Progressive Housewares May June 2015

PH PYREX 2015_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:56 Page 1

May/June 2015

Celebrate 100 years of Pyrex on stand 444 at the Exclusively Housewares Show 2015

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Forged Aluminium Ceramic Coated Cookware

VM_ NWZ

2015

See

0844 826 9361 | sales@rkwltd.com | www.rkwltd.com

- stand 402

3 Leader May June 2015_New 3 25/05/2015 15:04 Page 1

www.max-publishing.co.uk

Happy 100 years Pyrex! Since 1915 the trusted cookware brand has been best known for its heat resistant glassware. Its ever growing range now includes ceramic oven to tableware, metal bakeware, pots and pans. To find out more about Pyrex and its cookware range, please visit Stand 444 at Exclusively Housewares, call 01564 786 030 or email contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com.

May/June 2015

Celebrate 100 years of Pyrex on stand 444 at the Exclusively Housewares Show 2015

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk Subscription

Editor’s comment A strong theme at the recent bira High Street Conference was the human side of the shopping experience. The flip side of the migration to online shopping is that human interaction has become more precious, and more powerful, as retail consultant, Andrew McMillan pointed out.

It was empowering to hear Andrew describe the “customer experience” – which is largely created by a team of enthusiastic staff that loves their work – as “the biggest weapon in your armoury.” The customer experience comes from an internal culture, cannot be taught, and while big businesses can have the advertising budget to project their good intentions, they can fail when it actually comes to delivering the best experience.

Other ‘food for thought’ was new CHA chairman, Joan Woulfe’s admission that shutting the doors to the warehouse, putting aside every day tasks and sitting down to concentrate purely on how to develop her business for a morning every week was “the single biggest thing that helped our growth.” Joan’s and daughter, Katie’s story demonstrated the passion (and human face) behind an independent online business that has taken on the world. Moreover, like Joan’s Growth Days, those cookshops and housewares stockists that had managed to get away from the daily grind for a day in order to attend the bira conference certainly seemed to come away with inspiration and ammunition! (For CHA and Above: PH’s Jo Howard with Trevor Mottram’s staff: Sarah bira conference news, see pages 23-25).

Jane Hudson, Caitlin Turnball, Gina Jarman and Sara Talking to proactive retailers for this issue of PH has also been Fouracre. The retailer turns 40 this year. Trevor Mottram fan, Patrick Gardner from fellow 40 year-old business, T&G (see inspiring – with insights on how different shops are tackling the pages 28-29) remembers the shop’s unique atmosphere on challenge of grabbing customer attention, creating dialogues and opening, with the scent of lavender floor polish and straw building customer loyalty. (See pages 26-27 and 42-43). It has been a filled baskets for display. pleasure to talk to those on the shopfloor who obviously love being Below: The publications with this issue’s PH. part of the kitchenware industry – and know their stuff – for the PH retailer focus on the new look Fenwick Brent Cross, and as a ‘tourist’ passing through Tunbridge Wells and calling into CHA Retailer of the Year, Trevor Mottram (thank you for welcoming the whole family, including the waggy-tailed black Labrador!)

If you too can sing the praises of any retailer (large or small, online/offline or a mixture of channels), please make your nominations for the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015 (if you haven’t already done so) by June 12. Suppliers, your ‘votes’ count (the majority of the retailer categories are determined as a S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N result of your nominations) so don't pass by this opportunity. And retailers please don’t hold back in sending photos of your displays and Y telling us about the initiatives, training and ‘hero’ member of staff that are setting you apart. These retailer categories are determined by entries discussed and judged by our suppler panel, so take a few moments to email joh@max-publishing.co.uk or give me a call on 01295 811 853 to get yourself noticed.

(See www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk).

Finally, the PH team is delighted to introduce a new publication, Progressive Electrical, just in time for the new show, Exclusively Electrical. We’re all looking forward to seeing you at both of the Exclusively shows very soon. Plus, our latest edition of our Cookshop Training Source Book also accompanies this issue of PH. As usual, the TSB is bursting with knowledge and new insights into key sectors for retailers – all the more for your armoury!

The essential training resource for cookshops and housewares retailers

£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).

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.

15 global innovation award

May/June 2015

Freephone helpline number on

0800 988 1266

(calls from mobiles are charged at your standard network rate)

www.kitchenaid.eu

© 2015. All rights reserved.

Jo Howard

Editor

Progressive Housewares

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A famil of

GROWING BRANDS

Our family’s growing and so will your sales.

From trusty favourites to the next generation of designs, make room for Denby.

M E E T THE FA M ILY AT

Exclusively Housewares 2015 Business Design Centre London Stand 352 & 412 9 - 10th June 2015 9.00am - 5.30pm F O R I N F O R M AT I O N A N D A DV I C E C A L L U S O N

+44(0) 1773 740715 www.denby.co.uk

5 Contents May-June 2015_New 3 25/05/2015 15:51 Page 1

INHOUSE

In this issue Editor

joh@max-publishing.co.uk

Publishing director

warren@max-publishing.co.uk

7-19

News

21

BHETA news

23

CHA news and views

24-25

CHA news extra: bira High Street Conference

26-27

Food for thought: ‘Brand’ new acts Four different independents have been focusing on their looks and branding.

37-41

Market focus: Tools and Gadgets Everybody loves good tools and clever gadgetry!

28-29

Face to face: Patrick Gardner at T&G Patrick is celebrating 40 years in housewares.

42-43

Retailer focus: Fenwick Brent Cross Have you seen the new look department?

30-35

Exclusively Housewares preview Take a look at some exciting new launches.

44-47

Market focus: Dining trends What are the trends for the contemporary tabletop?

Editor in chief

jw@max-publishing.co.uk

Product page editor

emmac@max-publishing.co.uk

PAGES

37-39

Advertisement director

mediap@aol.com

PAGES

Mark Grayson Creative director

44-45

markg@max-publishing.co.uk

PAGES

28-29

48

Shop Talk: Guest columnist, Keith Crowther

50-51

What’s Cooking in Food preparation?

53-55

Product focus: Food preparation

57

Tony’s take

58-59

New products

Progressive Housewares

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Reunited After 30 Years Swan Housewares & Electricals Iconic British brand Swan™ has enhanced its popular retro-styled colour-coordinated range by expanding the line-up to include housewares for the first time since the mid-80s.

A landmark move for the 80-year-old Swan brand sees its housewares and electricals output reunited in one, solid offering after 30 years. Swan’s well-received Vintage Collection of large appliances spanning fridge freezers, dishwashers and kitchen-top appliances will soon be accompanied by housewares; including cookware and kitchen accessories, all specially developed to complement the high-selling retro-styled range.

The reunification of housewares and electricals heralds a new era and strengthens Swan’s proposition for retailers and end-users alike, offering the classic design and unrivalled functionality associated with the brand across a wealth of products.

As a result, Swan is now the only British housewares brand to offer a full, colour-coordinating collection across housewares, electrical and white goods. The new range will be previewed at Exclusively Housewares, Stand 400, between 9-10 June 2015, and will be available exclusively from Swan Products Ltd at launch.

Visit www.swan-brand.co.uk or call sales 0844 826 9357 for more information

PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:44 Page 2

News

TOP STORY

Tell us who shines

Above: Eddington’s Vintage Glassware range was a finalist in last year’s Excellence in Housewares Top of the Table award – but not all consumers like the trend for jars as glasses.

Campaign for real plates A Twitter campaign, We Want Plates now has over 45,000 followers who are “Crusading against serving food on bits of wood and roof tiles, jam-jar drinks and chips in mugs.” Followers post photos of meals that have not been dished up on plates via the social media page – featuring the likes of bread served in a flat cap and prawn cocktail in a miniature skip.

Consumers are also retaliating against drinks in Mason jars and food served up on wooden, slate and marble boards.

The campaign was the focus of a news story in the Sunday Times (May 10), which highlighted the ‘fireman’s breakfast’ at the Ticket Hall restaurant in Douglas on the Isle of Man. This comes served in a shovel similar to those used by stokers or fireman on steam trains.

(See Dining trends feature pages 44-45.)

15

There is still time for suppliers to nominate outstanding retailers across all categories for the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2015. Nominations can be sent directly to PH’s Jo Howard at joh@maxpublishing.co.uk by June 12.

Retailers themselves can also send in their self-nominations for the Excellence in Retail Above: In the spotlight - last year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards Display, Training, Initiative and Employee of the Year Awards directly to Jo at winners on stage with Awards host, comedian, Alun Cochrane.

PH. Entries for Excellence in Training can include a recent or current initiative that is boosting staff knowledge and all-important customer service levels.

Meanwhile, suppliers should ensure that samples of their top products (launched at retail between June 2014-June 2015) arrive at PH’s HQ by Friday June 12 for entry into the Excellence in Housewares Awards. A panel of leading retail buyers from across the retail spectrum is now eagerly awaiting the opportunity to judge this fabulous product line-up.

Entry into the Awards is straightforward, and free of charge (see www.excellenceinhousewareawards.co.uk). Exhibitors at Exclusively Housewares can take advantage of the Excellence in Housewares entry drop off at the press office at the close of the show. Product entries must be clearly marked for the Excellence in Housewares Awards, along with company name and contact. * Retailers are also asked to vote for their top suppliers in three areas: service, marketing and innovation – the forms are with this issue (or votes can be sent directly to Emma Cain at emmac@max-publishing.co.uk).

• The Excellence in Housewares Awards is organised by PH in conjunction with the CHA. To book your place at the industry’s big night on Wednesday October 7 (at the London Lancaster) with a glamorous 1920s theme contact awards manager, Clare Davies at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk.

The very special ticket This year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards invitation comes in the guise of a stunning teatowel, created especially for the event by Ulster Weavers and manufactured by the company in Northern Ireland. The bespoke tea towel features the artwork of Claire Coxon (pictured), reproduced courtesy of Noel Tatt (greeting cards) and Image Source (the artists’ agency which represents Claire).

The celebratory ‘ticket’ follows a trend for unconventional invitations for special events and weddings. PH Jo’s Howard comments: “Besides reminding guests of the date, time and venue of this year’s hotly anticipated Excellence in Housewares Ball, this beautiful teatowel from Ulster Weavers will be a lasting memento of our stylish 1920s theme.” She adds: “While a good quality tea towel, is of course, a useful addition to any kitchen, I’m not sure I will be drying my pans with this lovely one!”

SAY GOODBYE TO BITTER AND OVER-BOILED COFFEE The simple, yet innovative MOKAVISTA™ solves the age old problem not knowing when your coffee has finished brewing.

Say goodbye to bitter, over-boiled coffee thanks to the addition of a simple polycarbonate window on the top of the Moka pot.

Stylish aluminium design and available in 3, 6 & 9 cup versions.

Visit the team at Exclusively Housewares Stand 319 e: sales@eddingtons.co.uk

www.eddingtons.co.uk

Progressive Housewares

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design, colour and function for the home ADDIS HOUSEWARES AEROLATTE AMEFA ANNIVERSARY HOUSE APOLLO HOUSEWARES ARTHUR PRICE AUTEUR CHARLES BENTLEY & SON BARISTA & CO BERGHOFF WORLDWIDE BHL BLACK & BLUM BODUM BRABANTIA BRAMAX BURLEIGH BURTON MCCALL BWT CHARLES VIANCIN CITY LOOK IMPORTS COUNTRY MATTERS CREATIVE PRODUCTS CROWN TRENT CURVER DARTINGTON CRYSTAL DAVID MASON DESIGN DENBY BRANDS DEXAM DKB HOUSEHOLD DNC THE DRH COLLECTION DUBOST COLAS PRADEL E-CLOTH

EATON DINING ECOCOOK EDDINGTONS ELIA EMILE HENRY ETHOS EUROPASONIC FALCON PRODUCTS FISKARS FOSSEWAY TRADING GEH GILBERTS GIMI GOURMET GADGETRY GREEN PIONEER GROUPE SEB I GRUNWERG HAREWOOD INTERNATIONAL HAUS HORWOOD HOMEWARES IC INNOVATIONS ICB NOSTIK ICTC IMPERIAL INTERNATIONAL JERAY JOSEPH JOSEPH JUST MUGS JVL HOMEWARES JWP KILNER KINETICO KIS KUHN RIKON

LADELLE LE CHATEAU TEXTILES LE CREUSET LEKUE MAGEFESA BY VITRINOR MAHITTI MAKE INTERNATIONAL MASON CASH, RAVENHEAD AND PRICE & KENSINGTON MASTRAD MAXWELL & WILLIAMS METALTEX MEYER N J PRODUCTS NAVIGATE NEAT IDEAS NORDIC WARE OCTOPUS PUBLISHING OXO GOOD GRIPS PENDEFORD HOUSEWARES PHA KITCHESSENTIALS POLDER HOUSEWARES POOLE POTTERY PREMIER HOUSEWARES PYREX READY STEADY COOK RKW ROBERT WELCH DESIGNS ROOT 7 ROSTI MEPAL H & L RUSSEL SABICHI HOMEWARES SALTER

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

GROUPE SEB HOSTESS (CROSSLEE) HSCL JURA KALORIK KITCHENAID MAGIMIX MEYER GROUP

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

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

SCOTT BROTHERS SIMPLEHUMAN SISTEMA SMASH GLOBAL SODASTREAM SWAN T&G TAYLORS EYE WITNESS TERRAILLON THE COOKWARE COMPANY TONTARELLI TRADESTOCK TYPHOON ULSTER WEAVERS UNIKIA UP GLOBAL SOURCING VACU VIN WESCO WESTERN HOUSE WHAT MORE WHITEFURZE WHITFORD WILTON XYSTOS ZODIAC STAINLESS PRODUCTS ZWILLING J A HENCKELS

Run by the industry, for the industry

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

www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:49 Page 4

News Below: Portmeirion factory.

TOP STORY

Inset: Wedgwood Daisy Tea Story.

Fiskars buys WWRD Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton (WWRD) has been sold to Fiskars for a sum of £281.5m.

The sale by US private equity firm KPS Capital Partners was agreed on May 10.

Kari Kauniskangas, Fiskars’ chief executive commented: “We are delighted to be bringing together WWRD's portfolio of iconic luxury home and lifestyle brands with Fiskars' highly regarded Living brands of Iittala, Royal Copenhagen, Arabia and Rörstrand, which are renowned for their Scandinavian design and heritage.” He continued: “Fiskars Group is set to become a leading global branded consumer goods company in the area of luxury and premium home and lifestyle products focusing on tabletop, giftware and interior décor.”

Kari also commented on the synergy and opportunity to develop international business for Fiskars’ housewares and garden products, stating: "Through the acquisition we will create a strong presence for the Fiskars Living business in the US, and further enhance Fiskars' market position in Europe and Asia-Pacific.” He added: “Fiskars will now have a balanced portfolio of businesses."

Pierre de Villeméjane, ceo of WWRD commented: "We look forward very much to building a joint future with Fiskars. There is an excellent fit with the brand portfolios of both companies, and we will be able to build a joint success that will stem from the deep roots and core values of both the WWRD and Fiskars Living brands.”

Meanwhile, Michael Psaros, a managing partner at KPS, stated: "We are thrilled to sell WWRD to Fiskars, a company with its own 365-year history, which understands WWRD is not just a company or a group of iconic brands, but also possesses a unique legacy and a heritage." * KPS bought the historic brands in 2009 (after WWRD had filed for bankruptcy protection) and turned them around, with a new management team. KPS brought Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert brands under one umbrella business (sharing manufacturing, supply and marketing facilities), and developed the Asian market. * Finish based Fiskars celebrated 365 years last year. It acquired Iittala Group in 2007 and Royal Copenhagen in 2013. Fiskars UK recently moved into stylish new showroom and offices in the Mclaren Tower, Birmingham.

Record profits for Portmeirion Portmeirion Group hit a record profit for the sixth consecutive year, with pre-tax profit rising 8.6% to £7.6 million, and revenues increasing by 5.3% from £58.3 million in 2013 to £61.4 million in 2014.

“We are delighted to be reporting another record year," enthused Dick Steele, nonexecutive chairman. "Our core values of innovation, targeted product development and operational excellence remain unchanged. We remain confident for the future. The outlook for 2015 is positive.”

The company has enjoyed a successful start to the year following the launch of its exclusive new Ted Baker Portmeirion ceramic range and the announcement that a new £1.5m kiln will be installed, increasing its UK manufacturing capacity by 50%.

Portmeirion Group has four brands: Portmeirion, Spode, Royal Worcester and Pimpernel. (See Dining trends pages 46-47).

Tesco closes Homeplus stores Tesco is to close its last six Homeplus shops, ending its ambitions for non-food only stores in the UK. Six unprofitable Homeplus stores were included in the 43 store closures announced by the supermarket in January.

Former Tesco boss, Sir Terry Leahy launched the Homeplus concept ten years ago. Terry’s plans were to build a network of large out of town stores selling homewares, electrical goods and clothes – a total of 12 were opened.

The closures are part of the turnaround strategy of current chief executive, Dave Lewis, who is cutting costs and selling assets to aid the group’s finances and reverse Tesco’s declining market share.

The final six Homeplus stores that will close are in Bracknell, Bristol, Bromborough, Denton, Nottingham, and Preston.

Pyrex is a trademark of Corning Incorporated licensed

by International Cookware SAS, used by permission

Above: A Tesco Homeplus – the non-food format was not successful.

Limited edition centenary products Anniversary jug and bowl available now. #pyrex100 For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com or call 01564 786 030

See us at Exclusively Housewares Stand 444

Progressive Housewares

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Connected devices for a healthier lifestyle

NutriTab connected kitchen scale and Web Coach Easy View bathroom scale are just part of the innovative collection of connected devices from Terraillon UK. Terraillon is pleased to launch it’s comprehensive range of Connected Devices at Exclusively Housewares on the 9-10th June 2015.

Kitchen Scales, Kitchen Accessories, Water Filtration, Bathroom Scales, Wellbeing and Connected Devices Tel: 01442 270444

Email: sales@terraillon.co.uk

PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:50 Page 6

News

TOP STORY

Exclusively’s double bill On June 9-10, London’s Business Design Centre opens its doors to two shows: Exclusively Housewares and the inaugural Exclusively Electrical show, dedicated to small kitchen/domestic appliances (SKA/SDAs). The sell-out new show features a host of leading electrical brands and its own demonstration area (see Progressive Electrical magazine, which accompanies this issue of PH).

The transfer of SDA suppliers to the new show (situated in a new area on the upper floor) has resulted in an influx of new exhibitors at Exclusively Housewares, as eager suppliers snapped up any gaps. “Effectively 20% of our housewares exhibitors are new to the show this year, which is the biggest change for many years,” explains show director, Simon Boyd.

New features at Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical include an On Trend trail, created by trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus (see story on page 14) and a ‘Do your Christmas shopping at Exclusively’ trail, to encourage buyers to think ahead and top up their Christmas ranges. Simon reflects: “Mid-way through the year is a good time for retailers to take a fresh look at their stores, start thinking ahead to the busy Christmas sales period and get their eye in on what trends will be dominating the coming seasons.” * Anthony Williams, GfK housewares account director presents ’The changing face of food preparation and dining’, covering developments in the housewares, tablewares and small electricals market, at 10.30am on Wednesday, June 10. * The new suppliers exhibiting at Exclusively Housewares 2015 include: Barista & Co, BergHOFF, Charles Viancin, Country Matters,Creative Products, Crown Trent, Dexam, E-Cloth, Fosseway Trading, Harewood International, ICB, Kinetico, Kis, Ladelle, Lékué, Magefesa by Vitrinor, Mahitti, Polder Housewares, Smash Global, Unikia, What More and Wilton. * Those returning to the show after a break include Dexam, Emile Henry, Falcon Products, ICTC, Whitefurze and Xystos. * In addition to Exclusively Housewares’s two-course lunch, Jura Products will be serving complementary coffee to show visitors, while KitchenAid is sponsoring the Buyer’s Lounge, with free refreshments and wifi. * Buyers interested in visiting either show can browse the full exhibitor lists and register their interest online via www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk or by calling 0121 237 1130.

Above: Scene from Exclusively Housewares 2014.

Below: The Christmas offer trail icon.

Cookshops are up in Q1, says bira According to the bira quarterly sales monitor, independent cookshops were up 1.46% in the first quarter of 2015. This is a marked improvement on the previous three quarters (down -9.95% in Q2, -3.70% in Q3, and -3.93% in Q4 of 2014). Comments from cookshops participating in the monitor included ‘lack of footfall.’ However, overall, 59% of independent retailers said they are ‘reasonably confident’ for the year ahead, while 32.5% said they are anxious. *More news from CHA and bira on pages 23-25.

Marcus is the new IHA representative Pam Plant has handed over the UK office of the International Housewares Association (IHA) to Marcus Findlay of Plimco. Having joined the IHA in 1993, Pam has been instrumental in raising the profile of the IHA organized show, the International Home +Housewares Show (IH+HS) in Chicago, and will continue to be an ambassador.

Derek Miller, IHA vice president of global marketing commented: “Everyone at IHA would like to thank Pam for the wonderful years working together and for all of her help developing and growing the International Home + Housewares Show brand. We also appreciate her continued support of the Show as a well-respected and well-known face in the UK housewares industry.” He continued: “Marcus has been a good friend to the IHA and a regular visitor to the Show for over a decade, so we were very happy he agreed to lead the IHA UK office into the future.”

Above right: Marcus Findlay of Plimco at IH+HS earlier this year – in his long established role as UK representative of NordicWare, Marcus has considerable experience and knowledge of the Chicago Show.

Progressive Housewares

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INSPIRED BY THE PAST, FOR FAMILIES TODAY Our classic ranges have been a part of family life since 1938.

Versatile and easy to use, they’ve inspired generations to enjoy cooking, from Sunday roasts to home baking and everything in between.

A family favourite since 1938.

COME AND SEE OUR NEW V I N TA G E R A N G E AT E X C L U S I V E LY HOUSE WARES & ELECTRICAL 9 T H & 10T H J U N E 201 5 S TA N D N o 29 3 H O US E WA R E S S TA N D N o E E 20 E L EC T R I C A L S

w w w.pre s tige.co.uk

PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:53 Page 9

News ABelow: Some of last year’s donors at Exclusively Housewares.

Klean Kanteen, the leading reusable stainless steel food and beverage storage brand, has announced the expansion of its insulated offering with three new lines.

TOP STORY

This follows the successful introduction of new products including the Growler with its removable Swing LokŽ Cap and the popularity of Klean Kanteen’s food canisters – made IURP VWDLQOHVV VWHHO WKDW ORFN LQ çDYRXU ZLWK DQ DLUWLJKW VHDO Õ perfect on-the-go and a stylish addition at home.

7KH VLJQLĂŚFDQW H[SDQVLRQ RI .OHDQ .DQWHHQĂ˜V LQVXODWHG products includes Growlers, Classics and Kid Kanteens. Made with durable, vacuum insulated double-wall construction, the new insulated bottles will keep iced drinks cool for more than 24 hours and hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours. The new Insulated Growler means cold beer can be kept both cool and carbonated for up to 24 hours and is tested to 35 PSI. Jim Osgood, CEO of Klean Kanteen, says inspiration for the H[SDQGHG UDQJH FDPH IURP FXVWRPHU IHHGEDFN “Our new insulated products are the direct result of inspired stories and passionate requests from our customers. These new additions to our insulated line give customers more simple, easy and fun ways to enjoy icy cold or steaming hot drinks on WKH JR DOO UHçHFWLQJ RXU FRPPLWPHQW WR GHVLJQLQJ PHDQLQJIXO products built to last a lifetime.â€? :KLWE\ &R 8. GLVWULEXWRU RI .OHDQ .DQWHHQ H[SHFWV WKH products to hit the shelves in August.

BECAUSE IT MATTERS.

Klean Kanteens are made with 18/8 food-grade stainless steel no liners, no leaching, no BPA.

Exclusively exhibitors to pack up for Shelter Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical exhibitors are backing Housewares for the Homeless, the PH initiative with leading charity, Shelter.

At the end of the shows, many exhibitors will be donating products to Shelter’s essential projects, rather than taking them back to their warehouse, office or showrooms. The housewares donations will be distributed to Shelter’s projects in Birmingham and Slough, to help people who are starting out in a new home with few or no possessions. Shelter’s Rachel Pierce reflects on the importance of such donations and their value in helping to change lives for the better. She states: “It means so much for people who have nothing to just own one or two nice things.� Moreover, essentials for food preparation, cooking and serving as well as utility can equip families and individuals for their new lives.

Exhibitors who are making donations are invited to a photo-call with Shelter at 8.40am on Wednesday June 10 (before the shows open), on the mezzanine steps of Exclusively Housewares. Suppliers should bring a product to hold for the photo, which will appear in PH’s July/August edition.

Donations should be taken to the press office at the end of the show (with packaging, if possible) and placed in an area set aside for Shelter donations.

Exhibition freight and handling specialist, AMPM Transportation is kindly loading donations up for delivery to the Shelter projects. * For more information on Housewares for the Homeless (which started in 2000), please contact PH editor, Jo Howard on 01295 811 853 or joh@max-publishing.co.uk.

Right: Rio style: apron by Ladelle.

On trend: a touch of Rio

HOT.

COLD.

Klean Kanteen vacuum insulated cups kick single use coffee cups to the curbs.

The new vacuum insulated Classic Kanteens keep drinks iced for 24 hours.

And they look good doing it.

WHITBY & CO T: 01539 721032

E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

www.whitbyandco.co.uk

www.kleankanteen.com 14

Progressive Housewares

Trend forecasting agency, Scarlet Opus is sharing its insights with visitors to Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical. Trends tips highlighted by the team in the On Trend trail, as well as mood boards incorporating relevant product shots from the show, include an Olympic Summer for Spring/Summer 2015. This will be influenced by the flavours of Rio – with its Copacabana beach and carnival spirit and tones of rich red and hot pink, Amazon green and Toucan yellow.

Other trends include Nature Luxe: “This will include elements with reference to historical glamour and archive designs, textures and shapes found in nature, artisanal skills and craft techniques, blonde wood tones and lace patterns and marbleized effects," says Victoria Redshaw, lead futurist, and founder of Scarlet Opus.

A Scarlet Opus trends presentation - by Victoria Redshaw and Phil Pond - takes place on Wednesday June 10 at 11am.

PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:53 Page 10

News Below: Despite injuries, and with some help from St John’s Ambulance, Simon completed the London Marathon.

TOP STORY

Joseph Joseph’s fight against copying Forma House’s marathon man Simon Maghnagi, business development manager at Forma House, completed the London Marathon in aid of homeless charity, CRISIS at the end of April, raising over £3300. Simon thanked his housewares supporters: ‘I am really touched by all the support and donations that have been pledged from so many across the housewares industry. I have always said it’s a great industry to be part of, with great people at the heart of it and this just proves it!”

Below: Richard Joseph, pictured with brother Anthony and some of Joseph Joseph’s products.

An interview with Richard Joseph, director and cofounder of Joseph Joseph was the focus of a recent two-page article on copycats in The Times newspaper. The article provided words of caution for other businesses, as well as advice.

Richard describes the prevalence of product copying as, “the biggest challenge we face as a business.” The article states that in 2010, ‘Joseph Joseph spent more on fighting rip-offs of its products than it did on designing new ones.”

Richard is quoted: “For a design business, that is a shocking state of affairs. A new product that takes us three years can be ripped off in three months.”

Richard reflects that the scale of the problem is partly due to the company’s international success (selling to 104 markets, with export accounting for three quarters of the £40m turnover). He admits that: “Our biggest concern is that the knock-offs are poor quality and it affects our reputation and our brand. We fear being delisted if a retailer sees a cheaper copy selling in another retailer.”

Joseph Joseph’s in-house IP lawyer, Victor Foo also features in the interview, and states that ‘he deals with about “two dozen” new infringements problems every week.’ He adds his opinions to the challenge of intellectual property infringement in China, where, despite improvements, the enforcement of cases continues to be “very patchy.”

Below: Fridge equipped with OXO GreenSavers, keeping produce fresh for longer.

Less waste with OXO

Swan’s colour scheme for the kitchen

OXO reveals its new storage range, GreenSavers at Exclusively Housewares – keeping fruit, vegetables and salad fresh for longer.

The innovative food containers incorporate a carbon filter to prevent the build up of ethylene gas (which speeds up the ripening process). The design also controls airflow and enables optimum humidity for different produce.

According to OXO’s dedicated GreenSaver website for the US (where the range was launched earlier this year at Chicago’s IH+HS), some 25% of the fruit and vegetables bought are thrown away. Tracy Carroll, marketing manager for OXO notes: “It’s all about reducing food wastage.”

Swan is realigning its SDAs, larger electricals and housewares output for the first time in 30 years to create a stronger brand proposition.

Swan director, Rob Wileman explains: “In realigning housewares and electricals, we’re making it much easier for retailers to offer colour coordinating product lines, satisfying customer demand and essentially making us a one-stop shop for all Swan products.” He adds that Swan will be “the only British housewares brand to offer fully colour-coordinated ranges across housewares, kitchen-top appliances and white goods.”

The range (to be previewed at Exclusively Housewares) will initially be available in the Vintage Collection colour palette of blue, green, red, traditional cream, orange and black. (For more news on SDAs, see Progressive Electrical magazine, accompanying this issue of PH).

Horwood sponsors Bristol festival Horwood provided equipment for the twoInset: Cooking with week festival of food, drink Horwood’s equipment at Eat Drink Bristol Fashion. and music, Eat Drink Picture by Otrovez Bristol Fashion. The event Ltd/Jon Craig 2015.

(April 29-May 10) was staged in Queen Square, in the heart of the city, featuring three Michelin starred chefs from Bath and chefs from the top 50 gastropubs, who cooked and presented workshops in tipis and cookery theatres, using kit from Horwood.

The event (now in its fourth year) showcased local foods, with an Eat Drink Market, and provided musical entertainment as well as a tapas restaurant and bar.

T&‘Gee up’ for 40th

Above: T&G and friends at the races.

T&G celebrated its 40th birthday with a day out at Chepstow races for staff and friends of the company. The group enjoyed a meal, a flutter and judging the best dressed horse for each race as well as presenting the winners of each race with a bottle of champagne and a photo finish momento.

Patrick Gardner, T&G’s md, made a welcome speech at the start of the day, thanking his team members for all their hard work, and setting the tone of fun for the rest of the day. (See Face to face article page 28-29).

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News

PEOPLE l UK bakeware manufacturer Utensa has appointed two new agents: Alan Dunwoody for Scotland and Martin Caunt covering East Anglia, both with a wealth of experience. l Dartington Crystal has appointed Mary Martin as area sales manager for South West England and Wales. With a strong knowledge of the product sector and the territory, Mary joins Dartington after career experience that includes Waterford-Wedgwood, Rogaska Crystal, Royal Scott and Halcyon Days. Mary takes over the area from Liz Leader who has been appointed UK sales manager at Dartington. l Fiskars has appointed Karl Millergill (pictured) as sales director for its UK business. Karl joins Fiskars from Bloom Baby where he has held the position of country manager since 2011, Karl reports to Fiskars regional director for South-West Europe, John Grayson, and is based at the company's Birmingham office.

Karl’s housewares experience includes roles at Curver, Keter and Pyrex. l Spark Housewares, exclusive UK distributors of Italian brands, Guardini bakeware and Omada Design acrylic housewares, has completed the next stage in its development with the appointment of four nationwide agents to support the independent trade. For the North, John Taylor; Midlands, John Shelton; South-East, Tom Turner, and South-West, Wayne Woodger. Spark’s Andrew Brooks said: “This is a really strong team with decades of experience.” l Isabel Martinson is stepping down as chief executive of The Giftware Association after nearly 15 years. She is leaving due to family reasons and comments: “The gift and home industry must surely be one of the friendliest of all UK industries and I shall very much miss seeing everyone at the trade fairs and other events.”

TOP STORY

Kitchen scissors to treasure The fortunes of a handmade scissor manufacturer in Sheffield have turned around since a short film showing the making of its Traditional Turton Pattern Kitchen Scissors went viral.

Production at Ernest Wright and Son had declined to a two-day week for its small workforce, bolstered only by two young apprentices from a local council scheme. However, a filmmaker from the University of Sheffield, Shaun Bloodworth chose to Above: Scene from Shaun Bloodworth’s The Putter make a video of the dying art of scissor making, (which can be viewed on www.ernestwright.co.uk) entitled, The Putter (short for ‘the putter together of scissors’). This grabbed consumers’ attention when it went online in July last year, and was subsequently picked up by BBC News.

Nick Wright, director, admitted to PH, that prior to the film, sales in between Christmas periods “were so low that we were very nearly out of business.” Sales in the first half of 2014 amounted to 670 pairs of scissors, while sales in the second half leapt to 8,331. Nick recently told PH: “We finally caught up with those orders about a month ago.” He reported: “Through the benefit of the increased sales, we have been able to purchase another 3,000 forgings for our Traditional Turton-pattern Kitchen Scissors, so we’re looking forward to a busier second half of the year again now, leading up to Christmas.”

Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours recently, Nick admitted that consumers had been surprised to find out that handmade scissors were still made, and suggested that the recession has made more people realise the true value of products that will not need replacing. Nick said: “People want to go back to handmade quality products – something you would invest in.”

Ernest and Wright describes its kitchen scissors as ‘a time-honoured design from the early 1900's.’ The company’s Stork embroidery scissors have also been in the spotlight, in the BBC TV interview, Disappearing Art. Below: Terraillon’s NutriTab.

Obituary: Rob Kindred Rob Kindred, UK sales director for Dartington Crystal, sadly passed away on March 25 at St Peters Hospice’ Bristol at just 52 years of age. Rob had only recently been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal condition but retained his lively spirit and warm nature throughout his last few weeks.

After an early career in the Royal Navy that included service in the Falklands War, Rob applied his enthusiastic personality and tenacity to commercial selling. He had sales roles for Waterford Wedgwood, Stuart Crystal and Caithness Glass, and Rob joined Dartington in 2004 where he helped build both a strong sales team and enduring relationships with his customers. He is remembered for his great humour, endeavour and thoughtfulness to all who worked with him. Donations can be made in Rob’s memory at his tribute page on www.stpetershospice.org.uk

Terraillon gets connected Ethical sourcing from Ecostyle

New Rainy Day Trust partners

The Ecostyle trade fair will again run parallel to Tendence (Messe Frankfurt August 29 to September 1), providing retailers with the latest trends in ethical and certified sustainable lifestyle products. For example, home accessories from Asia and Africa will be among the products presented by the CBI – Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries.

• Visitors to Tendence can benefit from Shop Window Dressing workshops by visualmerchandising trainer and successful author, Karin Wahl (in Hall 9.2). Meanwhile, marketing experts from the Retail Academy will be giving retailers some valuable tips about the strategic presentation of goods and the implementation of retail trends to encourage everyday sales (August 31, 10am, Hall 9.2.)

Taylors Eye Witness and What More have signed up as partners of the Trust. “We have been aware for quite some time of the extremely good work that the Rainy Day Trust does for people in our industry who have had a bit of bad luck or ill health,” said Taylors Eye Witness director Alastair Fisher. “And it seemed like the least we could do was to step up and support the Trust’s work.”

What More director Tony Grimshaw states: “Becoming a Rainy Day Trust partner is a way of returning a little bit of support to the industry that has done so much for us.“ He describes the charity as: “the industry support mechanism, much needed by many who have put so much in and got not so much out of it. We at What More are privileged and proud to be a partner”.

Terraillon UK’s new connected kitchen scale, NutriTab links to the brand’s Wellness Coach app via Bluetooth. This gives consumers an overview of the nutritional values of more than 20,000 different foods and allows the input of recipes to check nutritional content.

In the Application, users can store and monitor information on calories, carbohydrates, protein, liquids, fibre and sodium content against recommended daily allowances.

Mark Ryan, Terraillon’s marketing manager describes the scale as “one of the first of its kind available to in the UK,” stating: “Using smart phones to track and log events and activity is a huge part of many lives now, and is it important for Terraillon to develop effective solutions for modern living.”

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Inspired by nature’s beauty...

More new colours...more new textures... all from Whitford!

F

or 2015, Whitford offers more new eyecatching ways to set your cookware, bakeware and small electrics apart.

Whitford has developed many new colours, textures and combinations of decorative ideas to help you grab the consumer’s eye at point-of-sale.

We offer these options in our wide range of nonstick coatings, including EternaÂŽ,

EclipseÂŽ, ExcaliburÂŽ, QuanTaniumÂŽ, FusionÂŽ and XylanÂŽ. And, of course, similar colours and textures are available in our exterior coatings.

For more information, please contact your Whitford representative or Whitford directly at salesuk@whitfordww.com.

Visit Whitford at Exclusively Housewares, London, 9th–10th June, stand 423.

Where good ideas come to the surface...

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PH NEWS 7-9-11-15-17-19_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 24/05/2015 15:54 Page 14

News

NEWS IN BRIEF l Cookshop card stockists will be joining the throng of buyers at the seventh PG Live show.

Dedicated to greeting cards, the trade fair opens its doors at the slightly later timeline of June 2-3 at London's Business Design Centre. The show spans major publishers and start-up designers, ensuring something new and different for all manner of card buyers. l Magisso’s Cool-ID Tumbler has won a Red Dot Design Award. The tumbler is activated by a minute’s soaking in water and its ceramic surface can be personalised with chalk. l Aga Cookshop and Divertimenti have both launched new website. The Divertimenti site includes videos embedded in the product pages and boasts a new mobile-friendly responsive design with vastly improved search engine functionality. It also has a new eVoucher system whereby consumers can choose a voucher template design and send it directly to the recipient or print it out. l Autumn Fair has teamed up with Virgin Media Business’ new initiative, Pitch to Rich, encouraging its customers to pitch a business idea to a panel of judges, including Richard Branson. l Emma Bridgewater celebrated the recent arrival of the royal baby, Charlotte, with a commemorative mug, as well as offering consumers a similar design for personalisation with the names of their own new arrivals. l Gimi introduces a touch of comic strip glamour with its new Valentina Senso shopping trolley and Valentina Mistero ironing board at Exclusively Housewares. The Italian brand describes Valentina as ‘one of the most famous comic-strip women in the world’ – she first appeared in 1965, created by artist, Guido Crepax. l Whitford reveals its new range of ‘nature inspired’ colours and spatter patterns across non-stick coatings (pictured) at Exclusively Housewares, continuing the trend for decorative effects on cookware and bakeware. Colours include Sun-Washed Sand, Marine Blue and Cherry Wood. l Seminars and unique networking opportunities will add to the ‘dynamic shopping and sourcing experience’ at the summer 2015 edition of NY NOW, from August 15 -19 at New York’s Jacob K Javits Convention Centre. l FreeForm (from Tradestock) has won a Promotional Gift Award 2015. Tradestock md, Keith Nye, reflects: “It is an ideal choice for the promotional gift market, offering a large surface on which to print logos and messages.” l Raymond Blanc recently opened Dunelm’s stylish new 45,000 square foot store in Brislington. Bristol. l Social media is playing an increasingly important role for shoppers, with over a quarter (26%) following retailers on social media, says new research by analysts Future Thinking. The biggest group of users following brands on social media are under 35s (60%), followed closely by families (59%) and women (51%).

TOP STORY

Housewares brands nurture culinary talent Housewares brands are encouraging the chefs of the future through various initiatives, including the Teflon Diamond Standards Awards 2015. The final for these awards was held recently at the Waitrose Cookery School in North London; 11 aspiring chefs aged 16-19 competed for the prize of a three-year Above: Judges with 17 year-old James Specialised Chefs Scholarship managed and delivered by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Bournemouth & Poole College. A panel of Ganderton, winner of the Teflon Diamond Standards Awards. elite professional chefs judged the competition.

Wilbert Broeksmit, Teflon non-stick coatings business manager EMEA commented: “Teflon non-stick coatings and our fellow sponsors Europasonic, NoStik, Sitram and Wham strongly believe the awards to be a meaningful way to recognise and reward excellence and a positive way to encourage and attract high achieving young people into the catering industry.”

Meanwhile, Villeroy & Boch has taken the winners of the Young Master Chef of the Year, the British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year, the Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Award Achievers, Hotelympia Hot Talent and the Acorn Scholar of the Year for a 2-day study tour of Villeroy & Boch’s home in Luxembourg and Germany. An annual occasion, this year’s trip included a visit to the Villeroy & Boch production and decoration centres.

Global gets chefs talking Global Knives UK sponsored its first event as partners of the Chef's Forum at the Parlour restaurant in London on May 18. The Chef's Forum is a free event and enables chefs, colleges, distributors and the media to network and see demonstrations. Andrew Jones and Armand Sablon from the Roux Scholarship demonstrated their knife skills using Global. * Global's latest online video from its Global Roux project (in celebration of Global's 30th anniversary) features the knife skills of Roux Scholar, Paul O'Neill (see www.global-roux2015.co.uk).

Demise of the Littlewoods catalogue Shop Direct is to stop printing the Littlewoods catalogues, stating that online now accounts for more than 90% of its sales. The company sent out 300,000 versions of the last catalogue, down from 5 million five years ago and 25 million a year in its heyday.

The Littlewoods catalogue (which includes kitchenware among its many sections) has been around for over 80 years. Shop Direct will continue to send customers a short brochure showcasing its leading products. * See Tony’s Take on page 57, where Tony argues that catalogues continue to be part of a healthy retail offering.

Tefal partners with L’atelier des Chefs Tefal is equipping the UK mobile events of Europe’s largest Cookery School, the L’atelier des Chef, with its Excellence in Housewares Award winning Ingenio cookware. Tefal Ingenio is the official cookware partner at all of the Cookery School’s mobile events for 2015.

Jennika Kalliala, senior product manager for high-end cookware at Groupe SEB said that the partnership will, “considerably increase the exposure of this innovative cookware range through a large number of high profile events”.

Above: Tefal’s Ingenio in use at L’atelier des Chefs’ events.

Progressive Housewares

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NEW FROM

Specialists in House and Kitchenware ‘Highly Commended’ - Kitchenware Innovation Award Housewares Innovation Awards 2015!

good2go too is the innovative food storage product that collapses to less than half its original size for easy storage.

Each of the 7 different shapes and sizes utilise a unique ‘steam vent’, allowing it to go in the:

OVEN FREEZER

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(MICRO) WAVE GOODBYE TO TIME CONSUMING COOKING! The days of poor quality microwave cooking are over! JWP now presents good2heat, a contemporary microwave only range of products that will put an end to your tired, old microwave cookware and allow anyone, regardless of culinary skill, to create a wide variety of meals in minutes.

Brand new products include: Egg Poacher, 2 Egg Omelette Maker, Bacon Crisper, Potato Baker, Steamer, 1.5 ltr Jug, Saucepans and more.

Come and say hello at the Exclusively Housewares Show 2015 - Stand 156 Call us now on: 01254 503780 or email: sales@jwpltd.co.uk

www.jwpltd.co.uk

21 BHETA March-April 2015_23 21/05/2015 11:44 Page 2

News and Views

More Meet the Buyer connections BHETA’s second Meet The Buyer day with the John Lewis Partnership has been hailed a success. The recent event (held in Victoria, London) involved over 40 suppliers, with some 85 appointments (of around 20 minutes) taking place with over 10 buyers.

Peter Battersby of Charles Viancin commented:“As a direct result of the meeting, we have now been listed in all 43 outlets, with an initial order for next month. I have never known such a speedy selection process for a major group. Interestingly, although the buyers had briefly seen our stands at Frankfurt and Chicago, it was not until the BHETA Meet The Buyer event that Inset: View of John Lewis’ York branch. they were fully able to appreciate the product features and benefits.”

BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones reflected,“John Lewis is probably the most well known and respected department store retailer in the UK and is recognised for choice, style, quality and excellent customer service. This was therefore a very important opportunity for new and existing John Lewis suppliers and it’s fantastic that it went so well.”

BHETA’s repeat Meet the Buyer day with The Range welcomed new and existing The Range suppliers on May 20. BHETA members showed buyers innovative and niche product development, promotional activity, packaging and point of sale aimed at delivering high volume sales at competitive prices, as well as exciting propositions to complement existing product ranges. The Range’s ethos is to present mid-price home, leisure and garden products, with over 65,000 products across 16 departments including Homewares.

Five new names for BHETA Five new housewares and homewares companies have joined BHETA, including Dualit, renowned for domestic and catering products including toasters, kettles, coffee machines, juicers and grills.

It is joined by candle, gift and accessories company Xystos and Easy-Do, which manufactures specialist household cleaning solutions, including washing-up, bathroom, cooker and hob cleaners. New BHETA recruit, Euro Tins supplies innovatively designed baking accessories, while Harewood International supplies general housewares and hardware including storage items.

Commenting on the membership boost, BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones said, “From big brands to start-ups and niche specialists BHETA is able to help the widest possible range of housewares companies find new and profitable routes to market.” He added: “It’s also great to see that the launch of Exclusively Electrical has stimulated interest from small electrical suppliers.”

(See Progressive Electrical magazine).

Introducing a unique system to keep produce fresh longer...

WASTE LESS. SAVE MORE. PROLONGS THE LIFE OF PRODUCE

Launching at Exclusively Housewares 2015.

To see these and many more new products visit OXO on stand 215.

Thoughtfully Yours.

Telephone: 0114 242 0405 Email: info@oxouk.com www.oxouk.com

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CHA News AND VIEWS

An inspiring ethos I am just back from an inspiring couple of days at the bira national conference, where retailers heard from some fantastic speakers, including Andrew MacMillan who spent over 20 years working at the John Lewis Partnership (see pages 24-25). Andrew’s area of expertise is customer service, for which John Lewis is of course renowned. He was inspirational in his speech, which showed how great customer experience comes from employees who truly feel part of the business. Empowered and Above: New CHA chairman, Joan enthusiastic members of staff, who Woulfe, md of Cooking Marvellous and The Marvellous Group, with are engaged in the business, daughter, Katie Smith at the bira High naturally deliver customer service Street Conference (see page 24-25). that enhances customer experience, and improves trade. This ethos is something to which we can all aspire in our own businesses. In difficult and changing retail times, we are all looking to implement ideas that will set us apart from the competition.

We also heard from Mary Portas, who was very impressed with the work that bira is currently carrying out, driving for changes to business rates for the independent retailer. She reinforced the fact that one of the biggest challenges to the High Street is the increase in large stores out of town. She called for change to out of town planning and car park charges, which are having such a negative impact on our High Street.

I am always impressed at how much work goes on behind the scenes, to make the conference interesting and useful for retail members, and suppliers. We are all so busy in our day to day lives running our businesses, that we really do have to justify the time and expense of attending, but I have to say that the conference this year certainly did deliver. It was also great to meet new and existing suppliers, and revisit all the services that bira has to offer.

Many congratulations too, to all the deserved winners of the retail and supplier awards.

Joan Woulfe

chairman, CHA

Banking on service bira bank, the UK’s only trade association bank, enjoyed its first £1million month of lending for 2015 in March. The date coincides with its first ever £1million lending exactly one year ago in 2014.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the bank aims to surpass its annual record of turnover set last year.

John Collins, md of bira bank said: “2014 set the bar high for the bank with more members turning to us to help grow both their businesses, as well as personal lending, delivering a record year and setting an ambitious target for 2015.”

Oxford Summer School celebration

The Oxford Summer School (a subsidiary of bira) recently celebrated 85 years of delivering management training to more than 18,000 retailers. Key supporters of the school and guests from across the retail sector gathered at Peter Jones in Sloane Square to mark the achievement.

Andy Street, md of John Lewis Partnership was the guest speaker at the event, and acknowledged the role that the Oxford Summer School plays in identifying and nurturing future talent across the retail industry. Partners from John Lewis have attended the school every year since it began.

Former delegate, Lisa Wedlock from Dixons Carphone (who completed the Academy school in 2012) spoke of the confidence, knowledge and commercial insight she gained. Meanwhile, Dominic Prendergast, md of the School, reflected: “The success and longevity of the Oxford Summer School has been sustained by its ability to continuously evolve, ensuring that it reflects the ever-present changes and trends which shape our sector.”

For more information (including scholarships funded by retailTRUST) contact Neil Moss neil@oxfordsummerschool.co.uk.

CHA superstars at bira Awards Eddingtons was crowned bira direct Supplier of the Year Award 2015 - Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift at the bira Awards, following the bira High Street Conference on May 13 (see pages 24-25). CHA member comments praised Eddingtons’ “great service with prompt delivery,” and, “friendly and well informed staff.” Horwood and Dexam were runners-up for the supplier award.

Beam Group won the bira direct prize for Best Growth in the CHA and sector, with a 43% increase in turnover. Runners up for the Best Growth were Brabantia, Creative Tops and Parlane International.

Brabantia scooped the bira direct Best Marketing in 2014 Award for the CHA and gift sector, praised for its support of independents with “genuine discounts on products that sell well,” and its “clear and concise” campaigns. Runners up were Metaltex and Dexam. l Tudor Morris of the New Malden based independent department store chain and housewares stockist, Tudor Williams won the bira Local Hero award. Tudor has raised over £28,500 for local cancer charity, Momentum, including a sponsored cross channel swim. Tudor’s prize included a donation of £1,000 for Momentum.

Left: Matt Innes, general manager of Beam receives the Best Growth award from bira’s

Steve Ackers (right) and bira Awards host, comedian Tony Hawks.

Join the Irish road trip CHA members are invited to sign up for bira’s 2015 Retail Study Tour to Dublin (October 11-16). Delegates will be immersed in the world of retailing, while there will also be ample opportunity to see some of Ireland’s best attractions, and share experiences and insights with fellow independent retailers. See www.bira.co.uk/irishtour.

Above: Dublin’s retail highlights include Ireland’s

inaugural gia winner, long established independent cookshop and giftware retailer, Stock Design.

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Wholesale expansion David Hibbert, joint md of DIY and housewares wholesaler, Stax told conference delegates that he is launching a mobile responsive website, recognising that 11% of business is now placed online by his retailer customers, while also opening a sixth branch (in Glasgow). Stax has invested in its own delivery fleet, and has 20 sales representatives to aid customers. David stated: “We believe there is a trend for shoppers to return to more local shops.”

Action for business rate reform At the bira High Street Conference, bira ceo, Alan Hawkins revealed the association’s ten-point plan to reform controversial business rates for retailers. The plan was described as “brilliant” by high street campaigner, Mary Portas. The plan includes new research exposing how small shops are severely disadvantaged from the valuation system onwards (and penalised with rateable values on average twice those of their bigger competitors).

The association argues for sweeping changes to the system, removing 80% of shops from paying business rates due to a permanent threshold for exemption. The plan also calls for the extension of rate relief for new occupiers of empty shops from 50% to 100% for a year to stimulate start-ups and create new jobs.

Moreover, it calls for the removal of the Retail Price Index as a mechanism for increasing rates on an annual basis.

Alan emphasises that,“the uniform business rate introduced in 1990 has put bricks and mortar retail at a disadvantage when compared to other forms of retail.” He highlights:“These taxes are causing the high street, particularly independent retailers, to carry an unfair tax burden which is a major contribution to the problems on the high street.” The association will be making its case directly to government as part of the business rates review currently underway. l Newly elected president, Cliff Elliott (co-owner of housewares stockist, Crossy’s, Esher) assured delegates that bira is fighting to tackle “the three Ps: Parking, Planning and Property taxes.”

Above: Alan Hawkins, bira ceo at the conference.

24

Progressive Housewares

Joan sings praises of ‘Growth Days’ Joan Woulfe, md of Cooking Marvellous, was officially elected as new CHA chairman at the bira High Street Conference (May 13, Chesford Grange, Warwickshire). Joan also delivered the conference’s annual retailer address, along with her daughter (and fellow director of The Marvellous Group), Katie Smith.

The mother and daughter team impressed delegates with their honest account of phenomenal retail growth. Joan took over a hardware shop on 2002, with no previous retail experience (and no knowledge of DIY). She then sold up and bought an existing cookshop in Shrewsbury in 2005, starting online sales in 2007, with one person in the basement processing 10 orders a day. The pair described the subsequent opening of a dedicated warehouse and offices as “a leap of faith.”

Having first negotiated her “percentage of the day’s takings” wages as a nine-year old Saturday helper, Katie joined the business full-time in 2011, and founded Tastes Marvellous after a conversation with a Thai lady who loved British teabags. The business ships typically British food around the world, and complements Cooking Marvellous’‘cooking kits’ (which comprise cookware and ingredients). Some 70% of The Marvellous Group’s business is now overseas trade recognised by a Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year (and Joan and Katie’s proud visit to the Palace). The retailer uses multiple online channels in addition to its sites (in various languages, including Japanese).

Joan and Katie talked about the value of their weekly Growth Days, when, for a period of four years, they “used to shut the door to our warehouse,” abandon any day-to-day business, and spend an entire Wednesday morning focusing on ways to develop the business. Joan describes Growth Days as “the single biggest thing that helped our growth”.The Marvellous Group anticipates having a turnover of £3.5M this year.

Joan told delegates that she never sells below full margin, as customers are “more than happy to pay for a service” and that she charges post and packing that genuinely reflects costs. She praised the benefits of her bira membership since 2002, as well as help from UKTI in developing her overseas trade. Joan also admits that she keeps stock tight, preferring to order on a “just in time basis, up to three times a week from key suppliers.”

The culture of caring “We live in an increasingly impersonal world, but there is still a basic need to recognise people as human beings,” stated former John Lewis partner, retail consultant, Andrew McMillan at the bira High Street conference. Positive engagement with customers has a “much more powerful effect now than eight years ago when it was more common,” said Andrew, telling independent retailers and suppliers that this could be “the biggest weapon in your armoury.”

Andrew spent eight years dedicated to improving customer service at John Lewis. His presentation looked at the “philosophy of customer experience”, and Andrew swiftly highlighted the difference between “service” and “experience” by using the examples of McDonalds (consistent service) and Virgin (which has built its brand on its differentiated customer experience). In an ideal scenario,“the experience delivered by staff is so consistently good that staff become Above: Andrew McMillan at the bira High Street Conference. the brand.”

Andrew talked about an “inside out philosophy,” where those within an organisation “care for each other first,” hence the first focus of a business should be its staff experience. He highlighted principles set down in 1926 by John Lewis stating that first and foremost, the department store “must be a great place to work” (with customer care following on from that).

Talking about developing a “culture,” Andrew emphasised that:“you can’t do a customer experience training.” He revealed that one strategy during his time at John Lewis was to share “legendary service stories” in internal communications between branches to recognise and “encourage random acts of kindness.”

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CHA News AND VIEWS Paul hands over the reigns

Shopping is personal, says Mary Retail guru, Mary Portas showed her passion for independent retailers and high street communities at the bira High Street conference, where she was interviewed on stage by conference host, Alexis Conran (from BBC TV’s The Real Hustle).

Like fellow conference speaker, Andrew McMillan, Mary also recognised the “personal connections” forged by retailers and consumers, highlighting that going out shopping is not merely a means to an end,“it’s also a social experience.” She observed that forgetting “to invest in people” is one reason why the shops she encounters fail, as well as not looking at their competitors.

Mary also confessed that when it comes to her TV work in reviving ailing high street independents,“Everyone thinks it’s about the business, but it’s not, it’s about the people.” She noted that often, independent retailers “feel very alone.” However, Mary acknowledged that,“If the footfall is not there, that’s a tough one,” emphasising:“that’s why I fought for the high street.” She also highlighted the devastating effect of big out of town supermarkets, but observed that, “people are starting to want to buy locally and more often,” (as the increase in supermarkets’ small ‘local’ branches prove).

Mary also referred to a symbiotic relationship” between staff and product, and stated that, when going into a shop:“You’ll instantly see if something’s tired and unloved.”When shopping for food or homewares on the high street, Mary stated:“I want to go into a shop that feels confident,” but added that,“a lot of shops forget” that they need to inspire confidence.

There is a vital need for town teams to work effectively with councils, Mary stated, elaborating:“The most important thing we should do is put all the learnings of town teams online” (as a resource to share), showing “what works and what hasn’t.”

Mary cited an example of a “massive uplift” in town footfall when a council lifted Saturday morning parking fees, as well as a successful strategy of buying property for sale and renting it at discounted rents to community-building independent retailers.

Mary cited Apple’s continued investment in stores as proof that, despite online sales, there will always be a place for an in-store experience. However, she also emphasised:“We can’t have a nostalgic view of our high street.”

Above: Mary Portas in conversation at the bira High Street

Conference.

Paul Woolley retired from his role as md of bira direct at the bira High Street Conference, after 17 years at the association (eight as md). The conference and bira awards evening included tributes to Paul and his achievements in growing the buying group (from bira ceo Alan Hawkins, Kitchen Kapers’ Caroline Gordon and T&G’s Patrick Gardner).

During the conference, Paul literally handed over the reins, with a bira direct label on them to his successor, Jeff Moody. Jeff has worked alongside Paul as managing director designate since October 2014.

Paul reflected:“It has been a genuine pleasure and honour to serve the bira retail members during my time with the association and equally great to strike up relationships with so many of the industry’s top suppliers.” He added:“It has also been a fantastic experience watching and working with a business whose turnover has increased from a few million back in 1998, when I joined bira direct, to over £25M, which is what we turnover now.”

Jeff Moody commented:“While Paul’s are big shoes to fill I am confident that we will continue the fantastic work of bira direct, bringing our retailers the best suppliers and products as well as giving the suppliers exclusive access to the independent retail market.”

l In his first presentation as md of bira direct,

Jeff highlighted strategies for the growth of bira direct, including increasing the numbers of suppliers used by each member (currently just five out of 190 suppliers) and encouraging more bira members to use bira direct (now 33%). l Paul Woolley is set to return to bira in August for two days a week, visiting retail members to explain the benefits of bira’s services. See www.biradirect.co.uk l Fire Safety Services (UK) is the latest bira approved service provider (and was among exhibitors at the Circus themed Expo at the bira conference). Members can now access support to assist in compliance with regulatory requirements in the UK.

Right: Mary with Tom Carter and Alison Hobbs of Potters

Above: Paul Woolley (right) and Jeff Moody (second left) both

Cookshop at the conference.

presented the bira Direct Supplier of the Year award to Eddington’s Agata Eckert (page 23).

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Food for thought

‘Brand’ new acts How are independent cookshops fighting for their place on the high street? PH talks to four retailers that have worked on their brand and looks in order to meet the challenges of ‘bricks and mortar’ retailing.

Above: View of Lords of Notting Hill in Holland Park (which opened in 2013) – the store will be rebranded as Lords.

Below: Advertisement appearing in St Johns Wood tube station for the new shop opening in June.

Bottom: Good gift: cast iron teapot (by Beka, from ICTC).

Advertising and community focus Lords of Notting Hill is rebranding its stores (and

complement this, we have a strong marketing

website) as Lords, starting with the opening of

campaign which includes advertising in local

its new boutique style shop in London’s St Johns

tube stations and local magazines. We also

Wood in early June (with a built-in kitchen and

support our local communities (for example, with

stunning tableware area). The independent

raffle prize donations to schools and fairs) and we

group’s other five “fantastic locations” include the

have a budget devoted to local charities – for

your store, the least you can do is provide a

recently acquired Hampstead store, which will

example, last year we sponsored a charity

great experience. We pride ourselves on being

be re-branded this summer, and Poores of

evening at the opera at Holland Park.

customer focused and we offer local delivery. For

In keeping with our brand identity, our

example, we will build, deliver and set up a

which will be re-branded at the end of the year,

merchandising is of a consistently high quality

barbecue. We also tailor our offering to the

reports Rachna Dewan, director of product.

across stores - always current, with fresh interest.

needs of the local community (80% core and

If people do you the honour of coming into

20% localised).”

Chorleywood (half housewares and half DIY),

Rachna explains:“Prices are so easily accessible now - people are comparing prices on their smart phones while they are in the store, so independent retailers are always battling against this challenge. Multiples can pass on their purchasing power to their customers and their reputation is at the forefront of people’s mind.

So how do we bring ourselves to the forefront of consumers’ minds? We have been doing a lot of work around our brand, asking how our customers perceive us. The name, Lords of Notting Hill doesn’t necessarily resonate with our customers as we expand in different locations, so we are returning to the name ‘Lords’, with a new strapline, ‘At Home with Quality’. To

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Geared up for gifting The 11 year-old Abbotts Cookshop (on one of Sheffield’s arterial roads) re-branded as The Gifted Cook towards the end of May. Partner Peter Jackson explains how this strategy intends to combat loss of sales of cookshop lines (such as knives) to the internet: “Gifts tend to be a last minute purchase and people often want to see something and pick it up, rather than buy online. They don’t always see cookware as something to give, but we think we will encourage more sales by displaying products in a gift environment. So, we have refurbished, replacing old metal racking and slat walls with ‘crafty’ wood and bespoke ‘A’ frame shelving, as well as a Corian kitchen worktop with a hanging rack above it.

We now display popular gifts (such as Japanese style cast iron teapots, insulated cafetieres, olive wood pestle and mortars and Renault ceramics (from ICTC) in the front area of the shop for customers to browse as they come in, with some giftwrap and greeting cards. More ‘hardcore’ cookshop (such as cookware) is now in the middle of the shop, with bakeware at the back.

We are becoming 30-40% more gift-orientated with our stock (sourcing from Harrogate Gift Fair as well as Exclusively Housewares), although it needs to be something to do with the kitchen.”

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Food for thought

Building trust with professional branding Left: One of Copperfields of Whitstable’s advertisements.

Kim Foster took over independent cookshop,

from the likes of garden

Copperfields of Whitstable in February 2014, and

centres, Curry’s and other

runs the shop with his daughter, Gemma. An

multiples who are

Copperfields as a brand

estate agent for over 40 years (regularly dealing

increasingly moving into

rather than just a name. As a

with rent reviews) and Chamber of Commerce

housewares and have the

specialist cookshop with

member, Kim had campaigned to Save

buying power to do loss

some gifts, our brand stands

Whitstable Shops from multiples who wanted to

leaders and exclusives.

for advice, honesty and

open in the town (which would have pushed up

However, as an

customer care.

I designed our

rents). By joining the retailers he campaigned for,

independent, we can

Kim was keen to develop Copperfields’ potential

react to the market more

Copperfields’ logo and our

and has just won industry recognition by

quickly, for example,

new colour scheme runs

scooping the Best Independent Cookshop title in

devising a promotion at

through our advertising and

the recent Housewares Innovation Awards.

the start of a week and

Kim reflects:

publicising it instantly via social media. We are

fixtures and fittings and pricing material. The

around the shop on our

selling on our personal service (rather than just

shop now looks contemporary, with a lot of

challenges for independent housewares retailers

price) and so if our customers have any problems,

investment in fixtures and fittings. We are going

like us. Besides getting the right product margins,

or issues with how to use something, they need

to extend and build a restaurant and

buying the right products and having suppliers

to know that they can come back and talk to us.

demonstration area (linking what we sell to

“It is hard to single out the biggest

work with you (with promotions and marketing

From talking to customers in the shop to our

what is being cooked). This will make us more of

support), the big challenges are high rents and

social media presence to advertising, we have

a destination, providing locals and tourists with

business rates, the economy and competition

spent our first year or so in the business building

more reason to come in.”

Switched on to trends Lyanna Field (an ex-Asda buyer) and her brother-in-law Thomas Chan opened Cook Central in St Andrews in March 2014, in the former Pots and Pans cookshop site.

They have given the shop a completely new look and are going “from strength to strength,” reports Lyanna.

She states: “Our vision is about creating an amazing experience for our customers. We’ve opened up the shop, and have a bright modern look with glass shelving around the sides. We use cubes and furniture from Ikea and Next for in-store and window display, creating a homely lifestyle look.

A big challenge is keeping up with new cooking trends, particularly what is being used on TV, as every week we get asked for something different! We need to be kept informed ahead of time as to the new products being used on cookery shows instead of when a customer comes through the door. We feel this is a weak area from a supplier point of view as if we were informed we could really get behind promoting these products in the shop, it would create a seamless flow from manufacturer through to supplier, media, retailer and customer.

We have to try and accommodate as many customer needs as we can in a limited space, but we always give the option of ordering something in, and we are getting a reputation for this (particularly as there are a lot of older people here who don’t access the internet.)

We need to keep customers interested and curious to come in, so we change windows regularly and have a trend driven table as you walk in the shop.

We have an amazing pool of reps and we appreciate their honesty and knowledge on what works and we have built up a great relationship with them all.”

Left: Interior view of Cook Central.

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Face to face

Below: T&G was the first woodware seller to produce a catalogue (in 1977). At this point, it was clear to many that Patrick’s days as an agent for other brands were numbered – his immediate path was in developing a wide range of woodware to meet growing consumer demand.

T&G celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, so PH headed to Bristol to chat to founder and md, Patrick Gardner about the company’s evolution and Patrick’s journey through four decades in housewares.

Branch lines

Above: A selection of T&G mills.

n 2012, T&G’s Patrick Gardner was bestowed with the Honorary Achievement Award at the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards, in recognition to his contribution to the industry.

However, Patrick reflects that:“40 years ago, there was no housewares industry!” He links the start of the trade to the first Housewares magazine (co-founded by PH’s Patrick Wade) in 1983, as well as the original Exclusively Housewares show.

In the mid 1970s, Patrick was a sales agent for the south east, with “a good portfolio, which included Le Creuset and Sari Fabrics.” However,

I

he was keen to introduce some products to sell directly, as “I was not always paid on time and needed cash for my petrol and expenses.”

Patrick’s first idea was 70s classic, the fondue set, but on visiting a wholesale buyers’ fair with fellow agent, Reg Theobald, the pair came away with a batch of trendy denim bags. Having dabbled with fashion accessories, Patrick and Reg recognised the potential for gift-able woodware for the kitchen. They headed off to Portugal to buy from a woodware factory, formed Theobald & Gardner Ltd in September

Mills milestones l T&G launched its first mills in 1989, and acquired the licence for the outstanding Danish CrushGrind mechanism (with near exclusivity for the UK) in 1996. The company launched its first spice mill in 1997. l Delia Smith has long been a CrushGrind fan, and ordered 100 mills from T&G for her brasserie at Norwich City back in 2000. Patrick looks back: “When Delia was launching her bakeware at Spring Fair a couple of years ago, she stopped dead at our stand, having spotted CrushGrind mills, and asked us to develop a mill for her deliaonline brand.” In her deliaonline video on seasoning, the celebrity chef describes CrushGrind as “a step forward for mankind.” l The most recent of many accolades for T&G mills is a Gift of the Year 2015 for the CrushGrind Optic mill. The company has announced that all of its mills (not just CrushGrind) will have ceramic mechanisms. (For more on mills, see The Cookshop Training Source Book, published by PH with this issue).

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1975, and showed at the first ever Spring Fair Birmingham in 1976. Patrick reflects:“Consumers were driving the market, and kitchen gifts were appealing because they were useful, bearing in mind that there was a recession in the late 70s.”

Meanwhile, cookery writer, Elizabeth David was revitalising the art of home cooking, and creating,“the market for Mediterranean food and the products needed for it,” Patrick notes, adding that many gift shops evolved into cookshops.

By 1979, Patrick had parted company with his partner Reg, but retained both initials in the company name to form T&G Woodware Ltd. Patrick looks back at those early sourcing trips with fondness:“It was a lot of fun and I got to do things that a tourist would not, particularly in Portugal – there are not many wine cellars in the Bairrada district that I haven’t been down into!”

The need for wooden spoons and chopping boards took him to the cooperative cottage industry in Slovenia:“I would drink vodka at 10 in the morning on the farms that made woodware because this was the tradition!” A lot of Patrick’s

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Face to face enjoyment came from “the creative side” of working with different woodware makers: “asking them to make new designs, and going through the learning curve” involved with new manufacturing methods and the use of different types of wood.“There is very little that we don’t design – we don’t buy off the shelf,” Patrick emphasises, highlighting T&G’s new FSC slotted spatula with crafted rounded edges. T&G is also responsible for naming Hevea wood (part of the wood’s Latin name) – it had been introduced to the market as ‘Tropical Beech’.

From wooden to acrylic mills, T&G progressed into new substrates for its products, including marble boards and cork mats by the late 1980s (see Patrick’s favourites breakout). ‘Spot on’ was the company’s first foray into ceramics and, Patrick acknowledges,“sold so well that we couldn’t get enough of it, and it got ripped off!” Since then, the Street Party range “did phenomenally well, timed with the Jubilee and Olympics” (its woolly tea cosies were even sold as bobble hats in Piccadilly’s Cool Britannia shop!) Pride of Place has been a sure-fire hit, cementing T&G’s place on kitchen tables and worktops with far more than wood. Hence, T&G dropped the ‘Woodware’ part of its company title and recently launched a clearer logo to make it easier for TV viewers to spot (and then Google) T&G products.

Naturally though, its woodware ranges do continue to evolve, as the company’s recent collaboration with designer, Sophie Conran exemplifies.

When it comes to the changes in housewares, Patrick notes that,“retailers are now spoilt for choice,” but that appreciation for durable, well designed products has risen:“Quality is not so difficult to sell these days.” He regrets the loss of so many independent cookshops as the industry has consolidated in recent years. However, Patrick loves the fact that,“We are a small industry, and I know a lot of people,” adding:“I love trade shows - it is an opportunity to talk to so many customers, network with other suppliers, and it’s an ego trip to hear lots of nice comments about us! We gain a lot more than orders at shows.”

Finally, Patrick admits that his enjoyment for housewares is as strong as it was 40 years ago, as the industry emerged from gifting,“although I enjoy it in different ways – I used to be more hands-on, while now I leave much to our very talented design, marketing and sales teams.”

He adds, emphatically:“That does not mean that I have any intention of retiring!”

Patrick’s favourites When asked to choose his top products that epitomise T&G, Patrick selects: • FSC Beech Boards – the same design has been used on MasterChef since the first series in 1990.

T&G has pioneered FSC (Forest Stewardship Certified) wood since the late 90s.

• Apollo CrushGrind Mills – T&G’s first stainless steel mills, which scooped the Top of the Table award in the first PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards in 2000, continue to be popular.

• FSC Beech Spoon and Spatula – “Sustainable, classic and so useful: I often think these are taken for granted when retailers think of their bestsellers,” says Patrick.

• FSC Scimitar Mug Tree and Kitchen Towel Holder – “No-one has made better looking ones!” believes Patrick.

• Cork Trays – “Classic, non-slip, easy to clean and natural insulation for a teapot – our recent printed cork is very popular, with its retro appeal.”

• Pride of Place – “It’s unique and fits into modern or country kitchens. Both cream and green sell equally well.”

Middle: Printed cork mat and FSC Beech Spatula.

Above: Patrick Gardner in T&G’s newly refurbished showroom in Portishead, Bristol, with the new logo.

Inset: Some of T&G’s Pride of Place ceramics, wooden boards, utensils, mug tree and wire-ware.

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OXO has once again embraced its thoughtful design philosophy, launching a series of innovative new products that are set to take the show by storm. OXO’s Cold Brew Coffee Maker taps into the huge trend for cold brew coffee sweeping across the UK, while the new Greensaver range will transform the way we store fresh produce in the fridge, wasting less and saving more! Plus, don’t miss our exciting brand new product that your customers are asking for!

OXO TEL: 0114 242 7295 E-mail: info@oxouk.com Stand 215

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UP Global Sourcing is recognised for its ability to design, source, develop and supply branded products to major retailers worldwide. This year UP Global Sourcing will be proudly showcasing its latest range of products, featuring housewares brands Salter and Russell Hobbs, as well as stylish ceramics from Portobello, and the latest in placemats and coaster design, courtesy of Indulje and Inspire. The new Salter Marblestone collection will be a particular highlight, so be sure to pay a visit and take a look.

UP Global Sourcing Tel: 0161 627 1400 Email: sales@upgs.com Web: www.upgs.com Stand 267

Interior design brand Brabantia, famous for bringing style and function to homeware, will be showcasing its new collection in exciting colourways, with an element of surprise in the design!

Style-up your interior with Brabantia’s Retro Bin collaboration with ‘Queen of Prints’ Orla Kiely and #LoveNature with its new partnership with WeForest to plant a tree for every Brabantia rotary dryer sold. Exclusive stocking opportunities will be arranged at the show.

Brabantia Tel: 01275 819 119 Web: www.brabantia.com Stand 446

The new Everyday Entertaining range is perfect for a gathering, with iconic vintage shapes and classic cut crystal designs. All items are dishwasher safe, made of high quality BPA free materials and extremely durable. The everyday entertaining range means you can be party ready at a moment’s notice, with cutlery, plates, serving trays, storage bowls, tumblers and even napkin rings!

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611/22 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.co.uk Stand 249

Celebrating 40 years in the Housewares Industry, T&G has some exciting new products to launch at Exclusively Housewares. New this summer will be the introduction of Gift Crates to the T&G range, perfect for making and giving something special and unique this Christmas. Each crate is made from rustic acacia with different text printed on the front from “jams, preserves and pickles” to “home-made, home grown, home picked” ………. there is a crate for everyone.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com Stand 263

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This year Pyrex continue to showcase their extensive product portfolio at the Exclusively Housewares show in London from 9th – 10th June. The trusted cookware manufacturer will be unveiling their latest range of top of stove products, plus showcasing a number of celebratory items launched to mark the brand’s centenary. Pyrex’s Gusto, Gusto+, Attraction Induction and Attraction Stainless Steel are new to the UK market and have been launched to reflect current consumer cooking trends. Each range has been developed to suit a variety of hobs with products suitable for ceramic, gas and induction.

Pyrex International Cookware Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com Web: www.pyrexuk.com Stand 444

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Tefal continues to experience astonishing growth on the back-end of significant investment in the brand/rejuvenation over the last five years. A driver for this success is the focus on new product innovation. (Source GFK) The flagship product at this year’s show is Ingenio - the unique removable handle Cookware system that promises the most versatile cooking experience. Come and see for yourself why Tefal is driving the cookware market and also discover the plethora of other newness that Tefal brings to the market with Jamie Oliver ranges, all new Tefal stainless steel (Intuition, Emotion) and much more!

Groupe SEB (UK) Tel: 01753 834900 E-mail: cluck@groupeseb.com Web: www.tefal.co.uk Stand 264

On show at Exclusively Housewares will be the fantastic Snips® storage range.

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

ICTC Tel: 01603 488019 www.ictc.co.uk Stand 438

aerolatte’s® MokaVista™ solves the age old problem of not knowing when your coffee has finished brewing. Say goodbye to bitter, over-boiled coffee thanks to the addition of a simple polycarbonate window on the top of the Moka pot. With a nod to the stylish 1930’s and its aluminium body, the MokaVista™ puts a new spin on stove-top espresso pots. Available in three, six and nine-cup versions. MokaVista™ also has a fill line in the boiling chamber to ensure you add the right amount of water each and every time.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk Stand 319

Le Parfait has been producing traditional glass preserving jars for over 80 years, and with summer just around the corner, Le Parfait Super Preserving Jars are perfect for creating homemade preserves using fresh, seasonal produce.

Alternatively, they can be used as charming storage jars for dry foods and are available in several sizes ranging from 0.25L to 3.0L to suit all needs. Featuring an air-tight clip top lid and an embossed Le Parfait logo for an elegant finishing touch, these preserving jars are a wonderful addition to any cooking enthusiast’s kitchen.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 2016738 E-mail: websales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Stand: 104

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The longer dried goods are exposed to air, the faster they lose their flavour. EVAK’s twin valve airflow system automatically removes the air, so foods stay fresher longer. It’s simple – just push down, then pull up; no buttons or levers. Borosilicate glass and stainless steel. Available in four sizes.

PHA Kitchenessentials Tel: 0151 6512265 Web: www.phakitchenessentials.co.uk Stand 128

Launching at this year’s show is Rome, a new GreenPan cookware collection, suitable for all hobs including induction with heavy gauge aluminium body, lifetime guarantee, Thermolon Marathon ceramic non-stick coating and staycool bakelite handles with stainless steel insert. Available in two new GreenPan colourways – dove grey and cream. This will be alongside additions to the best-selling Venice collection, Vita Verde metallic tones and stone effects and the exciting UK premiere of the two new OXO GoodGrips cookware collections.

GreenPan Tel: 01483 255842 Web: www.green-pan.co.uk Stand 142

Tower’s Pro range has expanded in 2015 with the launch of Forged Aluminium Ceramic-Coated Cookware. The product line comprises 20cm/24cm/28cm frying pans, 28cm sauté pans and 24cm casseroles, all of which feature Tower’s unique Cerastone non-stick technology made up of six composite layers of ceramic-infused stone. Suitable for all hob types including induction, this cookware range offers supreme non-stick properties and allows more efficient heat distribution for reduced cooking times. In addition, all items in the range come with a three-year guarantee.

RKW Tel: 0844 826 9361 Web: www.rkwltd.com Stand 402

Prestige is strengthening its SDA offering with the introduction of an extensive collection of appliances punctuated with innovation. The range features an attractive tea and water kettle with built-in tea filter and a choice of four different water temperatures. Along with a full range of kettles, toasters and coffee makers, Prestige is also bringing a variance to food preparation with a 2-in-1 Raclette and Grill, plus a 2-in-1 Deep Fryer and Fondue. The range also includes a Jug Blender and a Smoothie-On-The-Go blender too. Completing the collection is a popcorn maker.

Meyer Group Tel: 0151 4828000 Web: www.prestige.co.uk Stand 239

For over 35 years Whitefurze has continued to offer new designs in housewares, kitchen and laundry. Exclusively 2015 will see the launch of a new product portfolio, which includes laundry bins and baskets, waste disposal lines and kitchen accessories. Cake boxes, nonslip mixing bowls and Seal Tight food storers will also be on show. The stylish Whitefurze showcase delivers on both quality and value and is 100% made in the UK. Whitefurze Tel: 024 76 717755 Email: marketing@whitefurze.net Web: www.whitefurze.net Stand 450

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Falcon Products invites you to enjoy La Dolce Vita and soak up some classic Italian style as it presents its expanded pasta collection which includes Marcato, a brand of distinction offering an outstanding collection of pasta machines and accessories. Made in Italy, Marcato displays exceptional quality and inspired design, which complements the established We Love Pasta brand of authentic pasta tools, accessories and gift sets.

Falcon Products Te: 01706 224790 Stand 420

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New from simplehuman – the stylishly redesigned semi-round sensor bin offers dynamic sensing and a concealed liner pocket. Dynamic sensing reacts and adapts to your behaviour so it won’t open unexpectedly or close before you’ve finished your task - making throwing rubbish away quick, efficient, and hassle-free. The innovative liner pocket keeps liners at your fingertips for a faster liner change. Just slip a refill pack into the liner pocket to dispense fresh liners one at a time — no clumsy perforations or unravelling. simplehuman Te: 01491 875 974 E-mail: sales@simplehuman.co.uk Web: www.simplehuman.com/uk Stand 410

SMART Worldwide presents the New SMART Wireless Scale with App. The Scale automatically connects to an app, which boasts 1800 varieties of food showing nine kinds of nutrients, and accurately measures any weight in liquid, powder or granule form to gram levels. Precisely measures the capacity of liquids, powders and other units to the nearest ml, ct, cup, oz. The SMART unit records your daily eating to become part of everyday healthy recipes and analyses the nutritional value of food, providing all sorts of statistics for nutritional data. The App supports Apple iOS & Android systems.

SMART Worldwide Tel: 08444 069098 E-mail: cs@smaworldwide.com Web: www.smartworldwidefun.com Stand EE62

The New SMART Pasta Maker from SMART Worldwide has a knead dough function, which can make the dough directly from the flour! You can use the fresh dough to make different kinds of desserts, such as cookies and cakes; and even bread and steamed bread. Of course as the name suggests, even all types of pasta! Has patented features such as vertical extrusion to prevent the pasta sticking together and fan drying when the pasta is being produced to speed up the drying process. Easy to clean and quiet (at only 60dB), make noodles, pasta and spaghetti in six minutes!

SMART Worldwide Tel: 08444 069098 E-mail: cs@smaworldwide.com Web: www.smartworldwidefun.com Stand EE62

Kuhn Rikon has now established a new digital milestone, which enables easier cooking via a free app used on either a smartphone or tablet. Connected by Bluetooth using a specially developed free app: simply select ingredients, size and quantity and the app will calculate cooking times. Press the blue button for the cooker to start cooking and it will communicate in real time, with your smartphone or tablet, throughout the cooking process. The app will inform you if the temperature needs to be adjusted or steam needs releasing, ensuring every meal is cooked to perfection.

Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902 458 410 E-mail sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk Stand 246

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The Genuine Thermos® Stainless King™ range embodies superior technology, sleek style and ultimate durability to provide a range of flasks that perform exceptionally, every time. The Stainless King™ Food Flask 710ml is the latest addition to this popular collection and benefits from advanced Thermos® vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention, hot or cold. Featuring an insulated stainless steel lid, which doubles up as a convenient serving bowl, you can enjoy fresh and healthy food on the go. Available in three bold colours: red, blue and matte black.

BHL Group Tel: 0113 2016738 E-mail: websales@bhlgroup.co.uk Web: www.bhlgroup.co.uk Stand: 104

Launching at Exclusively Housewares is the new OXO cookware collection. Combining OXO’s thoughtful design philosophy with The Cookware Company’s high precision engineering, the new Non-Stick and Stainless Steel Pro collections have been made to last and offer a number of innovative features such as stay cool handles, smart shapes and drip free edges to make each collection stand out. Each range is suitable for all hob types.

The Cookware Company Tel: 01483 255842 E-mail: ukorders@cookware-co.com Web: www.oxouk.com Stand 142

Stylish living and hot trends will be the focus for Tradestock as it presents its latest brands, Lav and Durobor, between them offering a varied selection of glass drinkware and serving pieces. Meanwhile, Tradestock’s own iStyle My Home brand will be enhanced as some of the company’s most popular surface designs are added to their lap tray collection and these new double walled insulated glasses will be an exciting addition to the increasingly popular Hot Drinks range.

Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 Stand 327

Prestige’s iconic culinary heritage has inspired the brand‘s latest Vintage kitchenware collection. Cutting across cookware, food preparation, kettles, mugs and roaster categories the traditional designs are constructed from steel with non-porous enamel coatings for durability. They feature a choice of striking blue or red stripes, which look great in any kitchen style. Continuing the red and blue theme are some traditional bakers and casseroles, designed in nonporous ceramics and both microwave suitable and oven-to-freezer safe too.

Meyer Group Tel: 151 482 8000 Web: www.prestige.co.uk Stand 293

Following the launch at last year’s show, Curver proudly presents the new stylish MATT metallic effect slim pedal bin.

Moulded in a top-grade matt metallic-finish that replicates the elegant look of brushed metal. The Slim Bin is easier to keep clean, impervious to dents and damage, rust-free and lighter in weight than its costly metal cousin.

New colours include Matt Silver and Matt Copper to compliment the latest contemporary kitchen designs.

Curver Tel: 01209 203349 E-mail: uksales@curver.com Stand 254

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Tala Performance Bakeware is the superior, technologically advanced range that every kitchen needs. Each cake tin and baking tray is non-stick, safe for use with metal utensils and made with steel for even heat distribution. The extensive range has the highest levels of convenience in mind, to cater to all needs. Let the bakeware do the hard work while enjoying the results.

For bakeware that goes over and above industry standards, Tala Performance Bakeware is the only choice.

George East (Housewares) Tel: 01728 833400 E-mail: info@george-east.com Web: talacooking.com Stand 277

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Raising the bar once again for functional food storage, Deco Chef is a whole new range of bright, modern food keepers that look good enough to be taken straight from the fridge to the table – and are also ideal for onthe-go use. Fun and practical, they feature Curver’s unique IML system of foil transfer that applies a durable decorative film to the exterior. For home use, the graphic design deliberately leaves clear areas so you can easily identify the contents. Range is available in different colourways and in four sizes (three round, and one rectangular).

Curver Tel: 01209 203349 E-mail: uksales@curver.com Stand 254

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36_HW_May June 2015 22/05/2015 18:52 Page 1

Some things never go out of style...

www.vektra.co.uk

www.globalknives.uk.com GlobalKnivesUK

VektraKettle

@globalknives_uk

1945

70

YEARS

2015

www.grunwerg.co.uk

@vektrakettle

37-39_Grid 21/05/2015 12:50 Page 2

Market focus

Cool tools Good kitchen tools make life easier, and could add a helping of panache to the meal and style to the kitchen. PH preps up to look at some news and developments in the tools and gadgets market.

Eating your greens, purples, yellows etc

Above: Handy sized and on trend - the OXO Hand Held Spiralizer – available later this year.

Below right: Dreamfarm’s Savel.

Below left: Pocket sized, easy to twist and equally good for right or left-handed use – Joseph Joseph’s gia award winning Can-Do.

You only have to look at this issue’s What’s

it’s very good at what it does. It’s a very well

Cooking bestselling feature (pages 50-57) to see

designed product, and recognition of this

how ‘spiralising’ is gripping the nation! Gadgets

includes the recent Kitchen Innovation of the Year

Microplane Spiral Cutter, which resembles “an old

that create spirals of vegetables tick the ‘wish list’

and the German Design Awards.” He continues:

school manual pencil sharpener,” highlights Ruth

boxes for those in search of healthier diets,

“Secondly it’s very much an ‘on trend’ product

Cutter, ICTC’s sales director, with two barrels to

impressive presentation and convenience!

with the public looking for interesting and novel

accommodate different sized vegetables from

Moreover, spiral vegetable cutters provide

ways to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients. Thirdly,

radishes to cucumbers and squash. Perfect for

solutions for those following low carb, raw food or

we have enjoyed extensive media coverage.

healthy salads as well as vegetable ribbons for

gluten free diets (according to You Gov, 15% of

Independent bloggers in particular have given

stir-frying, Ruth points out that “the versatile Spiral

UK households are now avoiding gluten and

the Spiralfix great exposure as well as tempting

Cutter is especially handy during summer and

wheat). Veggie ‘spaghetti’ or ‘noodles’ are also

recipe ideas.” Paul reveals that the brand’s other

autumn, when home gardens, farmers’ markets

being hailed as a way to encourage kids to eat

spiralising hit, the Gefu Spirelli has “sold in excess

and grocery stores are full of seasonal vegetables,

more vegetables.

of a million units” and is about to be re-launched

like courgette.”

Haus’ Paul Humphrey explains the appeal of

with the new revised Spirelli 2.0. Paul explains:

Spring Fair saw ICTC’s introduction of the

At Exclusively Housewares OXO will reveal its

last year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Top

“This redesign features an improved mechanism

Hand Held Spiralizer (with stock available from

Tool and Gadget winner, the Gefu Spiralfix:“Firstly

for holding vegetables safely and securely.”

September). OXO’s marketing manager, Tracey

Twist and bend – gadgets in Chicago’s spotlight Gadgets showcased in the Discover Design Gallery at the recent International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago included the Can-Do Can Opener from Joseph Joseph, and the Scoop THAT! Ice cream scoop

by THAT! (from Auteur in the UK) – both winners of gia Global Honoree awards for Best Product Design.

The Gallery also featured Swedish brand, Bosign’s Spreader Air Knife, designed for spreading butter, jam, soft cheese or dips, with ‘an innovative handle’ that raises the spreader blade off the surface to help minimise the mess on kitchen surface during use. Dreamfarm’s Savel (from Forma House in the UK) was also among Discover Design exhibits – the food saver “bends to cover whatever shape of cut food is left” (for example, avocados, tomatoes, onions and citrus fruit) and seals the cut surface, with “a silicone strap that stretches to hold cut surfaces firmly on the food safe base,” explains Dreamfarm’s Cate McDermott.

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Market focus

Carroll explains that the new product’s “open

Medical News Today, among others). Benefits

blade design accommodates both long

include maintaining healthy skin, hair and strong

vegetables like courgette, but also round

bones, helping with digestion, lowering the risk

vegetables like potatoes or beetroot,” while its

for heart disease and possibly lowering the risk of

multi-purpose food holder “keeps hands safe and

cancer and asthma, lowering blood pressure and

acts as a cap for storage.” She adds, that the food

improving blood glucose control in diabetics too.

holder is “easy to grip while turning down to the

The Chef'n LooseLeaf Kale and Greens Stripper,

end of the vegetable to minimise waste.”

introduced by Dexam earlier this year, efficiently

Meanwhile, the top trendy green, kale now

strips leaves from stems, with different sized holes

has its very own preparation tool, thanks to

to use for “various sizes of leafy greens as well as

Chef’n from Dexam. Towards the end of 2014,

herbs like rosemary, parsley and thyme,” explains

sales of kale (measured in weight) were up 54%

Dexam’s md, Roger Morgan-Grenville. He

over 12 months (according to market research

highlights the multi-function gadget’s “ergonomic

firm Kantar Worldpanel). ‘Super green’ kale is

simplicity,” and adds that there is more to come

‘packed to max with nutrition that puts it high on

from Chef’n for easy vegetable preparation over

the list of the world's healthiest foods’ (sums up

the year ahead.

Showing it’s easy: the Rice Cube story Back in 2013, the Rice Cube was announced Top Tool or Gadget at the PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards. Ross Patten, the Australian inventor of the Rice Cube has now opened a UK office (having previously been distributed by Dexam) and is determined to support stores and combat online price-cutting. Ross also offers free shipping to support his stockists and plans to pass on cost savings made via his new efficient fully automated warehouse.

Investment in bricks and mortar stockists is key to Rice Cube’s success, namely with a CDU with looping video (in over 15,000 locations worldwide) that grab consumers’ attention in the store and “increase sales by well over 600%”, highlights Ross. He states: “I don’t design products that are obvious or likely never to be talked about. I’m about applying universal design to complex techniques and making it so easy a three year old can do it.”

Ross also thanks “social media for the viral messaging that has spread my brand and products almost overnight,” as well as good timing, “when every kid on the corner is eating sushi for lunch.” In addition, “Rice Cube has also benefited from the increase in gluten free and vegan market looking for new and interesting ways to make food fun and interesting.”

Ross describes his second product, the Dumpling Maker as “ahead of the trend but it’s catching on quickly now as people like Jamie Oliver show us that dumplings are not balls of stodgy dough in a soup.” He reports: “I opened a dumpling bar after I made the Dumpling Cube and we made 70,000 dumplings in the first six months of opening. It’s going to be a popular trend.”

In July, Ross launches his new Sandwich Cube and the Rice Ball, which “makes Temari sushi, the latest trend in sushi, and is also perfect for Arancini, and even meat balls,” explains Ross. He adds: “It’s even easier to use than the Rice Cube, if that was ever possible.”

Below: The new Rice Ball follows on from the best selling Rice Cube.

Have you passed your seasoning exam?

Cole & Mason (from DKB) launched its Seasoning School earlier this year, to provide education for consumers and retailers on how best to season food and which products to use.

Chef Rachel Green (whose TV appearances include Flying Cook and World On A Plate) now features in a series of online videos giving step-by-step advice on when and how to season food as well as the tools needed from Cole & Mason. Titles for 2015 include: Salt and Pepper Parts 1 & 2; How to use spices; Herbs with meat, fish and vegetables; Cocktail hour and Seasoning as a lifestyle.

The brand has also created training guides about seasoning, with an opportunity for retailers to take the Seasoning School ‘exam’ (with a gift offered to participants who pass!)

In addition to recipe collections, Cole & Mason has also compiled a guide for retailers on How to create an in-store Seasoning School, with tips for demonstrations.

DKB’s global marketing controller, Lindsey Hoyle points out: “One of the key aims of all this activity is to create in-store theatre, which is increasingly becoming a key part of selling in-store.”

Right: PH’s Jo Howard and Fiskars’ Mark Follett try out fruit preparation tools on Fiskars’ stand at Ambiente (which also shows the brand’s indoor herb garden).

Good mornings from Fiskars Fiskars launched its Go Breakfast concept at the recent Ambiente, displaying tables of appropriate tools, gadgets and cookware for a wide range of perfect first meals of the day, having studied breakfast habits across Europe.

Featuring some splashes of Fiskars orange across the range, tools include a peeler, fruit juicer, egg slicer, apple divider, cheese knife and breakfast knives, with a spreading tip plus serrated edge for bread rolls and a long handle to reach into jars.

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Market focus

Tools for distinguished tastes Nick Cornwell, md of DKB UK points out that: “Oysters are becoming increasingly popular to eat at home, with more supermarkets stocking them,” - apparently around 15 million are sold each year in the UK. Zyliss (from DKB) has created a new Oyster Tool, which addresses safety and ease of use. Nick explains that the tool incorporates,“a flexible silicone pocket and hand guard,” which,“provides leverage and protects your hand during the process of

Fair). Nick Gabb, sales director for Polder UK

‘shucking’ the oyster.” The tool

explains: “The pan-friendly silicone spatula

also has a “specially-designed stainless steel blade with a

With the rise in chocolate making at home, yoghurt making and, of

records the temperature, enabling you to stir and record the temperature with one hand!” He

serrated edge and a

course, baking that involves heat

continues: “You don't even have to look at the

curved tip to detach the

sensitive cooking and stirring,

temperature as it can be set as desired, and

oyster from.”

Right: The new Oyster Tool from DKB. Above right: The Polder Digital Baking Thermometer - its elevated design keeps any mess away from the worktop.

Inset: Zwilling’s Matthew Dennison explains that the new Twin Pure Steel Foam Whisk “shows a departure from the traditional bowl or circular shape, with eight separate stainless steel loops for increased airflow to give a notably fluffy consistency.”

Polder has developed a

when achieved an alarm will bleep.” Benefits also

Digital Baking Thermometer,

include the fact that “the silicone head can be

in the form of a spatula (showcased at the US company’s inaugural stand at this year’s Spring

removed and is dishwasher safe,” and that, “without the silicone head the tool can also be used as a meat probe.”

Less is more: designer tools Celebrated architect and designer, Matteo Thun has created the Zwilling Twin Pure Steel tools range, which is now expanding to include a foam whisk, tongs, rice ladle and spatula.

Matthew Dennison, Zwilling’s UK manager explains: “Thun’s philosophy is one of ‘no-design’; nothing superfluous that would detract from the core function and aesthetics of each piece.” He continues: “Thun also believes in ‘high-touch’; the idea that a piece must feel right in the hand and that the comfort and ease of grip lends itself to proper use of the tool.”

Matthew reflects on the “twofold” appeal of the range: “visually each piece is stunning in full matt 18/10 stainless steel,” and that “once the tool is used there is an immediate understanding of the quality of the piece; whether that’s the sharpness of the peeler blade, the balance of the whisk or the robustness and efficiency of the garlic crusher.” He also acknowledges that, tools and gadgets such as the pastry brush, pastry scraper, zester, peelers and whisks are benefiting from the “sustained upsurge of interest in baking, piqued by Great British Bake Off.”

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Tools & Gadgets p40-41 _Tools & Gadgets page 56-57 22/05/2015 13:33 Page 40

T ls&Gadgets Accessorise your kitchen and table with the colourful Le Creuset Salt & Pepper Mills. Designed with an elegant, classic mill shape, these stylish seasoning accessories each feature an embossed ‘S’ and ‘P’ on their contemporary metal knobs. Made from superior quality ABS plastic, offering supreme strength and durability, assured by a 10-year guarantee, the hardened ceramic grinder is corrosion-resistant. Ideal for grinding salt and perfect for cracking peppercorns, the grinding mechanism can be adjusted for a finer or coarser grind. To keep clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth and dry.

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

T&G and Delia Smith launch the Delia Online CrushGrind® mills - the perfect tool and gadget for the kitchen, and they look even better on the dining table! 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. 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 Progressive Avocado Slicer makes presentation perfect avocado slices for salads, sandwiches and other dishes in one simple move. Simply hold the handle while the wires glide through the ripe avocado to create perfectly evenly sized, delicious slices every time. This slicer is dishwasher friendly. The blades are stainless steel and the handle is made from Santoprene.

Eddingtons Tel:01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: website www.eddingtons.co.uk

Elevated from the kitchen work surface thanks to an innovative lifting feature, Silverstone’s colourful new range of utensils are hygienic and help to keep work surfaces clean and tidy. The heat resistant nylon heads are perfect to use on coated cookware. This Silverstone range offers a variety of tools including a solid or slotted spoon and a slotted or solid tuner, all of which are available in bright and trendy colours such as yellow, red, blue and black. Silverstone’s utensils are part of its new kitchenware collection, which incorporates cookware and bakeware items.

Meyer Group Tel:0151 482 8282

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The new Lattissima Touch serves delicious coffee shop drinks to your cup at just one touch of a button, using exclusive Nespresso coffee capsules and fresh milk. With enhanced touch screen technology, Lattissima Touch features an elegant and tactile interface with six pre-set buttons to select your favourite drinks – espresso, long coffee and ristretto, cappuccino, latte macchiato or steamed milk on its own.

Alternatively, you can tailor your own perfect drink by varying the amount of milk and coffee per drink and then storing your coffee preference in the machine’s memory.

De’Longhi Tel:023 92392555

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T ls&Gadgets The Reo brand of kitchen tools and food prep solutions has the perfect attributes for the man about the kitchen – simple design, simple styling and ever so clever! For example, the innovative Cut and Clean pizza wheel has a removable blade for easy efficient cleaning, whilst the garlic smasher and shredder does exactly as its name suggests as well as removing the skin and storing the garlic. There is even a patented odour absorbing splatter screen, which doesn’t just prevent splashes coming from the pan but also smells!

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

Innovative, stylish and easy to use, the new Kuhn Rikon Smart Lids are a universal lid for pots and pans, with a lockable valve for steaming and cooking at low pressure, which will vent steam automatically when required. Keeping the exterior of food crispy and brown whilst leaving the inside tender. Available in three colours: red, blue or black.

Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902 458 410 E-mail: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

At the end of 2014 Eddingtons brought its traditional cleaning range together under the brand name Valet.

The versatile range includes brushes and dusters made from luxury ostrich feathers, lambs wool and goats hair, a carpet beater, blind and bottle brushes, dust pans and more.

The range is carefully selected from eco-conscious sources in Europe.

The ostrich & lambs wool dusters contain natural oils that attract and gather the dust. The trapped dust can be easily removed by shaking the dusters outside. The feathers & wool are responsibly sourced.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: agatae@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

It’s one of life’s great debates; how to best prepare garlic… While avoiding ingraining the smell in your fingers. The new Garlic Press & Scoop from Stellar takes care of the problem for you, cleanly crushing unpeeled garlic, and scooping the good bits straight into the pan, leaving nothing but the peel behind. The device is also dishwasher safe, making cleaning a matter of moments. Extremely simple to use, with no mess and no fuss, the Stellar Garlic Press & Scoop has been formed from sturdy mirror-polished alloy steel for comfortable use and lasting durability, making sure that it delivers top performance for years to come – it is sold with a Stellar lifetime guarantee to prove it! With the Stellar Garlic Press & Scoop the goodness of garlic is just a squeeze away!

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

Kitchen Craft’s extensive salt and pepper collection covers a variety of styles, materials and colours, and added to the already successful collection for Autumn Winter are copper coloured salt and pepper shakers, larger silver and copper capped acrylic mills, an electronic dual salt and pepper mill with precision ceramic grinding mechanisms and a CDU of space efficient dual salt and pepper mills. A spectrum of colour prevails across the existing range of coloured capstan mills featuring durable non-rust ceramic grinding mechanism and interchangeable ‘S’ and ‘P’ salt and pepper caps which help retailers to minimise stock and maximise choice.

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

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Retailer Focus

Opening up F

enwick Brent Cross cookshop, small electricals and tableware buyer, Helen Miller admits that seeing the first new fixtures installed in her departments back in February conjured up tears of happiness. The refit that she designed is, she acknowledges: “All that I expected and hoped for - and more!”

The planning process started over two years ago, and included looking at the profit generated per square foot for every item stocked to see what could be thinned out. “I know what's working, but it’s useful to see it in black and white,” notes Helen, adding: “There is the fine balance between most profitable and most needed.” Helen also set out on an investigative mission, visiting other department stores and

Cookshop, small electricals and housewares have a brand new 'premium' look at department store Fenwick Brent Cross. PH talks to buyer, Helen Miller on how she has taken down departmental walls, traded up with new fixtures and made it easier for customers and staff to converse. cookshops to gain insight into other layouts and merchandising styles. She reflects: “I got a lot of inspiration from US stores like Williams Sonoma and Bloomingdales, shrinking ideas to fit our space!”

When redesigning, Helen’s first priority was to “be able to see the product clearly.” In Brent Cross’ old Cookshop, she admits that; “You couldn’t see the wood for the trees – fixtures were higher and walls divided Tableware.” By removing the walls and lowering fixture height, “You can see through and there is greater flow between the departments.”

In her new designed layout, Helen balanced the need “to look less cluttered, while still having choice, and to be somewhere where customers

Did you know? ● John James Fenwick founded Fenwick in Newcastle in 1882. Still owned by the Fenwick family, the Fenwick Group now consists of 11 ‘independent’ department stores, all with independent buyers. The Group is in the process of developing an ecommerce site. ● Fenwick Brent Cross opened in 1976 and is one of the Group’s larger stores with over 100,000 square foot of trading space. ● Buyer Helen Miller has been at Fenwick Brent Cross for 33 years. She has spent the last six years as Cookshop buyer, five years as small electricals buyer and one year as tableware and cutlery buyer (ie she currently buys for all three areas). ● Although the area of Fenwick Brent Cross’ Cookshop, Small Electricals and Tableware is smaller than those at fellow Group members, Bentalls, Kingston and Fenwick Newcastle, the departments occupy a coveted site on the ground floor, lying between the entrance from a main carpark and the escalator from the second floor, meaning that turnover is greatest due to the higher footfall. ● The new Cookshop layout includes a Designer Kitchenware area – home to the likes of Joseph Joseph and Alessi, Guzzinni is another strong brand for the store.

Above: Buyer, Helen Miller holding the bestselling Nutribullet (which Helen introduced after Chicago’s IH+HS 2013).

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Retailer Focus

Views from the shopfloor can browse and discover products.” Some 20% of the previous stock lines have been taken out, and stock is now presented in fewer multiples:“It is a different way of merchandising – we are not ‘piling it high'," confirms Helen. Customers’ comments are proof of a successful strategy:“I’m hearing people say,“I didn’t know you stocked that" - because now they can see it!” says Helen.

As for new fixtures, Cookshop needs to “mirror” the premium aesthetics of neighbouring cosmetics and fashion accessories departments.

Recently installed white walls on the edge of Cookshop were to remain, hence there needed to be elements of white in the new fixtures. However, rather than choose clinical stainless steel, Helen selected solid oak, along with some glass, for shelves, echoing the warmth of upmarket domestic kitchens. Small TV screens are built into the ends of every fixtures – “particularly good to show how gadgets work” – and large screens over the till area also draws customers attention to the workings and benefits of products and ranges, with the help of suppliers’ DVDs. She emphasises:“Cooking programmes on television, with celebrity chefs, are as popular as ever and so

Middle: The Cookshop related window next to a main entrance – featuring Le Creuset’s Bloom.

Above and left: Views of Fenwick Brent Cross’ new look Cookshop with fixtures comprising solid oak.

Inset: Ken Hom demonstration.

Helen highlights that one of her departments’ strong points is “great staff, with good retention of both part-time and full-time members.”

Peng Ho, sales manager (who has been at the store for 15 years) says of the new look: “Customers are telling us it’s easier to shop here now – they can see the section headings more easily – and we find it easier to locate products and to merchandise them.” Right: Some of the team behind the till point: (left She adds: “We take pride in our department because to right) Ashmir Sandhu, Daksha Shah, Helen of how it looks!”

Miller, Caroline Aldridge, Jenny Wyatt (sales Sales assistant Daksha Shah (who has also worked manager), Evelyn Spencer and Ben Fethney. in Cookshop for 15 years) concurs that staff now find it easier to see customers and vice versa, as well as see where products are situated. When at the tillpoint (strikingly positioned in the busy walkway through small electricals and cookware), Daksha observes that customers are now more likely to approach her and conversations are easier to initiate.

Meanwhile Sital Shah (at the store for over 28 years) also reflects: “We’re getting amazing feedback. However, there is a perception that we are charging more because of the high quality look of the department, so we are reassuring customers that prices are the same as before!”

the idea is to bring what the customers have seen the night before on TV into the store.” Helen explains the uniformity across the department: “We don’t have the space for big supplier fixtures so they are all generic with strong brand signage on top and directional signage above it.”

Cubes at the foot of the busy escalator provide a showcase for new, seasonal and on trend products, as well as four “feature tables". Meanwhile, the all-important instore 'theatre’ is accommodated by doubling up

the black granite topped cash desk area as a demonstration kitchen. Recent guests include Ken Hom, stir-frying with his woks from DKB. Fenwick Brent Cross has been holding regular demonstrations for over two years. Helen (who scouts the Ideal Home Show for interesting demonstrators) says that successful in-store events range from the cheese mill from London China Company up to premium Vitamix machines (the store was one of the first UK retailers to stock the high powered blender and embrace the brand’s ways of selling to the public).

Helen reflects that, with rising competition (and the galling practise of customers who ask for every detail and then say they are going to buy online):“We have to provide a great customer experience, not just great customer service.”

The new look is certainly helping with the overall experience, impressing customers as well as boosting staff morale (see breakout). The team has “worked incredibly hard” and suppliers have been wonderfully supportive, stresses Helen, adding that the departments are still evolving with tweaks to fixtures and merchandise.

Moreover, next year, neighbouring Tableware and Cutlery will be refurbished to complement Cookshop.

Thanks to the premium new look and enthusiastic staff, as well as its location in a busy thoroughfare of the stores, Fenwick Brent Cross Cookshop is well placed to grab the attention of northwest London shoppers.

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44-45 Dining Trends_Grid 20/05/2015 17:04 Page 1

Market focus Inset: Rustic Lace by Katie Alice from Creative Tops.

Below centre: Artesano Original from Villeroy & Boch.

Bottom: Christopher Vine Design.

Table talk

What is gracing the trendsetting table, and how is casual entertaining influencing our table settings?

PH asks several companies for their insights into contemporary tabletops.

Rustic charms in and out “There has been an emerging trend for a more relaxed and informal dining experience, with sharing plates and tapas becoming increasingly popular,” observes Patrick McGonigle, retail sales director for Villeroy & Boch. This has influenced the launch of the brand’s Artesano Original collection, which, says Patrick,“offers original and striking ways to present multiple dishes in a relaxed yet beautiful way.”

He points out that: “Wooden boards can help to create a more rustic ambience at the dinner table and offer the perfect platform for presenting sharing,” and that “natural and organic materials” work well with white porcelain “in organic forms and shapes, creating balance and symmetry and offering a unique twist on food presentation, while beautifully framing and showcasing dishes.”

Wooden boards are increasingly popular for serving food at home, and particularly for al fresco dining, concurs Jenny Handley, marketing manager at T&G. She reflects:“People are

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replicating the trend for serving meals like steak and chips on boards at gastro-pubs, as well as using boards to lay out food to share, such as olives and dips.”

Creative Tops’ designer, Katie Alice has also combined traditional charm with elegance in her new Rustic Lace terracotta dinnerware.

Terracotta was chosen as a material “to give more of an authentic rustic feel to the collection,” which was inspired by a vintage

lace bracelet that Katie found in a boutique in Paris, explains marketing and PR manager, Katrina Lawson. Katie herself adds:“I’ve always loved the effect of seeing a darker base colour come through a pattern when you use a fresh white glaze, so the opportunity to use embossed terracotta was quite exciting and I think it translates really well onto the new white dinnerware.”

The range was also designed to complement existing Katie Alice tableware, acknowledging the trend for mixing and matching, and creating an eclectic table setting that suits individual tastes and dining requirements, notes Katrina.

Creative settings from Oz Australian designer, Christopher Vine’s tableware is “inspired by culture, fashion and cuisine” and “his ability to forecast and create trends has kept him in front of the pack for over 20 years,” says Michael Stein, md of Valerie Graham, on announcing his UK distributorship of Christopher Vine Design.

According to Michael, Christopher’s “colourful, quirky designs and shapes” will invigorate the tables of consumers who want “something new and modern, which can be used creatively giving ‘edgy’ style.”

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Market focus

Made to share When it comes to home entertaining, Adam Walker, sales manager for Elia, acknowledges the “focus on sharing, with lots of different dishes using bowls of various sizes at casual dinner parties, as opposed to a more formal sit down meal.”

He highlights Elia’s new Pebble range (on show at Exclusively Housewares), which “has organic curved shaped bowls used for serving and eating, and can make different arrangements on the table.” Adam adds that Pebble can also “mix with any of our other tableware.”

A more casual, bowl-food orientated approach to dining is also reflected in sales of loose cutlery, notes Adam. Besides the teaspoon, the best selling pieces of Right: Curvaceous shapes – Pebble cutlery are table forks and serving spoons. from Elia.

The fashionista’s table Sara Plimbley, marketing communications manager at Portmeirion, reflects: “More than ever, dining trends for 2015 have been majorly influenced by what’s happening on the catwalks and the fashion trends emerging on the high street. Consumers are becoming more ‘home conscious’, no doubt influenced by glossy homes magazines, the popularity of home transformation shows, and new tools like Pinterest, which all put an array of aspirational lifestyle images and the latest trends in front of people on a daily basis. People want to accessorise their homes, they want the latest look and for their homes to have a strong sense of style.”

Sarah continues:“Fashion houses have responded to this interest and sought to tap into this customer base by diversifying into home accessories and launching their own collections.

We are currently working with one of Britain’s top fashion brands, Ted Baker, helping them to expand into the homewares market. It’s a partnership

Inset: Tea with Ted Baker from Portmeirion Group.

indicative of the way things are going in the industry. Our ceramics expertise and their fashion flair work together to produce a striking, on-trend collection, that is high quality and uniquely fashion forward.”

Changing placemats “When it comes to entertaining at home, the table, and to a large degree the food served, has become an important statement, so it is not unusual for households to have a number of alternative table settings to compliment the mood of the occasion,” acknowledges Keith Nye, md of Tradestock.

He notes that “cork back placemats have been the mainstay for the UK market “ with “three broad consumer categories; those who want to complement their table to a room setting, where neutral colours and subtle design, such as our Helleborous range works really well; those that like to play safe with popular themes that tend to stay around for some time, such as poppies, farm animals and food, and finally those

Above: Placemats and coasters from UP Global Sourcing’s Inspire premium range.

that want to give a gift, where packaging and design should be luxurious and authentic (like our Royal Mail licensed Butterfly range).”

However Keith admits that:“over the past few years, we have seen somewhat of a revolution in alternative materials being used as tablemats”. He elaborates: “Faux leather and woven materials are now ‘modern classics’ in terms of sales popularity with the ability to stay on trend with simple colour adaption, while natural materials such as slate and bamboo are always popular because of their substance and functionality.” He adds:“The search for new materials, ‘the right colour’ and the best designs are the lifeblood of our business, and our recent investment in ‘state of the art’ printing technology provides Tradestock with the opportunity to add dedicated design to virtually all of our product substrates.”

Duncan Loch, buying director (housewares) for UP Global Sourcing reports that there is “a thirst for innovation” at the premium end of the placemat and coaster market:“New substrates and treatments are prevalent in the department store sector, ” while, “the mass market remains safe relying on tried and tested substrates such as hard board, slate, faux leather and some woods.” He emphasizes that the UP Global Sourcing design team is “pushing the boundaries” with premium innovations.

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DINING trends

The elegantly crafted Mini Yorkshire Double Dispenser includes a black metal stand and allows you to serve two different types of beverages at the same time, making entertaining easy. Each dispenser holds a gallon (about 4.5 litres). This dispenser will make a stunning centre-piece at any party. Eddingtons is offering a new range of vintage inspired glassware such as the Gourmet Mini Carafe, six-piece Mini Lemonade Bottles, Mini Mason Salt and Pepper Shakers and the Sangria Decanter. Come and see the new range at Exclusively Housewares stand 321.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

PRINT INDIGO is an inspired new take on classic blue and white tableware. Influenced by the simplicity of primitive textile art, the clean white base lifts the rich blue of the design in striking contrast. The patterning is unique and uncomplicated, a repetition of tiny shapes that give each piece surprising depth and unique detail. Available as individual side and dinner plates, bowl, cup and saucer, mugs and 16-piece dinner set (pictured). Contemporary and practical – perfect for any table.

Made of prestige porcelain, dishwasher and microwave safe, gift boxed.

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk

In honour of Peugeot’s excellence and history, the Collection Antique goes back in time to bring out some iconic mills while restoring the charm of the old days. This collection reunites unique pieces in a specially selected wood. Each mill is a precious object, produced very carefully by hand which enhances the mastery of the material to bring back the nostalgia and magical charm of time gone by. See the Antique and more new ranges on stand 249 at Exclusively Housewares Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611/22 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.co.uk

Looking for the perfect summer cooking accessory? The BEKA stone grill is the ideal accompaniment to your table, offering something a little different when entertaining friends.

This traditional stone grill with marble stone and two burners will sear the outside of the food, locking in the perfect taste and flavour. Cook anything from, meat, fish, vegetables, egg and even bread on the grill for an enjoyable and tasty dining experience.

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

T&G’s Tuscany collection is not complicated, just simple. The rich warm grain of the acacia wood offers unique rustic looks and a relaxed contemporary finish, perfect for the more casual dining trend.

New additions for 2015 include the featured “Food Glorious Food” Table Tidy. This new table tidy is perfect for storing napkins, cutlery and condiments, easy to carry to the table and it even has a chalkboard on the reverse to tell guests about the culinary delights on offer! All Perfect for sharing at the dinner table inside or out!

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

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DINING trends

The new Judge Sizzle & Serve collection combines cast iron’s inherent benefits with the natural aesthetic beauty of honey-toned maple wood. Comprising three gratin dishes and a large oval platter with detachable serving handle, the Sizzle and Serve range is suitable for all hob types and barbeques, and is oven-safe up to 240°C. Naturally non-stick (once seasoned with oil) the cast iron surface is easily cleaned, while the heat-resistant wooden stands brings a touch of grace to the rugged metal finish, and ensures that the hot cast iron will not damage table tops.

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

The Durobor range from Tradestock, offers a beautiful, distinctive selection of glassware, which is perfect for creating eye-catching settings and bringing individual style to the table. The collection comprises a host of beautifully designed ‘multi-use’ glassware, which is equally suited to serving drinks as it is for presenting.

There are also several striking serving pieces in the collection, including the Vertigo Pyramid stacking dish set offering a creative way to serve a variety of foods and perfect for adding a distinctive touch for special occasions.

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

New from Opinel are the Table Chic knife sets, offering a touch of French style to your table. These boxed sets include four knives in a choice of four different woods: ebony, laminated birch, olive and ash. Each knife is made to Opinel’s high standards with the blade producing a sleek cut and the slender handle feeling soft in the hand.

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

Displaying a refined elegance with a contemporary touch, Deco is a sophisticated collection of finest porcelain tableware – perfect for stylish dining. Inspired by the Art Deco period, Deco not only looks exquisite but also offers exceptional quality with the fully vitrified porcelain and high fired glaze offering strength and a smooth, hygienic surface, which also makes it safe for dishwasher, microwave and oven-totable use. The high-fired glaze extends to the elegant decoration around the rim, which contrasts beautifully with the crisp porcelain.

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

The Vino collection of glassware from Maxwell & Williams adds style to any drink.

Combining machine and handmade techniques, Vino features a collection of elegantly shaped decanters, and glasses featuring new stemless designs. Quality, affordable glassware with an air of sophistication.

Valerie Graham Tel: 020 8200 5100 E-mail: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk

Pictured is the award winning Artesà collection from kitchen Craft. From show stopping centre pieces like the glass serving cloche with rope handle and copper lacquer coated pressed bamboo serving bowls to gastro pub miniature serving pieces such as a watering can and serving pail, cast iron covered pots and mini pizza ovens and hot stones. The rise and popularity of gourmet foods deserve gourmet serving and this is where Artesà delivers on all fronts.

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

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SHOPTALK

Left: Keith Crowther, owner of La Cookshop, Blagdon (and previously Durham).

Guest columnist: Keith Crowther

Below: A view of La Cookshop, the Milkhope Centre, Bladgon.

Leaving town As the song goes, “I am going to leave old Durham town”, and when I did it was with a very heavy heart. La Cookshop had been there for 21 years and I can honestly say that I had enjoyed every minute. Trading in a place like Durham is unique, with a mix of local residents, tourists and university students from all over the world and different backgrounds and cultures. e have all experienced the changing patterns of shopping, and when I sat down to write this article I realised just how much. Some 21 years ago it was the hectic preparation to make sure that everything was right for Saturday - such a massive day in the week and then the ‘day of rest’ that was Sunday! Now I feel I am showing my age! Younger readers will not remember shops closing on a Sunday.

Now we have internet shopping, seven day trading and massive out of town retail parks that swallow so much of the local trade.

Durham was no exception: two enormous retail parks have been developed (originally given planning permission for big box retailers, so many of whom have gone by the wayside).

Now the high street is moving out of town, free car parking is such a big attraction. When you compare the £11 cost to park in Durham for six hours, or free in a retail park, it is little wonder that the locals stopped coming in to town. I know that this scenario is being repeated all over the country; it is not a unique situation by any means.

The changes of behaviour in society also take its toll on small cities like Durham. Alcohol is one of those changes; with three students

W

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dead in the river Wear over the last 18 months.

The city also became a stag and hen party destination at weekends and funnily enough, there is nothing that puts shoppers off more than a group of drunken hens and stags on a Saturday afternoon, staggering around town.

The shoppers leave and as the experience is not something they want to repeat, they won’t come back soon. A one-off weekend is one thing; months of it take its toll on any business.

The street around my shop was dug up three times in three years; the last one was for six weeks with a six-foot high metal fence three feet away from the door. We were £25,000 down over six weeks. My compensation from the council was £650, and so with a combination of all these things, I took the decision to move on and the shop closed on January 28 2015.

So I became a hypocrite and joined the move out of town. Just over two years ago, I opened a shop at The Milkhope Centre at Blagdon, just a few miles north of Newcastle, in beautiful Northumberland (England’s best kept secret!)

We have a shop that is housed in old farm buildings converted almost 30 years ago. I had a romantic idea that maybe my building had been used as a dairy, so I thought about calling

it the Old Dairy Cookshop. However, the Blagdon Estate land agent informed me that they had been used as fattening sheds for cattle, and that idea soon lost its appeal!

We also have ample free parking: there are those magic words again! Moreover, we trade alongside other independent retailers: womenswear, beautician, art gallery, garden equipment, home interiors, as well as a superb coffee shop and award winning farm shop, all housed in converted stone buildings. We can market ourselves as a destination, or as small groups: there are obvious links between my business and the farm shop and coffee shop.

We all appeal to foodies, so we advertise as a group in media that this will attract. We all offer something different, but we all offer the same great service that makes independent retailers so individual.

La Cookshop at Milkhope is 1,400 sq feet, some three times the size of our previous store in Durham, so this gives us more scope for new product ranges and suppliers. The support that I have had from my suppliers since we took the decision to close Durham has been very encouraging and I look forward to working with them for many years to come. All in all, I’m enjoying La Cookshop in the country!

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What's Cooking May/June 2015_50-51 20/05/2015 12:40 Page 50

What’s Cooking?

In food preparation?

Four independent cookshops reveal their current bestsellers in food preparation products.

Liz Murray, owner, The Cookcraft Kitchen Shop, Berwick upon Tweed A small specialist cookshop on the Scottish Border, at the very northernmost tip of England.

Microplane Gourmet Series Coarse Grater From ICTC

The original hand grater - nothing beats it for zesting, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, chocolate, parmesan, and it's easy to demo in the shop. It's a great tool to own or give as a present (when people say, "I'm buying for a man who likes to cook..." it's the first thing I reach for).

Wüsthof Knives From Haus

The 'Young Classic' series from Wüsthof puts this superlative Solingen knife in a more affordable but still classy package. Countertop boxes of the paring knife and Kitchen Surfer have proved a fantastic hit.

Microplane Spiral Cutter From ICTC

New from the Microplane stable, and a super price, this is currently a bit of a bandwagon item with the craze for ribbon-slicing veg.

Original Swiss Peeler From Kuhn Rikon

Customers call this the 'speed peeler'. It's fast and efficient, pretty colours, and can even take on a swede (the vegetable, not a Nordic national).

Potato Ricer From OXO GoodGrips

Of all the many potato ricers I've stocked over the years, this is consistently the best seller. It is robust, simple to use and easy to wash.

Silicone Tools From Mastrad

I love the colours, the quality and the durability of the Mastrad silicone. The pastry brush and tiny spatulas in

Top right: Following the trend for all things ribbon-sliced, ICTC’s Microplane Spiral Cutter helps create delicate dishes to tempt the taste buds.

the kids’ range are excellent countertop sellers.

Right : The fabulously functional Potato Ricer from OXO GoodGrips.

Patricia Candy, owner, The Kitchen Shop, Dartmouth Specialist cookshop that has traded for 29 years in the south Devon tourist destination.

Microplane Spiral Cutter From ICTC

Anything by Microplane is brilliant – sharp, easy to use and store and safe for fingers. This is also a good price.

Piranha Swivel Peeler From Kuhn Rikon

This glides through vegetables – it is light, with a nice handle, carbon steel blade and bright ‘jelly’ colours.

Veggie Peelers from Kuhn Rikon Opinel Beech Handle Filleting Knife from ICTC Potato Ricer from Kuhn Rikon

These are a good price and easy to handle. The carrot styled peeler does julienne strips.

A good flexible knife which sells well, especially as we are in a ‘fishy’ area.

Not just for smooth mashed potato and vegetables, but this has a separate disc to use to make purees from fruit such as gooseberries.

Rotary Vegetable Mill from Kitchen Craft

This is compact with three discs. It is brilliant in winter for soups and wonderful in summer for fruit.

Right: For winter warming soups and summer fruits, Kitchen Craft’s Rotary Vegetable Mill is compact and multi-functional.

Above: For perfect ly precise peeling, the Piranha Swivel Peeler from Kuhn Rikon does the job with ease!

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What's Cooking May/June 2015_50-51 20/05/2015 12:40 Page 51

What’s Cooking?

Gemma King and Nick Woods, owners, The Kitchen Shop, Weybridge A family run cookshop that was established over 30 years ago.

Good quality at a good price, this has six different thicknesses of slice, does crinkle cuts and

Cuisipro SGT Handheld Mandoline From PHA Kitchessentials Gefu Spirelli Spiral Slicer From Haus and the Microplane Spiral Cutter From ICTC

two different juliennes as well as grating.

People come in because they have seen spiral cutters on the TV – they look simple to use and give an interesting looking result. Our first order of the Microplane Spiral Cutter sold out in one weekend!

Sales improve as soon as we get some sunshine.

Salad Spinners From Kitchen Craft and OXO Good Grips Krinkle Knife From Kuhn Rikon

It is easy to make interesting looking vegetables with this hachoir style knife (and to make good sized crinkled edge vegetable chunks for young children to pick up and chew on).

Victorinox Paring Knives From Burton McCall Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker From OXO

These are excellent value and keep on going!

With measurements at the side, you can mix your dressing and then pour it.

Left: If you want knives that last, then look no further than Victorinox Paring Knives from Burton McCall - great value too!

Right: Cuisipro’s SGT Handlehld Mandoline from PHA Kitchessentials both grates and slices - a handy tool for the kitchen.

Janet Denning, manager and buyer, Butler’s Pantry, Holt Cookshop situated in a courtyard of mostly independent shops and restaurants.

Gefu Spirelli Spiral Slicer from Haus

The new 'must have' gadget. Turns carrot, courgette, radish and cucumber into spirals – perfect to create stir fries, salads or vegetable 'pasta’.

Garlic Twist from Fosseway Silicone Lids from Charles Viancin

Crushes garlic, ginger and olives with a twisting action. Quirky, quick and easy to clean.

These seal tightly on all smooth rim glasses, mugs and bowls and are designed to keep food and ingredients fresh when preparing or storing meals. The fun and funky designs include poppy, daisy and waterlily.

Bâtard Folding Picnic Knife from Eddingtons Ceramic Square Egg Pan from GreenPan

A folding serrated picnic knife and corkscrew which is perfect for wine, bread, meats,

Nogent Expert Affidente Knife from Eddingtons

With four teeth per mm, this little knife is incredibly sharp, cuts easily and will become a

cheese and watermelons.

Creates a square egg to perfectly fit your piece of toast, right into the very corners!

firm kitchen favourite.

Right: Make light work of garlic with Fosseway’s Garlic Twist - just twist and go!

Left: The tool that does it all Eddington’s Bâtard Folding Picnic knife will sort those tricky little jobs!

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52_HW_May June 2015 15/05/2015 11:58 Page 1

See us on stand 452

Ve r s a t i l i t y a n d beauty combined

Introducing our new ron range ron is a beautifully designed range of interchangeable cookware and food preparation items, created using complementary colours, contrasting materials and subtle textures.

So if you love our combination of cast iron and ceramic, just wait till you see the whole range.

ron: too stunning to be kept in the kitchen!

Give us a call on 01908 487 595 Or email uksales@berghoffworldwide.com BERGHOFFWORLDWIDE.COM

Specialists in kitchen and tableware

Food Prep pages 53 and 55.qxd_What's Cooking pages 77-78 22/05/2015 16:57 Page 53

What’s cooking

The PL8 Professional Mandolin is a necessity in the kitchen. It features a blade adjustment knob for seamless changing between the builtin slicing and waffle blades, eliminating loose blades or parts. A quick turn of the wrist allows you to slice between julienne and waffle with four slicing thicknesses. The extra-wide stainless steel slicing deck allows food to glide easily when secured with the safety hand guard. The non-skid feet fold in for compact storage. Also dishwasher safe.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

in essentials for food preparation

Alice and Emily are the beautiful new range of kitchen textiles from Belle Textiles UK (formally C’est Ca). The contrasting spot and stripe ranges are available in either pink/white or aqua/white perfect for stylish summer baking or outdoor entertaining. Belle Textiles are made in the UK using high quality 100% cotton. The Alice and Emily collections include signature panel apron, standard apron, double oven glove, gauntlet, tea towel and bow tea cosy.

ICTC Tel: 01603 488019 Web: www.ictc.co.uk Prestige’s new collection of Professional knives offers seven different types of knife to choose from, each with its own purpose and part to play in food preparation. Thanks to Prestige’s new informative packaging, consumers can use the innovative colour-coding to learn about the attributes of each different knife, enabling them to make an informed purchase. The knives themselves exude professionalism and strength with their full-tang handles, triple rivets and tapered stainless steel blades. They are also dishwasher safe and guaranteed for 10 years.

Meyer Group Tel: 0151 4828000 Web: www.prestige.co.uk

The innovative Kenwood MultiOne offers an all-in-one food preparation solution. The 4.3l mixing bowl comes with a Kbeater, whisk and dough hook, whilst the easy fit dual drive hub allows a food processor, juicer, blender, grinder and citrus press attachment to be fitted at the top of the MultiOne machine. All the tools are controlled by a single intelligent six-speed control while a splashguard and large feed chute ensure minimum mess.

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

The go to knife for food preparation in the kitchen has to be the ZWILLING Pro 20cm Chef’s knife. Nimble enough for mincing herbs and finely chopping, and robust enough for crushing garlic and cutting through hard root vegetables, the ZWILLING Pro Chef’s Knife is versatile enough for all general food preparation tasks. Fully forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel and FRIODUR Ice Hardened for sharpness, hardness and flexibility. Made in Germany.

Zwilling J.A Henckels Tel: 0845 262 1731 E-mail: sales@zwilling.co.uk

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Food Prep pages 53 and 55_What's Cooking pages 77-78 26/05/2015 10:41 Page 55

What’s cooking

in essentials for food preparation

This creative eleven-piece measure, mix and prep set (pictured) perfectly displays the key attributes, which are the hallmark of Reo – functionality and innovation. The set comprises a selection of bowls and colanders in a variety of different sizes and shapes and in an assortment of colours, which all nest together perfectly for easy storage. The set also benefits from ergonomic easy-grip handles on the larger items and internal measurement markings. Colourful contemporary packaging and informative product videos are also part and parcel of this exceptional brand.

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

The Easy Pull Manual Food Processor from Zyliss allows you to blend, puree, chop, and prepare food in just a few pulls of the easy grip handle. Using a proven patented blade system, the two blades cut through the toughest of ingredients whilst the booster arm on the base gathers the food to ensure even chopping, leaving nothing behind. Vary the amount of pulls for coarse, medium or fine results and create your favourite recipes in seconds.

DKB Tel: 01252 522322 E-mail: sales.orders@dkbrands.co.uk

The Sebatier name is synonymous with exceptional quality, traditional French craftsmanship and passionate attention to detail. This stunning set of five knives is ideal for the budding chef, or just for day to use.

Featuring knives made from fully forged Premium German steel, with traditional brass riveted handles, making these knives not only superb quality but incredibly efficient.

Includes the following knives: eight-inch Chef’s Knife, eight-inch Carving Knife, eightinch Bread Knife, five-inch Utility Knife and three and a half-inch Parer, presented in a stunning bamboo block.

Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207756 E-mail: press@creative-tops.com Web: www.creative-tops.com

Make counting calories as easy as pie with the clever new Kitchen and Diet Scale from Judge. These 10kg scales offer highly accurate measurements of weight and volume, in grams, ounces and millilitres, with simple one-touch measurement conversion and a tare function for the effortless addition of other ingredients. With the J416 you can quickly and easily find out the calorie content of seven key foodstuffs – chicken, beef, flour, butter, sugar, eggs and chocolate.

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

This year sees Pyrex commemorate its centenary anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the leading kitchenware brand has launched a brand new vintage-style glass bowl. Following research into its own history and heritage, the new vintage style glass bowl has been designed to reflect the ‘Cinderella’ shape from the 1950s, whilst also complimenting the new Optimum glass roaster range. The vintage-style glass bowl has been a popular household favourite for many years, with a handle on one side and a spout on the other, it gives the user more grip when mixing and is easily stackable.

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

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Barista – a term that goes hand in hand with the art of coffee preparation. A stunning range, both lustrous and minimalistic. A true statement collection to craft serious coffee.

Indulge. Be the Barista.

Want to increase your footfall, then talk to Hot Plate Products about our exclusive demonstration packs.

01202 619 500

sales@hotplateproducts.com

57 Tony's Take_45 20/05/2015 17:07 Page 1

TONY’STAKE OUR INDUSTRY MAN STATESIDE

Mail order I sometimes read the negative things people say about e-commerce and feel a sense of guilt. It is becoming more and more difficult to find local businesses and support them, but I try and am sure many people do the same.

However, retail stores have always faced competition from ‘out of town’.

n my early career, the big bone of contention was the subject of mail order catalogues. Catalogues have been around since the 1800s. Tiffany in New York contends that it was the first, as its famous ‘Blue Book’ was published as early as 1845. The business really got going in the 1870s here in the US, with Montgomery Ward and then Sears Roebuck, followed by T Eaton in Canada. But this was not before Pryce Pryce-Jones in 1861 developed the Royal Welsh Warehouse in Newtown, Wales to found what eventually morphed into Great Universal Stores.

As the internet came into being and developed in the 1990s, it seemed that the printed catalogue’s days might be numbered. It was no longer necessary to send an order in by post - you could easily call someone and place the order over the phone. But many stores found that catalogues were driving traffic and so value was seen in having key products listed, even though most of the business was still carried out in a bricks and mortar environment.

Then came the e-commerce boom.

The same negative perceptions that had become attached to mail order companies that did not have physical store locations, were now being used in the case of ‘etailers’. Many prophets of doom have suggested that bricks and mortar businesses will not survive against competition from Amazon, eBay and others.

I

Inset: Tony outside Williams Sonoma, having picked up a copy of the store’s catalogue.

But an interesting story recently popped up in the business news here.

Famous cookshop, Williams Sonoma had announced that, for the very first time, its online sales had exceeded those in the rest of their business.

With more than 250 stores nationwide, you would imagine that this news would put fear into owners of malls all over the USA. However, the company also announced that both sales and earnings were up, and the most encouraging thing was that sales through stores, as well as ‘direct’ sales, were up by almost 6%. The analysts have put this down to something that, in fact, is credited with only a small part of overall sales - the Mail Order Catalogue. The company continues to print and distribute huge numbers of them each year and, it seems, not everyone wants to order online. Whereas many will sit in a comfy chair and study a paper catalogue rather than search a website on a tablet, the joy of seeing the product in reality - perhaps even using it during a demonstration or a cooking class - is still attractive. The catalogue seems to be driving traffic to stores, even now.

So all this points to what the marketing

experts call an ‘omnichannel’ approach.

All the different ways we have now to connect with a customer - including catalogues but also social media, websites, mobile apps, telephone sales, email, etc. - all work together better than individually. Suffice to say, the JC Penney company is an example of one which has lost its way, evidently, since abandoning its famous catalogue five years ago. Guess what? They are planning to bring it back.

What does this all mean for the small business? Perhaps we all need to consider whether we are just going to sit back and enjoy what we get from the folks that walk in off the street (or in the case of ecommerce mavericks like me, those that happen to land on my website). The potential lies in using all the tools we have in the box. And one of those is the good old fashioned mail order catalogue. I just hope that, for the sake of the postman, it doesn’t have to be one quite as thick as the Great Universal Stores model of the 1960s.

Former UK housewares distributor and US cookshop owner, Tony Boulton has lived in Texas for over a decade. His ecommerce business is www.designandgrace.com and can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Tony is working on his catalogue!

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New Products p58 and IBC_Pages 46-49 22/05/2015 14:39 Page 58

new

products

Lesser & Pavey introduces wine glasses with a difference. Featuring four different designs of party girls having a fun time and coloured in turquoise, pink, lilac and green.

Each one individually gift packaged; two have slightly different shaped bowls, each one is hand painted and all come with 3D ‘boobies’. The drinking glasses make for a fun gift and have various birthday messages – ‘Drink til he’s cute’, ‘Sip back and relax’, ‘TGIF – thank God I’m fabulous’ and ‘Why limit happy hour’.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Fresh coffee is one of life’s great pleasures, and with the new Judge six-cup (JEA65) and 10-cup (JEA66) Filter Coffee Makers you can enjoy the indulgence whenever you please. Created with an economical and environmentally-friendly permanent filter, with Judge Coffee Machines you need never buy paper filters again. The attractive design combines a simple matt black body with a clear glass carafe (JEA65) and a Stainless Steel carafe (JEA66). Easy to fill and easy to use, with a full capacity brew time of just six to nine minutes, and a thermostatic hotplate ensures perfect drinking temperature all day long.

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

The Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Shallow Casserole collection is extended with a new 26cm/3L size (pictured). Its heat-resistant glass lid retains moisture and flavour and allows you to check food as you are cooking, without disturbing the cooking process or temperature by lifting the lid. Covered by a Lifetime Guarantee, the new Le Creuset Toughened Non Stick Casseroles are tough and durable and the PFOAfree Le Creuset ultimate non-stick coating is metal utensil safe and easy to clean. Suitable for use on all hob types, including induction, in conventional ovens to 260°C and under the grill. Dishwasher-safe.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343 909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk T&G’s new “Loaf & Larder” range includes the addition of a new round oak board, which fits perfectly with the fashionably retro deep glass dome lids available in plain glass or the featured rib effect. These fabulous domes and raw oak board are a great way to serve a wide variety of cheeses, homemade creations and charcuterie, whether indoors or outdoors. This is a classic tableware piece to be used for casual or more formal dining and makes the perfect decorative accessory and gift.

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

Cuisipro has taken surface glide technology one step further with its new V-shape grater. The V-shape keeps the cheese/ginger/line etc in a straight line making grating even more efficient ensuring gratings stay in a neat pile. The good looking, precisely crafted instruments will appeal to no-nonsense cooks and professionals.

Fine, coarse and shaver rasp available.

PHA Kitchessentials Tel: 0151 651 2265 Web: www.phakitchessentials.co.uk

With the Salter Innovate Click, Cook and Serve cookware range, creating meals is effortless. The detachable, soft-touch handle makes moving the cookware from the hob to the oven, to the table and even to the freezer, so simple. The ceramic coated interior allows for cooking with little or no oil, making meals healthier, whilst the forged aluminum body means the cookware is engineered to last. This stylish range won’t look out of place, even in the most sophisticated of kitchens.’

UP Global Sourcing Tel: 0161 627 1400 Email: sales@upgs.com Web: www.upgs.com

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Addressing the ever-growing demand for healthy eating, the new Spiralizer and Spiral Slicer from Kitchen Craft allow you to conjure up an impressive array of carb free meals. Making a variety of healthy vegetable ribbons, strands and spirals so quickly and easily - ideal for salads, stir frys and garnishes. As well as being a great way of encouraging children to eat more veg you can also make the healthy version of spaghetti – courgetti for carb free appetising dishes! With a host of features including interchangeable blades, a spiked wheel for a firm hold, easy turn handle and non-slip rubber feet, Spiralizer will soon become one of your most indispensable kitchen aids.

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

New from Fairmont & Main, the compact Caffè Amore stove top espresso coffee machine produces intensely flavoured, creamy coffee quickly and effortlessly, perfect for those with a passion for espresso. Handmade in Italy, Kamira is suitable for all heat sources including induction, and not only looks distinctively stylish, but also offers many features such as the curved thermo handle for a safe, secure grip and the option of a single or double filter holder. Covered by a five-year warranty - offering complete peace of mind.

Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300

new

products

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

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

Prestige’s new innovative Stone Quartz non-stick coating features across every category including cookware, bakeware and knives. It has exceptional food release qualities that require no fat when cooking, is PFOA free and metal utensil resistant. Stone Quartz’s cookware is suitable for all hob types, including induction, and dishwasher safe too while its bakeware is so versatile it can go straight from freezer to oven.

Both ranges are ideal for today’s busy households. Every item in the new collection is guaranteed for life and consumers have a 30day money back guarantee for added peace of mind.

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

Brought to you by UP Global Sourcing, the sleek and stylish NutriPro 1000, available in red or silver, creates delicious vitamin packed, nutritious juices and smoothies. The unique multipurpose blade design enables maximum vitamin and nutrient release, whilst still being able to effectively chop and crush ice. Versatile and compact, it is perfect for those on the go and with 1000 W power, the NutriPro 1000 is quick and powerful too, meaning that delicious drinks can be made even smoother and faster.

UP Global Sourcing Tel: 0161 627 1400 Email: sales@upgs.com Web: www.upgs.com

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Asimetria

Over the years, Pyrex has offered families new ideas to help prepare, cook and serve at the table.

Impressions

Gusto

Optimum

Slow Cook