KNHR Show Daily at IHS • March 19, 2024

D2 Showcases Seasonal

& Kitchen Products

BOOTH #S3714

D2 Marketing will “wow” you with seasonal, kitchen and holiday gifts that move and conveniences only a company with its unique makeup can provide!

Full Circle Focused on Sustainability

BOOTH #S2106

An interview with Tal Chitayat, Full Circle Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Buddeez Reveals What’s New This Year

An interview with Mark Horstman, Senior Vice President, Sales, Buddeez, Inc

IMUSA Marks 90 Years of Existence

KNHR: Tell us what inspired the launch of Full Circle

D2 Marketing is a female majorityo w n e d c o m p a n y s p e c i a l i z i n g i n t h e design, manufacturing and distribution of unique, useful and e x t r e m e l y desirable high-quality kitchen essentials and impulse products Its seasonalinspired, everyday kitchen and holiday merchandise is perfectly packaged in e y e - c a t c h i n g d i s p l a y s t h a t m a x i m i z e both sellability and space efficiency.

D2 Marketing “must haves” for housewares departments, grocery stores, gift shops and boutiques include:

Continued on Page 39

Quality Customer Service by AIRCARE

BOOTH #N8310

When consumers call with an issue, the locally based staffed team at AIRCARE® addresses and alleviates their concerns H a v i n g a p o s i t i v e c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e experience can significantly increase your revenue with loyal customers The c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e t e a m c a n i n c r e a s e your customer lifetime value, with cons u m e r s w h o a r e m o r e l i k e l y t o b e c o m e l o n gt e r m

repeat buyers, buy more and purchase newer products

AIRCARE is not only focused on treating customers well, but employe e s , t o o R e t a i n i n g k n o w l e d g e a b l e

Continued on Page 41

KNHR: How has being a smaller, familyowned business contributed to your success?

TC: Our desire to help people embark on their sustaina b i l i t y j o u r n e y b y p r o v i d i n g them with bett e r o p t i o n s f o r t h e i r e v e r y d a y t a s k s . W e l a u n c h e d i n 2009 when sust a i n a b i l i t y w a s l a r g e l y a b s e n t from home care. Back then, sustainable products never had all of what we call

Continued on Page 41

Aramco Imports, Iconic Ginsu Brand Partner

MH: Buddeez has been blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit that spurned the Hall family to launch the business back in 1992 Combining that with a strong work ethic and the ability to be both a g i l e a n d f l e x ible to meet mark e t p r e s s u r e s h a s c r e a t e d a sense of pride in ownership with o u r e m p l o y e e s . B u d d e e z s a l e s

Continued on Page 39

As IMUSA proudly commemorates its 90th-year anniversary, it stands at a s i g n i f i c a n t j u n c t u r e , r e f l e c t i n g o n a r e m a r k a b l e l e g a c y d e f i n e d b y r e s i l i e n c e , u n w a v e ri n g m a r k e t l e a d e r s h i p a n d a r i c h t a p e s t r y o f H i s p a n i c a n d e t h n i c c u l t u r e . T h e j o u rn e y b e g a n i n 1 9 3 4 i n C o p a c a b a n a , C o l o m b i a , where IMUSA pioneered the manufacturing of kitchen products, stamping its name in history as the creator of the c o u n t r y ’ s f i r s t a l u m i n u m p o t . T h i s

Continued on Page 39

Achieve Pizza Perfection at Home

BOOTH #S3635

Aramco Imports announces its latest brand partnership by welcoming the esteemed Ginsu brand into its family of culinary excellence With an impressive 4 0 - y e a r h i s t o r y i n the cutlery i n d u s t r y , G i n s u k n i v e s h a v e b e e n l a b e l e d a s some of the sharpest knives on the mark e t a n d p r o m o t e d t o m i l l i o n s o f American families Sharing in the vision of creating quality products with innovative designs for cooking enthusiasts everywhere, Aramco Imports and Ginsu announce the launch of their kitchen appliances and accessories collection Renowned for its extensive line of top-tier cookware and kitchen essentials, Aramco Imports offers a diverse

Continued on Page 41

Just in time for back-to-school season, PackIt has introduced a line of freezable lunch boxes designed for and inspired by preschoolers

The Playtime Lunch Boxes feature a new rounded shape and a brightly colored kid-friendly design – perfect for little hands with big personalities Ecofriendly and reusable, this new line of i n n o v a t i v e l u n c h b o x e s k e e p s f o o d o r g a n i z e d a n d f r e s h f o r h o u r s They’re the i d e a l m i x of fun and f u n c t i o n and a great way to start off the school year in style

“PackIt continues to innovate and

Continued on Page 37

There’s no substitute for fresh, hot pizza s t r a i g h t o u t of the oven

Whether it’s a pizza party or a weekly Friday night r i t u a l w i t h f a m i l y a n d

friends, homemade pizza is always a win, especially when you’re making it together Enter Piezano Pizza Oven, the r e v o l u t i o n a r y t o o l t h a t b r i n g s t h e authentic taste of stone-oven baked pies straight to your kitchen countertop

Bringing the Heat Making pizza in a home oven works in a pinch, but it won’t get you the crispy, slightly charred crust of a traditional

Continued on Page 39

Refresh to Impress

Brabantia is returning to The Inspired Home Show, bringing along a whole h o s t o f b e a u t i f u l n e w p r o d u c t s

Particularly exciting is the brand new Refresh & Steam range – a whole host of laundry accessories designed to help users get the best results from their hand steamers

A i r i n g a n d s t e a m i n g y o u r c l o t h e s s a v e s w a t e r f r o m w a s h i n g , t i m e a n d s p a c e , a n d i s i d e a l f o r g e t t i n g c r e a s e s o u t o f d e l i c a t e c l o t h i n g A n d t h e R e f r e s h & S t e a m r a n g e i s d e s i g n e d t o m a k e t h i s e a s i e r , q u i c k e r a n d o f c o u r s e , m o r e s t y l i s h ! P u t t h e p r e s s u r e o n p e s k y w r i n k l e s a n d s m e l l s – w i t ho u t a n i r o n i n g b o a r d ! A c o m p l e t e c o ll e c t i o n f o r a i r i n g a n d p r e s s u r e - s t e a mi n g , w i t h i t e m s s u c h a s a S t e a m

MÜkitchen Expands Design Palette for 2024

MÜkitchen® is celebrating a new year by unveiling more than 90 new ontrend designer kitchen textile products

t h e S C R U B S Y ® , S p o n g e C l o t h s a n d

Sponges

The new patterns and fabrics were s c o u t e d a n d c r e a t e d b y t h e MÜkitchen’s international design team and offer fresh new ideas to accessorize any style of kitchen

Rather than introduce new product categories, the company focused this year on filling out the product line, especially its popular leaders such as

“We wanted to expand to meet demand for new and updated c o l o r s , a s w e l l a s e x p a n d e d d e s i g n o p t i o n s , ” e x p l a i n s Owner Chadd Moser Some of the additions include a variety of veggies, animals, floral and a new bicycle design Plus, six new SCRUBSY designs, 10 new Sponge Cloth designs and six new Sponges

Also new this year is an e x p a n d e d w a r e h o u s e a n d s h o w r o o m t o s e r v e a s

MÜkitchen’s headquarters The s p a c e i n c l u d e s a d e s i g n / p l a n o g r a m s p a c e where customers are welcome t o e n g a g e d i r e c t l y i n t h e d e s i g n p h a s e o f t h e i r o w n products

“It’s a collaborative environment, especially for our grocery and private l a b e l c u s t o m e r s , ” M o s e r e x p l a i n e d

“We remain very committed to our i n d e p e n d e n t r e t a i l e r s a s w e l l , ” h e a d d s . “ A f t e r a l l , w e ’ r e i n d e p e n d e n t

Introducing Ariston’s Perfect Pair

Ariston is a family owned and operated company, producing some of the finest and authentic olive oil and bringing some of the world’s greatest bals a m i c v i n e g a r s f r o m

Italy since 1997 These two are the base for its i n f u s e d o l i v e o i l s a n d infused balsamic vinegars

A r i s t o n ’ s i n f u s e d olive oils come in several flavors and its line of b a l s a m i c v i n e g a r s a r e m a d e t o c o m p l e m e n t them One pairing that s t a n d s o u t a m o n g s t c u s t o m e r s i s A r i s t o n ’ s garlic infused olive oil paired with Ariston’s fig b a l s a m i c v i n e g a r T h e w e l l - b a l a n c e d u m a m i flavor of Ariston’s garlic infused olive oil complim e n t s t h e n a t u r a l s w e e t a n d t a n g y f i g taste of Ariston’s fig infused balsamic vinegar.

a salad dressing that will have your guests guessing the secret ingredient, y o u c a n d o t w o p a r t s

Balsamic

A r i s t o n g a r l i c i n f u s e d o l i v e o i l a n d o n e p a r t

Ariston fig infused balsamic vinegar

A r i s t o n i s c u r a t i n g

gift boxes that will feature this pairing and seve r a l o t h e r A r i s t o n p a i rings The other pairings include the following:

• A r i s t o n S e l e c t E x t r a

Virgin Olive Oil & Ariston

Traditional Balsamic

• Ariston Basil Infused O l i v e O i l & A r i s t o n R a s p b e r r y C o n d i m e n t

Vinegar

• A r i s t o n L e m o n

I n f u s e d O l i v e O i l & A r i s t o n P o m e g r a n a t e

Infused Balsamic Vinegar

• Ariston Chili Infused O l i v e O i l & A r i s t o n

M a n g o I n f u s e d W h i t e

Seat of Luxury:

Tonelli Unveils AW-Chair

T h e s e t w o p r o d u c t s m a k e a n excellent salad dressing, marinade for a roast or for a barbecue. For marinating, you can use equal parts of Ariston’s garlic oil and fig balsamic vinegar and add two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, two shallots and a pinch of oregano and thyme, and a pinch of Ariston’s salt and Ariston’s black pepper to taste. For

• Ariston Smoked Infused Olive Oil (the newest flavor) & Ariston Maple

Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar J u s t i m a g i n e t h e p h e n o m e n a l taste with just two simple, clean ingredients to make it.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w

a

i s t

booth #N1609.

o n ™ P i t c h e r t o i t s r e c e n t s t r i d e s i n p e r f e c t i n g t h e a r t o f m u l t i - c o l o r d e c o r a t i o n o n a c r y l i c b o t t l e s t o p p e r s i s e v i d e n c e t o i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o e x c e l l e n c e T h e F r u i t I n f u s i o n P i t c h e r t r a n sf o r m e d e v e r y d a y h y d r a t i o n i n t o a l u x u r i o u s e x p e r i e n c e D e s i g n e d t o i n f u s e f r u i t s , h e r b s a n d f l a v o r s i n t o

T o n e l l i D e s i g n , w h i c h s p e c i a l i z e s i n h i g h - e n d f u r n i t u r e , h a s c r e a t e d t h e p r a c t i c a l a n d v e r s a t i l e A W - c h a i r S i g n e d b y t h e f a m o u s d e s i g n e r Massimo Castagna and made of solid wood, this novelty line is the combination of meticulous handwork and the use of next-generation machinery

As always for Tonelli, the attention to detail is fundamental – from the metal detail on the backrest to the special shape of the legs (to instill more solidity and resistance) up to the combination of exclusive fabrics – each part c o n t r i b u t e s t o m a k e t h i s s e a t i n g a refined and characterful element

In addition to the shape, the fabric element makes AW-Chair a sophisticated and refined furniture piece The chairs have an ample selection of fab-

w a t e r , t h e p i t c h e r b e c a m e a n i n s t a n t f a v o r i t e a m o n g h e a l t h e n t h u s i a s t s , b u t i t s e l e g a n t d e s i g n a l s o m a d e i t a c e n t e r p i e c e o n d i n i n g t a b l e s I t s s u c c e s s u n d e r s c o r e d P r o d y n e ' s a b i l i t y t o c r e a t e p r o d u c t s t h a t c o n n e c t w i t h c o n s u m e r n e e d s w h i l e p u s h i n g t h e b o u n d a r i e s o f t r ad i t i o n a l d e s i g n N o w , t h e b r a n d ’ s d e s i g n e r s h a v e i n t r o d u c e d a p r o p r i e t a r y p r o c e s s f o r m u l t i - c o l o r d e c o r a t i o n o f a c r y l i c b o t t l e s t o p p e r s – a d e v e lo p m e n t t h a t b r i n g s c l a s s a n d a r t i s t r y t o w i n e b o t t l e s t o p p e r s T h i s a d v a n c e d t e c h n i q u e a l l o w s f o r i n t r ic a t e a n d c o l o r f u l d e s i g n s t h a t w e r e p r e v i o u s l y u n a t t a i n a b l e T h e r e s u l t i s a c o l l e c t i o n o f b o t t l e s t o p p e r s t h a t n o t o n l y p r e s e r v e t h e f r e s h n e s s o f w i n e , b u t a l s o s e r v e a s d e c o r a t i v e p i e c e s A d d i n g a t o u c h o f f e s t i v i t y t o i t s c o l l e c t i o n , P r o d y n e r e c e n t l y l a u n c h e d h o l i d a y - t h e m e d b o t t l e s t o p p e r s w i t h t h i s n e w c o l o r i n g p r o c e s s i n t h e m o t i f s o f p e r e n n i a l f a v o r i t e s : a S a n t a ,

rics, in four categories, all of high quality and made in Italy From the trendy bouclé, through the textured tone-ontone, up to the delicate pastel colors, they can be combined with the different wood finishes to accommodate any requirement

The chair in solid ash wood with turned legs and frame with crossbars is available in Siberian Ash, Eucalipto and Natural Oak finishes and open-pore black lacquer They are shaped and have upholstered seating, covered in fabric

The backrest is made with uphols t e r e d c u r v e d w o o d a n d c o v e r e d frontally with fabric, cordon-like stitching on the edge to leave the wood in the back visible A connecting joint between the backrest and frame comes in polished metal

a C h r i s t m a s t r e e a n d a s n o w m a n T h e s e s e a s o n a l d e s i g n s o f f e r e d a u n i q u e w a y t o c o m m e m o r a t e t h e h o li d a y s e a s o n L o o k i n g a h e a d , P r o d y n e p l a n s t o l a u n c h i t s u p c o m i n g s p r i n g c o l l e c t i o n o f b o t t l e s t o p p e r s i n s p i r e d b y t h e w o n d e r o f h o t a i r b a l l o o n s T h e n e w c o l o r f u l b a l l o o n b o t t l e s t o p p e r s w i l l c o m e i n a m u l t i t u d e o f v i b r a n t c o l o r s w i t h m e t i c u l o u s a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l t h a t i s s u r e t o c a p t i v a t e c u s t o m e r s l o o k i n g t o a d d a t o u c h o f e l e g a n c e a n d s o p h i s t i c a t i o n t o t h e i r w i n e a c c e s s o r i e s T h i s y e a r , P r o d y n e c e l e b r a t e s i t s 5 3 - y e a r a n n i v e r s a r y m a n u f a c t u r i n g D y n a m i c D e s i g n s f o r G o o d L i v i n g T o s e e P r o d y n e ’ s f u l l l i n e o f q u a l i t y k i t c h e n w a r e , s e r v e w a r e a n d b a r w a r e , v i s i t b o o t h # S 5 0 0 v i s i t w w w p r od y n e c o m a n d d o w n l o a d t h e o n l i n e c a t a l o g

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w prodyne com, call 800 822 4776 or stop by booth #S500

Spyderco’s Murray Carter Collection

Murray Carter is one of the world’s l e a d i n g a u t h o r i t i e s o n J a p a n e s e kitchen cutlery and the official heir to a 420-year-old Japanese bladesmithing t r a d i t i o n s p a n n i n g 1 7 g e n e r a t i o n s R e c e n t l y , h e t e a m e d u p w i t h t h e Spyderco knife company of Golden, Colorado, to create the Murray Carter® Collection, which faithfully translates Carter’s coveted custom designs into a family of high-performance production knives ideal for every cooking need

M a n u f a c t u r e d i n J a p a n t o Spyderco’s exacting quality standards, these knives are available in three different series to accommodate different skill levels and budgets All three tiers s h o w c a s e C a r t e r ’ s h i g h l y r e f i n e d e x p r e s s i o n s o f f i v e c l a s s i c J a p a n e s e kitchen knife patterns: Petty (equival e n t t o a W e s t e r n p a r i n g k n i f e ) , F u n a y u k i ( i d e a l f o r g e n e r a l k i t c h e n tasks), Nakiri (vegetable cutter), Bunka Bocho (similar to a santoku, but more pointed) and Gyuto (equivalent to a Western chef’s knife)

T h e t i e r s o f t h e M u r r a y C a r t e r C o l l e c t i o n w e r e i n s p i r e d b y t h e t r a i ni n g p r o g r e s s i o n o f t r a d i t i o n a l J a p a n e s e c h e f s T h e t o p - t i e r I t a m a e ™ S e r i e s i s i n t e n d e d f o r p r o f e s s i o n a l

Joining Forces:

Alessi

c h e f s a n d a c c o m p l i s h e d a m a t e u r s s k i l l e d e n o u g h t o a p p r e c i a t e t h e f i n e s t k i t c h e n c u t l e r y L i t e r a l l y m e a n i n g “ i n f r o n t o f t h e c u t t i n g b o a r d , ” I t a m a e i s a p r e s t i g i o u s t i t l e r e s e r v e d f o r e x p e r t s u s h i c h e f s T h e k n i v e s i n t h i s s e r i e s a r e e x p e r t l y c r a f t e d f r o m l a m in a t e d s t e e l f e a t u r i n g a n A o g a m i S u p e r B l u e c o r e b e t w e e n l a y e r s o f S U S 4 1 0 s t a i n l e s s s t e e l T h i s t h r e el a y e r c o n s t r u c t i o n a l l o w s t h e o u t e r l a y e r s t o p r o t e c t a n d s u p p o r t t h e u l t r a - h a r d c a r b o n - s t e e l c e n t e r l a y e r t h a t f o r m s t h e b l a d e ’ s e d g e G r o u n d e x c e p t i o n a ll y t h i n a n d s t r a i g h t f o r u n p a r a l l e l e d c u t t i n g p e rf o r m a n c e , t h e s e e l i t e b l a d e s a r e p a i r e d w i t h t r ad i t i o n a l o c t a g o n a l h a n d l e s m a d e f r o m s t u n n i n g b u r l G - 1 0 ( a f i b e r g l a s s / e p o x y l a m i n a t e ) w i t h b l a c k G - 1 0 f e r r u l e s T h e i r p r o p o rt i o n s a r e c a r e f u l l y t u n e d t o o f f e r e x c e p t i o n a l b a l a n c e , c o n t r o l a n d c o m f o r t d u r i n g u s e .

e d f r o m s o l i d b l a c k G - 1 0

The second tier is the Wakiita™ S e r i e s . M e a n i n g “ n e a r t h e c u t t i n g b o a r d , ” W a k i i t a r e f e r s t o s e n i o r apprentices equivalent to sous chefs o r j o u r n e y m a n c h e f s i n W e s t e r n

& Rosendahl Open U.S. Showroom

Alessi, the iconic Italian design brand, and Rosendahl Design Group, Denmark’s premier design house for home products, have expanded a U S presence with their historic collaboration The cobranded showroom is on the sixth floor at 41 Madison Avenue, New York City’s famed destination for tabletop, kitchenware and home accessories

Under the direction of Rosendahl D e s i g n G r o u p U S C h i e f E x e c u t i v e Officer Thomas Perez, who has been a leader in the North American housewares world for nearly two decades, RDG is planning to make a significant impact on the market landscape in the years to come

RDG carries some of the most iconic brands that Denmark has developed o v e r t h e l a s t 2 0 0 y e a r s , i n c l u d i n g Kãhler, Rosendahl, Lyngby Porcelain, B j ø r n W i i n b l a d , K a y B o j e s e n , Holmegaard and Arne Jacobsen Clocks

All brands share the same DNA and are rooted in centuries of Scandinavian art and craftsmanship Each company has its own unique aesthetic

“We see great strength and synergy in collaboration with Alessi,” said Perez “With many similar values, we seamlessly complement each other “Sharing a space with Alessi will turn our showroom into a one-stop-shop for the best

designs that Europe has to offer.

“And this is just the beginning. We see strategic collaborations as part of the future of our brand and as an inspiration for the industry as a whole ”

Alessi is also embarking on a resurgence in the U S market under the leadership of Jack Hooe, who joined the team in 2022 Founded in 1921, Alessi has collaborated with more than 300 designers from all over the world to produce thousands of products through the decades, many of which have become icons of contemporary design

F r o m t a b l e w a r e , k i t c h e n a c c e ssories, cooking utensils, small domestic appliances, home accessories and furnishings, the Alessi mission is to make t h e o r d i n a r y e x t r a o r d i n a r y , c r e a t i n g everyday objects that are interesting, desirable, beautiful and functional

“When I was introduced to Thomas Perez, it was evident that we shared similar goals,” said Hooe, Managing Director/President of Alessi North America “Alessi USA and Rosendahl Design Group share complementary businesses, each with uniquely defined positioning and product assortments We feel strongly that collaborating in a shared showroom space will provide a superior and beautiful experience and enhance future buyer engagement appointments ”

kitchens The blades of Wakiita Series knives are precision ground from CTS® B D 1 N – a h i g h - c a r b o n , n i t r o g e nenriched stainless steel that provides a s u p e r i o r b a l a n c e o f h a r d n e s s , e d g e h o l d i n g a n d c o r r o s i o n r e s i s t a n c e

These knives are also ground exceptionally thin and straight for superior c u t t i n g p e r f o r m a n c e a n d f e a t u r e octagonal handles painstakingly craft-

Wakiita Series knives are ideal f o r s k i l l e d a m a t e u r c o o k s who appreciate the performance advantages of and pride o f o w n e r s h i p o f p r e m i u mq u a l i t y k i t c h e n c u t l e r y , b u t p r e f e r t h e e a s e o f m a i n t en a n c e o f s t a i n l e s s s t e e l blades J a p a n e s e c h e f t r a i n i n g begins with the minarai (literally, “to learn by observing”), or apprentice The knives in the third-tier Minarai™ Series feature the same CTS BD1N blades as the Wakiita Series, but their octagonal handles a r e i n j e c t i o n m o l d e d f r o m tough polypropylene plastic t h a t g i v e s t h e s e k n i v e s a n exceptionally lively balance D e s i g n e d f o r b u d g e t - c o nscious cooks, Minarai Series k n i v e s p r o v i d e t h e s a m e ergonomics, ease of maintenance and high-performance functionality as the Wakiita Series, but in a more basic and affordable format.

Forged by tradition and built by Spyderco, the knives of the Murray Carter Collection are designed to provide the ultimate cooking experience.

For more information, visit www.spyder co.com/culinary.

GC Buying Group: Your Gateway to Success in Housewares

By Janis Johnson, President and Founder, GC Buying Group

GC Buying Group members stand at the forefront of the housewares industry, constituting the original and leading buying group Explore the myriad ways in which GC Buying Group can e l e v a t e y o u r b u s i n e s s – f a c i l i t a t i n g growth, boosting profits and establishing crucial connections with premier vendors for discounts, dating and networking With a legacy dating back to 1981, GC proudly celebrates 43 years of unwavering dedication and s u c c e s s i n t h e r e a l m s o f h o m e , k i t c h e n a n d g i f t retail

Strength in Numbers

oining GC means becoming part of a formidable alliance, w i t h o v e r 3 5 0 s t o r e l o c at i o n s n a t i o n w i d e T h i s extensive network comprises passionate independent retailers armed with remarka b l e b u y i n g p o w e r . A s a member, you gain access to a range of benefits designed to save you money, including an average 10% discount on purchases, extended payment terms f r o m v e n d o r s , s p e c i a l p r o m o t i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s , e x c l u s i v e p r o g r a m offers, low minimum orders with no member buying requirements, and an annual membership fee that nets to $1,500 with early payment.

Education & Networking Opportunities

Showcase Day, where you can meet vendor principals, explore products and review new introductions The Social Gathering provides a relaxed atmosphere for meaningful connections over casual conversation, food and drinks

Exclusive Membership Perks

By joining today, you’ll position your b u s i n e s s t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f G C membership and enjoy perks such as easy access to vendor programs on the G C w e b s i t e , f u l l - t i m e s u p p o r t s t a f f available every weekday, participation in the Keep in T o u c h ( K I T ) c a m p a i g n f o r o n g o i n g c o nn e c t i v i t y , a n online ordering p o r t a l f o r G C Members Only, a p r i v a t e Facebook page f o r e x c l u s i v e i n f o r m a t i o n sharing among members, savings on credit card processing, freight and supplies, and access to an online consumer marketplace offering dropship capabilities.

Your Strongest Connection

Membership privileges extend beyond m e r e

Kaleidoscope of Colors: Sartoria’s Wallpapers Arouses the Senses

Mark your calendar for January GCX: Start the Year Member Conference – a cornerstone event offering a rich blend of educational speakers, special vendor presentations and group discussions on topics of interest. Dive deeper into topto-top opportunities during the Vendor

Timeless & Timely:

marketing tools and realistic avenues for growth. Let the GC Team guide you on joining and enjoying these benefits today. Elevate your business with the strongest connection in the industry –GC Buying Group.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w .gourmetcatalog.com, call 214.855.0005, email info@gourmetcatalog.com or stop by booth #S2223.

Filofin Blends Ages-Old Design, Technology

W i t h t h e F i l o f i n s u s p e n s i o n s y s t e m , Carlo Moretti succeeds in combining t h e t h o u s a n d s - y e a r - o l d t r a d i t i o n o f glass art with LED technology.

The custom chandelier, which comes under the lighting contract category, offers architects and lighting designers a flexible design solution thanks to its lightness, versatility of use and the possibility of choosing the number of elements and arranging them at will. The glass lampshades, rigorously hand-blown and available in four décor versions, alternate clear and opal glass in their conical shape. Thin steel cables

make the lampshades float like lanterns, interconnected by fine red cables “flashing” like a burst of light.

With a design that brings together ancient techniques and modern technology – Wi-Free, the rechargeable battery LED table lamp – features a milkywhite mouth-blown glass shade handfinished with band and cane decorations available in three variations. The charcoal gray brushed metal frame houses the micro-USB charging receptacle at the base as well as the touch-controlled power switch that serves as a dimmer to adjust the intensity of the light.

F r o m u n c o n t a m i n a t e d n a t u r e t o mythology, from spatial geometries to digital allusions, the inspirations of the first wallpaper collection by Sartoria hit the mark, arousing strong sensations from the very first glance.

C r e a t e d i n p a r a l l e l b y D - S e g n o Studio and designer Anna D’Andrea of I l l u s t r a t i o n & S u r f a c e D e s i g n , Wallpapers is not just a product, but the symbol of a limitless way of understanding design and furnishing.

S a r t o r i a t h u s u n i t e s a e s t h e t i c research, color and tailoring by bringing together inexhaustible sources of inspiration: flowers, leaves and animals of more or less exotic inspiration, but also squares, triangles, circles and digital themes, a mix of characteristics that develop into 20 different motifs, each with its character and reflecting the will of its author

Even the names of the different lines give free rein to the imagination: from the obvious literary references of Alphabet to the floral echoes of Fleur, Isabel, Trees, Salice and Juncus, passing through the reference to distant worlds of Guyana, Wallpapers is a kaleidoscope of colors and shades, pictures halfway between cubism and impressionism that the brand puts on the wall

With finishes designed especially for low traffic residential and commercial environments, Eco PVC Free 180 gr

is a wallpaper with a non-woven back and a silk-effect front composed of a mix of polyether and paper that makes the product PVC free and FSC Credit Mix certified. A material that despite its low weight is extremely resistant.

This characteristic is also found in Fiberglass 265 gr, a high-quality woven glass fabric wallpaper also PVC free and made of strong and long-lasting woven glass fibers. The material allows the wall to breathe, preventing the appearance of mold or fungus and making it the perfect solution for new installations or wet areas.

Equipped with a special receptive coating, it offers a wide range of colors and, thanks to its scratch-resistant surface, is suitable for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Decidedly more substantial is Vinyl Linen 350 gr, a textured, non-woven, printable vinyl wallpaper with a canvas weave that proves perfect for traditional, mural wall coverings and for contract spaces where elegance and versatility are a must

Finally, Fibre 350 gr is also a text u r e d n o n - w o v e n f a b r i c c o a t e d i n printable vinyl, but the addition of a thin fibrous surface allows the creation of a subtle finish to the wall graphics that makes small surface imperfections less visible These two latest proposals are fire retardant and treated with BioPruf™, a technology that provides longlasting antimicrobial protection

Sendle Launches U.S. Delivery for Canadian Small Businesses

Based on customer feedback about the unfair shipping rates from Canada Post, S e n d l e n o w o f f e r s t h e c h e a p e s t tracked, door-to-door solution for shipp i n g t o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s f r o m Canadian small businesses

Starting at $7 98, Sendle’s service for shipping to the United States provides free pickup from the shipper’s door Every eligible shipment is covered for $100, giving Canadian small businesses even less to worry about

Every delivery is 100%carbon neutral at no extra cost Free pickup is a v a i l a b l e f r o m 9 9 % o f C a n a d i a n addresses, across all provinces and territories with delivery to anywhere in the United States

H i g h s h i p p i n g c o s t s h a v e p u t Canadian small businesses at a disadv a n t a g e . A c c o r d i n g t o S t a t i s t i c s Canada, the high cost of parcel delivery i s t h e b i g g e s t c h a l l e n g e f a c i n g Canadian businesses when it comes to selling online, with 39% reporting the problem.

In September, Sendle launched in Canada to give small businesses the first national shipping option that provides affordable door-to-door service that’s reliable and good for the planet.

However, the problem of expensive shipping for Canadian small businesses isn't limited to shipments across Canada; it is also an obstacle for those who want to grow by tapping into the U.S. e-commerce market, which is forecast to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2027. In fact, 1 in 5 Canadian small businesses that use Sendle said they need cheaper shipping to the United States and as a result, requested to participate in Sendle’s beta program for shipping to the United States ahead of the service launch

“From the day Sendle launched, we’ve been committed to challenging t h e f u n c t i o n a l p o s t a l m o n o p o l y i n Canada in the name of small business,” Lauren Helstab, Sendle’s country manager in Canada “High parcel delivery p r i c e s a r e h o l d i n g C a n a d i a n o n l i n e retailers back from competing in the U S , which is the second biggest ecommerce market in the world, and that’s not right

“Given the U S is our neighbor, it s h o u l d b e t h e e a s i e s t m a r k e t f o r Canadian small businesses to expand into compared to any other country, and that’s why we are making shipping to the U S easier, cheaper and better for them,” she said “We are confident that they won’t find a better rate for door-to-door shipping to the U S Plus, small businesses and their customers can feel good that their shipments are 100% carbon-neutral, and tracked, at no extra charge ”

H i g h d e l i v e r y p r i c e s c a n c o s t Canadian online retailers sales to U S

c u s t o m e r s F o r e x a m p l e , r e s e a r c h

shows that almost 8 out of 10 (79%)

Americans would not pay more than $8 (U S dollars) for delivery of a product purchased online Canada’s functional postal monopoly puts Canadian small businesses at a disadvantage as it costs more than $13 Canadian ($9 47 in U S dollars) to ship to the United States with Canada Post’s tracked service

Sendle’s new shipping service levels the playing field for Canadian small businesses by providing the cheapest d o o r - t o - d o o r s h i p p i n g s e r v i c e f r o m Canada to the United States that is reliable, speedy and tracked

Sendle offers low courier pricing w i t h n o h i d d e n f e e s o r s u r p r i s e s Sendle taps into its network of regional and national shipping partners to bring C a n a d i a n s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s t h e b e s t rates with pricing starting as low as $ 7 . 9 8 C a n a d i a n ( $ 5 . 8 2 U . S . d o l l a r s ) . Now, small Canadian online retailers can compete more effectively in the U.S. market by offering shipping rates that are comparable to U.S. retailers.

Plus, every Sendle shipment comes with free tracking, so businesses and their U.S. customers can keep up with the delivery status of their package.

“Our U.S. customers expect really f a s t a n d c h e a p s h i p p i n g , ” A n i s a Musmary, Founder of Vancouver-based Wanderruff. “As a Canadian company, we couldn't match our U.S. competitors’ shipping options because it doesn’t cost them anywhere near as much as what we pay here in Canada.

“But Sendle’s door-to-door shipp i n g s e r v i c e t o t h e U S i s a g a m e changer for us since it helps us better compete in the U S and grow our busin e s s b e y o n d C a n a d i a n b o r d e r s , ” Musmary says

With Sendle, Canadian small businesses no longer have to drive to the post office and wait in line to ship a parcel to the United States or fill their car up with packages and drive over the border themselves

S e n d l e h a n d l e s t h e e n d - t o - e n d journey of every parcel shipped and offers customer service by real people Customers can access Sendle’s shipping to the United States service via t h e S e n d l e D a s h b o a r d , a n o n l i n e r e s o u r c e w h e r e t h e y c a n t r a c k , reschedule deliveries and pull in their orders from major platforms including Shopify, eBay, Etsy and more

“With inflation driving up the cost o f d o i n g b u s i n e s s o n p r e t t y m u c h every front, Canadian small businesses deserve a shipping partner that provides services built with their needs in mind, including affordable shipping so they can grow their business That’s w h a t w e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o d o i n g , ”

Helstab said

Cyan Design, Thom Filicia Collaborate on Accessories Collection

Texas-based Cyan Design launched a p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h r e n o w n e d i n t e r i o r and product designer, author and telev i s i o n p e r s o n a l i t y T h o m F i l i c i a , t o d e v e l o p a c o l l e c t i o n o f d e c o r a t i v e accessories

Thom Filicia, Founder and Principal o f N e w Y o r k C i t y - b a s e d design firm Thom Filicia, I n c , i s t h e d r i v i n g f o r c e b e h i n d t h e T h o m F i l i c i a Home Collection

T h e T h o m F i l i c i a Home Collection for Cyan D e s i g n w i l l s h o w c a s e refined pieces with handmade quality These items will boast a dynamic and artisanal approach in form, function and scale. Thom Filicia’s collection for Cyan Design is inspired by textures, colors and patterns that surround us in the world – taking cues from nature while retaining a tailored approach.

“I think that’s what we were looking for at Cyan because they have the capability to do that so beautifully,” he said “I’m excited that it’s going to feel collected and curated ”

Cyan Design is excited to partner with Thom as a brand, but also thrilled

to collaborate with his team.

The collection will, “play well with others,” Filicia said.

“We love having decorative pieces feel unique and special,” he said. “From metal, to wood, to glass – there's a g r e a t d i v e r s i t y o f m a t e r i a l s . S o , i t ’ s s o m e t h i n g w e w e r e r e a l l y e x c i t e d about.”

Filicia said his style is about balancing refined and raw, which complements Cyan Design’s brand.

“As a collective, Thom and his staff a r e a g r o u p o f t a l e n t e d i n d u s t r y experts, with years of experience and knowledge on what it takes to create perfectly executed designs for today’s s t y l e s a n d t a s t e s , ” s a i d J o s e L o p e z , company President.

To kick off the partnership, Filicia hand-selected an assortment of existing Cyan accessories. Thom’s Favorite Things are the foundational elements t h a t p i q u e d F i l i c i a ’ s i n t e r e s t a n d s p a r k e d h i s r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h C y a n Design.

Roku Adds Home Monitor System, Updates to Smart Home Lineup

R o k u , I n c . h a s e x p a n d e d i t s S m a r t Home lineup to include home monitori n g d e v i c e s , a d d i n g t o t h e e x i s t i n g suite of security cameras, video doorbells, lighting, plugs and more.

The new Roku Home Monitoring System SE includes all the essential pieces to feel safer at home – two entry sensors, a motion sensor, wire-free keypad and hub with a built-in siren – with t h e o p t i o n t o e i t h e r m o n i t o r y o u r home yourself or subscribe to professional 24/7 monitoring. The products are available at Roku.com and exclus i v e l y i n W a l m a r t s t o r e s a n d o n Walmart.com.

“Roku’s new home monitoring syst e m p r o v i d e s p e a c e o f m i n d , w h i l e being easier than ever to set up, control and monitor,” said Mark Robins, Vice President, Roku Smart Home “We a r e p r o u d t o f u r t h e r e x t e n d R o k u ’ s Smart Home lineup with affordable, simple ways to secure the safety of any home ”

T h e R o k u H o m e M o n i t o r i n g System SE offers guided videos and clear illustrations, so users can set up the system quickly and easily, with no tools required With Home, Away and Off modes and customizable monitoring rules through the system keypad or t h e R o k u S m a r t H o m e m o b i l e a p p , users can be in control wherever they are

Users can configure settings to be notified when sensors detect a door is opened or closed, or an alarm goes off,

PackIt (Cont’d. from p. 1)

expand our offerings to meet the needs of a wider range of customers,” said Peter Owens, Chief Executiv Officer. “ O u r n e w , t h o u g h t f u l l y d e s i g n e d Playtime Lunch Boxes have been developed for preschool-aged children – a new category for us. We are excited about the direction and momentum

Unadorned & Unconventional Versatile 250 ° C Plus Line Impresses

The 250 ° C Plus line, the flagship product of Asa Selection, is a collection of multifunction porcelain oven dishes with which you can cook, serve and eat The collection was designed by Studio O r i

Schubkegel of Asa

Asa, an all-in-one solution, was launched in 2008 and immediately became an international success, leading Schubkegel to win the Kitchen Innovation of the Year award in 2010 Still today, the collection is widely admired in the world of catering, including by Chef Cornelia Poletto from Hamburg

With each piece, you can braise, roast, au gratin, set the table and serve The collection’s concept design is based on an essential line – without handles – to enhance the pure shape of the porcelain

The 250 ° C Plus collection was designed for use in the oven and to arrive beautifully on the table, becoming a symbolic element both in the universe of restaurants and homes ASA Selection is the definition of a pure and modern style with ceramic and porcelain products

as well as arm or disarm the system from home with the system keypad or on the go from the mobile app.

D e v e l o p e d i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h

Wyze labs, the five-piece Roku Home Monitoring System SE is an affordable home monitoring solution, priced at $99.

The system is easily expandable with additional entry sensors, motion sensors and keypads.

Users have the option to self-monitor their homes for free or subscribe to affordable 24/7 professional monitoring, powered by Noonlight, a leader in smart professional monitoring. Roku Smart Home Professional Monitoring offers immediate response from live U S -based agents when an alarm is triggered

S u b s c r i b e r s c a n r e q u e s t e m e rgency assistance with one tap in the Roku Smart Home mobile app or on the keypad Professional Monitoring is available for $9 99 a month or $99 99 a year; subscribers who choose annual billing receive 50 percent off their first year

A d d i t i o n a l R o k u S m a r t H o m e products new to the portfolio include an advanced Roku Smart Light Strip+ SE that allows users to show up to 16 different colors at once and a Roku Solar Panel that powers the wire-free Roku Outdoor Camera SE

All Roku Smart Home devices are certified by ioXt Alliance, the global standard for IoT security

the company is experiencing and have plans for additional strategic product launches over the next 12 months.”

The new Playtime Lunch Boxes are d e s i g n e d w i t h P a c k I t ' s p a t e n t e d EcoFreeze Technology: freezable gel built into the bag’s walls and feature a new antimicrobial lining. They’re available in three patterns: Pink Popsicle, Spaceship and Rainbow. All three prod-

T h e 2 5 0 ° C P l u s s e r i e s b y A s a Selection consists of 36 pieces – each with a lid – that become a real “service system” for the table. All of the elements, made of porcelain, are multifunctional and oven resistant.

The company, founded more than 30 years ago in Germany by Yvonne Schubkegel, is one of the most internationally recognized dishware compan i e s a n d b o a s t s n u m e r o u s d e s i g n awards The ASA collections, in line w i t h t h e f o u n d e r ’ s s p i r i t , a r e u n a d o r n e d a n d u n c o n v e n t i o n a l , always trendy and in unison with the spirit of the time.

Online Shoppers Seek Positive Chatbot Experience, Survey Says

improve their chatbot integrations to better address customer needs, from order tracking to personalized recom-

Chatbots Survey of more than 1,000 U S shoppers found that over half of them have negative experiences with retail chatbots, opening the door for ChatGPT integration

Widespread adoption of conversational AI chatbots is expected as large companies partner with ChatGPT or roll out their own bots As AI-driven customer service becomes the status quo,

turning to chatbot vendors for affordable options AI-enhanced shopping experiences will greatly benefit businesses by tracking behavior and guiding decisions throughout the buying journey with greater personalization

Traditional chatbots fail to meet customer expectations and lack sales prowess. Only 17% of retail chatbot users have used a bot to search for products, and just 7% have used it to r e c e i v e p r o d u c t r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s . With greater capacity to handle customers’ nuanced and complex queries, ChatGPT-like integrations can improve

ucts are available online.

The Freezable Playtime Lunch Box retails for $29.99 and features:

• Gel-lined front and back panels chill a meal and a 12-ounce (340 ml) drink for hours

• Large zip opening allows for easy packing and locks in cool, dry air

• Collapses flat and freezes overnight

• B

the most common issues with retail chatbots In fact, 67% of ChatGPT users feel understood by the bot often or always, versus 25% of traditional chatbot users

C h a t G P T w o w s c o n s u m e r s a n d business leaders alike, but so far is underutilized in e-commerce Retailers are enthusiastic about what ChatGPT could do for their businesses – many have used it for email marketing and content, but without an available integration, they can’t yet leverage the AI for day-to-day customer service chatbot needs Capterra’s research indicates untapped opportunity here: 56% o f r e s p o n d e n t s w h o h a v e u s e d ChatGPT say they’re more likely to shop from a brand offering a similar tool “ M o s t r e t a i l c h a t b o t s a r e r u l ebased bots and are best used for basic functions, like order shipping status or inventory checks,” said Molly Burke, Senior Retail Analyst at Capterra. “With n a t u r a l l a n g u a g e p r o c e s s i n g , b e t t e r handling of nuance and a greater ability to personalize responses, conversational AI has the potential to improve chatbot experiences by simulating the personalization and creativity provided by human agents.”

attaches to backpacks and sports bags

PackIt, a Tenth Avenue Holdings, LLC brand, was established more than a decade ago with a singular mission: to keep food safe and eliminate waste. The company’s breakthrough innovations in lunch bag cooling technology r a p i d l y e x p a n d e d i n t o e v e r y v i a b l e consumer lifestyle segment.

Piezano Pizza Oven (Cont’d from p

pizza oven That’s because the real s e c r e t o f r e s t a u r a n t - q u a l i t y c r u s t i s h i g h h e a t – a t l e a s t 7 0 0 d e g r e e s

Traditional ovens aren’t designed to go that high Piezano gets way hotter than a home oven, reaching a blistering hot t e m p e r a t u r e o f 8 0 0 d e g r e e s D u a l adjustable temperature settings and heat coils are designed to allow the heat to circulate inside while your pizza cooks That heat is absorbed by the 12inch natural ceramic pizza stone, giving the crust a Neapolitan-style crispiness

D2 (Cont’d from p 1)

S e a s o n a l - I n s p i r e d P r o d u c t s : kitchen essentials, tins, food-safe containers, décor and gifts

D 2 c a p i t a l i z e s o n t h e c h a n g i n g seasons to offer consumers goods that align with the mood, weather and festivities of a particular time of year These products evoke feelings of nostalgia, comfort and excitement of the season, event, occasion or celebration

G i a ’ s K i t c h e n ® E x c l u s i v e B r a n d : food prep, storage, gadgets, essentials,

teams have forged strong relationships with their customers by understanding their specific needs and propel new product launches through the years

K N H R : W h a t i s t h e s e c r e t b e h i n d Buddeez’s continued success in the housewares market?

MH: Overall, the secret to our success encompasses a combination of product quality, customer service, innovation, partnerships and market intelligence In addition to a stable ownership group, we have been fortunate to have an ardent team which combines sales, marketing, supply chain, finance and product development in place for several years

KNHR: What are the main challenges you encounter as a U.S.-based manu-

IMUSA (Cont’d. from p. 1)

g r o u n d b r e a k i n g m o m e n t s e t t h e stage for a transformative evolution over nine decades, propelling IMUSA into a prominent position in the global kitchenware market.

T h e r o o t s o f I M U S A ’ s s u c c e s s l i e i n i t s i n i t i a l f o c u s o n a l u m i n u m p o t s a n d p a n s , w i t h t h e i c o n i c C a l d e r o e m e r gi n g a s a f l a g s h i p p r o d u c t i n C o l o m b i a . T h i s f o u n d a t i o n p r o v e d i n s t r u m e n t a l a s I M U S A e x p a n d e d i t s f o o t p r i n t t h r o u g h o u t S o u t h A m e r i c a a n d , e v e nt u a l l y , i n t o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s . I n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , I M U S A t r a n s c e n d e d b e i n g a m e r e k i t c h e n w a r e p r o v i d e r ; i t b e c a m e a c u l t u r a l t o u c h s t o n e f o r H i s p a n i c a n d e t h n i c c o m m u n i t i e s ,

Fast & Fresh in Only Six Minutes

Gone are the days of waiting 45+ minutes for your pie just to receive the wrong order With Piezano, you can make exactly what you want, whenever y o u w a n t , r i g h t a t h o m e W h e t h e r you’re vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or a devoted meat lover, you can customize a pie to your liking Or cook quesadillas, calzones and more inside It’s easy to make pizza the way you want it! Add your favorite toppings to your pizza, place it in Piezano and in six short minutes, you’ll have a delicious, crispy pie that’s ready to eat

décor and grilling tools

T h e s e k i t c h e n u t e n s i l s , g a d g e t s and equipment are designed to make food preparation, cooking and serving more efficient, precise and enjoyable From basic utensils like spatulas and c u t t i n g b o a r d s t o s p e c i a l i z e d c h o pp i n g , g r a t i n g , s t o r a g e a n d s e r v i n g gadgets, kitchen essentials play a crucial role in facilitating cooking, meal prep and successful entertaining

D e c o r a t i v e T i n s & F o o d - s a f e C o n t a i n e r s : f o o d - s a f e a l u m i n u m f o i l tins, bags and boxes

facturer and supplier in today’s market?

M H : O p e r a t i n g a s m a l l U S - o w n e d business is not unique to Buddeez and comes with challenges other compan i e s e n c o u n t e r T h e s e t r i b u l a t i o n s include, but or not restricted to, limited resources, larger multi-national competitors who “knock off” our core product line, access to capital for expanding into all the areas we would like to, account management, marketing supp o r t a n d m a i n t a i n i n g a n a d e q u a t e labor force Also, we must continually navigate events outside of our control, which have included a global pandemic, an uncertain geopolitical climate, fluctuations in the raw material and supply chain markets, increased trade e x p e n s e s a n d c h a n g i n g c o n s u m e r behavior due to economic conditions. Despite these obstacles, Buddeez, with its central U.S. base, strives to overcome them by retaining our spirit of

e m b o d y i n g t h e c e l e b r a t i o n a n d p r e s e r v a t i o n o f d i v e r s e c u l i n a r y t r a d it i o n s .

The strategic expansion into the United States wasn't just about geograp h y ; i t e x e m p l i f i e d I M U S A ' s d e e p understanding of its customer base and the unique needs of the Latino community. The U.S. team, reflective of the company’s ethos, brought cultural i n s i g h t , p o s i t i o n i n g I M U S A a s m o r e than a brand; it became an integral part of the cultural fabric of Latinos in the United States.

As IMUSA reaches its 90th year milestone, the journey encapsulates not just the passage of time but a narrative of resilience, growth and adaptation IMUSA adeptly navigated industry

Inside Story

Standing in the cold to make a pie in an outdoor pizza oven is hardly anyone’s idea of fun Piezano lets you take the p i z z a m a k i n g i n d o o r s U n l i k e m o s t p i z z a o v e n s , n o g a s o r w o o d i s required Just plug it into any electrical outlet and you’re ready to bake! It sits r i g h t o n t h e c o u n t e r t o p a l o n g s i d e other kitchen appliances and its compact size won’t take up much space –on the counter or inside your kitchen cabinets Weighing only 8 3 pounds and boasting handy lift handles, taking Piezano anywhere is a breeze Whether

These art-driven foil tins, bags and boxes add a festive touch to gatherings while providing practical solutions for serving and transporting food These containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, featuring vibrant colors and motifs that capture the spirit of every season, event, occasion or celebration From holiday to game day to birthday to every day, D2 Marketing has it all!

I n a d d i t i o n t o o f f e r i n g q u a l i t y a n d selection, D2 Marketing acquires art

entrepreneurship, remaining agile and a commitment to strategic planning

KNHR: How has the dramatic expansion of the e-commerce channel affected Buddeez?

M H : E x p a n s i o n o f t h e e - c o m m e r c e platform has provided Buddeez with increased reach and 24/7 access for our customers, while providing enhanced content and images It helps to bring products to market with lower costs while expanding into new areas

KNHR: What is new for Buddeez in 2024?

MH: Buddeez made a major investment in a state-of-the art manufacturing technology – Injected Stretch Blow Molding – which will be a perfect complement to our existing injection molde d b u s i n e s s . I t p r o v i d e s p r o d u c t i o n capabilities for complimentary product

changes by organically diversifying its product lines. What started with pots and pans expanded into a comprehensive portfolio, encompassing kitchen utensils, electric appliances, cleaning products, coffee essentials and specialty items. Throughout this evolution, IMUSA demonstrated a keen understanding of generational shifts, catering to new audiences with modern coatings, finishes and functionalities a l i g

I

n i v e r s a r y ; i t ’ s a c e l e b r a t i o n o f c u lt u r e a n d a l e g a c y t h a t c o n t i n u e s t o s h a p e k i t c h e n s a n d b r i n g p e o p l e t o g e t h e r . T h e c o m p a n y ’ s c o m m i tm e n t e x t e n d s b e y o n d m e e t i n g d a i l y

you’re in a cozy apartment, a small dorm room or cruising in an RV, pizza night is always on the menu

Piezano transforms pizza making into an enjoyable and hassle-free experience Say goodbye to long wait times and hello to warm, delicious pizzas made right in your own home Upgrade your pizza nights with Piezano and savor the taste of homemade pies, customized to your liking, anytime, anywhere

For more information, go to www buy piezano com or stop by booth #S3635

and ideas through extensive international and domestic travel and will create exclusive private-label products, just for your company Every D2 product is part of a greater plan to accommodate every consumer's taste, style and budget D2’s multi-market knowledge and uncanny ability to combine fashion with function make it the first choice in housewares

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w d 2 m a r k e t i n g l l c c o m o r s t o p b y booth #S3714

categories while allowing us to re-allocate our labor force in other capacities

KNHR: What is Buddeez looking forward to in the future of business?

MH: In the short term, Buddeez is looking forward to a successful first half of 2024, which includes participation in The Inspired Home Show that is one of the year’s highlights for our organization We utilize the show to meet the key trade partners, meet with our independent sales agents and provide continuing industry education for our staff Moving forward, we are looking ahead to growing sales, expanding our assortment, streamlining operations, improving efficiencies and staying ahead of our competition.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w . b u d d e e z . c o m , e m a i l i n f o r @ b u d d e e z .com or call 800.325.9927.

c u l i n a r y n e e d s ; i t i s a c u l i n a r y c o mp a n i o n f o r H i s p a n i c a n d e t h n i c h o u s eh o l d s . I M U S A b r i d g e s t r a d i t i o n w i t h m o d e r n i t y , w e a v i n g t o g e t h e r c u l i n a r y p r a c t i c e s , c u l t u r a l c e l e b r a t i o n s a n d m e m o r a b l e m o m e n t s a r o u n d t h e t a b l e . T h i s a n n i v e r s a r y s e r v e s a s a t e st a m e n t t o e n d u r i n g v a l u e s , i n n o v at i o n a n d a s t e a d f a s t c o m m i t m e n t t o p r e s e r v i n g c u l t u r a l t r a d i t i o n s f o r g e ne r a t i o n s t o c o m e . A s I M U S A l o o k s b a c k o n i t s j o u r n e y , i t a l s o l o o k s f o rw a r d t o a f u t u r e w h e r e i t c o n t i n u e s t o i n s p i r e , c o n n e c t a n d e n r i c h t h e l i v e s o f t h o s e w h o g a t h e r i n k i t c h e n s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d .

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w .imusausa.com or stop by booth #S3200.

Buddeez (Cont’d from p 1)

1)

e n w a r e

e

& H o u s e w a r e s R e v i e w S h o w D a i l y

AIRCARE (Cont’d from p 1)

employees enables AIRCARE to create a m o r e s t r e a m l i n e d w o r k f l o w , g i v i n g customers a more efficient experience C o m b i n i n g p r o d u c t k n o w l e d g e a n d

the ability to proactively address cust o m e r s i s s u e s k e e p s c u s t o m e r s a n d vendors happy

T h e q u a l i t y c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e t e a m a t A I R C A R E p r o d u c e s p o s i t i v e r e v i e w s a n d w o r d - o f - m o u t h r e c o m -

m e n d a t i o n s t h a t c a n l e a d t o n e w b u s i n e s s C u s t o m e r s t e l l t h e i r f r i e n d s , r e l a t i v e s a n d c o l l e a g u e s a n d p o s t o n s o c i a l m e d i a a b o u t t h e s e r v i c e a n d p r o d u c t s A I R C A R E o f f e r s T h e i r c o nt a c t s , i n t u r n , f e e l e n c o u r a g e d t o b u y

A I R C A R E p r o d u c t s T h i s h a s a d i r e c t a n d m e a n i n g f u l i m p a c t o n y o u r p r o fi t a b i l i t y

“I’ll order the deal You have been the best customer service department You guys have been wonder-

biggest hurdle in converting people to more sustainable lifestyles?

ful, and I am incredibly happy,” said c u s t o m e r J e r r y H u g h e s “ A t s o m e point, I need to tell your bosses how helpful and knowledgeable you have all been I run a pretty good size company and I have never seen a customer service department like yours I want to hire you all ”

S i m p l y p u t , A I R C A R E o f f e r s c u s -

t o m e r s e r v i c e t h a t a t t a c h e s v a l u e t o

y o u r c o m p a n y ’ s b r a n d g i v i n g y o u a

c o m p e t i t i v e a d v a n t a g e i n t h e m a r -

Full Circle (Cont’d from p 1) f o r n e w s o l u t i o n s Y o u k n o w t h a t a d a g e “ o n e m a n ’ s t r a s h i s a n o t h e r man’s treasure?” We’ve made things from coconut husks, walnut shells –t h i n g s t h a t p e o p l e d i s c a r d

the top three: affordability, design and function If you could find something t h a t w o r k e d w e l l a n d w a s w e l l designed, it was often cost prohibitive If it was affordable, it was probably pretty unattractive And in the worst cases, it was beautiful and expensive and didn’t work well We designed a line of sustainable products to tackle all three I think that’s at the heart of the brand and helped us gain the cult following we enjoy today

KNHR: What do you find to be the

array of products crafted from highgrade materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, enamel and non-stick aluminum Each piece embodies durability, functionality and style

Aramco imports was founded in 1945. Its history is rooted in a legacy of g e n e r a t i o n a l c u l i n a r y c r a f t s m a n s h i p c o n t i n u o u s l y s t r i v i n g t o r e d e f i n e industry standards. Under the visionary leadership of Aram Soulahian –and now helmed by Viken Soulahian –t h e c o m p a n y h a s b e c o m e s y n o n ym o u s w i t h i n n o v a t i v e d e s i g n a n d superior quality.

“At Aramco Imports, we’re dedicated to curating a range of stylish, highquality cookware and kitchen essen-

ourselves

TC: Price point Everyone aspires to be and do better, but when it comes to buying a product, people often think with their wallets It’s understandable Coming off the period of inflation we’ve recently experienced and the increase in costs across industries, we all need to be thoughtful about how we spend

KNHR: Is Full Circle able to address this issue? If so, how?

TC: Absolutely We’re always looking

tials at accessible price points,” Viken S o u l a h i a n , P r e s i d e n t a n d C h i e f

Executive Officer of Aramco Imports

“We understand that the kitchen is the heart of every home, and our mission is to equip culinary enthusiasts with the tools they need to create memorable dining experiences.”

With a commitment to meeting t h e d i v e r s e n e e d s o f i t s c u s t o m e r s , Aramco Imports serves all communities with an extensive selection of nostalgic products such as comals, molcajetes a n d t o r t i l l a p r e s s e s . T h e c o m p a n y ’ s flagship brand, Alpine Cuisine, offers a comprehensive range of functional yet stylish kitchenware, decorative items and appliances tailored to every household.

Driven by its unwavering dedica-

E n g i n e e r i n g n e w u s e s f o r m a t e r i a l s that would otherwise have no use is s o m e t h i n g t h a t a l l o w s u s t o m a k e things more accessible

KNHR: In service of accessibility, how do you cast the widest net?

T C : Y o u h a v e t o m e e t c o n s u m e r s where they are at If most people want to do better and make the best choices

tion to customer satisfaction, Aramco Imports has expanded its reach globally, with offices in China, Mexico and now, Lebanon As the licensed manuf a c t u r e r a n d d i s t r i b u t o r o f l e a d i n g b r a n d s s u c h a s H a m i l t o n B e a c h , P r o c t o r S i l e x , R o y a l C o o k a n d n o w Ginsu, Aramco Imports continues to cater to diverse clientele across various markets.

From everyday meals to gatherings with family and friends, Aramco I m p o r t s a s p i r e s t o f o s t e r a p o s i t i v e home experience by providing essential tools that empower individuals to e m b r a c e t h e i r c u l i n a r y p a s s i o n s . Cooking is the perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.

W i t h t h e G i n s u p a r t n e r s h i p ,

MÜkitchen (Cont’d from p 4) m a n u f a c t u r e r s “ W e w o r k d i r e c t l y o n e a c h p r o d u c t , ” h e s a y s “ I t ’ s a h i g ht o u c h s t r a t e g y t h a t p a y s o f f i n q u a l it y ”

at i v e m a t e r i a l s i s r e l a t e d t o i t s m e t i cu l o u s a p p r o a c h w i t h s u p p l i e r s a n d

C l o t h e s H a n g e r , D o o r S t e a m B l a n k e t , F o l d a b l e S t e a m B o a r d , L i n n S t e a m B o a r d , L i n n C l o t h e s R a c k C o m p a c t a n d a L i n n D r e s s b o y . L a u r e n R o e l o f s , B r a b a n t i a ’ s C a t e g o r y M a n a g e r f o r L a u n d r y C a r i n g , s a y s , “ M o r e a n d m o r e p e o p l e p r e f e r t o s t e a m c l o t h e s , r a t h e r t h a n i r o n i n g t h e m B u t g e t t i n g a g o o d c r e a s e - f r e e r e s u l t i s n o t a s e a s y a s i t l o o k s E s p e c i a l l y i f y o u w a n t a p r e s s e d l o o k S l e e v e s a r e d i f f i c u l t t o s t e a m p r o p e r l y , b u t b u t t o n s o n b l o u s e s c a n a l s o r e q u i r e e x t r a a t t e nt i o n A n d i t c a n s t i l l t a k e q u i t e a l o n g

t i m e f o r y o u r c l o t h i n g t o b e c o mp l e t e l y u n w r i n k l e d . T h a t i s a p r o bl e m w e s o l v e d w i t h o u r R e f r e s h & S t e a m p r o d u c t s . T h e r a n g e h a s o p t i o n s t h a t a r e s u i t a b l e f o r a l l r e q u i r e m e n t s – t h e S t e a m C l o t h e s H a n g e r i s a c o m p a c t d e s i g n , p e r f e c t f o r s m a l l s p a c e s o r t a k i n g w i t h y o u w h e n y o u t r a v e l T h e r o u n d e d t o p h e l p s y o u s t e a m c o l l a r s a n d s h o u ld e r s w i t h e a s e , a n d t h e r o t a t i n g h o o k a l l o w s y o u t o h a n g i t a n y w h e r e y o u p l e a s e T h e D o o r S t e a m i n g B l a n k e t i s p e r f e c t l y d e s i g n e d f o r y o u t o p u t p r e s s u r e o n t h o s e c r e a s e s W i t h a s u rf a c e a r e a o f 1 9 x 3 9 i n c h e s , y o u ’ l l h a v e

k e t p l a c e L e t t h e c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e t e a m a t A I R C A R E o f f e r y o u r c o ns u m e r s a g r e a t e x p e r i e n c e a n d h e l p s e t y o u r c o m p a n y a p a r t f r o m t h e c o m p e t i t i o n

See the entire line of humidifiers a n d p r o d u c t s a t A I R C A R E b o o t h #N8310

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w aircare com, call 501 562 1094 or stop by booth #N8310

but the bottom line is cost, then we’ve got to find a way to get to that price point And we have I’m particularly excited about it Our Clean Ocean line is forthcoming this year and it’s a line of beautiful cleaning tools made of 100% recycled plastic from old fishing nets that are ‘fished’ out of the ocean You’ll see them soon They’re going to allow people to make a better choice for their home and the planet without sacrificing anything And isn’t that what we all want?

For more information, go to www full circlehome com or stop by booth #S2106

Aramco Imports further solidifies its position as an industry leader, poised to elevate the cooking experience for households worldwide

About Aramco Imports

Founded in 1945, Aramco Imports is a leading provider of high-quality cookware and kitchen essentials. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the company offers a diverse range of products tailored to meet the needs of culinary enthusiasts worldwide. From its flagship brand, Alpine Cuisine, to licensed partnerships with industry leaders, Aramco Imports continues to set the standard for culinary excellence.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w .aramcoimports.com.

a n d d e s i g n s c a n b e v i e w e d a t t h e online catalog at www mukitchen com

A complete listing of new products

p l e n t y o f s p a c e f o r a l l k i n d s o f g a rm e n t s . J u s t u n f o l d t h e b l a n k e t , h a n g i t o n a n y d o o r a n d s t e a m a w a y ! T h e t h i c k m a t e r i a l p r o t e c t s t h e s u r f a c e b e h i n d i t f r o m h e a t a n d m o i s t u r e , a n d s t a y s f i r m l y i n p l a c e , t h a n k s t o i t s h o o k s . T h e F o l d a b l e S t e a m B o a r d c o mb i n e s t h e q u a l i t i e s o f b o t h t h e S t e a m C l o t h e s H a n g e r a n d t h e D o o r S t e a m i n g b l a n k e t – t h e r o t a t a b l e h o o k a l l o w s y o u t o h a n g i t a n y w h e r e , b u t i t s 1 7 5 x 3 3 5 - i n c h b o d y m e a n s y o u c a n a p p l y p r e s s u r e t o t h o s e p e s k y w r i n k l e s a l l t h e w a y d o w n y o u r

g a r m e n t I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e s e s t e a m i n g

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w mukitchen com or stop by booth #S504

s t a r s , B r a b a n t i a i s a d d i n g a L i n n

Clothes Rack Compact to its existing Linn range, Linn Dressboy for super stylish clothes airing and a Linn Steam Board – designed to fit on all Linn

d Large), upgrading the stylish Linn into a multi-functional furniture piece for drying, airing and de-wrinkling your clothes Just mount the steam board using the Velcro straps, adjust it to your ideal working height and steam away

Aramco Imports (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Brabantia (Cont’d from p 4)