Pacific Trade International, Inc.
Dear friends, When we began Chesapeake Bay Candle, I knew my passion for fashion and people—and providing design solutions to the needs and desires they may have not yet realized—would define my future work and new company. Realizing the products I wished for in my own home could not be found in stores, helped define the fresh and contemporary feel of our developing brand. Now, after years of experience in the home fragrance industry, I have learned that one of the most rewarding things about our candle creations is not the stylish designs and unique, nature-inspired fragrances Chesapeake Bay Candle is known for, but the connections our products provide in the lives of consumers. Involved in celebrations and events worth remembering, our candles and home décor help enhance the occasions that create the most joyous memories—the memories that define our lives. Naturally, we felt inspired by this heartwarming aspect and adapted our company’s mission statement accordingly: Enhancing life’s every occasion and creating beautiful memories with a passionate global team. As our customers continue to experience our products during the most exciting moments of life, we are continually inspired and renewed by their happiness and take great pride--that through our candles--we have contributed to such times of joy. And, we live by our core values to ensure those opportunities continue.
Mei Xu Creator & President
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The Power of Fragrance & Design Early on, Pacific Trade International found its niche
personality. Unique alliances
in the marketplace as a consumer-inspired company
with the best fragrance vendors
focused on fragrance and driven by design. The
in the U.S. and Europe allow us
ability to provide fully integrated services in consumer
to bring sophisticated, multi-
research, comparative market research, and product
note scents to the market at
design and development has played a critical role in
affordable pricing.
our success.
Creating Objects of Desire Known as a design and fragrance leader within the
With a keen understanding that
industry, today we are trusted by brand partners for
design has the power to turn products
our expertise in consumer trends, identified through
into objects of desire, our packaging is fresh
a unique global research process. Anchoring each of
and natural in look and feel, reflecting our brand
our collections is a macro trend, which responds to
heritage. Global trend research including domestic
consumer attitudes and reflects trends in fragrance,
and international trade show and store visits, as
color, design, and texture relevant to our industry.
well as analyzing the latest trends in fashion, the arts, and pop culture add a modern twist.
Fragrance First Our product design and development method focuses
Our combined efforts in consumer and market
foremost on a deep understanding of the magnificent
research and trend forecasting result in a consumer-
power of scent; a strategic process we call our
inspired, trend-forward, highly saleable product
Fragrance First philosophy. With each collection
portfolio designed to capture the hearts and minds
initiated by aromatics, every Chesapeake Bay Candle
of today’s savvy consumer.
line offers a well-balanced fragrance assortment –providing a captivating scent for every taste and
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THE POWER OF FRAGRANCE AND DESIGN
Corporate Trends
Mood Board
Fragrance Board
Our combined efforts in consumer and market research and trend forecasting result in a consumer-inspired, trend-forward, highly saleable product portfolio designed to capture the hearts and minds of today’s savvy consumer.
Final Product
High Fashion Inspiration
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Product Portfolio Known as the home fragrance brand synonymous with stylish design and unique, nature-inspired fragrances, Chesapeake Bay Candle collections offer the following product categories:
Pillar Candles When it comes to decorating and entertaining, our pillar candles are an excellent choice for any occasion – whether you are looking to create a chic centerpiece for an elegant dinner party or exquisite ambiance Ceramic Jar Candle
for an outdoor gathering with friends. Available in a broad spectrum of colors, shapes, sizes, finishes and fragrances, the possibilities of Chesapeake Bay
Jar Candles
Candle pillar combinations are endless.
Easy to use, and a perfect option for decorating with fragrance, jar candles are always a hit. Unlike pillar candles which need to hold their shape, jar candles can rely on the support of a vessel, meaning the wax formulas used in jar candles can be enriched with a higher fragrance load. Available in a variety of stylish vessels, from clear and tinted glass to matte and glossed ceramic, jar candles are a fundamental part of any Chesapeake Bay Candle collection.
Boxed High Fragrance Candles Inspired by luxury candles available exclusively at high-end boutiques, Chesapeake Bay Candle’s boxed high fragrance candles are an affordable indulgence. Designed to offer a rejuvenating escape at home, every boxed high fragrance candle makes an awe-inspiring gift that is sure to be well-received and cherished by friends and family. Assorted Pillar Candles
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PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Boxed High Fragrance Candle
Gift Sets
Alternative Home Fragrance
Created as a gifting solution for every occasion
As home fragrance is becoming an essential part of
and event, gift sets are a part of most Chesapeake
interior lifestyle, Chesapeake Bay Candle collections
Bay Candle collections. Offered in several unique
also include flame-free home fragrance alternatives
fragrance and style options, a gift set allows its
for environments that may not be compatible with
recipient to sample anywhere from two to five
candles. Including reed diffusers, room sprays,
Chesapeake Bay Candle fragrances. Packaged in
scented oils, potpourri sets, scented stones, and
captivating gift boxes, our gift sets often include
more, our alternative home fragrance menu is full of
items such as candles, holders, accessories or home
safe alternatives to candles that are just as inviting.
fragrance items depending on the specific category and price point.
Reed Diffuser Set
Votive Gift Set
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Custom Design & Development Program With the capability to produce an extensive range of
Wicks
home fragrance products for various customers and
We only use 100% cotton, lead-free wicks.
price points, we also offer a special custom design and development program. In fact, Pacific Trade
Candle Finishes
International has a track-record of conceptualizing,
A wide variety of custom-designed finishes including
designing, developing and producing best-selling,
layered, mottled, satin and iced, amongst others,
custom-made home fragrances for some of the most
help our products shine.
recognized national retailers.
Candle Vessels
Partner Dedication
We offer glass and ceramic vessels in a variety of
Our promise is to make our customers’ needs top
different styles, from organic and modern shapes to
priority at all times. We begin every new partnership by
classic and casual styles.
achieving an intimate understanding of our customer’s business and business goals. Next, dedicated account
Candle Accessories
managers work with our in-house marketing, product
Our value-adding attachments such as ribbons,
design and development, sourcing, and logistics
crystals and beads in a well-edited assortment of
departments to provide a tailored solution for every
styles match our vessels and finishes.
customer’s objectives.
Labeling Capabilities Whether you are looking for a fashion-forward lifestyle
Ranging from paper and film substrates with four
collection or a basic wax candle and home fragrance line,
color printing to special effects such as metallic
Pacific Trade International has the expertise, resources,
printing and hot foil stamping, our labels can keep
and partnerships to provide solutions that will inspire
up with great designs.
your customers and accelerate business growth.
Packaging Capabilities
Fragrance Menu
We offer acetate, paper, recycled paper and shrink-
We offer a well-balanced assortment of sophisticated
wrap as packaging options for our products.
multi-note scents and best-selling customer favorites representing all fragrance families and providing a captivating scent for every taste and personality.
Waxes Our meticulously edited assortment of paraffin, soy and vegetable blend formulas are all created and tested for optimal function.
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CUSTOM DESIGN
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Global Strategy With operational headquarters based in Rockville, Maryland and Asian headquarters in Hangzhou, China, Pacific Trade International has a total of six global locations and employs more than two thousand people worldwide.
North American Headquarters Overseeing all business strategy including product design and development, sales and operations, and marketing, our Rockville headquarters works hand in hand with our Asian management in Hangzhou, China.
Asian Headquarters Our Asian headquarters is a driving force behind product innovation, research and development, and also specializes in the production of home fragrance alternatives and home dĂŠcor goods. Collaborating closely with the PTI Sourcing Center in Shanghai, it houses our regional Sales Office and a Design Studio, as well.
Lab technician working on a candle formula
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GLOBAL STRATEGY
Design meeting with Chesapeake Bay Candle creator Mei Xu
Quality control meeting
Chesapeake Bay Candle CEO David Wang
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Global Enterprise our locations and organizational structure PACIFIC TRADE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (Rockville, MD, USA)
Product Design & Development, Research & Development, Marketing, Sales, Sourcing, Operations
CHESAPEAKE BAY CANDLE CO. (Glen Burnie, MD, USA)
ASIAN CANDLE COMPANY (Haiphong, Vietnam)
Manufacturing, Research & Development, Distribution Center, Warehousing. Manufacturing of Filled Vessels, Home Fragrance Alternatives. Manufacturing, Research & Development. Manufacturing of Filled Vessels for European Countries, Gift Sets.
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PTI DESIGN & SOURCING CENTER (Shanghai, China)
Sourcing and Design
AROMA CONSUMER PRODUCTS
(Hangzhou, China)
Design, Research & Development, Sourcing, Manufacturing. Manufacturing of Gift Sets, Home Fragrance Alternatives, Home Decor.
AROMA BAY CANDLE (Haiphong, Vietnam)
Manufacturing, Research & Development. Manufacturing of Pillar Candles, Tea Lights, Votives
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Global Production “Our goal is to provide our clients with what they want, when they want it. Today’s consumers are smart shoppers that demand instant gratification. They will not wait if a product is out of stock. Candles are about passion, and passion cannot wait.”
To fulfill our promise of delivering premium products and services to retailers and consumers in the U.S. and around the globe, we have established vertically integrated operations and a unique network of global vendor partners. Today, we own four factories, each of which is ISO 9001 certified and equipped with state-ofthe-art machinery, allowing every location to specialize in the production of different product categories.
Our U.S. Factory Based in Glen Burnie, Maryland, our first domestic manufacturing facility opened in June 2011, and
Co-Owner and President of Pacific Trade International, Mei Xu, discusses the increase in our speed to market and service capabilities through the establishment of our domestic factory.
produces an extensive range of filled vessel goods through
standardized,
automated
production
processes. Equipped with a state-of-the art research and development center, as well as burn testing and fragrance evaluation labs, the Glen Burnie location also houses an impressive warehouse and operates a distribution center within its 117,200 square feet of space.
Our Factories in China and Vietnam Our first factory was established in 1995 in Hangzhou, China and continues to manufacture home fragrance alternatives such as reed diffusers, room sprays and oil warmers as well as gift sets and home décor items, today. Meanwhile, our most artisanal candle products – pillar candles in an impressive range of sizes and finishes, votives, tea lights, and gift sets – are produced by our two manufacturing facilities in Haiphong, Vietnam. A broad range of the artisanal wax products manufactured at Aroma Bay Candle and Asian Candle Company are hand-made by skilled candle artisans.
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GLOBAL PRODUCTION
Candle artisan in our factory in Vietnam
Quality control team at our U.S. factory
Candle production at our U.S. factory
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Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is one of Pacific Trade International’s
For 2010 and 2011, Chesapeake Bay Candle partnered
core values and an integral component of the company’s
with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest
philosophy, spirit and culture.
breast cancer research movement. Through this initiative, Chesapeake Bay Candle proudly introduced a
It was in the late 1980s-- long before Pacific Trade
special collection of candles inspired by the thousands
International was established-- that Mei Xu took on an
of women that have heroically battled breast cancer,
internship-turned-job as a Project Coordinator at the
as well as the loved ones that have held their hands
World Bank, working to implement water systems for
throughout the fight. As we inspire, imagine, and hope
those less fortunate. Traveling to countries such as
for the cure, one dollar from every candle sold goes to
Bangladesh, Mongolia, Sweden and Britain, she not
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
only discovered a love for travel and other cultures, but a strong passion for social work, as well.
Today, social responsibility is one of Pacific Trade International’s core values and an integral component of the company’s philosophy, spirit and culture.
Today, we believe it is our obligation as a successful company to give back to our community and support charitable organizations. We have a history of supporting groups with which we have a special connection,
including
The
Committee
of
200,
Vital Voices Global Partnership, Meridian International Center, National Gallery of Art, Children’s National Medical Center, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and Muscular Dystrophy Association.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
in association with
The Chesapeake Bay Candle – Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Collection
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Our Story Established by husband-and-wife team Mei Xu and
basics of candle making at his offices in New Jersey.
David Wang, Pacific Trade International is a fully
Bubbling with anticipation, the small team returned to
integrated global marketer of candles, home fragrance,
Annapolis, Maryland and used Campbell’s soup cans
and home décor products and the company behind
as molds in the basement of their home to create their
one of the most popular candle brands in the country
first candles.
and around the world: Chesapeake Bay Candle.
A Brand is Born In early 1994, Mei and David both resigned from their
Leaving out the additive needed to create a seamless
jobs to follow their entrepreneurial spirits and establish
satin finish, Mei, David and Richard coincidentally
Pacific Trade International. To get started, friends and
created a mottled texture that would later become a
family in China assisted them in importing a variety of
Chesapeake Bay Candle signature look.
products for the home. After a successful exhibition at the Charlotte Gift Fair in North Carolina, one product
With a striking, contemporary collection and an
stood out from everything else: candles.
established network of retailers, only one thing was missing: a name for their soon-to-be successful brand.
With a long list of new customers and more than ninety thousand dollars worth of orders in hand, their products
Mesmerized and inspired by the beauty of the
became available in about one hundred doors by the
Chesapeake Bay shoreline near their home, they
end of 1994.
decided to pay tribute and named the collection Chesapeake Bay Candle.
Finding Design Inspiration in Frankfurt A few months later at Europe’s largest gift fair -- the
Forging Partnerships
Ambiente show in Frankfurt -- Mei noticed interior
By
lifestyle goods in refreshing contemporary styles
appointments with retailers such as Bed Bath &
and modern pop colors like mango, lime green, and
Beyond, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom to show
lavender dancing before her eyes. Remembering the
off her first line of hand-made candles. Blessed with
dull home departments she had explored in Manhattan
success, it seemed no matter where the candles were
stores, Mei realized she had truly discovered a void in
presented, buyers demanded them for their stores.
the American market.
Over the course of the years, Chesapeake Bay Candle
the
spring
of
1995,
Mei
was
scheduling
went on to establish partnerships with America’s most Discussing her findings back in the United States,
renowned retailers including Target, Kohl’s, Bed Bath &
she was introduced to Peter French, owner of French
Beyond and Hallmark.
Color and Fragrance Company, who invited Mei, David, and their first partner, Richard Zhu, to come learn the
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OUR STORY
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Our Journey The history of Chesapeake Bay Candle
1996 - National Presence Department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, specialty stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, and numerous independent retail stores now carry Chesapeake Bay Candle.
1997 - Bullseye Chesapeake Bay Candle becomes available at Target. It is the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership resulting in significant business growth for both brand and retail partner.
1994 – A Brand Is Born
2000 – Fast & Furious
1994 - A Brand Is Born
2000 - Fast & Furious
Husband-and-wife team Mei Xu and David Wang establish Pacific Trade International and create signature home fragrance brand, Chesapeake Bay Candle, using Campbell soup cans as candle molds. The success story begins.
Experiencing astonishing average annual growth, Inc. magazine recognizes Pacific Trade International in the years 2000 and 2001 as one of America’s fastest growing privately owned companies.
1995 - Global Enterprise
2001 - State Of The Art
After working with external candle vendors for more than a year, Mei convinces her sister to open a manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, China -- the foundation for the company’s system of vertically integrated operations.
Responding to tremendous growth, Pacific Trade International relocates the factory in Hangzhou, China to a new state-of-the-art facility also housing a design studio, sourcing center and showroom/sales office.
1997 – Bullseye
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THE HISTORY OF CHESAPEAKE BAY CANDLE
Since 1994, Pacific Trade International has built the reputation of a consumer-inspired, design and fragrance driven company. This timeline presents the milestones throughout our company history.
2010 - A Candle For The First Lady
2004 - Vietnam
The White House invites Mei to create a candle exclusively for First Lady Michelle Obama. Designed as a special gift for foreign dignitaries, the Chesapeake Bay Candle White House Candle is included in a gift basket presented to the guests of the First Lady’s farm-to-table event held on September 24, 2010.
As the result of continuous and rapid business growth, Pacific Trade International opens a second manufacturing facility, Aroma Bay Candle, based in Haiphong, Vietnam.
2007 - Shanghai Expanding the reach of our sourcing efforts, Pacific Trade International opens a sourcing center in Shanghai. The Center cultivates close relationships with vendor partners throughout Asia and works to diversify the sourced goods product menu.
2011 - U.S. Factory
Pacific Trade International opens its first U.S. production and distribution facility in Glen Burnie, Maryland -- near the Chesapeake Bay, close to our roots.
2011 – U.S. Factory
2010 – A Candle For The First Lady
2007 - Three’s Company Pacific Trade International opens its third manufacturing facility, Asian Candle Company, also based in Haiphong, Vietnam.
2010 - National Branding At Kohl’s Kohl’s introduces an impressive sixteen-foot, floor-to-ceiling branded Chesapeake Bay Candle hutch elevating their home department and increasing departmental business growth. 2010 – National Presence at Kohl’s
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Our Mission Enhancing life’s every occasion and creating beautiful memories with a passionate global team.
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Our Core Values We are passionate. We are determined. We are innovative. We deliver quality and service. We invest in a talented team. We care about giving back to our community. We celebrate success. 21
Pacific Trade International, Inc. 5515 Security Lane, Suite 1100 Rockville, Maryland 20852 Ph: 1.800.331.8339 | Fax: 301.816.4220 www.chesapeakebaycandle.com | like us on facebook follow us on