NEW PRODUCTS (cont. from 1) The days of the one-size-fits-all cookware set has passed, said Reigle, and today’s consumer wants just those pieces that will work for them and serve a specific purpose. While the company had all the different configurations in its lineup, this is the first time they are offering smaller sets and more mix-andmatch opportunities. Function is certainly at the heart of many of the new items found in the Frieling USA lineup, which offered scales that not only weigh food, but have added features such as a timer and clock, iPhone and iPod nano charger, and another that weighs liquids and solids and has a detachable, dishwasher-safe mug. In all, said President Bernard Schnacke, the company introduced 180 new items at the show after experiencing a 17 percent sales
increase last year. Along with the upscale scales were cleaning products, a good-betterbest range of coffee filters, teapots, bakeware and a line of reusable water bottles that are acid resistant. Beauty plus function is often found in the cutlery arena, with high-concept designs melded with the latest blade-making technology. Nina Dols, marketing communications manager at Zwilling JA Henckels presented the Miyabi 600 MC and 600 Pro Series with amboyna burl wood handles. The knives, developed with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, are made with German steel that is shipped to Japan where they are then created, she said. The wood used in the handle is the same as found on the dashboards of Rolls-Royce cars, she added. But like many companies, a lower-priced line of similar knives, the 600 S Series is also offered to span the needs of retailers and consumers.
Hydration was the buzzword at the show as dozens of manufacturers offered different options for drinking on the go. Design for Living’s bottle made of Tritan and stainless steel was created so the drinking surface didn’t include the threads that keep the cap on the bottle. A to-go mug from Cuisinart offered 360-degree drinkability, so there was no longer the need to find the spout. The trend toward stainless steel drinkware was displayed by the Aladdin company, which also offered bottles made of recycled plastics, BPA-free materials and lunch kits for diners on the move. Takeya USA’s high-end water bottle is a combination of glass with a colorful silicone jacket as protection. While function reigned at many booths, in the gadget area in particular, manufacturers let their imaginations soar with “why didn’t I think of that” products. This ranged from
the hot dog and burger stuffers from Farberware to its rock-paper-scissors kitchen shears. There was no shortage of products meant to tackle tasks related to preparing fruits and vegetables. Under the KitchenAid brand was a footed garlic slicer/grater and interlocking corncob holders. Misto offered a lettuce chopper with a squeegee attachment. Farberware had various peelers that could stack, save the peelings or tackle hard or soft skin produce. Pedrini’s grater was a three-inone version that twisted to offer different grating surfaces. Dutch company Vacu Vin’s kitchen tools included a strawberry huller, citrus peeler and an egg pillow. Color is often considered the flair element in the kitchenware industry, and many lines showed that fashion flair with colorful introductions. Homer Laughlin China Co., makers of the Fiesta line of dinnerware and accessories, debuted paprika as its new color, combining it in place settings with existing hues of ivory, chocolate, lemongrass and turquoise. There were also additions to its anniversary line, which marks the 75th year of business for the company. The limited edition line in marigold was extended with a two-piece prep bowl set.
Over at Lifetime Brands, they showcased new KitchenAid colors, including candy apple red, wineberry, artichoke, sangria and wild mushroom. Meyer’s KitchenAid teakettles debuted in soft colors such as lilac, cantaloupe and sky blue. Imusa, a line started in Colombia and aimed at the Hispanic market and those interested in traditional Latin cooking, spiced up its color assortment with tropical blue, saffron, cilantro and pepper. French-style stoneware from Bonjour took on the primary palette in shades of red, yellow, blue and chocolate. But champagne-colored bakeware from KitchenAid found at the Meyer booth raised baking cookies to a new level of sophistication. The color is used in the Architect series, which is one of the top lines in a good-better-best array of bakeware. Architect cookware repeated this fashion note with three sets in stainless with copper, hard anodized and stainless clad that featured a cocoa metallic band on the silver cookware. 10
Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • MAY 2010
www.kitchenwarenews.com