KitchenWare INTERNATIONAL
June 2022
2
134
www.kitchenware.international
Silver ions antibacterial protection www.sambonet.com
PHOTO BY CLAUDIO TAJOLI
Any moment of the day can be a gourmet experience. Now also Midnight.
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Kitchenware Team
KitchenWare INTERNATIONAL
EDITOR MAIREAD WILMOT mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk
PUBLISHER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk
CHAIRMAN MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk
Published by Lema Publishing Ltd. 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness Berkhamsted Herts HP4 2UB Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930 www.kitchenware.international
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A
s Exclusively approaches – the BHETA-organised tradeshow which celebrates homewares in all its different guises – this issue of Kitchenware International highlights some of the top-tier assortments which will be on show at the London-based event. Running on 14 and 15 June, Exclusively gives buyers from both multiples and independents the opportunity to see must-have collections. And there is some incentive too, BHETA are offering a £75 travel cost incentive and a £100 discount voucher for all independents who place orders over £300 at the show. Brands such as Addis, Le Creuset, Tala, Taylor’s Eye Witness and Viners are all launching product alongside exhibitors such as Masterpan and Savernake Knives. You’ll find our three-page preview from pg 22. Speaking of knives, we run an interview with BHETA’s Will Jones who discusses the impact of the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 which came into force on 6 April. BHETA has been busy working with Amefa (UK), Arthur Price, Burton McCall, Fiskars (UK), Fackelmann Brands, GEH, Grunwerg, Haus, Kuhn Rikon, Meyer Group, Rayware, Robert Welch, Sabichi, Taylors Eye Witness, Asda. Dunelm, Elys of Wimbledon, Gastronomy, Harts of Stur, Lakeland, ProCook, Robert Dyas, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets and TK Maxx on keeping suppliers briefed on the legislation. “The biggest challenge presented by OWA2019 to both suppliers and retailers is its lack of clarity regarding exactly what the definition of ‘bladed item’ is when it comes to considering what products are now deemed age-restricted sales. This means that the costly – but not necessarily unreasonable – measures
that both suppliers and retailers have taken to comply with the Act may not in fact fully address what could happen in practice. Meanwhile Trading Standards and the police are also trying their best to interpret the legislation sensibly. The result is that the whole industry is left in confusion,” Will tells us. You’ll find our interview on page 32. Meanwhile, Sambonet introduce us to its Midnight Blue collection on page 12 – using clever silver-ion technology this is an exceptional range. Speaking of exceptional, we interview Simon Coyle, founder and CEO of award-winning digital platform Product Guru, as he tells us about how they are connecting brands with buyers on page 20. A man who certainly knows about brands is Le Biscuit’s global sourcing coordinator Everson Moreira Santos. With 140 stores throughout Brazil, the retailer is a serious operator in the South American country. Everson talks to us about how they keep product fresh and focused on page 16. We also explore categories such as cookware (pg 18) and look at trends such as bright accent pieces (pg 14) and smartly designed kitchen aids (pg34). See you at Exclusively!
Sambonet introduce us to its Midnight Blue collection – using clever silver-ion technology this is an exceptional range
Mairead Wilmot
CONTENTS 8 News 10 Product news 12 Sambonet on Midnight Blue 14 Trend: bold n’ bright pieces 16 Retail: Le Biscuit 18 Cookware: a focus
22 Show Preview: Exclusively 28 Show Preview: Atlanta 30 Show Preview: Las Vegas 32 Interview: BHETA on knife legislation 34 Trend: smart design for the kitchen
news Hestan Culinary awarded 2022 Red Dot Award for Excellence Hestan Culinary, the premium cookware brand, has received a 2022 Red Dot Product Design Award for its Thomas Keller Insignia Collection. Informed and influenced by chef Thomas Keller’s 27 years helming America’s most acclaimed restaurants, Hestan Culinary’s Insignia Collection was created with both top chefs and home cooks in mind. Chef Keller designed and curated the cookware to elevate the cooking experience and deliver exceptional performance with beautiful durability. “This cookware owes its high functionality to a coherently thought-out
design concept and is also pleasing on account of its elegant, sinuous lines,” said the Red Dot Jury. “We’re thrilled to be recognized by Red Dot for our Insignia collection with industry leader chef Keller,” said Stanley Cheng, Hestan Culinary’s founder and CEO. “We worked closely with chef Keller to bring his vision to life, creating a collection that marries state-of-the-art craftmanship with exceptional durability to offer the highest standard of culinary performance. This collection seeks to innovate the cookware space, including the no-gap handle, an engineering marvel in itself.”
Kitchenware Tower launches features in new eco-friendly brand Joules collection The new Joules Bright Side collection, brought to us by Pure Table Top, features an assortment of kitchenware items. The bold range features five canine characters in a vivid colour palette. The new collection includes a fine china breakfast range featuring cereal bowls, side plates, egg cups, ‘cuppa’ mugs, espresso mugs and tea pots; kitchen and table linens – tea towels, oven gloves, aprons, tea cosy; table mats and coasters plus a range of kitchen storage.
Natural Life is a new eco-friendly housewares brand launched by Tower, developed to help consumers lead a more sustainable life. The initial launch, Natural Life Home Utility, introduces eco-friendly cleaning products to the UK housewares market. The brand has collaborated with the WeForest organisation, pledging to donate two per cent of profits from each sale to drive the restoration of forests across the globe. Natural Life also commits to positive change by utilising more natural and recyclable materials that are free from throwaway plastics. Materials have been carefully considered, with production processes limited wherever possible to ensure the product and packaging have minimal impact on the environment, from manufacture through to disposal.
Did you know? US consumers spent $2.1B on food preservation and storage products in the 12 months ending February 2022, up 36 per cent versus two years ago, according to NPD’s continual tracking of home industry retail sales. 6 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
5 mins with… Strix
Graeme Rodger, category manager, Strix talks energy prices, trends and growth Are rising energy prices having an impact on your business? We have experienced the same challenges as other manufacturers, but what’s also clear is that energy price rises are also an opportunity to innovate to help consumers deal with the pressures of high energy costs. The sharp rise in the cost of living has put appliance related energy consumption into sharp focus, so we’ve invested in ideas which allow people to use less resources and less energy whilst doing simple things like making a hot drink. It’s easy to dismiss simple acts as making a cup of tea as unimportant to the wider issues of energy use, but actually everyday consumers in the UK alone boil 70 million litres of water that they don’t need, so a kettle is one of the main ways in which consumers waste energy in the home. Our Hot Water on Demand (HWoD) solutions help our customers save energy whilst using only exactly the amount of water you need. Using our Laica brand we’ve also developed a series of vacuum solutions to help consumers reduce their food waste and enhance the lifespan of perishable goods.”
Retailer Sur La Table and American knife manufacturer Steelport make history Sur La Table has made history by being the only US premium retailer to carry an American cutlery brand, STEELPORT Knife Co. Until this partnership, there were no American-made knives available at any premium national kitchenware retailers. STEELPORT, a small team handcrafting American-forged Carbon Steel cutlery in Portland, Oregon, now have their full line of five essential kitchen knives and select accessories available for purchase at 21 Sur La Table retail locations nationwide and online, as of May this year. “American-made cutlery will now have more visibility than ever before, finally able to broadly present American premium craftsmanship to those customers who value a modern heirloom,” says STEELPORT founder and CEO Ron Khormaei. “We created STEELPORT with the mission of reintroducing American-forged cutlery on a national, accessible scale, and our partnership with the wellrespected Sur La Table is a monumental step towards accomplishing that goal.”
Tradestock to distribute Pebbly
What is trending in the kitchen sector for 2022? The role of the kitchen has changed significantly over the years, shifting from being purely a functional space to the social hub of the home, and for many, a central entertaining space. As a result, the design of kitchen appliances has had to follow suit, becoming more design-led and decorative, with a focus on natural materials and colours inspired by the outdoors. These products are expected to perform well, look good but also be unobtrusive, so that’s why we’ve focused on reducing noise for example, our Aurora 3-in-1 has been awarded a ‘Quiet Mark’ for being one of the quietest appliances in its category. That focus on making some changes to appliance design which ‘improve the home environment’, is a key part of our strategy. The pandemic kickstarted a renewed interest in wellness and that is a theme we are seeing strongly reflected in product design and function. Global price increases and a focus on climate change means that sustainability is an influential trend on appliance design that looks set to stay long term. Consumers are better informed and focus on the bigger picture, so as well as an appliance that saves energy or resources, they’re also looking for that to be produced sustainably and presented in greener packaging materials.
Are you seeing growth in any markets or sectors? We are seeing sustained growth in our beverage station/hot water on demand categories under our Aqua Optima brand, as well as encouraging growth in our vacuum range under our Laica brand. These product categories have a strong focus on sustainable living which we believe is a key market driver.
Ulster Weavers Jubilee tea towel a hit Ulster Weavers commemorative Jubilee tea towel has been a hit with consumers, with sales quadrupling what was originally anticipated ahead of the UK’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June. As Queen Elizabeth II marks the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, brands have released a vast collection of memorabilia and merchandise, among them Ulster Weavers, whose commemorative linen tea towel significantly exceeded demand. Aligned to the year-long celebration, demand for Ulster Weavers limited-edition tea towel, which is available through a range of retailers throughout the UK, US, and Europe, has been more than quadruple what was originally envisaged.
Tradestock has taken on the UK and Ireland distribution of Pebbly – with Exclusively being the first introduction to trade. “I’m delighted to announce our new connection with the Pebbly brand, particularly as I know founders Nicolas and Amy well, share completely their sustainability principles and admire the functionality and French chic of their products. Pebbly fits perfectly into our portfolio of brands that we offer to the UK and Ireland and will be targeted towards quality independent cook-shops, department stores, garden centres and stores that specialise in organic foods,” says Keith Nye, managing director of Tradestock.
KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 9
News Products
Gibson Homewares
partners with retailer Sur La Table Gibson Homewares has partnered with American kitchenware retailer Sur La Table on a highly anticipated retail collection. The collection features a wide range of cookware, cutlery and kitchen tools, as well as tabletop, serveware, food storage and more. The collection is intended to expand the brand beyond just the select Sur La Table retail stores and into the most popular retail channels throughout the country, said David Nicklin, Gibson’s senior vice president of marketing. It targets at-home chefs with a refined taste for high-end housewares. Sur la Table is a highly recognized name among professionals and kitchenware aficionados across the country. The outlet now includes dozens of stores that host popular cooking classes in-store and online. For better positioning and distribution in the market, there will be two brands – Sur La Table and Sur La Table Kitchen Essentials.
Did you know?
Retailer Sur LA Table began in 1972, and can be traced back to a tiny shop at Seattle’s Pike Place Market where the Starbucks brand was also born.
Kilner in a real pickle
Spotlight on… Sambonet Sambonet’s new Midnight Blue collection is an assortment of frying pans, saucepans, casseroles, woks and steak pans – a full range for all cooking surfaces, including induction. Perfect for all preparations – roasting, braising, stewing or simply heating – these tools are oven-safe, up to 200°C. Turn to page 12 to learn more.
10 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Kilner has introduced a new Pickle Jar and Lifter – ideal for fans of the fermented food. The jar has a unique lifter design that drains away the vinegar and brine, allowing you to serve straight away. Ideal for pickled onions, beetroot, gherkins and cauliflower florets, this set is suitable for processing using the water bath method and following the recipe instructions. The jar features a two-piece lid system comprising a tin disc and screw band to ensure a secure vacuum seal is achieved, keeping the contents fresher for longer. With a one litre / 1000ml capacity, which is perfect for pickling and preserving large, whole fruits and vegetables, the wider opening allows for easy filling and decanting.
On the edge
With knives an important part of any kitchen retailer’s offering, we highlight some available to market MasterClass
Inspired by… florals With floral continuing to be in vogue, Price & Kensington’s set of two cake tins – boasting a pretty dried floral motif – are bang on trend. Decorated in a hand-painted style with eye-catching, coordinating colourful lids, the tins are durable but lightweight and are cleverly designed to save space, neatly stacking inside the other. This set includes medium and large size tins and both have a generous capacity. The Meadow Cake Tins are part of a fully coordinating collection, including afternoon tea serving pieces.
Typhoon embraces botanics with pretty new collection
Appreciating a chef's knife is the single most important tool in any kitchen, and is used in the creation of virtually every dish, we have put together a set of five knives that complement one another perfectly, so every meal is covered. Crafted from high grade precision ground stainless steel the blades are built for longevity. The knives also feature rounded tips to prevent accidents and unnecessary danger and the handles are triple riveted for comfort. To assist retailers, all knife packaging clearly states: ‘Not to be sold to persons under 18 years of age. Proof of age may be necessary’. Compliance is always top of mind. www.lifetimebrandseurope.com
Paderno A deep study and computerized tests of ergonomics, movement and posture have allowed Paderno to create a professional knives line, 18100 Series, that is the synthesis of comfort and cutting precision. The handle is made of plastic specially developed for the food processing sector, an ergonomic design with soft edges gives a perfect grip to ensure precise guidance. The forged blade realised in special steel and molybdenum/ vanadium, thanks to a peculiar hardening process, guarantees to the product a perfect cut and a long life of the blade’s edge. www.paderno.it
ScanPan It has never been easier to keep your kitchen knives sharp as a razor than with ScanPan’s 3-step knife sharpener. Easy and practical! www.scanpan.eu
Viners Typhoon’s new Botanics range brings beautiful touches of nature into the kitchen. With petal decal on countertop pieces, and bright, floral colours that will shine through the durable glass storage, this range is not only stylish, but helps you to reduce plastic use too. Perfect for shop shelves as summer approaches.
The new Viners Premium Elite Assure Knives are designed with a distinctive squared-tip and supreme cutting blades. These knives have been developed for the more discerning cook alongside experts in the catering industry. Made from German steel with a high-carbon content to maintain a sharper cutting edge for longer, an ergonomic balance is created by the bolster located at the front of the handle adding equal weight throughout the whole piece. www.rayware.co.uk
KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 22
Cover Story Sambonet
True innovation
Sambonet is bringing us Midnight Blue, a collection enhanced by silver ion technology meaning it offers maximum protection to users – Kitchenware International learns more…
12 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Fact!
The silver ion coating helps prevent stains from forming, making cleaning easy even in the dishwasher and protects the inside of the cookware from wear and tear.
Cutlery and cookware market leader Sambonet has brought cutting-edge technology to the kitchen with Midnight Blue – a forward-thinking collection which has been inspired by chefs’ tools. The Italian giant showcases its experience and know-how, matched with typical Sambonet design and innovation in Midnight Blue which incorporates clever silver ion technology. Silver ions are the plus of the non-stick and antimicrobial coating of the Sambonet Midnight Blue – Silver Protection collection. They guarantee unique
cooking performance in terms of hygiene, making the surfaces of the cookware inhospitable to harmful microorganisms. Above all, they are extremely clean and odourless – hugely important for preserving aromas and taste, and very much to the advantage of the most demanding cooks who expect top-tier performances from their cookware.
Oven-safe and induction friendly performance The collection includes frying pans, saucepans, casseroles, woks and steak pans: a full range for
all cooking surfaces, including induction. Perfect for all types of cooking from roasting, braising, stewing or simply heating – these tools are oven-safe, thanks to stainless steel handles up to 200°C. Strong and designed for daily, even intensive use, the collection keeps its non-stick properties perfectly intact over the time. Interestingly, Sambonet tells us that the clever silver ion coating also stops stains from forming which makes cleaning easy – even in the
dishwasher – and protects the cookware from wear and tear.
Design focused Sambonet’s search for exclusivity can also be seen in the design of Midnight Blue, which combines the chromatic charm of deep blue – which inspired its name – with comfortable stainlesssteel handles, an extremely functional brushed bottom and stainless-steel knobs on the glass lids. The collection is the ideal combination of aesthetic and functional details, because any moment of the day can be a gourmet experience. Now also Midnight.
www.sambonet.com
Did you know?
Sambonet’s silver ions non-stick coating is a layer enriched with silver ions that offers 99.5 per cent protection against microbes. Silver ions make surfaces inhospitable to microorganisms such as bacteria, mould, viruses and fungi, which are unable to proliferate or survive. Maximum hygiene, total safety and reliability before, during and after cooking.
Cooking perfection The collection of frying pans, saucepans, casseroles, woks and steak pans are not only suitable for induction hobs – thanks to stainless steel handles, they are also oven-safe up to 200°C.
TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 13
Trends Bright and Bold
Drink in the colour
24 – that’s the number of colours in SCANPAN’s To Go range. The thermo products are reusable, made of stainless steel and very on trend. www.scanpan.com
The fruity option Typhoon has expanded its much-loved World Foods range with the addition of the World Foods Fruit Collection. With stunning fruit designs that are hand-finished in a durable glaze, the collection adds colour and vibrancy. From various-sized bowls to round platters and dip bowls, this collection is ideal for both indoor and outdoor dining and great for serving food and dips.
Let in the bright...
www.rayware.co.uk
Integrating colour into the kitchen through accent pieces is a key way of injecting some personality into the workspace. We take a look at some options to bring shop shelves to life
Bring Amalfi home
Vibrant visions
Pebbly from Tradestock brings us these fun and vibrant spatulas made from bamboo and silicone – just one example of the vast array of bamboo utensils available from the brand. They come in an array of colours, and are available individually or in multicoloured CDU’s which contain 18 pieces. From the same brand come there are toast tongs, again made from bamboo and featuring a little magnet which enables you to keep them on the toaster – genius! They too come in a vast array of colours and are available individually with a hanging card or in a multicoloured CDU which contains 36 pieces.
www.tradestockltd.co.uk 14 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
The Price & Kensington Amalfi collection is a fully coordinating tabletop range including ceramic storage jars. Inspired by the zesty and fragrant lemons grown on the Amalfi coast, the range features hand painted lemon handles, a soft wash glaze and 3D decal decoration. www.rayware.co.uk
Fresh focus Forge de Laguiole’s iconic signature knives from star designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte are a treat for the senses. The French designer has created a knife that embraces the spirit of summer. Spectacular to the eye, precise and sharp, as it must be with a real Forge de Laguiole knife.
www.forge-de-laguiole.com
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We have a host of new products launching at Exclusively Housewares - 14th & 15th June. Stand EH454. Or visit our Birmingham showroom. Contact us for further details: 0121 604 6000 / saleseu@lifetimebrands.com
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Retail Le Biscuit
“Le Biscuit is always ahead of its time” With 140 stores throughout Brazil, Le Biscuit is a serious operator in the South American country. Everson Moreira Santos, global sourcing coordinator, talks to Kitchenware International about keeping product fresh and focused… On the ethos of the store… The stores are always full of innovation and trends focused on delighting our customers. We often say that every time our customer visits the store it’s a treasure hunt due to the variety of new products available.
On the brands they stock… Many national and international famous brands such as: Tramontina,
Nadir Figueiredo, Oxford, Jomafe, Bohemia and LAV along with our private labels Le, KAS and Lev+.
On the products in store… We are a multi-category store focused on housewares, but you can find toys, stationary, items for party, DIY, beauty and hygiene, leisure, home appliance, mobile phones and more. It makes us a unique retail company in Brazil to widely offer a big range of different products.
Did you know? Le Biscuit was founded in 1968 and has currently 140 stores throughout Brazil 16 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
“We are a multi-category store focused on housewares, but you can find toys, stationary, DIY, beauty… and more”
On the relationship with suppliers… I can proudly say that we have a longterm relationship with our suppliers, they’re more than manufactures, they’re our partners on this journey. Some of them are working with us over 10 or 20 years. Whenever we start a new supply sourcing, this is our mindset, develop a new partner to help us go further.
On favourite brands… I really love all brands that we work, otherwise I wouldn’t keep buying from them.
On the inspiration behind buying products… I’m always inspired by new concepts in shape, design and print. Le Biscuit is always ahead of its time, offering unique products and surprising our customers, so my greatest motivation is introducing a singular concept to highlight our stores among the other players.
On Le Biscuit’s typical customer… We serve mainly women between 22 and 55 years from mid-low classes looking for cost-benefit and seeking new products and convenience.
On what is trending for customers… Sustainability! Customers, mostly younger generations, are really concerned with sustainability so they prefer to buy eco-friendly products and from companies with the same core values.
On what has contributed to Le Biscuit’s success… I think the capacity to change fast and adjust the sail according to the
On customer service…
wind. We strive daily to be flexible, to be able to make quick decisions and move in the right direction.
On the categories which are performing well… Housewares and appliances stand out among the other categories due to these last two years at home thanks to the pandemic. This time has made us look more at the house and how can make it more comfortable.
On the products that sell well… Non-stick fry pans, glass container sets and shoe racks are all best sellers. You can’t choose only one between them!
“We strive daily to be flexible, to be able to make quick decisions and move in the right direction”
On LeBiscuit’s online presence… We are an omnichannel company with strong presence in the online world. We’ve an app (Clube Minha Le) with over four million users, in the social medias we build up 2.2 million followers on Instagram and 500K friends on Facebook, in addition to more than seven million views on YouTube.
On feeling positive for the year ahead… We have a lot of possibility to make 2022 better than 2021. I think the great secret is to never give up and to look for opportunities to overcome the challenges.
On visual merchandising… I often say that visual merchandising is the main part of the chain, because if it doesn’t work properly, our efforts are wasted because 99 per cent of customers buy what gets the most attention. The customer enters the store looking for an item and leaves with three or more because of the layout and in-store display.
Our stores are self-service, but there is always someone ready to support the customer whenever they want, providing the best experience possible.
Fact! Le Biscuit stocks brands such as Tramontina, Jomafe, LAV and more.
KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 17
Category Cookware
From fashionable to effective, cookware has a lot of demands placed on it. Kitchenware International looks at some options available to buyers right now
Cookware for the cook
As any good cook knows, you are nothing without your utensils. Never mind what you do, your cookware has the power to make or break your dish. With more and more cookware options available to retailers, choosing top-tier assortments can be tricky business. Gibson Homewares
Barbary & Oak
One guaranteed selling point is a decent licensing deal, as Gibson Homewares can attest to with its Martha Stewart brand. Most recently they introduced two new colourways to the bestselling Martha Stewart Lockton 10pc Cookware Set with buttercream and teal making an appearance. Jomafe
Samuel Groves
“Buttercream yellow is a new, trend-forward colour that we’re launching this year,” says Alex Wittner, senior vice president of housewares business development for Gibson Homewares. “So this is the perfect time to introduce it with the Martha Stewart brand.” Gibson also recently expanded its stylish Soho Lounge brand with the introduction of the Soho Lounge Diamond 10pc Ceramic Nonstick Aluminum Cookware Set. The assortment features a distinctive “soft square” shape which provides 25 per cent more cooking area than traditional round pans, and the corners make it easier to pour. Available in black and blue colourways – and for order now – it will ship Q3 of 2022. Meanwhile, Jomafe have a gorgeous on-trend forest green collection, designed – they say – with nature in mind. Interestingly, the collection is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium, highlighting the company’s reuse, recycle ethos and commitment to being eco-friendly. Another super-stylish option is knIndustrie’s ABCT capsule collection – a contemporary, all-white offering dedicated to food cooking and table presentation which combines not just aesthetics but great performance too. ABCT is composed of a series of 18 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
knlndustrie aluminium containers with ceramic enamel coating that, depending on the depth and diameter, play the role of casserole, low casserole or pan in the kitchen. Once the gripper handles have been removed and the wooden lids have been transformed into trivets and supports, these same containers become bowls, cups, salad bowls to serve dishes on the table – it is really exceedingly clever. Special mention too for the Barbary & Oak Foundry collection which boasts a range of oven to tableware products and coordinating cast iron cookware. Camembert is a new addition to the collection with a classic cream colourway and it is joined by a Verdigris Green option. These colourways joins bold Bordeaux Red and Limoges Blue. The Barbary & Oak Foundry collection is available now via RKW with the new Camembert and Verdigris Green colourways coming soon. Finally, the Samuel Groves speciality mini copper collection is a must-have – ideally designed for sauce presentation. Made exclusively in the UK, each copper clad pan is made with 90 per cent copper and lined with 10 per cent stainless steel and they benefit from riveted stay cool polished stainless cast handles – a very effective cookware tool which won’t date.
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Interview Product Guru
“We’re very excited to take our expertise to the global stage with events taking place across Europe, the Gulf and beyond next year”
Connecting
brands with
buyers...
Founder and CEO of award-winning digital platform Product Guru, Simon Coyle, tells us more about how they are connecting brands with buyers, with a special focus on the growing homewares market… Simon, can you explain the Product Guru concept? Product Guru is an award-winning platform that connects challenger brands with leading retailers, helping them to find their route to market. We provide a central hub for a thriving community of over 10,000 brands, and over 1,600 buyers from independent stores through to some of the largest retailers, with the mission to get innovative products on shelves.
Our events and digital tools offer opportunities for challenger brands and buyers to find each other, and initiate conversations. All of our products and events are anchored around our powerful digital platform. Whether a buyer searches for you on our platform, discovers you through a digital campaign, samples your products at a Pop event, or meets you at a Huddle – they have instant access to your products data and the opportunity
Did you know?
As part of their operating model – Product Guru combines events with a digital platform to connect brands with retailers. 20 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
to connect with your brand and take next-step actions. We’re known for pioneering valuable and innovative experiences for both brands and buyers to find each other, and we’re very excited to take our expertise to the global stage with events taking place across Europe, the Gulf and beyond next year.
What is your USP? What makes Product Guru different from the other retail avenues? We provide an end-to-end solution for producers and makers looking to break into market, and we are continuously developing unique opportunities for brands to get in front of retailers in both exciting
and cost-effective ways. Brands and retailers can engage with each other in innovative and result-driven formats, whether that’s through our platform or our event offerings. Our events series – Huddles, Virtual Pitches and Pop – offer brands multiple ways to get access and engage with leading retailers in their category. At the core of each of our events is the Product Guru platform, with brands able to present their entire range by uploading searchable digital product cards, track key interactions, and follow-up directly with buyers. Retail buyers can search for products, record notes, request samples, and collaborate with members of their team directly
10,000+
Fact!
the number of brands who use Product Guru.
More than 1,600 buyers from leading retailers through to department stores, regional and specialist retailers and supermarkets use the Product Guru platform.
on the platform, during and after the events. Our hybrid approach guarantees curated and relevant interactions between brands and buyers.
In terms of connecting retailers and buyers, are you focused on the UK or is there international reach too? We’ve always had an international reach, and whilst most of our community is UK-based, more than a third is from overseas. Our Huddles events have attracted brands from all over the world including Italy, USA, and Brazil. These events have been an invaluable resource for international brands trying to break into the UK retail market, providing them with guaranteed interactions with major UK retailers. Pop and Huddles hold an international appeal for both brands and retailers. Our Pop events that will debut later this year, will offer brands the opportunity to get
major exposure for six days in a trendy location, by showcasing their products to hundreds of key players in their sector: buyers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, and even press and influencers. Pop events will start in London, and go on a world tour across Europe, North America, Middle East and Oceania, providing brands with unique and cost-effective opportunities to gain market entry to international marketplaces. Meanwhile, our Huddles events offer a hybrid approach to bring local and global brands close to retailers, through a variety of packages including inperson interactions, video pitching and product sampling. Integrating Product Guru’s technology in our events means that buyers can not only test out products live, but also combine the experience with instant access to product details on the platform, to shortlist products, connect with brands, provide feedback and more.
Retail spotlight Product Guru work with a variety of large and specialist retailers, with buyers regularly attending events and using the platform to source for their ranges, including John Lewis, B&M, Wilko, Lakeland, TK Maxx, Home Bargains, Waitrose, Magasin, Harrods, Oliver Bonas and QVC, to name just a few.
How important is the kitchen/home sector to Product Guru, has it been identified as a growth area?
kitchenware brands. We are always engaged in conversations with buyers, as it is our aim to remain at the heart of their buying operations, and to evolve our tools to make the process of finding new products that fits their needs as easy as possible.
Did you find the digital market space grew significantly over the course of the pandemic and how do you plan on maintaining momentum? Over the past couple of years, we have worked closely with disruptive brands and retailers, supporting them in the journey to get innovative products discovered and listed. During the pandemic, we launched and developed a series of virtual pitch events, and our online platform has helped brands and retailers to stay in touch and develop close relationships. We’ve harnessed these connections by offering brands a life-time opportunity to engage with buyers live with our new in-person events,
Huddles. Our digital platform serves a major role to enable interactions, feedback, and follow-ups for brands and buyers with a view to bring something new and innovative to the market. The future is hybrid and with Huddles, we are combining the best of virtual with in-person experience, technology, and product sampling, bringing something really exciting, effective and unique, for both brands and buyers. Our partners in the industry were as excited as we were to get involved in this experience at our inaugural events in March 2022, and we received positive feedback across the board telling us that we’re on the right path. Both brands and retailers highlighted how the format of Huddles streamlines the process to get to the heart of their respective needs in a succinct way. We’ve even heard back from buyers who have already started onboarding several brands as a result of attending Huddles. We are really looking forward to hosting more Huddles events for different Home and Kitchen categories this year and the next, and we are thrilled to create another buzz in the industry with our Pop stores this September. We will host a Pop store event for Home & Gifting, taking place in Islington, London, from 18th to 23rd September.
Our research indicates the homeware market in the UK has expanded the last decade, going from 10.8 billion to 13.6 billion in value in 2019 and continuing to grow into this year, so we’ve placed special emphasis on this category, as we witness its growth. We’ve placed special focus on the home sector through a combination of targeted events and supporting our
KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 21
Preview Exclusively
Product perfection
at Exclusively Exclusively takes place in London this June and Kitchenware International will be there to see new product, new suppliers and new ideas… With substantial numbers of kitchenware suppliers exhibiting at Exclusively (14th and 15th June at the Business Design Centre, Islington), it’s a great chance for buyers from both multiples and independents to see the best in new products, merchandising and the upcoming trends which will shape consumer purchasing decisions over the next one to three years. Moreover with a £75 travel cost incentive and a £100 discount voucher for all independents who place orders over £300 at the show, there is no better all round business opportunity for stockists and retailers of cookware and bakeware. So says Will Jones, chair of Exclusively and chief operating officer of BHETA, the industry trade association which owns the show. Big name brands such as Addis, Le Creuset, Tala, Taylor’s Eye Witness and Viners are all launching product alongside exhibitors such as Masterpan and Savernake Knives. But Exclusively is also not just about product, it has a reputation for predicting commercial trends and a proven track record for enabling brands to get in front of buyers and the media. Popular features such as the Trend Talks and tours with trend forecaster,
Did you know?
Scarlet Opus and the Brand Showcase which provides media with a curated insight into the best new products have been expanded considerably compared to previous years. One of the great things about Exclusively is the level playing field it offers to all companies – large, small and new to the market – ensuring that buyers see the leading brands, the major launches and many items that they will not have seen anywhere else. With 130 exhibitors and 300 brands on show, Exclusively will be the perfect opportunity for buyers, journalists and influencers to find everything they need. Will Jones adds: “Everyone can be confident in enjoying a great show, especially as it is Exclusively’s 20th anniversary. The opportunities to see the latest product, talk to suppliers and gather all manner of excellent content and market intelligence is second to none. Exclusively is a real must for kitchenware buyers.”
More information about visiting Exclusively can be obtained from the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130 or via www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk.
Brands such as Addis, Le Creuset, Tala, Taylor’s Eye Witness and Viners are all launching product alongside exhibitors such as Masterpan and Savernake Knives. 22 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
“Exclusively is still very much a key event for Melitta UK. As well as being a great opportunity to meet with current customers and potential new customers, it also allows us to showcase our new and current high quality Melitta coffee machines and accessories. This year, we are proud to present our new Latticia® OT (One Touch) automatic bean to cup coffee machine which creates top-tier barista style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen. Thanks to its double foaming function, the new technology enables higher temperatures to get that milk well and truly foamed – complete with a fine-pored froth! What’s more, by clicking on the One Touch button you can choose from a Café Crème, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and Milk froth with just one (simple) touch – not to mention the super silent grinder which grinds the coffee extra quietly. The coffee strength and grind can also be adjusted to suit individual tastes. We’ll also be showcasing another of our fully automated bean to cup coffee machines - the LatteSelect®. Thanks to its one-touch, ease of use function and coloured picture display the sensor fields start the preparation of your favourite coffee speciality. When it comes to coffee preparation, the LatteSelect® features the two-chamber bean container with the manual bean select function for individual taste. The brewing strength can also be adjusted to four settings and the grinding fineness to five settings. It even has a Double Cup mode which allows two cups to be filled simultaneously. Our filter coffee machines are also firm favourites including the new edition AromaFresh Grind & Brew® Therm (with removable water tank and insulated jug). With its integrated (and detachable) bean container, this machine not only lets you freshly grind the beans for delicious filter coffee but also includes adjustable grind levels and coffee strength for individual coffee flavour. Other Melitta filter machines being showcased include the LOOK® V Timer (with its modern design and several high-quality stainless-steel features) plus the small and compact Aromaboy® with its period retro appearance and ideal for a single person household or holiday home.” Nigel Morrison, consumer & trade marketing manager, Melitta UK on what the brand will showcase at Exclusively. Visit them on stand EH216.
STOREGANIZE IT ! Produktfilm
VISIT US! Exclusively Housewares Show London, 14-15 June 2022 Stand: EH 436
GEFU – Discover Culinary Artistry.
Preview Exclusively
The Beeswax Wrap Co. Stand EH315 The Beeswax Wrap Co is the UK’s leading creator of hand-crafted beeswax wraps and vegan wax wraps. The brand creates simple and sustainable swaps to help you waste less. The company collaborates with a number of British brands so customers can shop the Emma Bridgewater, National Trust, Prue Leith and Cath Kidston co-branded collections. The wraps work exactly the same as cling film, you wrap and squeeze the wraps around the object you want to wrap and they stay in place until removed. The specifically designed formula makes them stronger and more durable and the natural beeswax contains antibacterial properties making any food you wrap stay fresher for longer! You are able to reuse your wrap for up to a year in your home. The company will be selling a variety of wraps including – collaboration wraps from Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston in their multipack sizes, their latest Rockpool and Hedgerow wraps and their own brand and collaboration one metre rolls.
Jomafe
www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk
www.jomafe.pt
Stand EH506 Set to be launched at Exclusively, Jomafe bring us One. Made from die cast aluminium which makes it very lightweight, the induction base offers an even and efficient distribution of heat which enables you to cook at low temperatures for the same expert results, whilst being more energy efficient – it is suitable for all hob types. The PFOA-free non-stick coating enables fat-free cooking and prevents the food from sticking, as well as making it very easy to clean, and the interior design of the lids results in a snug fit which helps to retain moisture, thereby improving the taste and texture of the food. One is a comprehensive collection comprising three sizes of casseroles: 20cm, 24cm and 28 cm; 28cm shallow casserole; three fry pans: 20cm, 24cm and 28cm; 28cm wok; 28cm griddle and a 32 cm paella pan.
“Here at Lifetime Brands Europe we are gearing up to Exclusively Housewares and we are proud to be part of this special event. Showcasing five brands, including MasterClass, La Cafetiere, KitchenAid, Taylor and Natural Elements there will be plenty to inspire. Leading the floor will be MasterClass, new innovations include purpose designed countertopstorage with antimicrobial technology. We are also keen to reveal the latest additions to La Cafetière. Iconic KitchenAid will, as always, make an impact with new tools and gadgets, and last but not least Natural Elements will offer sustainable solutions for the kitchen and home with their complementary natural products.”
24 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director, Lifetime Brands, tells us what we can expect to find on stand EH454.
Elia International
Stand 294 Widley recognised for the highest quality cutlery designs, Elia is delighted to be showcasing their contemporary cutlery range Liana at this year’s Exclusively Housewares show. Forged in the finest 18/10 stainless steel and polished to a brilliant mirror finish, this distinctive pattern epitomises Elia’s flair for design and passionate attention to detail. Available in a striking green presentation gift box, this range is available for retailers in a 24 or 44 piece set. For consumers looking for a complete table setting, the Liana range includes accessory items for purchase, such as steak knives, coffee spoons, butter knives, fish cutlery & serving utensils. Alongside their extensive retail cutlery collection, Elia’s Bone China Essence Gift Box set makes an ideal starter set or wedding gift. The subtle design of concentric circles provides a simplistic and appealing frame, whilst the creamy white glaze adds to this patterns warm, homely feel. Comprising of a 16 Piece set, the boxed set include 4 Dinner Plates, 4 Side Plates, 4 Oatmeal Bowls and 4 Mugs. With co-ordinating tea, coffee and service pieces. The Essence range offers retailers the flexibility to provide a starter set and sell additional serving pieces, to build a complete dinner service.
www.elia.co.uk
Preview Exclusively
Tradestock EH431 Pebbly, the latest brand to join the Tradestock stable and presenting at the show for the first time, is a brand drawing inspiration from emerging trends to produce uniquely designed kitchen and lifestyle products offering sustainable solutions. Pebbly is on a mission to develop its green credentials with a focus on zero waste as its number one objective and what better way to help towards achieving this than with these stylish countertop compost bins. Made from steel with bamboo carry handle and knob on lid they are not only practical for collecting all your kitchen organic food waste, but they also add a touch of contemporary style to the kitchen.
www.tradestockltd.co.uk
Samuel Groves EH209 Available at Exclusively for the first time, Samuel Groves will present the Deluxe Stainless Steel Champagne Buckets and Coolers. Coolers are the essential ingredient for the very best tasting experience for your English sparkling wine, champagne, or prosecco. Serving wines too warm, can result in a flabby and less crisp taste. The robust structure of the new Samuel Groves Stainless Steel coolers will keep your wines optimally chilled for maximum enjoyment. Manufactured and hand finished in England, the coolers will hold 2-3 bottles, perfect for a beautifully British party.
www.samuelgroves.com
RKW Stand EH456/EH402 RKW introduces the latest innovations in housewares and all-new tableware excellency across its two stands at Exclusively Housewares this year – one featuring RKW’s distribution brands (EH456) and one for its flagship own-brand Tower (EH402). Tower will host exclusive designs and colourways from Barbary & Oak and Natural Life. With brand-new launches based around key interior trends for 2023, you won’t want to miss out! Barbary & Oak brings fashion-forward tableware, cookware and serveware to Exclusively Housewares. Hoxton ash wood homewares, reactive glaze Relic Mugs and Verona terracotta tableware are amongst a few of the new collections at the showcase. The distinctive designs all share colour palettes, textures and characteristics of the highly desired ‘Homestead’ trend for 2023. Natural Life will be another standout launch at the show. The eco-friendly cleaning and storage collections use carefully considered materials such as fully biodegradable beech wood and recycled glass, moving away from single-use plastics to encourage everyone to make positive changes in the home.
www.rkwltd.com
Fact!
A new feature at this year’s show is wine tasting with Olly Smith, drinks expert for the Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine and Saturday Kitchen. He has written five books, Eat & Drink: Good Food That’s Great to Drink With, Wine: Both Barrels, Behind Enemy Wines, Drinking For Chaps, and Fizz. His sixth book, Home Cocktail Bible, was published in November 2021 and Olly will be guiding visitors and exhibitors through the finer points of popular and vintage wines at the show. Popular chef, Jeremy Pang will also be working with exhibitors at the event. 26 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Preview Atlanta Market
Kitchen central
at Atlanta
*Also find t JuniperM hem on arket.co m*
Atlanta’s summer market is brimming with options for kitchenware buyers – we highlight a few potential options
What? Atlanta Summer Market | When? Tuesday 12 – Monday 18 July | Web? www.atlantamarket.com
RAZ Imports * B1 18-C15
RAZ Imports have these very on trend Crescent Woven Baskets. Made of willow, these multi-purpose pieces are great to have around the home.
Razimports.com
World Finds*
Savannah Bee Company by Road Runners
B3 2-1301
This Sari Home Trivet will add vibrant colour to your home while protecting your surfaces. Each is handmade from repurposed Sari textiles that have been crafted into balls, filled with soft cotton, and connected with thread.
B2 Suite 1500
Introducing a honey that brings the heat. Savannah Bee Company’s sweet wildflower honey is infused with heat from scotch bonnet and habanero peppers for the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
wholesale.worldfinds.com
roadrunnersllc.com
Michel DesignWorks by Ivystone * B2 1101B
Visit Ivy Stone to see the Michel Design Works collection offering fragrances and designs for every season and every room in the house – including the kitchen. Lemon Basil is tried and true favourite all year long, both in pattern and scent.
www.ivystone.com
28 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Foil Decor B2 1701
Serve and transport any type of food hot or cold with Foil Décor. Foil Decor can hold foods straight from the oven at 350 degrees or less and help keep it warm on the way to your event. The secure locking ring prevents the need for hot pads while the removable lid helps insulate the food inside the foil pan is stays warm or cool.
www.duganbliss.com/foil-decor
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Preview Las Vegas Market
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In the business
of buying
The summer edition of Las Vegas Market – taking place this July – will bring an elite selection of kitchen accent pieces. A must-visit show for stateside buyers… What? Las Vegas Summer Market | When? 24-28 July 2022 | Web? www.lasvegasmarket.com
Drinking Straws.Glass E1237
Visit Drinking Straws.glass at Las Vegas to see these Sculpted Sea Turtle Glass Straw with Cleaning Brush. Boasting multiple designs, each product is handmade with hopes to create a world with fewer singleuse plastics, starting with straws. Handmade in the USA.
www.drinkingstraws.glass
Magenta
Messermeister* C145
Messermeister has partnered with legendary bladesmith Shoichi Kawashima to create the next generation of premium cutlery from Seki, Japan. The Kawashima knives grab attention with innovative modern design. The blade is characterized by its curved geometry, wide surface area and razor sharp 15 degree cutting edge made from rare SG2 powdered steel. The distinctive curved handle design ensures comfort while working by releasing arm tension and allowing smoother movements. The result is a well- balanced, highly maneuverable tool that feels perfect in the hand without slipping or rubbing. Kawashima’s quality and craftsmanship are driven by the spirit of “Senzo” from six generations of knife making ancestry.
www.messermeister.com
C143
Serve your choice of beverages in style with this terracotta pitcher from Canyon by Magenta. This ceramic pitcher vase is designed with a tapered, contemporary shape, bringing a natural and earthy touch to your dining space. Featuring a medium size and a practical flared top with a narrow spout, it’s ideal for serving your guests all kinds of cold or hot beverages. The thick handle on one side gives you a comfortable hold on the drink pitcher, and can be hand washed for easy care after use.
Chilewich by Keena C 1027, 1035 & 1053 Keena – a boutique sales organization representing contemporary lines from around the globe – will present these mini basketweave placemats from Chilewich. Visit them to see these and more pieces from other suppliers.
www.magenta-inc.com
Ellembee Gift
www.keenaco.com
E806
Made in the US, these fun tea towels from Ellembee from a little personality to the table. Particularly these “my child would never” ones 66 KITCHENWARE which are 100 per INTERNATIONAL cent cotton.
www.ellembeegift.com
CHICAGO
Column BHETA
Bringing
awareness About BHETA On 6 April, when the new Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (OWA2019) came into force, trading standards officers and the police were further empowered to ensure that bladed items - and some other types of products (such as corrosive substances as found in some cleaning and DIY items) - are sold in a way which complies with ‘age-restricted purchase’ rules instore and online. While this does not sound especially problematic on the face of it, BHETA, which has coordinated and hosted the Responsible Knives Sales Steering Group with leading suppliers and retailers and worked with the Met Police and Trading Standards since 2019, is seeking to clarify the real implications of the Act for the industry. Kitchenware International learns more from Will Jones, chief operating officer, BHETA What are the key aspects of the new knife legislation that suppliers need to be concerned with? And what does it mean for retailers? The biggest challenge presented by OWA2019 to both suppliers and retailers is its lack of clarity regarding exactly what the definition of ‘bladed item’ is when it comes to considering what products are now deemed agerestricted sales. This means that the costly – but not necessarily unreasonable – measures that both suppliers and retailers have taken to comply with the Act may not in fact fully address what could happen in practice.
Meanwhile Trading Standards and the police are also trying their best to interpret the legislation sensibly. The result is that the whole industry is left in confusion. To look at the question from the suppliers’ point of view first, these are the issues which have had to be addressed to achieve theoretical compliance. Changes to packaging, POS and merchandising instore, and to outer packaging in the case of items delivered direct to consumers. In practice this has involved specific wording to indicate 18+ age verification (with many using the Challenge 25 model) and changes to methods of display, including potentially
no display at all, as some retailers elect to take affected items off open sale. Changes to online purchase / delivery, which now needs to include robust age verification at the point of purchase and delivery. This in turn involves staff training and potentially changed contracts with courier companies, as well as an end to locker or ‘leave in safe place’ deliveries. The implications for suppliers are clear in terms of increased costs and the likelihood of reduced sales where items are no longer browsable. Nevertheless, it is BHETA’s experience that there is consensus among suppliers as to best practice in terms of these
Did you know? The BHETA has been working with Amefa (UK), Arthur Price, Burton McCall, Fiskars (UK), Fackelmann Brands, GEH, Grunwerg, Haus, Kuhn Rikon, Meyer Group, Rayware, Robert Welch, Sabichi, Taylors Eye Witness, Asda. Dunelm, Elys of Wimbledon, Gastronomy, Harts of Stur, Lakeland, ProCook, Robert Dyas, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets and TK Maxx on keeping auppleirs briefed of the legislation. 32 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is the voice of authority on everything home improvement and home enhancement, including DIY, housewares, garden, small domestic appliances and home decor. It represents £5 billion at retail and 9,000 employees and brings together manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and opinion formers to drive growth at home and abroad. For more information about retailer and supplier co-operation, contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130, or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website at www.bheta.co.uk
packaging, point of sale and online changes to comply with OWA2019. For retailers, all the above also applies, plus the cost of staff training to improve the ability of retail staff to challenge on age grounds where necessary and to adapt to the changed nature of bladed item sales in store and online. Unsurprisingly, some retailers have taken the view that to avoid any possibility of finding themselves at odds with OWA2019, the only solution is to cease selling bladed items online and to take them off open sale in store. As with suppliers, the cost implications for retailers, including the effect of lost sales is obvious. Again, however, there appears to a level of consensus in the actions they have taken thus far.
In real terms, what does this new UK knife legislation mean for companies? In BHETA’s opinion, over and above all this, the real issue for suppliers
and retailers is the confused nature of the wording of the legislation in relation to the definition of ‘bladed items.’ The most contentious aspect of this is that due to the way the law is written, blunt ended cutlery knives could be regarded as offensive weapons under the terms of OWA2019, and therefore considered as subject to age restricted sales. This is a challenge for the industry. Here is the problem – owing to the way the Act is worded, any item that could be described as a knife – including cutlery knives - are included. While this has technically been the case since 1988, in practice it has been viewed as irrelevant to legitimate public safety concerns because it would be highly unusual for a cutlery knife to be used in knife crime. Now however, the Home Office has stated: ‘The legislation in relation to sale of bladed articles to under eighteens is silent in relation to whether the blade is blunt or not. Therefore, a knife with a blunt blade or rounded end is still a knife and subject to age verification,’ reminding everyone that cutlery knives are legally speaking an ‘age-restricted sale.’ At a special meeting of the Expert Panel on Age Restrictions in March, Home Office representatives were challenged on the inclusion of cutlery knives. In response, they said, “we [The Home Office] had in mind larger knives capable of greater harm, such as chefs’ knives, combat knives, hunting knives. Pizza cutters were excluded from the list for this reason.” Thanks to the way OWA2019 is worded, however, the panel concluded that cutlery knives are likely to be caught by s.141A, although children’s cutlery, wooden cutlery or picnic cutlery “would be unlikely to be considered offensive weapons by a court.” So here is the situation in which suppliers and retailers find themselves. Despite the legitimate public safety intentions of the Act and the actions of all parties to comply, thanks to the seeming inability or unwillingness of the Home Office to find the appropriate words to exclude blunt and round-ended cutlery knives, we are in the remarkable position that while knives with ‘a folding blade which is three inches (7.62 cm) or less in length’ are specifically excluded from age restrictions, blunt and rounded ended table knives are included.
No wonder not only the industry, but the police and Trading Standards, who are tasked with implementing the Act are increasingly frustrated. And no wonder some of our biggest and best-loved retailers are taking cutlery off open sale.
What is BHETA’s stance on the knife legislation, is it necessary? Like the industry in general BHETA supports the need for responsible retailing of knives. In 2018, in response to the issues affecting the sales of knives and bladed items, BHETA set up a supplier/ retailer steering group to identify collaborative initiatives which contribute to responsible and safe knife retailing, such as Challenge 25 packaging and POS. We have supported the Metropolitan Police Knife Retailing group, hosting their representatives and attending meetings at New Scotland Yard. The disappointingly poor way in which OWA2019 has been drafted, however, threatens to impact negatively on legitimate supplier and retailer businesses and livelihoods – and consumers – without contributing anything to public safety. BHETA, alongside the steering group is currently having productive discussions with the police and Trading Standards. The Metropolitan Police and London Trading Standards officers on the Metropolitan Police Knife retailing group said that, in practice, they did not believe that any experienced Trading Standards or police officer would ever use cutlery knives as part of a test purchase for bladed articles. There is much support for the common-sense point of view, but unless BHETA and the steering group see the Home Office entering meaningful discussion, companies affected will have no choice than to initiate an industry wide campaign against these measures. It is vital that UK suppliers and retailers of cutlery knives – excluding steak knives – do not lose out due to the wording of this Guidance. Ultimately, we need an update to the law excluding blunt and round-ended cutlery. More details of BHETA’s lobbying programme can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.
News in brief Keeping up to speed with the latest launches What: Aurora Instant Hot & Cold Filtered Water Dispenser
Who: Strix Why: The new Aurora
Instant Hot & Cold Filtered Water Dispenser, powered by Strix technology, is a kettle, water cooler and water filter all in one and the only plug and go water dispenser on the market to deliver hot or cold filtered water on demand. Offering an impressive 49 potential combinations, the user can select from seven temperature options, from chilled through to boiled, and seven volume options, from 200ml to one litre.
Web: strix.com
What: Regal Kitchen Counter Organiser
Who: EKO Home Why: This is the ultimate
kitchen caddy for utensils, gadgets, cutlery and more. A unique and safe method to store knives alongside cutlery, utensils and space for a chopping board too. Note the stylish stainlesssteel exterior which is easy to maintan. Excellent drainage function channel and easily holds four full sets of cutlery. This is easy to clean too, as the inner sections are removable.
Web: www.ekohome.co.uk What: Candy S Who: Koziol Why: Candy S is a leakproof
container for dressings, sauces and honey, making it the ideal companion for salads or muesli to go. Ingredients are kept separate, making sure everything stays fresh and appetizing to be mixed together just before it’s time to eat.
Web: www.koziol.de KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL 33
Trends Smart Design
The clever
Gefu
kitchen As more and more manufacturers integrate technology into their products – what truly stands out in the kitchen is clever design. We highlight some must-have products Amefa
Be organised From GEFU, this stylishly designed sink organiser comes in matt black plastic and high-grade stainless steel. The pieces, from GEFU’s SmartLine range, is super practical and immediately takes care of keeping any kitchen in order. It provides space for sponge, washing-up brush, dishcloth and detergent dispenser, stored cleanly and tidily while also making sure they’re always to hand. The hygienic drip tray makes sure that stagnant moisture is avoided and integrated ventilation slits provide for faster drying of utensils.
www.gefu.com
Laser sharp
Viners
From the Richardson Sheffield brand comes the new laser knife block. Ingenious and effective, laser knives continue to be the perfect time saving solution to an everyday problem, blunt knives. The blade cuts effortlessly through all kinds of food, and the micro-serration means the blade never loses its sharpness. The natural wooden block also has an iPad/cookbook holder on the front to make life easier for any homeowner.
Scanpan
www.amefa.com
Precision for pizza Mason Cash bring us the Innovative Kitchen Pizza Cutter which features a mounded blade that enables you to cut pizza and flatbreads, as well as chop ingredients, such as dough, vegetables and herbs easily by rocking back and forth. The cutter also comes with a safety guard for the blade for safe storage in the home. The stainless-steel blade also features precision cut holes for measuring one or two portions of spaghetti and a series of holes for stripping herbs. To strip herbs, simply choose the correct diameter hole for the herbs and pull the herbs through from the top of their stalk.
www.rayware.co.uk
Perfect poaching – every time! Scanpan are promising the ultimate – perfectly poached eggs. Talk about a gadget that makes life easier! This poaching insert is the perfect shortcut to beautifully poached eggs – without all the fuss.
www.scanpan.eu
Mason Cash
34 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
Colour-coded and clever Viners bring us the Assure Colour-Coded Knife, Peeler and Board Set. Including the Assure Duo Peeler, a unique multi-functional tool that will allow you to peel and prep with ease, along with a 3.5” paring knife that locks into the bottom of the peeler for safety as well as storage. Meanwhile, the utility knives are the most versatile knives in the collection. The serrated blade provides ultimate sharpness, while the straight blade knife offers supreme control for peeling, dicing and chopping. The chopping board features a practical carry handle suitable for hanging and neat storage. www.rayware.co.uk
HOME OF CONSUMER GOODS
the show
3. – 7. 2. 2023 FRANKFURT / MAIN
Moving the future Before success, an overview is necessary. Ambiente showcases the panorama of the consumer goods market. It provides a platform for table, kitchen and household products – and highlights the latest designs, trends and future opportunities. ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
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