still worries about job security and the state of the economy. Uncertainty surrounding the ‘in or out’ debate in Europe will probably dominate

exchange rate movements over the next few months, which will have more significant effects than most of us realise.

Certainties are that costs will increase as the government has removed the £1,500 rate rebate for small shops. Retailers will also have to cope with the start of the move to the new national living wage and many smaller businesses will also reach their staging dates for auto-enrolment for staff pension schemes and the consequent costs. Keeping costs under control may mean reviewing working hours and staffing levels and this will be the big challenge of 2016. Businesses can only cut costs to make things better for a limited period; eventually costs are cut back to the bone, so where do businesses go then? The reality is that the industry needs to create the excitement that will encourage shoppers to spend. Marketing opportunities need to be taken as they arise and customers need to understand why it is worth investing in the latest products in the market place.

The housewares industry has suffered from the fact that the quality of products has improved over the years, which means they last longer. If a sale is going to be made to a customer on a product that will last for a significant period of time the retailer needs to ensure a good margin is achieved. Consumers are price conscious, but they are also becoming more aware of service and the need to buy the right product. Price is only one part of the equation.

Good luck with 2016 and I hope that worries prove to be illusory and the UK has the prosperous 2016 it deserves.”

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Food for thought

Selling longevity, trendspotting and level pricing

Tom Carter, director, Potters Cookshop, Hockley (The CHA Retailer of the Year in the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015) 1: "This last year has been as challenging as ever, but one thing we have noticed is how our customers want more drama, theatre and quality service. If you can create a fantastic shopping experience and make the customer fall in love with design, colour and innovation of a product then you are half way there. People are working harder more than ever now they want their money to go further so are looking for more quality goods – products that will last rather than go in the bin. I think a lot of cookshops are trying these ideas - for us it has been a defining moment in the last year and gives us hope that a great future is starting to grow."

2: “2016 is going to be a hugely exciting year for us. I cannot wait for Spring Fair to see lots of new and innovative products, particularly for us with our cookshop doubling in size in early summer. We hope to find products that excite us so we can pass our enthusiasm on to the customer. It is also

TV hits and product knowledge

Helen Cubitt, Cookshop supervisor, Baker & Larners of Holt (Best Department Store – Independent in the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015) 1: “In our store, we have found that the defining feature has been the impact of television cookery programmes and magazine articles.

Spiralisers have been on many channels and we have sold a great number of these products thanks to them being used and featured by leading chefs.

The rise of the Nutribullet and its exposure in particular has helped to promote the sale of our Tower Pro Vitablend products. The Kilner range has also seen a rise because of recent television advertisements.

For us personally, we were delighted to have been voted Best Independent Department Store at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015. This has given us a strong platform to build upon in the year ahead. The award gave a huge boost to our staff and proved just how well they know their products!”

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Right: Enticing shoppers with exciting windows – a display at Potters.

fascinating to see what the next trends will be, particularly with colours (following on from copper in 2015). We are also looking for that one magic product to increase sales, like the spiraliser boom!”

3: "Same old story with what needs to change in 2016: the internet. There needs to be far more control on pricing. If not, we risk losing the high street altogether. We have to accept that pretty much every customer will check prices on their phone; you see it when people walk around the shop. There has to be a level pricing for everyone and suppliers should stop supplying companies who are internet business only.

Also, it does not seem quite right that a lot of suppliers sell directly to the public, sometimes offering discounts, making it cheaper than it is for us retailers to sell. You can't have your cake and eat it!”

Below: The Rayware Group’s Kilner TV advertising campaign (pictured in the making) is an example of how consumer marketing prompted housewares sales in 2015.

2: “As we look to 2016, we are also excited about the range of new products on the horizon. A great deal of effort goes into our new product research (including scouring the internet and magazines) We want to be different from other retailers and strive to keep a step ahead.”

3: “For an independent retailer such as ourselves, we find the biggest issue is the internet - a good number of customers try and source similar products on the internet in the hope they will be cheaper.

However, on the plus side we find that customers do value our product knowledge, customer service and the fact that we have been around so long.

This is how we address this challenge and we will continue to do so in 2016.

As television features have been so instrumental in influencing our customers, we hope to see more investment in consumer advertising from housewares suppliers in the year ahead.”

Diversification, relevant NPD and export

Will Jones, homewares director, BHETA 1: “The defining feature of 2015 has been the ongoing rise and growing impact of internet shopping which continues to unsettle, but also stimulate the industry. On the one hand, its depth of range, convenience and speed create ever-greater challenges for some high street retailers. On the other, its growth has inspired other bricks and mortar outlets to focus on delivering the things that internet shopping will always lack – in-store theatre, the provision of services as well as goods, personality and the human touch. Successful high street retail just goes to prove that consumers still like traditional destination shopping – as well as the internet if it continually surprises and delights.

Suppliers too have had to raise their game in both to make the most of both online and offline channels. Some have produced new terms and conditions and realised that online reviews play a role in most purchases – even those that take place in store. Click and Collect is a great example of how all parties are

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Food for thought

Payment cycles, and real deals

Peter Dunne, md, CellarDine 1: In 1998, I set up our business to create innovative and original Above: View of Ambiente – the trade show is an important route to export for many housewares suppliers, who are being helped by BHETA.

responding to the dual channel approach.

The ‘knock on effects’ of all this are also worth a mention and certainly very much in evidence in BHETA’s interaction with both suppliers and retailers. Chiefly noticeable is that the changing face of the home market has continued to prompt suppliers and retailers to explore all possibilities for reaching the consumer. Export strategies proliferate, as do investigations of the commercial market’s potential. Mixed retailing – a cookshop presence in a hardware outlet, for example, or an SDA specialism in a housewares store is more and more commonplace. A more positive, open-minded and creative approach from suppliers towards trading with value retailers as destination stores in themselves is also something that has become much more noticeable.”

2: “In terms of excitement I do feel that the market is picking up and there is an underlying sense of optimism. Developments in the housing market will benefit the housewares sector, but the industry needs to understand how and where this benefit will manifest itself.

Suppliers need to focus on NPD that is relevant to consumer trends, take time to investigate such trends in depth and look at how they can present their offering in ways that provide all the different types of retail channel with something that appeals specifically to them.”

3: “The number one challenge I would like to see addressed is a genuine effort to invest in new products and market initiatives from suppliers. The recent BHETA Autumn Exhibition survey revealed that one of the key reasons for non-attendance by retailers at exhibitions in general is the lack of NPD. It is interesting to note how those suppliers who have invested have made market share gains over the past five years.

I would also like to see more focus on export. BHETA has facilitated grant support for over 35 exhibitors at 2016 Ambiente - up 30% on the previous year - so the opportunity is self evident.”

products - something we have continued to strive to achieve. In 2015 it has been noticeable within our trade just how many independent and national retailers are now crying out for 'true' innovation, with a sincere request for something original not - just a slant on a product that already exists. Experienced buyers fully appreciate the time, commitment, effort and, more importantly, the financial commitment that is made when entering into such projects, which can take years to come to fruition.

The financial implications should not be underestimated; as a family business, we budget carefully to ensure all investments are workable for both the company and our retail customers.

However, where the planning process falls down is non-payments or deliberate late payments, which can have an effect on re-investment. It is essential that the payments cycles agreed with customers are met in full: no one should be afraid to say,“Please settle on time.” Delays in payments result in delays in product development and shipments, something everyone wants to avoid. The financial departments on both sides need to fully appreciate these impacts. If this is resolved, we would see many more genuinely innovative products being created, helping to build sales for an industry that is clearly crying out for such development!

Retailers such as Lakeland should be held up as an excellent example of how to treat supplier partners in a positive way, and I would strongly suggest this is why they have come along way.

Tesco has also reacted to industry and press pressures as it now offers payments in 14 days - this should be applauded as these funds can be re-invested more quickly back into the system.”

2: “The data apps and analysis on the way we investigate online and bricks and mortar shopping habits are a fast growing area of technology. These provide an amazing tool that will help with product investments and store merchandising - exciting times.”

3: “The challenges for 2016 are many, but I would like to see an alternative to the madness that is 'Black Friday'. I fully understand the short-term positives, but surely this is not a long-term retail strategy that will bring genuine success or repeat customers paying sensible prices. Please can we revert to traditional sales promotions, where genuine offers are viewed by everyone as a shared opportunity to make some money and obtain a good deal?”

Competition, and sustainable strategies

Matt Innes, general manager, Beam Group 1: "As easy as it would be to point an obvious finger towards Black Friday, I believe that the housewares market is challenged by the number of new retailers looking to benefit from the growing demand for products in this sector, but also the number of new brands looking to do the same.

The small kitchen appliance market has benefitted from huge demand in selected products categories over the last few years, which both retailers and manufacturers are now struggling to annualise. Unfortunately this heightens competition and brings down prices while everyone fights for business, and the only winner is the customer. The challenge that faces retailers and manufacturers is to understand how and when consumers are driven to make a

purchase - historically this would be around holiday or traditional sale or promotional periods. However, with everyday competition now at its most volatile, and with the market seemingly always on promotion, forecasting is almost a thing of the past."

2: “There are still a number of opportunities in product categories that will continue to grow that are in their infancy in the UK. It is about identifying and working with the right brands who have a long term strategy to develop and build a sustainable business around controlled distribution, and a structured range of products, and are not a one product wonder that is here today and gone tomorrow.”

3: “I believe that MAP (minimum advertised pricing), which is successful in the USA would be a firm step in the right direction in ensuring that retailers who are committed to a multichannel approach and have a desire or need to retain as much value in every purchase are given an equal opportunity to do so than those who only operate online and who may have a far lower cost base. “

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From the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh who was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist - a designer in the post-impressionist movement, and a representative of the Art Nouveau in the UK until 1928. His work is distinctive and is now captured by Lesser & Pavey with brand new designs for a high quality range of tableware. Feayired is a small selection from this comprehensive range of high quality tableware that includes three different trays, mugs, cup with saucer, all presented in co-ordinating packaging and will be on view for the first time in February.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Hall 5 Stand C04/D03

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Charles Viancin will launch its brand new decorative Daisy Magnetic silicone Hooks collection at Spring Fair 2016. These new decorative Daisy silicone hanging hooks incorporate strong magnets to hang textiles or kitchen utensils: versatile, they can be used on the fridge, radiator or metal rail.

Magnetic hook collections already available include Sunflower, Poppy, Hibiscus and Lily Pad designs. All Charles Viancin silicone products are safe at temperatures +220°C to 40°C and dishwasher safe.

Charles Viancin Tel: 01280 841333 E-mail: salesuk@charlesviancin.com.

Web: www.charlesviancin.com Summerhouse Stand C13

Christopher Vine Design, the leading Australian homeware brand continues to add style to the UK homeware market. Amalgamating unique creativity with quality and design, ranges include Cotton Bud, a colourful quirky design sure to brighten any room. Available in four colourways - perfect to mix and match!

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 Fax: 020 8200 5150 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk Hall 9 Stand M01-N01

The Kilner Coffee Grinder helps make a great cup of coffee and comes complete with a Kilner jar and airtight lid. The lid will keep the coffee dry and airtight and the glass jar is perfect for sealing in the rich coffee taste and aromas. Once you’ve finished grinding, store in the fridge, keeping cool for maximum freshness. The Kilner coffee grinder is made from high quality stainless steel and features an adjustable grinder mechanism.

The Rayware Group Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.kilnerjar.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9B10-C11

A pioneer of applying photo-etching technology to graters, Microplane will continue to revolutionise the food preparation category with innovative new products at Spring Fair. Launches include the 5-in-1 Elite Box Grater, Garlic Cutter – engineered to transform garlic cloves. 2-in-1 Herb Mill – cuts fresh herbs with efficiency and precision - and Rotary Grater, featuring a unique conical design for easy grating.

Microplne Tel: Ross Harper on 01204 778594 E-mail: rharper@microplaneintl.com Web: www.microplaneintl.com Hall 9 Stand B42-C43

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P This stylish folding champagne & wine cooler set from Elia adds a real sense of occasion when wine is served at home. Crafted from heavy-gauge 18/10 Stainless Steel to ensure not only lasting good looks, but durability and practicality too.

The tripod stand can be purchased separately and features a strong Stainless Steel chain to ensure all sides of the champagne cooler are held securely. The tripod stand folds neatly after use for easy storage.

Elia International Tel: 020 8998 2100 Email: sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B40-C41

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Creative Tops will be presenting the stunning new Vintage Indigo collection from British designer Katie Alice. Inspired by the heritage delftware of Amsterdam, this range breathes new life into traditional blue and white porcelain. Vintage Indigo features a variety of tableware and homeware pieces that scatter dark blue roses on a bed of woven gingham, laced with Katie Alice’s trademark polka dots.

The Northamptonshire designer weaves a magical story across her beautiful tableware collections, inspired vintage heirlooms and antique fabrics.

Creative Tops Tel: 07515098332 Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 9-10, 9G10-H11

Free from chemicals, the Salter Pan For Life naturally enhances the flavour of your food; the more you cook the better it becomes! The innovative range sees professional cookware taken to the everyday consumer and is sure to impress.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com Hall 10-12, 12K36-L37

The popular vintage enamel look “Pride of Place” has an exciting new direction – new for 2016 are the featured white and grey ceramics, a pure and sophisticated look, elegant and quite timeless creating a versatile collection perfect for modern living. Also on show will be the new “Colour by Numbers” collection, plus a plethora of other great T&G ranges!

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

Anniversary House will be a launching a number of new product types in its Cookie Cutter category at Spring Fair 2016.

Already well known for its extensive range of poly-resin coated coloured cutters and gift sets, it is now introducing new boxed plastic sets, premium upmarket stainless steel sets, as well as sandwich cutter sets and some new “gifts for cooks” sets.

Anniversary House Tel: 01202590222 Web: www.anniversaryhouse.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9G50-H51

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The name invokes images of mystery and beauty and the new ranges from Lesser & Pavey capture the essence of the hailed master weavers of textiles in a form of entrancing decoration. These Persian textile mugs are part of a new range entitled “Exotic Mugs”. The full range consists of twenty different, distinctive designs, at present, from around the globe including Persia, Morocco and Egypt. Based on traditional patterns, the fine, quality mugs come with matching coasters. Mugs are available in sets of two or sets of four, and are in extremely good quality decorative packaging as well as being in rigid boxes to prevent breakages.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Hall 5 Stand C04/D03

The Summerhouse™ ‘Atlantic’ range is a fresh and striking new edition to the classic coastal look. Featuring its signature hand drawn stripe design, the extensive range of outdoor living and picnicking solutions have been fused with a range of watercolour tableware, recycled glass effect drinkware and ceramic-style melamine to create a mix and match eclectic look.

Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 E-mail: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.co.uk Hall 6 Stand J23

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D’Oliva, the latest range of servingware by Maxwell & Williams is inspired by Italy’s rustic, handcrafted ceramics and alfresco dining style. The design combines beautiful nature drawing and rustic script with bold hand-painted elements, so each piece has its own unique character. A palette of cream, rich red and gorgeous greens evokes the vivid colours and cool shade of the olive grove.

D’Oliva includes classic servingware in a range of sizes as well as a chip & dip, a spoon rest and a 2.8L pitcher – perfect for bringing a touch of Italy to the table!

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk Hall 9 Stand M01-N01

Inspired by our oldest British university towns, the Mason Cash Varsity range combines the quality and innovation of Mason Cash together with sophistication and style. The Varsity stoneware range of food preparation items are all chip resistant and dishwasher safe. The Varsity baking range offers all you need for pie, quiche and pudding making. Our versatile rolling pin has a unique flour shaker function with ruler for accurate cutting and rolling.

The Rayware Group Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.masoncash.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9B10-C11

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Stellar has created a collection of kitchen tools that combine the attraction of copper with the unsurpassed functionality needed in the contemporary home.

Constructed from a food safe finish, each item in the Stellar copper collection has been designed to perform peerlessly (even with wet hands). The copper will not tarnish or lose its sheen. The collection includes a Corkscrew, Y-Peeler, Garlic Crusher, Nut Cracker, Ice-cream Scoop and Pizza Knife; each finished with absolute attention to detail and sold with a lifetime guarantee.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9A24-B25

Stockists of the Anniversary House range of Christmas Cake Decorations generate important incremental seasonal revenue during the all-important fourth quarter of the year. There are a number of new product additions being launched at Spring fair, including a more comprehensive Seasonal Cookie Cutter range, some on-trend Resin figurines (under wraps until the show), new sugarcraft together with a number of new entry level plastic figurine kits. If you haven’t ranged Christmas Cake Decorations before do come and check out our product offering, whereas existing customers can preview the new for 2016 products.

Anniversary House Tel: 01202590222 Web: www.anniversaryhouse.co.uk Hall 9 Stand G50-H51

Charles Viancin will launch its brand new Sea-themed collection at this year’s Spring Fair.

Inspired by nature, the new Charles Viancin Sea collection features a 6” Anemone Lid, 8” Starfish Lid, 9” Shell Lid and 11” Coral Lid. The collection also includes an Anemone & Star Fish Drinks Cover Set and a Coral & Shell Drinks Cover Set. Made from BPA free, best quality food grade silicone, the new Sea collection ensures an air-tight and watertight seal, preventing spills when cooking as well as keeping food fresh longer.

Charles Viancin Tel: 01280 841333 E-mail: salesuk@charlesviancin.com Web: www.charlesviancin.com Summer House Stand number C13

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Spring will be well and truly in the air on the Kitchen Craft stand with a spectacular showcase of spring/summer 2016 new collections and range extensions. Adding a breath of fresh air will be some charming new Living Nostalgia kitchen and garden accessories. Making great gifts alongside attractive more unique kitchen storage and decoration, new additions include steel trugs, garden string/twine dispensers, steel watering cans, storage tins for bird seed and a wooden panelled bird house, along with outdoor lanterns to add to the al fresco ambience.

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

Say goodbye to greasy oily omelettes that are loaded with additional calories. The Omelit fat-free omelette maker will help you cook a perfectly folded omelette without the need for oil or butter. Simply genius! Easy to use and clean, plus it’s reusable!

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686 572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9E60-F61

BergHOFF’s contemporary ‘ron’ collection will take centre stage at this year’s show. This beautifully designed range of interchangeable cookware and serving pieces encompasses complementary colours, contrasting materials and subtle textures. Ron is where cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel and ash wood all come together in perfect harmony. Featuring an eyecatching stovetop stockpot in subtle sage, which transforms seamlessly into a green and white tajine by simply swapping the lid, and a stunning black and white oven steamer, perfect for impressing guests at the table. Two ranges of beautifully balanced steel knives complete this exclusive collection.

Berghoff Tel: 01908 488 606 E-mail: paula.leggett@berghoffworldwide.com Hall 9 Stand C40-D41

With a history spanning over 10 years, the iconic Vintage Kitchen range is still going strong! Belmont is Typhoon’s new Vintage Kitchen edition, with fresh colours and a sophisticated look. Made from high quality coated steel and using advanced production techniques to create a seamless finish. The bread bin has a reversible bread board lid and the storage range is designed to be hardwearing and robust.

The Rayware Group Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.typhoonhousewares.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9B10-C11

2016 is an exciting year for Portmeirion Group with two of its best-selling collections marking impressive milestones. Spode’s Blue Italian celebrates its 200th anniversary with a stunning anniversary collection and new design, Giallo. The Sophie Conran for Portmeirion range celebrates its 10th anniversary with a beautiful collection of mugs each featuring a delightful design. A variety of new introductions will also join the portfolio alongside three new designs – Dandelion Clocks by Sanderson for Portmeirion, Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise and Enchanted Tree.

Portmeirion Group Tel: 01782 744721 E-mail: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com Web: www.portmeiriongroup.com Hall 9 Stand E30-F31

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Eddingtons are delighted to be appointed official Distributors for Wade Ceramics for 2016. Wade pie funnels and dishes continue a rich tradition of 200yrs design and manufacture, proudly British made since 1810. Each piece is produced using the finest porcelain and expert craftsmanship, and is designed to specifically enhance the flavour and presentation of sweet or savoury Pies.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686 572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk Hall 9-10, 9E60-F61

Chemours and Teflon™ – committed to You! More about ...

Expanding its Mikasa brand, Creative Tops will be introducing Gourmet Basics at Spring Fair 2016. This collection sees a gorgeous blend of softened shapes and neutral tones with highlights of sage green. Stoneware pieces are crafted with matt and gloss finishes and complemented with yarn-dyed textiles and vinyl placemats. With all the essentials you need for dining in a fresh palette and comforting shapes, Gourmet Basics is ideal for making a new house a home.

Creative Tops Tel: 07515098332 Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 9-10, 9G10-H11

▪ our company ▪ new technology ▪ top nonstick coatings at Ambiente 2016 Hall 3.0 | E 50 www.teflon.com

© 2015 The Chemours Company FC,LLC. Teflon™ and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC,LLC. Chemours™ and the Chemours Logo are trademarks of The Chemours Company.

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In addition to its stimulating display of BergHOFF branded cookware, knives and ovento-tableware, the company will also present the Cook n Co collection at this year’s Spring Fair.

Boasting a complete spectrum of everyday items across food preparation, knives, cookware and food storage, visitors will also be treated to a first look at Cook n Co collection of 20 new innovative food preparation gadgets which will be making its first appearance at the show. The range wouldn’t be complete without attractive and informative packaging, which brings the whole range together seamlessly.

BergHoff E-mail: paula.leggett@berghoffworldwide.com Tel: 01908 488 606 Hall 9 Stand C40-D41

The ice hardened Japanese Stainless Steel Blade guarantees a long-lasting sharpness and performance. Ice hardening the blade allows the steel to reach maximum strength. The titanium coating creates an elegant shine as well as further protecting and strengthening the blade. Available in Blue, Green, Purple, Rose Gold and Silver.

Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902458410 Web: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk Hall 9-10, Stand 9G40-H41

Taking inspiration from Gastro Pub food and classic British cuisine, Denby and James Martin have created the new ‘Gastro’ Collection of serving kits designed to showcase food in style.

Crafted from specially selected materials, are Mini Fry Baskets, Ramekin Sets and Burger/Pate Kits and presented in premium packaging the kits are eminently suitable as gifts. Adaptable, practical and effortlessly stylish, the new ‘Gastro’ Collection makes even the simplest foods look special.

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

The stunning new BIA Spyro design from The DRH Collection mixes together colour, pattern, shape and finish and covers a selection of bowl sizes, dipping dishes, plates and teapots. Available in an array of colours, Spyro’s design is amazingly detailed – the complex overlapping arcs and lines are neatly off set by the tactile waves debossed on to the outside of each piece. It really brings items, like the teapot, to life!

DRH Tel: 020 7249 0710 Web: www.thedrhcollection.com Hall 9 Stand 9B24-C25

BHL will officially launch the Alfi brand to the UK retail market at Spring Fair 2016.

Alfi, a luxury brand established in 1914 in Wertheim, Germany, is at the forefront of bringing high-quality insulated carafes to the housewares market. Featuring designorientated products in a variety of sophisticated colours and materials, the impressive Alfi collection is set to be a spectacular show stopper.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 201 6738 E-mail: sales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9L10-M11

Quality, durability and value for money define BHL’s newest brand, Arcopal.

Produced by ARC International, this enticing collection of highly resistant drinkware and tableware sets are dishwasher resistant and designed to last. The Arcopal range includes both plain and decorated tableware sets that feature classic styles combined with sophisticated designs. In addition, Arcopal’s affordable price points make it an attractive choice for all housewares retailers.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 201 6738 E-mail: sales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9L10-M11

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BHL will be exhibiting the latest innovative products from Thermos®, including the stylish Performance Cold Cups. Unique to the UK market, they are perfect for keeping smoothies fresh and cool for 13 hours.

For convenient food storage, the Dual Compartment Food Flask ticks all the boxes. Allowing you to store hot and cold foods together in one sleek container, it keeps hot foods hot even while refrigerated! It also includes a handy stainless steel spork, so endless fresh food combinations can be enjoyed on-the-go.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 201 6738 E-mail: sales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9L10-M11

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The epitome of stylish living, Ashanti is a beautiful new tableware collection and one of many new launches from Fairmont & Main set to inspire visitors to the show. With soft, distinctive edges and smooth contours, the understated design of this strengthened bone china collection brings contemporary chic to the table, and the pale cream, high gloss finish provides the perfect canvas for showing off culinary talents. The collection comprises a selection of plates in different sizes, bowls, tea cups/saucers, mugs, creamer, teapot, pair of large bowls and serving bowl.

Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 E-mail: sales@fairmont.co.uk Summerhouse Stand A01

Tradestock’s fresh new- look stand will be the arena for a notable new product launch featuring exciting new collections and range extensions across tabletop, kitchen and dining, accessories and giftware. Not least of all will be some wonderful introductions to Durobor – a brand featuring an outstanding collection of glass drinkware and serveware. The New Fjord beer glass will be amongst the new introductions and beautifully compliments Tradestock’s own iStyle My Home brand of glassware.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: W: www.tradestockltd.co.uk Hall 9 Stand B12/C13

Fall in love with a world of heavenly florals and hues of alluring blues in Ladelle’s new release - Evie Kitchen textile range. This 100% cotton elegant design includes pot-holder, oven mitt, apron and kitchen towel. Visit the stand to view all the stunning new ranges.

Ladelle Tel: 020 3755 3135 E-mail: Customerservice.uk@ladelle.com Web: www.ladelle.com Hall 9 Stand A40-B41

Hand-crafted by Denby’s skilled artisans in England, ‘Natural Canvas’ is beautiful and functional…Timeless, neutral tones are combined with ‘roulette’ texture featured on some pieces inspired by the iconic ‘Chevron’ pattern of the sixties. Many items serve several functions and the unique Denby glaze gives the opportunity to mix and match with other patterns. Tough enough to be loved and enjoyed from quiet teatimes, Friday nights with friends to Sunday family lunches, offering beautiful form but without the formality.

Denby Web: www.denby.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9C10 - D11

Bringing a fresh simplicity to busy modern lives, ‘Pantry’ joins the Burleigh portfolio. Included in the Collection are square shaped storage jars, hand decorated with a simple badge declaring the items function;‘Tea’, ‘Coffee’ and ‘Sugar’– there is also a cute One Cup Teapot. In addition, the new shapes extend to Burleigh’s most iconic patterns of ‘Calico’ and ‘Asiatic Pheasants’.

Burleigh Tel. 01773 740715 Web: www.burleigh.co.uk Hall 9 Stand 9C10 - D11

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Market focus

What’s brewing?

Right: No ‘loose grounds’ or ‘over-stewing’ with the Judge Brew Control from Horwoods.

More consumers are enjoying fresh ground coffee and leaf tea, often creating a talking point around the table. PH wakes up to smell the coffee, and savour the latest ‘brews’.

Below: La Cafetiere is addressing interior fashions with additions to its Monaco range.

Beautiful beans The coffee ‘revolution’ on the home front equates with increasing numbers of consumers opting for the taste of real coffee, leaving the jars of ‘instant’ on the shelf. Besides the pervasion of coffee shop culture, Nespresso has been a key influencer in the revolution since the brand’s launch 20 years ago, of course.

Francisco Nogueira, managing director, Nespresso UK and Ireland recognises that increasingly, well-educated consumers want to know about the origin of their coffee, with a “particular demand for coffees which are from a single country” (hence the brand’s expanded range of single origin Grands Crus.) In addition to

the introduction of stylish machines (such as the recent collaboration with KitchenAid) and innovation (with new technology to be unveiled this spring), Nespresso prides itself on offering innovative coffee capsule selections.

Francisco explains: “By exploring new terroirs and coffee processing techniques,

Automatic attractions “The Coffee Machine market has continued to perform strongly with sales by value increasing +14.2% year on year,” reports Dominik Pytel, marketing director at Groupe SEB (with reference to recent figures from GfK). He elaborates: “At the premium end of the market, fully automatic bean to cup machines have shown significant growth and now account for 12.1% of the total coffee Machine market by value.” Dominik highlights the importance of innovation as a market driver, citing Krup’s flagship EA9010 Bean to Cup machine, with “intuitive touch screen technology” and a menu of 17 one-touch hot drinks “inspired by coffee houses across the globe.”

Jura is embracing advancing technology with the launch of its Smart Connect device this spring, compatible with a range of its bean to cup machines. David Naylor, commercial manager for Jura Products explains: “This innovative new device uses Bluetooth communication to wirelessly operate your coffee machine via your tablet. By downloading the Jura Connect iOS or Android App onto your tablet device, you can now set your personal coffee preferences, such as adjusting the strength, temperature and cup size.”

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Nespresso obtains beans from around the globe helping Club Members to expand their coffee knowledge and enjoy new experiences and tastes.” He confirms: “This approach is a key focus for the Nespresso strategy and helps the brand to stand out in an ever-growing market place.” (See News on Nespresso boutiques).

At Melitta UK, general manager, Stephen Barnett recognises the proliferation of micro-roasters, indicative of consumers’ desires to seek out high quality, artisan coffee beans. He reports growth in the “upper segment” of Melitta’s bean to cup machines (with “exceptionally successful” demonstrations on Ideal World, and a trend for “trading up” from entry level bean to cup machines as well as the conversion of consumers with capsule machines).

The evolving coffee revolution embraces machines and manual preparation, of course. At La Cafétiere from Creative Tops, marketing manager, Katrina Lawton notes “the UK market surge in the sale of coffee beans” as part of the “everincreasing sophistication” of the domestic

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Market focus Above: Bredemeijer’s Verona Glass teapot with glass infuser basket from Haus makes a showcase for the leaf brewing process. The brand is unveiling an array of new designs at Ambiente.

Below: Sabichi’s Lydia Teapot and cake stand help to make teatime an occasion.

Bottom: Barista’s Carafe for Slow Brew Coffee, launched at Top Drawer.

Ones to watch?

Roaming brews – Cafflano launched the Cafflano Klassic Coffee Maker at the last Autumn Fair, enabling coffee lovers to grind fresh beans and filter straight into its integrated cup. A little larger than a travel mug, the Klassic is ideal for lovers of freshly ground coffee in the great outdoors!

Look who’s talking - Drip through coffee will gather momentum over the next 12 months, predicts Barista’s James Gray, as more consumers see it in trendy coffee shops and as Barista boosts awareness via social media. Melitta is another brand that will commit to more PR this year - this time for its filter machines that uniquely adjust their flow of water.

coffee scene, where consumers have “become more experimental with brewing processes to create variety in their daily rituals and allow them to experience different flavours and qualities of their coffee.” Meanwhile, James Gray, md of Hot Plate Products, which introduced the Barista brand last year, reflects on different types of coffee consumers – some that have moved from freeze dried coffee to machines, and others that take pride in making coffee manually using, for example a French press or drip through method, often utilising different preparations for different times of the day. With new launches at the recent Top Drawer, Barista recognises that: “People have French presses on the table and want a fashionable look.”

Addressing the perfect manual brew time,

Horwoods is previewing its innovative Judge Brew Control Cafétiere at Spring Fair. This “locks grounds in place with a tisaniere-style central tube, allowing the rich essential oils of freshly ground coffee to permeate into the surrounding water for your ideal brew time,” explains marketing manager, James Robinson. Another opportunity to savour the flavour!

Teatime news Desires to make an occasion out of tea, as well as creating the best taste experience is influencing demand for tea making products. Seeing significant growth with the Bredemeijer brand, Haus’ Marc Kinsey, key accounts manager, reflects: “It seems that more and more consumers are leaving teabags and moving towards loose tea – the rise in popularity of afternoon tea means that people are now eager to recreate both the taste and the atmosphere at home.” He observes

that: “Teapots complete with removable infuser baskets are hugely popular for us.” Marc also notes demand for a “centre-piece for afternoon tea.” Hence, increasing numbers of consumers are “moving away from the traditional teapot shape and we’re seeing big popularity for the striking Lund range, cast iron teapots and the inventive Verona Glass range,” he says. At BergHOFF, Paula Legget, sales and marketing manager concurs that consumers are enjoying table theatre when it comes to tea drinking. She states: “We’ve noticed a shift in the traditional attitude to tea drinking, with sales of glass teapots and cast iron teapots on the up. We’re also seeing a growing appetite for our traditionalstyle Japanese cast iron tea bowls.”

At Dexam (for The London Teapot Company), md, Roger MorganGrenville acknowledges that its Pebble range is seeing rising sales “because of its sleek shape, its very tactile nature, and its difference from most pots on offer on the market.”

Meanwhile, at Sabichi, Shradha Kaulm marketing executive, recognises demand for beautiful teatime pieces, reporting: “We have focused our development around the English meadow, featuring grass, poppies and cornflowers. To execute these designs we have used delicate watercolour styles, a trend which has been gathering momentum in the interiors world.” Shradha comments: “The tea trend is a growing fast; this could be attributed to the likes of Downton Abbey and other famous period dramas that make tea feel very sophisticated! It has become highly fashionable to enjoy high teas with homemade cakes and celebrate a birthday or an event in style.”

However, for those who enjoy solitary teatimes, the choice for ‘tea for one’ pots continues to grow, for example, with Creative Tops’ La Cafétiere petite Barcelona teapot.

Alternatively, discerning tea drinkers might want to opt for Dualit’s new drop-through Capsule Machine, Lusso (with ultra-fast thermobloc heating technology), which are compatible with the brand’s Fine Tea capsules (as well as coffee capsules) providing premium cups of tea at the touch of a button.

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Tea and C ffee related

Introducing the first of its kind capsule that cleans your Nespresso coffee machine: the Caffenu Cleaning Capsule from Eddingtons (pictured). The Caffenu Cleaning Capsule has a wide range of benefits for your customer: regular use maintains the machine to last longer, it enhances the flavour and aroma of your coffee by cleaning the brewing chamber, it powerfully and hygienically (even in inaccessible areas) at the touch of a button. It also doesn’t stain and is 100% safe – made from biodegradable organic materials (SABS approved).

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686 572 E-mail: Adams@eddingtons.co.uk or sales@eddingtons.co.uk

products

Tradestock’s tea and coffee story goes from strength to strength with its unprecedented spring/summer 2016 launch including some fabulous additions to the increasingly popular iStyle My Home hot drinks collection. New stylish printed latte glasses and mugs bring a fresh dimension and perfectly complement the existing range. The coffee story continues with some wonderful fresh coffee designs being depicted across a selection of core products such as trays, coasters, placemats, laptray and glass worktop saver, resulting in a stylishly coordinated lifestyle collection.

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

Judge’s Brew Control Cafétiere (pictured) locks grounds in place with a tisaniere-style central tube, allowing the rich essential oils of freshly ground coffee to permeate into the surrounding water for your ideal brew time.

Once the infusion has reached its peak, you simply push down the plunger, sealing the beans away from the water, capturing the coffee flavour just as you like it.

Made from scratch-resistant Borosilicate glass, this elegant cafétiere can serve (drip free) up to 8 cups (900ml) of coffee per use. It is dishwasher-safe and will look the part for years to come.

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

The coffee connoisseur, La Cafetière has offered exceptional drinkware for over 50 years.

Combining traditional techniques with sleek models, its stunning pieces bring authentic café culture to the contemporary home. Timeless cafetières, stove tops, coco pots and teapots slow down the frantic modern life to take the time out to thoroughly enjoy tea or coffee rituals, and are crafted to be beautiful additions to the kitchen.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207756 E-mail: press@cfreative-tops.com

Sit back, take it easy and let the adorable ‘Slow Brew’ make the perfect cup of tea for you to relax with. This sweet sloth will patiently hang around whilst the perfect brew is gently infused within his heat-resistant, food-safe silicone body, ready to be removed once the tea is to your liking – if you can bring yourself to disturb him that is! Slow Brew is one of many clever and comical tea infusers, and indeed a wider range of tea and coffee related items from Kitchen Craft’s exciting new brand, Fred.

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

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products

MAKE A

MOVE

The International Home + Housewares Show delivers in every way imaginable – innovation, trend, inspiration – it’s a complete package. Couple that with being in Chicago and being able to see the best of USA retail, it’s a must see!

Matthew Canwell, Director of Buying Lakeland

Full of character and fun, Portobello Road mixes individuality with sophistication, allowing you to be whatever you want to be. Portobello by Inspire is on trend every time. From quintessentially English with a twist, to contemporary multicultural with flashes of inspirational colour. Microwave and dishwasher safe, the brand’s stunning, fine bone china mugs are a more opulent way to serve your hot beverages. Follow your heart and express yourself with this cosmopolitan range.

Portobello Tel: 0161 934 2283 Email: sales@upgs.com Web: www.upgs.com

5 - 8 March • Chicago, USA

Show information and free online pre-registration Visitors: www.housewares.org/attend Exhibitors: www.housewares.org/exhibit

Prestige is strengthening its SDA offering with the introduction of an extensive collection that is punctuated with innovation and guaranteed quality. Combining the benefits of a kettle and tea pot into one ingenious machine, Prestige’s tea and water glass kettle has a built in tea filter and four different temperature settings ranging from 70°C - 100°C with a warming plate to maintain temperature. Easy to use with its touch lid to refill this item will be available in January 2016.

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

innovation

design

For travel arrangements, contact Expose Travel, Paul Vasdev, Tel: +44 1883 349576, Email: paul@exposetravel.uk

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products

Pictured is a collection of bone china mugs from Fairmont and Main.x The collection comprises a varied selection of shapes and eye-catching designs covering a wide range of subject matter, from sophisticated wildlife sketches, comical quips, retro designs and colourful animals to fun themes such as ‘Angels & Rascals’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs.’ There are also two stacking mug sets with retro floral designs which look stunning either as individual mugs or when stacked together. All the mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe and their gift appeal is enhanced with individual gift boxes.

Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 E-mail: sales@fairmont.co.uk

Coffee accessory brand Barista & Co has launched new products for Spring/Summer 2016, adding electric steel to its metallics collection, as well as a slow brew carafe and iced coffee jug. Hot Plate Products says: ‘Our new products have strengthened our offering to retailers, providing more options for consumers, depending on how they like their coffee. Our new glass cold brew carafe enhances the flavor of coffee with its cold brew process while the iced coffee jug’s unique feature allows for drinks to remain cold without diluting the brew.”

Hotplate Products Tel: 01202 619 500 E-mail: sales@hotplateproducts.com Web: www.hotplateproducts.com

Russell Hobbs has launched The Legacy Collection, a special edition breakfast range designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the world’s first automatic electric kettle, introduced by Russell Hobbs in 1955. The Legacy Collection features a Limited Edition kettle and toaster in high-shine silver (only available in 2015) as well as a kettle, toaster and coffee maker in red, black or cream chrome, all with black gloss accents for a stylish finish.

Russell Hobbs Tel: 01619473000 Web: www.russellhobbs.co.uk

Kenwood has unveiled its Persona Glass Kettle, set to launch in June. In addition to its unique and distinctive square design, the water can be seen to boil through the window of its laboratory-grade, superior quality Schott Duran Glass. Both the Persona Glass Kettle and Persona Glass Toaster form part of the extensive Persona range and the first glass breakfast set for Kenwood. The kettle has a large 1.7 litre capacity, an illuminated on off switch, a mesh filter that traps limescale and a one cup energy saving feature. Its flip lid ensures easy one hand operation.

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

Kitchen Craft’s extensive mug collection has been further enhanced with the introduction of a host of new shapes and designs including a delightful range of high quality bone china stacking mugs. As space becomes a premium factor in consumer’s kitchens, the mugs neatly slot into each other and are available in a variety of patterns including these vibrant birds depicted against geometric pastel coloured backgrounds.

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

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Consumers demand for better coffee Whilst coffee makers continue to see double digit growth, Bean to Cup continues to deliver the most rapid growth in both volume and value sales in 2015 within the category**.

De’Longhi - Italian Design and Passion De’Longhi has mastered the art of coffee preparation with the unique Italian know-how for artisan coffee. With a De’Longhi bean to cup consumers can bring Barista quality to the home, serving the perfect coffee taste and all at the touch of a button.

Discover more at: www.delonghi.co.uk or call: 02392 392555 **GfK RT GB, Hot Beverage Makers Market, Volume & Value Sales Dec 2014-Nov 2015, compared to other Espresso and Filter markets

*Source: independent research institute, value sales leader from Jan to Dec 2015

DE’LON GHI ITALIAN DESI GN AN D PA SSION

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40-41 Ken Hom_Grid 15/01/2016 17:20 Page 40

Face to face

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ken Hom’s first woks (from William Levene, now DKB). PH talks to the celebrity chef that not only helped to make the wok a kitchen essential and whet our appetites for Chinese cuisine, but also pioneered in-store theatre.

Wok and roll hero Inset: Ken using his Performance Carbon Steel wok.

T

his February, Ken Hom is back in stores (including Lords, Bentalls, Dunelm in Thurmaston, John Lewis Oxford Street and Pearsons of Enfield.)

Now 66 years old, with an OBE recognising his ‘services to culinary arts,’ Ken remains passionate about cooking in front of people. Of course nowadays, a great many cookware retailers recognise that cooking demonstrations are part and parcel of keeping ahead in a competitive marketplace, providing a reason for physical shopping. However, back in the 80s, when Ken insisted that he did not want to make a TV advertisement, but wanted to show off his woks personally in stores (first stop, Debenhams Oxford Street), he reflects that such appearances

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were not commonplace: “People didn’t do that sort of thing!”

As well as recognising the importance of creating “something exciting in store,” part of Ken’s commitment to demonstrations is his belief in the power of word of mouth: “If someone tells me something in person, I'll believe it more.” Moreover, he cherishes sharing his knowledge – particularly how easy it is to cook in a quick and healthy way - admitting that, “Ultimately, I am a teacher!” Ken adds: “People can see the logic of everything I do and that it is very simple.” He emphasises that audiences: “see my commitment to the product,” although he wants consumers to buy a wok, “because it is useful, not because it’s Ken Hom!” Besides consumers, Ken hopes

to inspire retail staff at each demonstration, as “my missionaries” to pass on knowledge and enthusiasm to the customer. Ken’s personal appearances are also, “My ‘thank you’ to shops for supporting my products.”

However, in-store demonstrations are a two-way process, as Ken reflects: “I learn a lot about what consumers know or don't know.” This might be a typically British wariness over how to cook the perfect rice, or the need for some advice when using a cleaver. Ken admits that chatting to those that have come along to demonstrations can be “really touching” – “especially when someone brings along my first book and it’s dog-eared and stained as it means they are cooking!” He adds: “I love what I do, especially when young parents come up

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Face to face

Who’s watching?

Ken recognises that interest in cooking with a wok cuts across demographics, and his demonstration audiences include those in their “60s-70s who saw me 30 years ago,” as well as those in their 20-30s and teenagers (who often come on their own, whereas in the past they came with parents). The wok is, of course, perfect for younger people who are starting out, thanks to its versatility, Ken highlights.

Typically, half the audience is now male Ken notes a shift in the past decades, as men in general have become “much more interested in food and cookery.” However, he notes that even at the outset, a quarter of his audiences were men – “they have always been interested in woks – almost like the barbecue.”

Ken acknowledges the influence of Jamie Oliver in the spread of interest in cooking across generations and genders over the past 30 years, but he is also pleased to recognise Mary Berry’s re-invigorated influence on today’s kitchens (“a dear friend – I always thought she was under-appreciated.”)

and say, “My children never ate vegetables until stir frying.””

Ken also confesses to feeling a huge sense of pride when, “People say, “I’ve got your first wok from 30 years ago!”” Of course, durability was a priority from the start of Ken’s partnership with DKB (previously William Levene), as well as Ken’s “total control” of quality, ie putting products through their paces and signing them off personally.

Consumers’ actual needs have always been high on Ken’s agenda: for example, concentrating on “a simple wok” and rejecting the idea of creating a set at the outset. After all, the wok can be used for small or large scale cooking and all manner of recipes, he highlights.

Sales amounting to over 50,000 units of Ken’s initial wok launch in 1986 far exceeded the expected sales of 12,000 – and, of course, accelerated as acceptance of the piece of cookware grew. The celebrity chef reflects: “What I love about the wok is that it didn’t become just a

Inset and bottom: Ken Hom during his demonstration at Dunelm in Coventry.

Below centre: A queue assembled outside Kitchens, Cardiff, waiting for Ken Hom’s demonstration in the store last autumn.

No place like shops Ken appreciates a varied retail landscape, including independents that offer personal service and are often “like families in the way they treat each other and how long staff have been working there.”

Ken’s memoirs are due to be published later this year, to be dedicated to the people of the UK. (Ken admits his pride in being accepted by the nation - his first TV cookery show screened on the BBC back in 1984, sparking off our love of Chinese cuisine). Ken reveals that his autobiography (entitled ‘A Life Sour and Sweet’ from Robson Press) will include some “amusing anecdotes” that have taken place in shops over the years – hence a recommended read for retailers!

fad!” He emphasises: “It’s enduring for one good reason – people actually use it.”

Whereas 30 years ago, Ken estimates that consumer awareness of the wok was only around 15-20%, “Now it is like a saucepan.”

By enabling home cooks to create a healthy, tasty meal with speed and minimal fuss, Ken notes that the wok: “suits today’s lifestyles.”

In fact, Ken continues to prove the allencompassing usefulness of the wok when PH quizzes him over the five pieces of kitchenware he would choose if stuck

on a desert island. Ken only claims a need for four, and topping the list is: “A Tao wok – I would wash it in the ocean – no problem.” Besides that, Ken would request: “A cleaver, chopping board and spatula – I could cook anything.”

Happy Chinese New Year!

This Chinese New Year puts Ken in the limelight in celebration of his 30th anniversary – press coverage includes a radio day on February 8, featuring recorded interviews with local and one national radio station. The chef is appearing on Saturday Morning Kitchen on February 6 for its Chinese New Year edition of the program and is undertaking a cooking masterclass event with Cactus Kitchens (Michel Roux Junior’s acclaimed cookery school) the following day. Ken is also featuring in BBC Good Food, House Beautiful, The Lady and House and Garden Magazine.

DKB is currently challenging Ken Hom stockists to create a spectacular Chinese New Year display.

The winner will receive over £1,000 worth of prizes, including dinner at Michelin Star A Wong in London, a cooking class for two at the School of Wok and a night for two at the Dorchester, London, along with an array of Ken Hom goodies. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, the top 30 runners up will also receive a Ken Hom Performance wok.

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Market focus

Inset: Robert Welch Designs’ Lee Cox reports that the company’s most popular pattern in the UK is Radford (pictured), which “has its roots in historic Georgian designs,” followed by “RW2 (a reinvention of a classic Robert Welch design from the 1960s). Both “make reference to classic designs, yet are clearly ‘modern’ in looks.” Lee reflects: “The general trend appears to be towards designs which are more ‘curvy’ in nature rather than those with an angular finish.”

Held in high regard

A

t the end of last year, Simon Price, ceo of Arthur Price implored retailers not to regard cutlery as something to be stacked high and sold in volume at low prices, but to invest in selling quality – in doing so, benefiting from far better margins in fewer sales. Simon is, of course, not the only one to recognise the importance of showcasing cutlery as a worthwhile investment for householders.

According to Lee Cox, PR manager at Robert Welch Designs, “Consumers today are definitely aware of the merits of investing in good quality cutlery.” She states: “For us at Robert Welch, the emphasis is very much on producing designs that will never go out of fashion and therefore it is paramount that each new pattern exhibits a level of timelessness.”

Meanwhile, Jo Booth, brand manager for Viners at The Rayware Group points out that: “There is a definite thirst, eagerness for design innovation in the form of different handle decorations using unique finishes and colours.” She cites the appeal of that brand’s new ‘High Fashion’ collection (which has been the focus of marketing investment via TV advertising).

However, besides aesthetic appeal of new

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designs, Jo highlights that: “The ergonomic characters of cutlery are very important – balance – sizes - comfort in the hand.”

Not surprisingly, Robert Welch Designs: “actively encourages a hands on approach from the consumer,” states Lee Cox. She emphasises that in the brand’s own two shops (as well as stockists): “We want consumers to be able to handle each piece of cutlery before deciding on a pattern; we want them to appreciate the beauty, the highlights and the design.”

A lifestyle table display is also “an invaluable tool in inspiring customers; they can see how each pattern would appear in context and alongside other tableware,“ says Lee. James Robinson, marketing manager at Horwoods concurs that: “you can’t beat picking up a forged piece of cutlery as it a lot more weighty, better balanced and comfortable than stamped cutlery.” He also agrees that: “Consumers want to see the place setting, hence Horwood is

Quality cutlery can add to the enjoyment of every meal, and be a long lasting investment, hence the need to take time to choose a design that feels and looks good. PH sits down at the table to get a handle on notable features of today’s cutlery market.

Inset: Paladio from Elia, by leading designer, Nick Holland.

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Market focus

Handsome cutlery - it’s a gift Cutlery is an ideal gift idea as “it make all the difference to a dining experience, but many do not take the time to treat themselves to a quality collection,” notes Katrina Lawton, marketing manager at Creative Tops. She continues: “Being used every day, old cutlery can become tired and dull so a stunning new set is a wonderful surprise gift.”

Katie Alice gift boxed cutlery sets include pasty forks and teaspoons “for lovers of afternoon teas and light lunches,” notes Katrina. This year sees Creative Tops’ introduction of four cutlery collections from Mikasa.

At Arthur Price, ceo Simon Price reports “an increase in demand for gifting items.” He reflects: “Consumers are now seeing cutlery as a feature of a room and this has been helped by the vast array of cooking and home design television programmes.” Moreover, Simon observes that: “We all spend more time in the kitchen (the heart of the home) and cutlery is part of the fabric of the kitchen.”

incorporating window gift boxes.”

Besides accessibility and lifestyle inspiration, “Point of sale can provide important information that can shape the buying decision of the consumer,” states Viners’ Jo Booth. She states: “The selling features should be clearly and simply explained. Using terminology of 18/10 and 18/0 is not consumer friendly. Consumers want to know if it can be used in a dishwasher, what is the guarantee, and the durability features.” Finally, when it comes to selection, in the opinion of Simon Price at Arthur Price, “many people connect with the story behind the design or the range - for example, many people fell in love with our new Arthur Price range because it was named by my father and made by myself and my son James.”

Right: Introduced in 2015, Warwick is one of the new Arthur Price patterns named in honour of the founder by Simon's father John, and made by both Simon and James, Simon's son.

Bottom: Viners’ Eminence Gold from The Rayware Group – unique finishes and colour.

acutely exercising a child's dexterity in both flexion and extension movements.

Secondly, hand/eye co-ordination and concentration is developed as CleverstiX require focus to pick up food. So kids who might otherwise be easily distracted are now fully engaged with their meal and far more likely to finish everything on their plate. These are good habits that can be transferred when they move onto other cutlery.

Thirdly, CleverstiX encourage better eating habits. Since there's a limit to how much food CleverstiX can pick up, kids learn appropriate amounts to put on their cutlery and to digest food at a healthy pace.”

In training for cutlery Kevin North, founder of CleverstiX (distributed by Forma House), first came across the children’s meal-time tool (pictured in action) when visiting his partner’s family in Korea, and was interested to see it marketed as an “aid to rapidly evolve brain development, handwriting, co-ordination and fine motor agility.” He reflects: “We thought they’d make cool presents for our son and for my friends’ kids back home, so we bought a few pairs back to the UK.” When these proved a huge hit – with enthusiastic users and parents - Kevin started to think about business potential.

Fun, comfortable and practical to use, CleverStiX help young children develop skills that are important for their progression to cutlery, Kevin explains: “Firstly, CleverstiX help with intense fine motor development thanks to their special 'No Spring-Back' design. Unlike existing tweezer gripper products or other training chopsticks that are spring-loaded, CleverstiX instead demands full control of both closing and opening (up to 70 degrees), thus

Left: CleverStiX are helping children’s progression to cutlery.

Loose opportunities Sales of loose cutlery have increased as dining has become more causal, observes Adam Walker, sales manager at Elia, noting demands for personal settings and food preferences. He states: “Loose sales of table forks and serving spoons are both selling very well, as more people are eating in casual dining style or serving lots of pre-prepared dishes.”

Meanwhile, Horwood’s James Robinson admits: “We sell “truck loads” of loose teaspoons and latte spoons, quite possibly because teaspoons can get lost, and latte spoons reflect the changes in coffee drinking habits.” James continues: “Interestingly, we have also noticed that butter knives and pastry forks are selling well out of CDU’s – this was found to be mums buying cutlery for children as they are were worried about using plastic.”

Arthur Price’s Simon Price reports that loose cutlery (such as servers and teaspoons) is “a major growth area for our retailers with some small independents reporting sales in excess of £500 per week and, by pushing the stack it high, sell it cheap mentality to one side, they are realising much better margins.”

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Outsmart smell with remodeez - a collection of stylish, patented odour and moisture removers, remodeez revolutionises the way people deal with odour and moisture in confined spaces, eliminating the need to use unnatural, often toxic, chemical-based products. Simply place remodeez in any space that you want to be fresh and odour free, such as laundry bins, drawers, shoes, boots, helmets, backpacks, refrigerators, cars and luggage.

Auteur Tel: 01869 338751

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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. The New Govino Collection includes: a flute, wine glass, decanter, cocktail glass and beer glass; all safe to use when outdoor entertaining.

Govino Tel: 0207 449 4097.

E-mail: sswift@wonderingwine.com Exhibiting at the Home Show for the first time, Burton McCall had 11 top brands showcasing new products. On display were top lines from the likes of Victorinox, PackIt and its new brand Bamix, plus more.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611/22 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.co.uk

Since its launch three years ago, Navigate’s Beau & Elliot brand has become synonymous with contemporary designs on everyday products. Its latest range of kitchen textiles takes its signature ‘Confetti’ print design and recreates it in solid colours across aprons, oven gloves and tea towels. Made in Portugal, all the textiles are heavy-duty cotton fabric and coordinate with a wider range of storage tins and dining accessories for the kitchen and home.

Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 E-mail: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.co.uk

Amongst a host of new introductions, and leading the way in tabletop trends, Kitchen Craft showcased the new Master Class Artesà gourmet serving pieces and tabletop accessories, a focal point, which accentuated the concept of memorable dining that is Artesà, and this collection of elegant glass serveware and tabletop accessories (pictured) featuring emotive etched lettering across a range of decorative items including a cake stand, serving cloche, lantern, wine cooler and trifle bowl and serving dishes.

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

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Tamsin Douglass’

From The Frontline

After the flood This edition of From the Frontline feels very much like it is from the frontline as we deal with the aftermath of Storm Desmond here in Carlisle. Our beautiful city has been destroyed once again by floodwater; this time much worse than the last.

The flood defences we all had so much faith in were simply not enough to protect the whole city from the huge volume of water and while it did give a lot of people a bit more time to prepare, many people faced a Christmas away from their homes in rented accommodation and hotels.

Luckily, our shop is on high ground and didn’t flood, but we did sustain some rain damage to the ceiling and it brought some panels of the false roof down. It missed the stock though and just made a mess on the floor, which - considering what other local businesses are dealing with - is incredibly fortunate.

The Cookware Company’s owners, Carol and Rod were not so lucky with their house. They had 8” of water throughout the downstairs, ruining carpets, furniture and the kitchen but not their spirit! Their daughter Sarah and I have been taking care of the shop while they try to sort out their possessions and insurance.

With thousands of homes affected, this task is one that huge numbers of people are dealing with. When the floods of 2005 struck, Rod remembers that the shop helped many people with insurance claims and provided a sympathetic ear to those affected. He also recalled that a lot of time was spent doing the same task:

providing people with a list and costing of the contents of their kitchens. At the time we did not have a computer in the shop so it was all done specifically for the customer and a lot of the work was repeated.

Having learnt from that experience, we have since implemented a list similar to a wedding list with everything needed to restock a kitchen from scratch. We have used it in recent years for a few customers who have had kitchen fires and have needed to provide their insurers with a list of what was lost and how much it will cost to replace.

As people moved into rental accommodation due to flooded homes in 2005, items such as pan sets, knife blocks and crockery were needed immediately. Later on, as insurance money came through, people since the recent floods, were able to replace the entire contents of their kitchen, which provided a huge bonus for the shop. A lot of the people who had the help in the beginning with their claims list, returned to purchase the items from us.

We’ve already helped some people since the recent floods, and are expecting a lot more. As we are small and independent, we can offer a tailored service for people.

However, as Rod and Carol are discovering, the process is very

confusing and time consuming.

When it comes to the processing of your claim, the insurers expect you to provide a list of what was damaged, along with the value of that item. The internet can be a great way to find out the prices of these things, but with so many people displaced and unable to access the web, offering a service where we do some of this work for flood victims can be more helpful and gives them the peace of mind that everything can be ordered and sorted out under one roof.

What has been so heart-warming has been the messages of support from our reps and customers, not to mention the immense support the community has been giving to everyone in the city. Help has arrived from all over the country and it has been truly humbling to see such kindness among such disaster.

We can only hope that the new year brings us drier weather and the people of Cumbria retain the great spirit they have shown in the last few weeks.

Below: Tamsin of The Cookware Company – the shop sustained some rain damage, but was very lucky compared to other local businesses.

Tamsin Douglass is manager of independent cookshop, The Cookware Company in Carlisle.

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12 – 16. 2. 2016 Spot on: With its Dining area, Ambiente is the no. 1 international showcase for table, kitchen and household products – and a significant platform for the Horeca sector. Enjoy an array of events and meet interesting people at the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair. Discover the future and be inspired by a fascinating product diversity.

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

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Free from chemicals, the Salter Pan For Life naturally enhances the flavour of your food; the more you cook the better it becomes! The innovative range sees professional cookware taken to the everyday consumer and is sure to impress.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com Hall 1 Stand E55

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Following a successful year of centenary celebrations, Pyrex is exhibiting at Ambiente in February 2016 to showcase what’s next for the iconic cook and kitchenware brand. Pyrex’s growing top of stove collection will be showcased – the new Gusto Black Diamond non induction aluminium products will sit at the top of the range and provide the ultimate option for cooks of every skill level.

Pyrex Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com.

Web: www.pyrexuk.com Hall 3 Stand D41

Elia International is pleased to introduce its latest range of cutlery Palladio, Designed by Nick Holland. Palladio combines modern lines, classic elements and a distinctive hexagonal shape, influenced

by Palladian architecture. This pattern includes a full dinner setting with a choice of Solid or Hollow Handle knives and co-ordinating Steak and Serving items. Made from the highest grade 18/10 Stainless Steel, Palladio is a striking pattern for any table setting.

Elia Tel: 020 8998 210 Email: sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk Hall 4.1 Stand A74

Being showcased for the first time at Ambiente by Creative Tops is the Pretty Retro collection from British designer Katie Alice. Inspired by Katie’s visits to Stockholm, the collection styles geo patterns with influence from Scandinavian folk art and pretty 1950’s pastels. Hand drawn geo florals decorate each piece with a stunning signature aqua-marine colour, complemented with pink, yellow and grey. A striking collection, Pretty Retro is also characterised by distinct square shaping in handles and storage pieces.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536/207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 1 Stand A33

New for spring will be a vibrant colour range “Colour by Numbers”.

A range of kitchen accessories crafted using a mix of materials, ceramic, wood and FSC® Certified Cork which has been created with home storage and entertaining in mind and has an on trend 70’s vibe about it – ideal for foodie get-togethers and adding colour to the kitchen. This range is ideal for mixing and matching with existing T&G woodware collections.

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

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New from simplehuman is the touch-free semi-round sensor bin.

It features dynamic sensing: The first sensing technology smart enough to adapt to you and the surrounding environment — no false triggers, no unexpected lid closures. This model has an innovative liner pocket that keeps liners where you need them – store and dispense liners from inside the bin for a fast and easy liner change. The steel surface has a silver-infused clear coat that is both fingerprint-proof and anti-microbial. Cleaner and healthier!

Simplehuman Tel: 01491/875974 E-mail: sales@simplehuman.co.uk Web: www.simplehuman.com/uk Hall 5 Stand B51

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OXO is launching a series of new innovative products at Ambiente this year. The Silicone Squeeze & Pour Measuring Jugs (pictured) are flexible and microwave safe, the specialized honeycomb pattern protects your hands by dissipating heat and a simple squeeze forms a precise pour spout. Adding to OXO’s successful range of cleaning brushes is the clever Kitchen Appliance Cleaning Set. This versatile set includes two brushes with four heads: A loop brush designed to clean sharp blender blades, an angled brush, a chisel scraper, and a flat scraper which snaps together on a handy clip.

OXO Tel: 0114 242 0405 E-mail: info@oxouk.com Web: www.oxouk.com Hall 1.2 Stand J10

Launching at Ambiente 2016, is the new Birrateque range from Luigi Bormioli. Produced in SON.hyx ® high tech crystal glass with innovative shape & design. Birrateque is the new beer lovers range.

Western House Tel: 01256 462341 Web: www.western-house.com Hall 4.2 Stand E23

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Bringing enhanced bespoke design capabilities to its global customer base, Tradestock will showcase some spectacular designs as it introduces its new design initiative, the ‘Big Picture’, incorporating the new specialised digital printing system. This new development allows the company to design and deliver bespoke designs on core products, including the award winning FreeForm® flat to formed, reversibly tray, which, with a large printable surface on both sides, is the perfect platform for presenting striking images, designs and messages.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk; Hall 1.2 Stand J07

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Alongside developments like Thermolon™ Marathon, the 4th generation of ceramic non-stick featured on GreenPan ranges like Rome (pictured here), there will be other new and innovative ranges of cookware and bakeware from GreenPan manufacturer The Cookware Company now sold in over 100 countries. The Rome collection of frypans is suitable for all hobs including induction with heavy gauge aluminium body, lifetime guarantee, Thermolon™ Marathon ceramic non-stick coating and stay-cool bakelite handles with stainless steel insert. The initial range is 20cm, 24cm and 28cm frypan, available in two new GreenPan colourways – grey and cream.

GreenPan Tel: 01483 255842 Web: www.greenpan.co.uk Hall 3.1 Stand D30

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Visitors can see the Brabantia Appliances line-up – including some great models for the new season on the main Brabantia stand at Frankfurt. The current Brabantia Appliances range distributed by Stylco covers kettles, irons, tabletop blenders, a food processor and toasters, which includes a bagel function as standard. This toasts the inside of the bagel, leaving the outside soft. Pictured here is the four-slice model in brushed matt steel, with a host of features including wide toasting slots.

Stylco UK Tel: 020 3282 7112 E-mail: info@stylco.co.uk Web: www.brabantia.com/uk Hall 5.0 Stand C91

A new label for Creative Tops’ coutureinspired Mikasa brand is M by Mikasa. This collection presents elegant pieces in superior materials, making it perfect for those who desire a classic look with durability. Sleek and elegant white pieces with clean, distinctive lines are made in strengthened vitrified porcelain and paired with organic materials such as slate and cotton accessories for a quality finish to any dining arrangement.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536/207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com Hall 1 Stand A33

With soft, smooth contours and retro styling across classic key colours, Lovello, is a style that stands out and will be a real showstealer on the Kitchen Craft stand at Ambiente. The collection features a selection of key storageware items such as canisters for tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits, as well as a cake tin, a bread bin and a utensil holder in retro shapes. Available in three classic colourways - Scarlet, Midnight and Vanilla, Lovello features elevated non-scratch bases and raised mirror polished lettering that really gives the range a lift.

Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk Hall 1 Stand B70/71/78

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Face to Face Above: Consumer interest in Kitchen Craft’s expanding Artesa range is growing thanks to the trend for sourcing artisan food from farm shops.

Below left: Pictured in the showroom – (left to right): Kitchen Craft’s executive team; sales director, Richard Plant, marketing controller, Claire Budgen, finance director, Anthony Perry, md, Garry Biggs, buying director, Peter Bushell and operations director, Tony Elliot.

Team spirit

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itchen Craft’s new year is getting off to a ‘baking hot’ start with the launch of its partnership with Paul Hollywood at Spring Fair (see News). The company has also introduced the fun and functional Fred to its portfolio (with dedicated stands at the recent Top Drawer, and at the forthcoming Spring Fair). In addition to a raft of new product launches, other developments include an extensive roll out of new packaging for the Kitchen Craft brand and the launch of a new look for its website. (see ‘service’ breakout).

Established by Thomas Plant in 1850, Kitchen Craft celebrated its165th anniversary last year, as well as 15 years since its exit from the wholesale side of the business. The company’s expansive

It is now two years since Kitchen Craft’s acquisition by US giant, Lifetime Brands Inc, and the company recently welcomed new md, Garry Biggs. However, the multi-award winning supplier shows that its ‘movers and shakers’ are not confined to the boardroom! PH talked to the team. portfolio now totals over 4,000 skus, and includes the well-established sub-brands Masterclass and Colourworks to name just a few. Moreover, the growing list of countries that Kitchen Craft exports to has notched over the 80 mark. However, as new md, Garry Biggs (previously md at Denby for the past ten years), observes: “This is quite an understated business – we get on with things and have belief in our convictions.” Garry took over the reins when Andrew Plant retired from the role in December and joins fellow directors Richard Plant and Peter Bushell (cousins), Anthony Perry and Tony Elliot at the helm.

When asked what appealed to Garry about joining the company, he states: “Kitchen Craft is a great name and a very successful, well-respected company.” He adds that its

ownership by Lifetime Brands “provides us with real strategic advantages in what we can offer our customers.” Garry emphasises that the parent company leaves Kitchen Craft to run autonomously, “but we use their expertise to add value to the market place.” Garry also appreciates the ‘hands on’ culture at Kitchen Craft, noting that the “management is not aloof – we roll up our sleeves when we need to, as well as providing leadership.” Fast order turnaround of so many stock lines is another aspect that Garry admires (in most cases, next day in the UK and within two days to most of mainland Europe).

Plus, there is the fact that: “Every customer is treated as equal; this company is founded on a strong independent business and there is not a pecking order – everyone is priority A and we make it happen for them.” Operations director,

‘We love food’ A “fresh new look” for Kitchen Craft’s website (aimed at stockists and to inspire consumers) will go live at Spring Fair, confirms marketing controller, Claire Budgen.

The site includes a “Discover” section with blogs, videos and recipe guides, aimed at “engaging consumers with our products and the all important Search for a Stockist function to drive consumers through retailer doors”. Kitchen Craft is also structuring its distribution of imagery, which stockists can easily download for use on social media and other marketing. As a feature of the new Kitchen Craft branded packaging, the company is rolling out its strapline, ‘We love food', which brings “emotion to the brand, showing what can be created from its products,” notes Claire.

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Face to Face Inset: Part of Kitchen Craft’s showroom, which was revamped and expanded last year. Regularly changing display areas provide inspiration for retailers on themes and occasions.

Long serving for service

Tony Elliot adds: “Our role is to grow our customers’ business.”

Kitchen Craft’s philosophy and work culture is also reflected in parent company, Lifetime Brands, notes sales director Richard Plant: “Lifetime is a family business and are very pro-employees – they are a bigger version of what we are.”

He reflects on the success of the sale: “Our children are not coming into the business, so we have secured Kitchen Craft’s future for our employees and customers.” Richard acknowledges that for all involved in the business and onlookers, “Apart from new products, there is no difference to Kitchen Craft’s service and culture since the acquisition.”

Behind the scenes, PH learnt about some of the acquisition’s benefits for product development. For example, product designers note that Kitchen Craft's and Lifetime’s design team “share ideas, knowledge and experience” when it comes to product development, including rapid prototyping facilities. Kitchen Craft extensively uses 3D printing prototypes for faster product development and accuracy. All departments also benefit from continual trend reporting from Lifetime Brands as well as other sources such as WGSN, which, notes the buying team, “back-up what we are working on.

Lifetime’s Tom Mirabile, (the company’s senior vice president of global trend and design, as well as consumer trend forecaster for the International Housewares Association and a contributing editor for Pantone) is

Kitchen Craft has now won 18 Excellence in Housewares Awards trophies over the past 16 years – the vast majority of which are for Excellence in Service (including 2015’s accolade). When asked for the reasons behind such remarkable success, Richard Plant reflects on Thomas Plant’s efficiency and fast deliveries throughout its long history as a wholesaler. People are, of course, key to Kitchen Craft’s success, many of whom are long serving with broad knowledge – for example, the five strong customer services team (dealing with retailers’ queries) has a collective 130 years of experience!

Listening to, and reacting to customers’ needs is, of course, paramount. Richard cites the company’s online Market Place facility as a good example of “making things as easy as possible for our customers to do business with us.” The site is designed for speedy online ordering, among many other things, saving retailers’ time and meaning that sales reps can focus on other areas when they visit stockists.

“travelling continually in Europe and the US, pulling together lifestyle trends and consumer insight which we plough back into product development and marketing.

It’s a fabulous resource which many customers find invaluable,” adds the team.

They also acknowledge the benefits of Lifetime’s major investments in factories and buying power. Meanwhile, quality management since the acquisition has opened up far greater resources for quality control at the factory source, with the addition of Lifetime Brands’ army of field inspectors in the Far East.

At the start of an exciting year ahead, Garry reflects on his new role: “The business has achieved a tremendous record

of growth and I’m here to achieve sustained on-going growth.” Garry and Richard emphasise the company’s commitment to third party retailers.

Garry confirms that Kitchen Craft’s successful business model will continue by “leading through innovation,” (while not forgetting about the core business of tools, gadgets and bakeware), and acknowledges that: “increased distribution channels are as important going forward as they have been in the past, including more potential for export – there is plenty more geography for us to cover.”

Right: One of 10 different tea infusers from Fred. The fun and functional brand (which is another Lifetime Brands company and was previously distributed in the UK and Ireland

by Cubic) is now available from Kitchen Craft, with its own dedicated showroom.

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Retailer focus

Inset: The dramatic looking exterior of Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham, near Fleet in Hampshire – a flagship store.

Bottom: Pots of fresh herbs and handwritten price signs add to a homely table display at Blue Diamond Group’s Redfields Garden Centre. The Aga cooker is another aspect of the lifestyle environment.

Centre: Dressers and chunky wooden tables comprise some of the furnishings at Redfields, while a sumptuous cake helps to show off a cake stand.

Blooming good Blue Diamond Group showed the high calibre of its kitchenware departments by scooping the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015’s Excellence in Non-Specialist Retailing Award. With a refit of its Trentham Garden Centre in the pipeline for this spring and other reviews to maximise kitchenware sales underway, PH asks Helen Keith, its head of buying for Home, how and why housewares sales are growing alongside Blue Diamond’s traditional offering of plants and garden products.

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first time finalist in the Excellence in Housewares Awards last year, Blue Diamond Group won the ultimate accolade for Excellence in Non-Specialist Retailing last October – solid proof that, when executed well, garden centres can be an ideal outlet for housewares products. Helen Keith joined the group earlier last year as head of buying – home (having been at Robert Dyas since early 2009), and reports that the homewares category “has gone from strength to strength”.

Helen acknowledges the synergy for consumers when shopping for both outside and inside their homes, reflecting that: “Garden centres such as the Blue Diamond Group have evolved over recent years to become destinations for customers to

Kitchen gardens Blue Diamond Group was founded in 1904 in Guernsey and has now grown to be the third largest garden centre retail group in the UK. Each of its 17 centres in the Channel Islands and England (stretching from the west country and the south up to Derbyshire and the north west) houses a Home department.

“All branches will have the core offering” of kitchenware, confirms Helen Keith.

She elaborates: “Some branches can stretch price points higher and therefore will have a ‘top layer’ – for example, within cutlery and serving utensils they may have a silver plated or mother of pearl offer.” When it comes to differentiation, Helen adds that: “In some of our more ‘country’ stores, we may have more floral designs on textiles and chinaware.” She also points out that: “We often trial new ideas in a couple of centres initially before rolling out to further centres if successful.”

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browse and buy products for use in the home and garden that extend beyond houseplants and garden plants.” She emphasises that: ”Making and eating food in the home is a natural link to make and kitchenware products appeal to our shoppers in that environment.” Moreover, Helen highlights that the “destination” appeal of Blue Diamond is cemented by offering an attractive place to stop, rest, refresh and dine, stating: “The garden centre restaurant is an important part of our offer and the customer experience.”

The “typical” Blue Diamond Group shopper fits an AB1 demographic, notes Helen, and “are typically women” who “often come with their partner, a friend or a relative.” They are also “generally of an older profile.” Helen reflects that: “These

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Retailer focus

Above: A colourful fixture provides a showcase for Kilner preserving and storage products.

Right: Senior buyers, Linda Duggan (left) and Tom Grinnall and head of buying – home, Helen Keith with their Excellence in Housewares Awards trophy at the event (organised by PH in conjunction with the CHA) last October.

Below: The National Trust (from Creative Tops) display at Redfields includes a mannequin to model an apron.

shoppers are looking for new and exciting products to buy on impulse as they browse the kitchenware area on route to the restaurant or plant areas.” However, the demographic is shifting to embrace a new generation of garden centre shoppers. Helen acknowledges: “We are attracting a younger customer in addition to our ‘typical’ shopper by making our centres a destination for mums by having safe enjoyable environments to bring their children.” She elaborates: “Most of our centres have a play area for kids located next to the restaurant and we sell children’s toys and games and books too.”

In Helen’s opinion, Blue Diamond Group’s success in kitchenware comes from steering away from stocking many of the more recognised brands and sourcing products and ranges “that offer difference to mainstream supermarkets, department stores and garden centres.” Helen and senior buyers, Tom Grinnall and Linda Duggan are continually looking for new products and ranges - they are keen attendees at relevant trade shows and “encourage smaller suppliers to get in touch.” Helen observes: “Products for preparing food and entertaining do well, such as gadgets, tea and coffee items, oven to table, serve ware, tableware and glassware.”

Growing is a team effort On winning the Excellence in Non Specialist Retailing Award, Blue Diamond Group’s managing director, Alan Roper commented: “This is testimony to the hard work of all staff throughout our centres, and in no small part, the dedication of our buying team. We pride ourselves on innovation and bringing a real point of difference to each of our centres and our retailing strategy hinges on this – to be recognised in this category is a great honour.”

Besides the array of products stocked, Blue Diamond’s kitchenware departments stand apart from other retailers for their overall look, with an eye-catching and yet accessible layout, including lifestyle merchandising. Helen notes: “We aim to

display kitchenware in an aesthetically pleasing environment to ensure an enjoyable customer experience.” She highlights Blue Diamond’s use of bespoke shopfits to create a “soft tone and ambience.” Hence, fixtures and furnishing include: “beautiful French-style dressers and round tables to enable the product to stand out and be displayed to its maximum potential.” Most centres have their own visual merchandisers with the

aim of creating and maintaining attractive displays that are also easy to shop. Helen points out that: “Our flagship store, Redfields in Church Crookham, Fleet is a great example of this” (see imagery).

With a coveted industry accolade demonstrating Blue Diamond’s success so far, the home team is by no means standing still this year. “The key challenge for the housewares category in 2016 is keeping it refreshed and exciting for our customers,” Helen emphasises. The team is “reviewing how we can improve the department within our centres, whether it be with range, merchandising, space productivity, shopfit or furniture”. Helen highlights that “a great example” of progress in the kitchenware department is devoting more space to “optimise its potential “ – this is happening in the forthcoming refit of “our fantastic Trentham Garden Centre in spring.”

This goes to show that there is plenty more opportunity for housewares growth in Blue Diamond Group’s well-nurtured garden centre environment.

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What’s Cooking?

For healthy living?

With new year’s resolutions kicking in, PH asked four independent retailers for their best sellers for healthy eating and drinking.

Cathy Dale, co-owner, Wildleaf, Olney A recently opened fusion of cookshop, deli and café, Wildleaf uses items from its cookshop in its commercial kitchen and café to show off the the elements of the business, whose mission statement is to ‘Prepare with style, cook with confidence and serve with a smile.’

Spiralizer from Dexam Healthy Stir Fry Pan from Dexam Clearview Three Tier Steamer from Kitchen Craft Chef’n LooseLeaf from Dexam Spud Buddy from Eddingtons Sistema Twist and Sip Bottle from Dexam

An innovative use of vegetables for food preparation.

The textured print on the pan uses less oil for healthy stir frys. .A traditional and healthy way of cooking lots of different foods.

This tool provides a quick and easy way to strip the tasty leaves away from the stalks.

This is a healthy way to prepare potatoes to retain their skins.

Everyone is drinking more water, and this is great for lunchboxes too.

Right: Keep those spuds clean and your diet fibre rich with Eddingtons’ Spud Buddy.

Left: A great time saver - the Chef’n Looseleaf from Dexam will make those fiddly tasks a whole lot easier.

Abigail Goodes, manager, Luxe Cookshop, Northampton Located within Bells of Northampton, Luxe Cookshop is a family run business that prides itself on careful product selection and expert advice. The store offers contemporary, design led products with a traditional approach to customer service and a friendly ambience.

Spiralizer from OXO Good Grips 1-2 Person Silicone Steam Case from Lekue

Great for storage (small and compact), and recommended by weight watchers.

It creates a quick and healthy meal in the microwave for people who do not have a lot of time. There is a recipe book specifically for this product with 10-minute meals.

Silicone Lids from Charles Viancin

These flower shaped lids prolongs the life of soft fruit in the fridge. It can be used in the microwave to make porridge. It looks stylish and reduces the need for Clingfilm therefore helping the environment as well.

AGA Bake-O-Glide Cook Set from the AGA Cookshop

You can fry directly on to the Bake-O-glide without the use of oil and it can be used in the oven to create a non-stick service. These are pre-cut to fit the AGA roasting tins, plain shelf and simmering plate.

Mandolin from OXO Good Grips

It is great for making quick consistent salads, with three different thickness adjustments and safety features.

Hand Blender from Dualit

This hand blender has a reputable name, which people trust, various features including blending for soups, and it has a reasonable price point.

Left: For those who live life ‘on the go’, Lekue’s 1-2 Person Silicone Steam Case creates healthy meals in 10 minutes....what’s not to like?

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Right: Creating everything from your favourite soup, to that healthy smoothie - Dualit’s Hand Blender not only oozes quality, but it blends up a feast of flavours.

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What’s Cooking?

Nikki Sharp, co-owner, UK Cookshop, Hurstpierpoint and Burgess Hill The UK Cookshop was established in 2005 and stocks over 10,000 products in its two West Sussex shops (one in the village of Hurstpierpoint and the other in the town of Burgess Hill) and its online shop.

Gefu Spiral Slicer from Haus Egg Poachers from Kitchen Craft GreenPan Ceramic Frying Pans from The Cookware Company Aladdin Infuse Water Bottle from Burton McCall Thermos Food Flasks from BHL Group Clearview Three Tier Steamers from Kitchen Craft Sistema Shaker To Go from Dexam

This is perfect for quick, easy ‘courgetti’.

Heathy poached eggs; breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

The healthy ceramic non-stick coating is popular.

Naturally flavoured water, at the gym and on the go.

For those homemade soups.

Steaming retains vitamins, minerals and flavour. Ideal for cooking three different types of food at the same time.

Perfect for making protein shakes on the go.

Right: Steamers are a great way of retaining all those essential vitamins and minerals - perfect for a healthy eating plan! With Kitchen Craft’s Clearview Three Tier Steamer you can cover all bases in one go.

Left: GreenPan’s range of Ceramic Frying Pans are the perfect addition to any kitchen, with an empahsis on ‘healthy’.

David Kidd, co-owner, Bakewell Cookshop, Bakewell A family run business with a wealth of experience in the housewares industry, the shop has a combination of gifts, gadgets and kitchen essentials. It boasts an unrivalled selection of knives, with an emphasis on the Sheffield made variety.

Spiralizer from Taylor’s Eye Witness

Although the market is full of spiralizers at the moment, our customers like this one as it’s sturdier, far more compact and easier to store than the competition.

Go Eat Soup Pot from Joseph Joseph

Being careful about what you eat at work is a big step towards healthier eating. The ingenious products in this range are all carefully considered to make food on-the-go that much easier.

Glugg Water Bottle from Wild & Wolf Citrus Zinger from Root7 Salad Spinner from Taylor’s Eye Witness Box Appetit Water Bottle (White) from Black+Blum

Our best selling water bottle by far. Unique design and altogether a bit of a laugh.

The Citrus Zinger is a great way to infuse water with citrus fruits. Perfect for helping to drink more water.

We like this feature-packed design! Includes an integrated drain and really fast-geared mechanism.

The latest additions to the Box Appétit rage are going down a treat with our customers. Beautifully designed and very attractively priced.

Right: The Go Eat Soup Pot from Joseph Joseph makes eating more healthily at work that bit easier - compact and convenient!

Left: A compact and sturdy addition to the spiralizer market, Taylor’s Eye Witness is a popular choice with customers.

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IdentityCollection

Multiquick Juicers.

Fast and Healthy 15 second juicing Designed to make the most out of fresh fruit and vegetables, with minimal fuss and mess.

Every detail has been thought through carefully to combine form and function, beauty and performance, integrating themselves into the overall design.

Every part has been created with high end performance in mind.

Find out more at braunhousehold.co.uk Tel: 02392 392 392 New Lane, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2NH

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Model shown J700

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With its sleek and stylish design, Kenwood’s new pioneering slow press juicer, PureJuice, launches in May and offers an effortless way to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Slow press technology squeezes the goodness out of fruit and vegetables to create a nutrientrich, 100% natural juice. The innovative slow press juicer unlocks the vitamins and nutrients out of a range of foods with its high extraction rate of up to 84% (that’s 25% more than standard juicers) which is down to the juicer working to less than 50 rotations per minute, slowly squeezing and pressing fruits and vegetables and reducing oxidation.

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

Bamix, the revolutionary wand food processor with a versatility that replaces a kitchen appliance.

It cuts chops and purees raw and cooked veg, cooked meat, frozen fruit and even ice cubes, a kitchen tool designed with universal uses in mind.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611/22 E-mail: sales@burtonmccall.co.uk

Healthy Living

Hydrate, filter, infuse. Do it all with new bobble Infuse, featuring an innovative, modular cap system.

Designed by renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid, bobble INFUSE is a sleek, BPA-free water bottle that lets users customise their hydration experience. Available in a range of six colours (poppy, sugar plum, citron, surf, peacock, and fern).

Auteur Web: www.waterbobble.com

Whether you’re looking for a lower fat, or more natural lifestyle, or simply wish to experiment with your personal selection of flavour combinations, nothing could be simpler than the Judge Digital Yoghurt Maker (pictured); just add the ingredients, set the inbuilt timer and leave it to work its magic. The results will be scrumptiously thick and creamy every time. The machine comes complete with seven colour-coded jars (one for each day of the week). Sized to fit into a lunch box with a 150ml capacity, they are dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning.

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

Perfect for the hob, in the oven, the fridge and serving food directly to the table. This three-piece set features an induction base with a non-stick ceramic coating ideal for healthy cooking. It also features a removable handle, which holds up to 10 kg in weight for complete safety and makes the set easily stackable for easy storage.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 Email: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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Healthy Living

Using stainless steel micro filters, the Stellar Slow Juicer (pictured) ensures that drinks are perfectly smooth, while providing far superior juice extraction when compared against traditional centrifugal juicers. It has a powerful, yet quiet, motor capable of 18Nm of torque enabling it to work efficiently, and despite the name, it can produce tasty juice in a matter of minutes. With a smart drip-prevention cap and separate jug for dry pulp, the Stellar Slow Juicer is mess-free, while the device itself has been designed for easy. A bespoke scrubbing brush has been provided for any tough adhesions.

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

De’Longhi’s Multifry features an advanced 3-in-1 multicooker, which uses 99.5% less oil than a traditional 3l fryer. It has a large capacity which allows consumers to cook for the whole family and the top of the range models can cook up to 1.7kg of potatoes (enough for eight people) in just 14ml of oil per kg, which is the equivalent to only 2.3% fat. The multitasking appliance introduces a unique and innovative Surround Heating System (SHS) to create a multitude of recipes.

De’Longhi Tel: 0239 2392392 www.delonghi.co.uk

BIA’s reinvention of the egg coddler with modern designs was first brought in at the very end of 2015, and was an instant hit - a clean and simple way of creating that healthy dish, poached eggs. The coddlers are easy to use, simply add oil or butter to the inside, crack in an egg or two, add any ingredients you wish, gently screw the lid back on and add to boiling water for around 10 minutes. Once ready, you can eat it straight from the coddler. The six designs come gift boxed with serving suggestions, and also come in a counter display unit in packs of six.

DRH Tel: 020 72490710 Web: www.thedrhcollection.com

Handmade from natural clays in the Andes, silkily black and deliciously tactile, this organic cookware and tableware is suitable for cooking and serving virtually any foods. It can be used in the oven and over the hob – gas, electric, ceramic or solid fuel. It can even be used over charcoal to barbecue food outside; and it is also microwave and dishwasher safe. Made without any artificial chemicals being added, it is lead and cadmium free and it meets the requirements of the Ceramic Articles in Contact with Food Regulations 2006.

Scot Columbus Tel: 0131 660 1998 E-mail: info@scotcolumbus.co.uk Web: www.tierranegra.co.uk

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Kitchen Craft’s new, dedicated Healthy Eating range, offers food prep solutions and accessories, which make it easier than ever to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The Five-in-One Manual Food Processor (pictured) epitomises the range with this ultimate food preparation tool including a citrus reamer, chopper, beater and salad spinner attachment as well as five interchangeable stainless steel mandoline blades for an assortment of slicing options.

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

Hot Plate Products has added US homewares brand Full Circle to its repertoire, with two new launches for 2016; the tea time travel bottle (pictured) and wherever water lemon infuser bottle. Both products are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which is more sustainable than plastic and doesn’t leave any nasty chemicals in the infused water. The bottles have a unique straining systems to gently infuse the water, without exposing it to chemicals, letting customers benefit from the taste and health benefits on the go, with no mess or fuss.

Hotplate Products Tel: 01202 619 500 E-mail: sales@hotplateproducts.com Web: www.hotplateproducts.com

Healthy Living

Within the extensive Pyrex glass collection there are various multifunctional products, which are essential for healthy living. Ranges such as the Pyrex Cook and Store Plus have excellent thermal shock resistance, allowing consumers to batch cook healthy meals in advance, then freeze and reheat food without having to switch products. The Kitchen Lab Measure and Shake is also handy for calorie counters as it allows for precise measurements of ingredients and is perfect for mixing up a quick salad dressing.

Pyrex Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com Web: www.pyrexuk.com

New for spring 2016 will see the launch of the featured CrushGrind® Sola spice mills, available in four colours. Perfect for the trend towards a healthier lifestyle, these mills contain the superior CrushGrind® ceramic mechanism which effortlessly grinds not only salt and pepper but also using the same grinder, whole dried herbs and spices, perfect for blending your own spices, extracting the natural oils and flavours. The ceramic mechanism/grinder is fully adjustable with over 12 settings to grind from fine to coarse grain. In addition these mills are without spindle, making them easy to fill.

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

The new Salter Blender Pro 1500 offers a faster and more effective way of extracting nutrients with a unique multipurpose blade.

Complete with 2L BPA-Free Triton jug with plunger and variable speed control with pulse. Perfect for blending, mixing, grinding, chopping and juicing. Combining great looks and performance, this red nutritional blender is a useful and diverse accessory for any kitchen.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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SHOPTALK

Guest columnist: David Goodenough The Good Cookshop, Worthing and Southsea

Below: David Goodenough, co-owner of The Good Cookshop, Worthing and Southsea.

Piece of the pie "How much are you doing it for?" This simple question sums up the challenge that all us retailers now face. We used to trade in our own little bubbles and if a local consumer wanted something, a little local competition notwithstanding, the sale was ours. Over the past few years, those little bubbles have well and truly burst and the consumer knows they can buy the same thing from any number of outlets at the swipe of a smartphone.

S

o, we are all competing with each other now; is that a bad thing? Surely we all have websites. If we lose a sale in the shop, we’ll probably make it up online.

The trouble is it doesn’t seem to work like that, perhaps because of the ever increasing competition we face. The housewares pie is still growing, but the number of businesses of all sizes trying to take a slice of that pie is growing faster. Which leads to my particular bete noire: our suppliers selling direct. Irritating though this is, most follow the unwritten rule that they do not discount. The trouble with unwritten rules is they are easy to break. We are used to being asked to match competitors’ prices, but, when it is our own supplier we are matching, it really galls.

Now this is all good news for consumers. Isn’t it? Certainly in the short term it is. Ever increasing buying options are leading to competition on an unprecedented scale, and prices are only going to head one way.

However, with landlords, the valuation office, local authorities: let's be honest, many of us small business owners are struggling to keep up with the rate of change. We used to happily pay a premium for the privilege of premises in the right location, but the importance of

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location is reducing and paying for that privilege is starting to become a millstone instead. Inevitably shops continue to close and, though they may not realise it straight away, consumers miss us when we’re gone.

Often with limited options to reduce rent and rates, we need to reduce costs everywhere we can. We have slashed electricity costs with LED bulbs, we manage staffing levels as closely as we can, we control stock levels much more tightly, and we take significantly more care when setting prices.

Yet we still need to invest in taking the business forward.

You could think of this as a war of attrition, and those with the least resources will be the first to go, but it does not necessarily have to be that way. Independents like ourselves have still got a lot going for us, and what we may lack in capital we make up in other ways. As with any shop, you can see and touch the products and there is no waiting for or paying for delivery, but more than that, we have the freedom to stock a huge and varied range, we are passionate about what we do, we know our stuff, we offer expert advice, we listen to and care about our customers, and always with a smile. Modern marketing is all

about personal service and connecting with your customers, yet this is what we have always done. The big chains and websites would give their ‘eye teeth’ for the customer relationships we take for granted.

Luckily we are not on our own. We have many suppliers who are definitely focused on the big picture; they recognise that the landscape has changed and is still changing, and they are looking for ways to support and work with their independent customers, with preferential pricing and exclusive offers. Last year, we decided to expand on this and we now have several suppliers with whom we work particularly closely. We plan ahead with them, give their products extra prominence, including dedicated window displays and in return they give us exclusive promotional deals, point of sale materials demonstrators and more.

Life is most definitely harder than it was, but what we have is special and as they say, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As long as we can hang in there, innovating and adapting as we go, the whirlwind of change in the retail world will calm eventually, and those of us who are still standing will reap the rewards.

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CellarDine is launching at Ambiente, Hall1.1 Stand E22, its new Football Euro beer chillers in time for the football event in June, these new beer chillers comprise of home and away kits for the nations that have qualified packed in twos per set, these include England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

CellarDine Tel: 01256 345560 E-mail: office@cellardine.co.uk for valued independents pls contact PHA Tel: 0151 651 2265 E-mail: sales@phassocs.co.uk

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Part of the luxurious High Fashion range, the Viners Baroque cutlery set (featured), exudes endearing charisma. Made from the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel with detailed filigree decoration on the front and the back of each piece, this 16 piece set will make a show-stopping statement on your table. Presented in an eye-catching flock inlay gift box, the hardwearing, rust-resistant cutlery comes with a 50-year guarantee.

Rayware Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.viners.co.uk

Inspired by the iconic Kenwood Chef Sense kitchen machine, Kenwood is launching in July a new design-led breakfast collection. The Kenwood Ksense range offers functional and sophisticated high-spec features, making them ideal for a style conscious family home. The Ksense Toaster comes with five browning levels, a unique bagel function and a four slot capacity, perfect when preparing breakfast for the whole family. The Ksense Kettle has a 1.6 litre capacity that’s ideal for preparing a large pot of tea to cater for friends and family, and comes equipped with quiet boiling and a one cup graduation feature.

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

As a preview to its Spring/Summer 2016 new releases of Kitchen Textiles, Ladelle introduces Porton (pictured) - a striking design, featuring bold stripes and sharp detailing. This 100% cotton stylish woven design includes pot holder, oven mitt, apron and kitchen towel.

Ladelle Tel: 020 3755 3135 E-mail: Customerservice.uk@ladelle.com Web: www.ladelle.com

Pyrex has had a long association with producing the highest quality glassware. To mark the 2015 centenary celebrations the leading kitchen brand launched the Optimum glass collection to offer customers even more choice and flexibility when preparing home cooked meals. The collection comprises of eight products, including square, rectangular and oval roasters, which are notably deeper, offering customers a product for every recipe and requirement, while reflecting modern kitchen and cooking trends.

Pyrex Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com

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PHA is delighted to have taken on the UK exclusive distribution rights for the CellarDine brand. Best sellers include the Rouge 02 wine breather, Zap Cap bottle openers, ChillCore 3/1 system, Therm au Rouge red wine sleeve and Intelligent Ice. PHA will be offering customers exclusive ‘starter pack’ promotions together with a stylish display stand which incorporates all the key lines.

PHA KitchEssentials Tel: 0151 6512265 E-mail: sales@phassocs.co.uk

Designed in the UK, Aurora is an elegant collection with long, pulled stems and shapely bowls. Complete with an optic in the bowl of every piece, this beautiful range is available in a soft, sophisticated blue and green, as well as a crisp clear. The colour has been applied in such a way that allows for the foot, stem and, most importantly, the ice of the bowl to remain clear.

Available in four shapes, each gift-boxed pair contains matching glasses.

The DRH Collection Tel: 020 7249 0710 Web: www.thedrhcollection.com

Combining baking tradition with high technology, Excellia™ from Mastrad (pictured) comprises six key items – loaf pan, 12-hole muffin pan, baking sheet, round and square cake tins and roasting pan. This robust, high performance range, which withstands temperatures up to 230°C, is constructed with a double layer PFOA-free non-stick coating on a 2mm steel base. This provides even heat distribution, easy release and non-warping durability. A host of other features prevail including wide rims for easy handling, lifetime guarantee and a versatile new triangular merchandising unit.

Mastrad Tel: 07739 754803 E-mail: ageddes@mastrad.fr Web: www.mastrad.fr

Available in five fun series of shapes – Cupcakes, Stars, Rounds, Hearts and a bucket of Letters & Numbers – the Judge cutters are made from brightly coloured plastic with a curving upper edge, so that they don’t just look good, but they feel good to use, allowing little hands to push down into the dough without hurting their fingers. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, Judge Cookie Cutters will last a lifetime, without the risk of rust.

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

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A modern take on a true classic, the new Salter Retro Bins have arrived with their practical and stylish designs. Easy operation with foot pedal function and complete with strong removable plastic inner liner, they are ideal for keeping the kitchen clean and tidy.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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products Western House introduces a new product for 2016, from the Luigi Bormioli range comes Michelangelo Stemless Wine. Produced in Sparkx® ultra clear eco-friendly glass. Why not make an alternative statement with this new addition.

Western House Tel: 01256 462341 E-mail: sales@western-house.com Web: www.western-house.com

The new Salter Colour Collection 5-Piece Knife Set has all you need for easy food preparation with different knives to suit a range of jobs, whether it be cutting, dicing or carving. The acacia wooden rack allows you to show off the contemporary knife set and provides easy access as you work away in the kitchen.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

The Judge Sport (pictured) offers a wide mouth, carefully sealed by a unique locking mechanism, which only releases the liquid when you want it, but leaves no spaces for germs to hide. In addition, the stainless steel Sports Bottle is double walled offering insulation to keep your dinks hot or cold for up to six hours. It’s leak-proof, so you can put it in your briefcase, backpack or school bag without worrying about making a mess, and offers a lid locking mechanism for additional security and of course dishwasher safe, for easy cleaning.

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

Kitchen Craft’s spring/summer 2016 product launch, being showcased at various spring shows, will include an impressive array of new collections and range extensions set to inspire buyers for the forthcoming season.

Strengthening its already extensive tools and gadgets category, the company will launch new Master Class tools, which offers outstanding performance coupled with functional style. Made from 2mm 18/0 stainless steel with slim tapered handles for optimum comfort, the range is heat resistant up to 220°c, dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime guarantee. A co-ordinating range of nylon headed tools is also available.

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

De’Longhi has launched its flagship Prima Donna Elite: the world’s first fully automatic bean to cup coffee machine with connected technology. De’Longhi has mastered the art of coffee preparation with its unique Italian know-how for artisan coffee, to bring Barista quality to the home like never experienced or tasted before. Customers can select fine coffees beans from around the world and now, with Elite and the Smart Coffee app, tailor and setup personal profiles that guarantee their perfect coffee, fresh from bean to cup.

De’Longhi Tel: 0239 239 2392 Web: www.delonghi.co.uk

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Introducing...

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