Scan Magazine, Issue 114, July 2018

Page 56

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OF E K e ST AR Sp A T A ENM D lT

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Passing through the hands of generations For more than a century, Gense has been one of the leading providers of cutlery in Scandinavia. Combining design and functionality, the Swedish-founded company has been passed through the hands of generation after generation. By Signe Hansen  |  Photos: Gense

It is rare to find a company that is as focused on cutlery as Gense. Founded in Eskilstuna, Sweden, in 1856, the company began producing silver cutlery in 1915. In 1930, the production of stainless steel cutlery began and, in 1975, Gense opened in Denmark. “Many people buy our cutlery because they’ve seen it at their parents’ or grandparents’ place – it’s full circle,” explains Jesper Hansen of Gense Denmark. “Most of our bestsellers in Denmark are cutlery sets that have a long history; they have been made in Denmark for more than a century and became part of Gense following mergers in the 20th century.” 56  |  Issue 114  |  July 2018

While most companies producing cutlery today do so as part of a larger production of interior design and kitchenware items, Gense has retained a firm focus on cutlery production. In doing so, the company has gained not only a wide customer base across Scandinavia, but also the title of Purveyor to the Royal Court of Sweden.

Classic design Through the years, Gense has never aimed to reinvent the concept of knife and fork, but has rather maintained a steady focus on creating cutlery of exclusive design and quality. The majority of Gense’s

products are therefore designed either by one of the company’s own designers, or by designers with royalty deals. “We invest a lot of time and resources into creating a unique design – it’s not just a matter of finding a standard cut and stamping our logo on it. This is why our cutlery is typically bought by people who want to be a bit special, to have something that all their neighbours don’t necessarily have,” explains Hansen. “Cutlery is not a hugely complex product, but it’s also about providing products of a high quality and about providing a good service to both our traders and our end-users.”

Big knives and new colours One of Gense’s best-selling ranges in the Danish market is the Gense Old Farmer grill cutlery, which has recently been expanded with the Old Farmer XL grill knife.


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