Progressive Housewares January-February 2022

January/February 2022

The new lid on the block Introducing Loop™ vacuum-insulated water bottles

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I’M THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF MY NEW COLLECTION OF COOKWARE & BAKEWARE WITH PRESTIGE.

TV CHEF, AUTHOR, TELEVISION PRESENTER AND GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF WINNER To be part of this exciting launch, contact your sales representative. prestige.co.uk

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WELCOME

EDITOR’S COMMENT January/February 2022

The new lid on the block

Inset: The PH team at EIH Awards 2021. The next Awards date is October 5, with entry announcements on HousewaresNews.net.

J

Introducing Loop™ vacuum-insulated water bottles

ournalist Harry Wallop says: ‘Some people believe the age of discovery and invention ended when Nasa wound down the Apollo moon missions. Those people need to visit a kitchenware shop.’

This is part of a fantastic tribute to gadgetry and knives that appeared in The Times newspaper recently (see page 11), which captured the pleasure of using efficient kitchenware from a humble £5 apple corer to an aspirational £1,454 knife.

‘I can’t pass a shop that sells kitchenware without going in, and I’m not the only one,’ admits Harry. Fellow journalist Simon Mills is lyrical about Japanese blades from brands such as Shun, Miyabi or Yoshihiro. He acknowledges: ‘The knife satisfies a primeval urge in us, appealing to the great outdoors man, the gear head and the gourmet, the boy scout and bon viveur.’

Of course, it is debatable whether the passion for high performance kitchenware is a singularly male obsession, but nevertheless, this article is a great start to the 2022 in the consumer press. Meanwhile, Which? has also put the spotlight on the ‘best kitchen utensils’, kicking off January with a series of ‘advice guides’ emailed to its subscribers. Long may the celebration of kitchenware continue!

As industry figures commenting for this issue’s State of the Nation (see pages 20-23) concur, 2022 has arrived with heightened demand for housewares, coupled with the challenges of rising costs and price tags.

While applauding the proactivity of retailers,

Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), is among those recognising that retail faces significant “head winds” in 2022, as consumer spending is held back by rising inflation, increasing energy bills and April’s National Insurance hike. “It will take continued agility and resilience if retailers are to battle the storm ahead, while also tackling issues from labour shortages to rising transport and logistics costs,” she states.

Of course, this issue of PH has many shining examples of agile and resilient cookshop and housewares retailers, featuring some of the winners and finalists of The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021 (see Train to gain, pages 37-39, Retail superstars, pages 40-41, and Shelf portrait, page 59).

Our pages are also jam-packed with inspirational new products and insights into several key market areas, including tea and coffee (pages 26-27), outdoor living (pages 32-33) and cutlery (pages 42-43), making PH the perfect reference point for some serious armchair sourcing.

While it was very sad to hear of the understandable cancellation of Ambiente in February, the international housewares community is looking forward to gathering in Chicago for The Inspired Home Show in March. Closer to home, February’s Spring Fair, Top Drawer and INDX Housewares & Linens all have plenty of attractions that will inspire, inform and ignite some new passion for housewares (see news). The PH team looks forward to seeing you along the way.

Jo Howard

Editor

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk www.max-publishing.co.uk www.housewaresnews.net Subscriptions Subscribe online at Max-Subscriptions.net While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

ISSN 2515-7493

@Prog_Housewares #HousewaresAwards22

MEET THE TEAM

editor JO HOWARD

editorial director JAKKI BROWN

editorial contributor SUE MARKS

publishing director ROB WILLIS

creative director MARK GRAYSON

product page manager EMMA CAIN

advertising manager JOHN BARRY

joh@max-publishing.co.uk

jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk

sue@suemarks.co.uk

robw@max-publishing.co.uk

markg@max-publishing.co.uk

emmac@max-publishing.co.uk

johnb@max-publishing.co.uk

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Our iconic salad spinner, now in glass

From kitchen to table The classic OXO Salad Spinner is now available in durable borosilicate glass. Featuring our one-pump design and patented brake for drying salads and greens with ease, the elegant glass bowl seamlessly transitions from the kitchen for prepping to the table for serving.

For more information: T: + 44 114 242 0405 E: info@oxouk.com www.oxouk.com 04_HW_January February 2022.indd 1

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CONTENTS 32

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40 31

26

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59

37 42 WHAT’S INSIDE

7-13

News

15

BHETA news

17

Bira news

19

Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

20-23

Food for thought: State of the nation

26-29

Market focus: Tea and coffee

31

Designer face to face: Nick Munro

32-33

40-41

Retail focus: Superstar employees

42-43

Lifestyle focus: Outdoor living

Tabletop focus: Cutlery

37-39

New products

Retail focus: Train to gain

56-57

Visibility pages

59

Shelf portrait: Upstairs Downstairs

45-55

SAVE THE DATE! #HousewaresAwards22

Wednesday 5 October 2022. Royal Lancaster Hotel, London PROGRESSIVE

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Consistently innovating, Beldray is celebrating turning 150 years old by launching brand new colourways and exciting ranges that are perfect for every room in the home. From powerful vacuum cleaners to practical household essentials, Beldray makes it quicker and easier to enjoy your home.

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To join in the celebration and become part of the Beldray family, get in touch with our sales team at sales@upgs.com

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NEWS

Popping the bubbly David Mason Designs (DMD) kicks off its 60th anniversary celebrations at Spring Fair (Hall 8).

Founded by David Cowan in 1962, DMD was originally focussed on giftware and the development of award-winning salt and pepper mills. The family-owned business expanded to include premium dining, kitchen, and tableware, including its quintessentially British brand The English Tableware Company (winning an Excellence in Housewares Top Above: The English Tableware of the Table Award). DMD Company’s Pressed also works with designer Flowers earned an ‘On Trend’ accolade Ashley Thomas. at Exclusively 2021.

“We are delighted to be celebrating such a landmark occasion for DMD at this year’s Spring Fair,” comments Rob Blackburn, DMD’s director of sales and sourcing. “Seeing customers face to face and having the opportunity to catch up on new products and range plans are other great reason to celebrate. We look forward to welcoming customers – existing, new and old – to our stand for a glass of bubbles.”

TOP STORY

Spring Fair to inspire

Below: Attendees will enjoy diverse presentations at the Inspiring Retail Stage.

With a theme of Empowering Change, The Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair (February 6-9, NEC Birmingham) is set to deliver a packed schedule covering consumer and interior trends, sustainability and fascinating insights into retail initiatives.

Yarnton Home & Garden’s head of buying and marketing Byrony Fletcher and head of visual merchandising Celia Leeson Cox will talk about ‘Transforming retail with the community in mind,’ sharing the story of their new home and garden concept, which includes a cookshop.

Having helped Fenwick, Harrods and Selfridges to grow their physical store sales, Alan O’Neill, md of Kara Change Management will provide practical ideas, encouraging shops to “Dare to change’. Alan states: “Physical retail is not dying, bad retailing is.”

Anna Berry, founder of Retail100 consulting and former head of gift, cook and dine at John Lewis, will share what she learnt building high performing teams at John Lewis, and Charley Crocker from The Pop-Up Agent will explain ‘The Power of Pop-Ups.’ The Inspiring Retail Stage highlights also include Simon Moriarty, head of trends at Mintel who will reveal ‘The trends that will shape consumer behaviour in 2022,’ while Kate Usher, senior trend consultant at Trend Bible will provide insights into 2023 Home & Lifestyle.

Television personality and interior designer Paul Moneypenny will present a workshop session on ‘How to use bold design in your store to make impact’, including tips for window displays. Other speakers include founder of Green & Blacks Jo Fairley, and TV reality show star Billie Faiers.

See www.springfair.com/seminars

Great kitchen gifts Linen stories Ulster Weavers is going through ‘its biggest change in generations,’ repositioning itself as a contemporary homewares brand targeting the millennial audience. New kitchen textiles that are inspired by the places and culture of Northern Ireland will be unveiled at Spring Fair (February 6-9).

The company has also made a pledge to grow sustainably, making approximately three quarters of its new retail products in Northern Ireland.

“Ulster Weavers has been linen makers and shapers since 1880,” acknowledges Gillian McLean, managing director. “The roots that ground us are a powerful combination for a brand in today's marketplace – from our linen heritage and provenance to our local craftsmanship, textiles specialism, and quality of design and product. In a highly competitive category, we now need to retell our story, connect with a new and burgeoning audience and deliver on our purpose to enrich homes and lives everywhere.”

Right: Gillian McLean, managing director of Ulster Weavers.

Shortlisted products for the Kitchen & Dining Award in the 2022 Gift of the Year Awards (GOTYs) include Halo Dish Covers from Clayspoon, Puckator’s Insulated Snack Pots, the Slush Puppie Milkshake Maker from Fizz Creations, the Sourdough Starter Kit by WITH Creative and Art in a Glass from Original Products.

The GOTYs will be announced along with The Greats gift retailer awards at a glamorous evening event on May 12 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Hyve Group (owner and organiser of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair) is the headline supporter for the UK Gift Awards event and the live judging of the 2022 GOTYs will take place during Spring Fair.

Trade Show of the Century Spring Fair recently won the prestigious Trade Show of the Century Award at The AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Centenary Party & Awards (pictured).

Julie Driscoll, divisional managing director for retail at Hyve Group expressed her delight, stating: “This award goes to all employees and suppliers who have helped keep this brilliant exhibition delivering for its customers over the last 75 years.”

Spring Fair was the first show to take place in the NEC Birmingham, which was officially opened by HM The Queen in February 1976.

Denby launches English porcelain Denby has started a major new phase in its history with the production of porcelain at its Derbyshire manufacturing site, having pioneered its uniquely glazed stoneware pottery for over 200 years.

Described as ‘light-weight, fine and strong,’ Denby’s Made in England Porcelain Collection will be showcased at Spring Fair (Hall 8), following its initial introduction at John Lewis. “With this new launch, Denby remains true to the appeal of its brand – its Denby Porcelain ‘styled by life’ philosophy, its product stories, extensive heritage, and made Above: Modern Deco pattern. in England provenance,” states Hayley Baddiley, global marketing director.

Denby Porcelain shares the same environmental attributes as the brand’s stoneware.

The company claims to be the first UK pottery to be zero to landfill on process waste.

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DUAL AIR

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FOR ANY SALES ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT SALES@UPGS.COM

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NEWS

Priority to protect Reflecting on a variable end to the year, Janet Gordon, manager of The Kitchen Range in Llandudno notes that: “Abuse from customers has been a challenge.” She elaborates: “We have had to get the police and security to the shop at times - it has been very stressful for staff members and shoppers who want to feel safe here.”

Janet explains that the abusive behaviour is from some customers who refuse to wear face coverings. “We ask everyone to wear a mask if they come into the shop - with no exemptions - and we are happy to serve people at the door. However, some people don’t like to conform and shout abuse,” she reports.

The problem has been exacerbated by the fact that other shops have not challenged non-mask wearers. Janet adds: “Our priority is to protect other people, but we don’t get support from other businesses.”

TOP STORY

Christmas cheer

Many cookshops experienced upbeat Christmas trading, both instore and online, despite mixed overall reports for retail sales in December. According to ONS figures released on January 21, non-food sales volumes fell by 7.1% in December 2021, including a fall in sales of household goods. The ONS cited the influence of Omicron on footfall and that strong sales in November reflected early Christmas shopping.

However, Potters Cookshop in Hockley was “busy right up to closing Inset: Potters Cookshop’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ windows. on Christmas Eve,” according to director Tom Carter. “People certainly did seem confident and keen to be out,” and footfall was “way up on the previous year,” although Tom notes that this was to be expected due to the tier 4 pre-Christmas restrictions in 2020. He adds: “I’d like to say Omicron has made the public more cautious but, from our experience, I would say people have had enough and are shopping as normal.”

Tom describes Potters Cookshop’s online festive sales as “relentless and surprisingly way up on the previous year,” commenting: “This is something which we didn’t think would grow as rapidly due to customers being able to shop as normal during the second half of the year.”

Meanwhile, David Conduit, director at Harts of Stur describes Christmas trade, both instore and online as “very robust.” In early January, he observed: “While there is still a certain level of caution regarding Covid, with almost universal acceptance of mask wearing for example, we've not seen much evidence of it affecting our customers’ shopping habits to any great Below: Mugs fr degree, certainly instore. We live in a rural area, so the fears around crowded public transport do not much affect us, and our store has been exceptionally busy in the build-up to Christmas, and the sale period immediately afterwards. Online, sales are about the same as last year, which is testament to the effort all our team have put in maintaining the gains we made over the full Covid-affected year.” (See linked stories.)

Below: Christmas window at Cilla & Camilla Cookshop, Bridport.

Above: Gifts at Marchmont Hardware.

Rise of rude customers “The most frustrating part of December was the way customers were behaving. While some were amazingly supportive and understanding, the minority who were impatient and downright rude really spoiled some days for us,” reports Liane Philips, director of Marchmont Hardware in Edinburgh.

Liane recognises a shift in consumer behaviour since the arrival of Covid-19, admitting: “I have had to deal with more difficult situations over the pandemic than in the other 32 years in the business.” She reflects: “I sometimes wonder if they think we actually design and manufacture all the items in the tiny back shop and can produce items at will, along with no price increases!”

Looking back at Christmas trade, Liane reports that the period from the end of November to the second week of December “was looking very good at almost prepandemic levels.” Customers enjoyed browsing, “and not feeling rushed as they had the previous year.” However, footfall dropped when the Scottish government issued the message to “stay at home as much as possible.”

Staying local Christmas trade was “really strong” for Cilla & Camilla Cookshops in Bridport and Sherborne, thanks to continued demand for home cooking and baking goods. Like other businesses in market towns, the Dorset chain has benefitted from local shoppers.

“Customers who might have made Christmas shopping trips to Bath, Bristol or Exeter have stayed local and those who might have travelled abroad have stayed at home,” confirms Richard Barker, director, noting “consistently high numbers of visitors to Dorset,” since shops reopened in April. He adds: “We see all the influences which have boosted trade through 2021 continuing well into the future and are quietly and modestly confident about 2022.”

Cilla & Camilla’s boutique department store in Beaminster (stocking kitchenware) had an unexpected boost due to the nearby vaccination centre in the town hall. “The centre attracted hundreds of people from the local region - up to perhaps a 30-mile radius - many of whom then stayed on in the town to shop,” notes Richard.

Below: Anita Gordon at The Old Bakery Cookshop.

Practical presents Community support was strong for The Old Bakery Cookshop, Aberystwyth during the festive season.

Owner Anita Gordon states: “There was a lot of local shopping going on and people were making sure to tell me. Apparently, they don’t want to lose me!”.

Anita describes Christmas trading as “better than I had hoped,” with sales escalating in the last week. She reports that: “People were mainly buying practical gifts.”

Hence bestsellers included Zyliss Ultimate Non-Stick Frying Pans, sets of saucepans across ranges and Le Creuset mugs.

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The UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tabletop and small electrical brands Run by the industry for the industry

www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

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NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF l Horwood has strengthened its team with two new appointments. Coming from the lighting industry, Louise Ayres has joined as business development manager, covering the southeast territory and key retail accounts. Tamara Gavriloff has joined the marketing team as ecommerce executive. l Hannah Dale, the founder and creative director of Wrendale Designs has won a NatWest everywoman Award in recognition of her inspirational entrepreneurial talents. l Dunelm enjoyed a record festive quarter, ringing up sales of £407m between October and December, with homewares among the winning product sectors. l Dexam started 2022 with a new look

warehouse, having re-racked and reconfigured the space after Christmas. Along with greater storage capacity, the new layout will provide extensive pick face capacity, speedier bay fill and order fulfilment and faster and more effective customer despatch. l Denby recently opened Denby China’s

first offices in Shanghai to build the brand and distribute its ceramics to a new market - taking china to China. l A hand-held jet wash for cleaning toilets, the Shiffter, has received a UK patent. Its creator Kam Mistry claims it will revolutionise the chore and dispose of the need for the conventional toilet brush. l Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and

Waitrose are among the leading brands that are partners for this year’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Events to celebrate the Queen’s 70year reign are due to take place on June 5.

TOP STORY

The Times on ‘What men want’

The Times newspaper (Monday January 17) put kitchen gadgets on a pedestal in a feature which saw four leading male journalists reveal their passion for food preparation tools.

Owner of two banana guards, ‘gadget obsessive’ Harry Wallop writes: ‘Where some men dream of a Tesla Model Y, I dream of a Zyliss Easican electric can opener – “one touch to start and stop” – with a guarantee of no sharp edges.’ Acknowledging the joy of ‘flicking through the Lakeland catalogue,’ Harry confesses: ‘I lust over the curves of the OXO Good Grips fat separator.’

He also applauds the attributes of the Zyliss Easy Pull manual food processor, which ‘deserves to be up there with the iPhone and Ford Model T,’ and highlights the effortless good results of the Masha (electric potato masher). Observing the rise of scratch cooking during Above: The cover of Times 2, in the pandemic, Harry includes comments from Katrina Balogh, John The Times on January 17.

Lewis buyer and Philippa Simmons, Lakeland’s head of buying.

Meanwhile, Sathnam Sanghera reflects on his love for the pizza wheel, and his recent introduction to pizza scissors, which is ‘proof that great things can sometimes get even better.’

Simon Mills talks about his devotion to premium kitchen knives, stating: ‘Give a man a decent knife and he’ll be happy.’ He admits that a wood-handled Swiss bread knife ‘has turned the simple act of cutting bread into a transcendently artistic process.’

Lastly, journalist Hugo Rifkind reveals that his ‘favourite present ever’ is an apple corer and slicer, describing it as a ‘life-changing wonder’ that takes away ‘those last few degrees of hassle that put you off eating an apple.’

Top tips at Top Drawer In its new dates for 2022, Top Drawer S/S22 at Olympia London (February 20-22) features the Reveal Skills Studio.

Described as ‘intimate workshops led by some of the very best,’ the Studio covers visual merchandising, product photography, international export and ‘top tips for nailing your social media and PR’. Top Drawer visitors are advised to book early due to limited spaces.

Meanwhile, Top Drawer’s RetailFest programme includes Above: RetailFest at Top Drawer.

Eloise Showering of Eloise Home and London-based ceramicist Freya BrambleCarter, discussing ‘Storytelling in the Digital Age’. Digital marketing trends, consumer habits and colour trends are among the insights to be gained from a host of retail experts.

The show’s exhibitors include Forma House, Broste Copenhagen, Denby, Half Moon Bay and Quail Designs. See www.topdrawer.co.uk Below: Joe and Sadie Sillett, co-founders of The Funky Appliance Company.

Funky brand to expand Above: VonShef Retro Popcorn maker.

Top of the pops VonHaus, the online own brand kitchen and home retailer based in Manchester, has revealed a list of ‘must have’ interior products, having analysed keyword search trends over the past year.

The popcorn maker is the top ‘musthave’ interior product, with an increase of +586% searches in the twelve months up to December 2021. Searches for air fryers increased by +200%, and the toasted sandwich by +150%. The waffle maker saw searches increase by +120%.

Tabletop products in VonHaus’ top ten include gin and juice glasses, with searches up +300%, and the ‘Pornstar martini cocktail set’, up +200%.

The Funky Appliance Company (distributed

by RKW) is celebrating after raising 113% of its £200,000 crowdfunding target in its seventh successful funding. The new funds will support a national advertising campaign, including television for the first time, plus the appointment of a new operations manager.

The company has also signed an exclusive threeyear global licensing deal with RKW, which will expand the Funky brand into cookware and other housewares products later this year.

“2022 promises to be an exceptionally exciting year for us as we broaden out the reach of our retail distribution and take the Funky brand international,” states Joe Sillett, co-founder and ceo of The Funky Appliance Company.

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Below: A view of Messe Frankfurt, home to Ambiente.

Loss of Ambiente “a blow” Members of the housewares industry are lamenting the loss of Ambiente 2022, that was due to take place in Frankfurt from February 11-15. The event was cancelled in early January as Omicron cases rose in Europe and Germany, with resulting worldwide travel and contact restrictions. Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt admitted: “This decision was anything but easy for us.”

Tony Grimshaw, director of What More UK, an exhibitor for more than 20 years, reflected: “Although we completely understand why the global situation means Ambiente can't go ahead, it's still a blow to the industry.” He described the show as “the highlight of our year,” and recognised that new international sales would be harder in 2022.

INTRODUCING BAMBOO, the new colour by Le Creuset. Like the tropical grass that inspired it, Bamboo is the most versatile of evergreens. Available in Enamelled Cast Iron cookware, oven-to-table Stoneware and Accessories from February 2022.

FOR TRADE ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT LE CREUSET CUSTOMER SERVICES ON +44 (0)1264 343909 OR CUSTOMERSERVICES.UK@LECREUSET.COM

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NEWS TOP STORY

Countdown to INDX show

Above: The Woodland Carbon scheme helps reduce carbon footprint by locking up unavoidable carbon emissions.

New year’s growth ProCook began the year with impressive trading results following its recent London Stock Market flotation. The retailer has also announced its partnership with The Woodland Trust.

Total revenue growth was +34.6% for the 12 weeks ended January 9, up by +104.1% on a two year like for like basis. Ceo Daniel O’Neill said the results reflect “the strength of our multi-channel offer.” ProCook opened new stores in Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in December.

The new partnership with the Woodland Trust will help mitigate ProCook’s carbon emissions, as part of the retailer’s drive towards net zero.

ProCook has reduced carbon emissions by partnering with DPD for carbon neutral parcel delivery, operating an allelectric fleet of company vehicles, switching to LED lighting and operating a zero waste to landfill policy at its headquarters.

ProCook’s employees will have the chance to plant trees with The Woodland Trust.

A Very Peri year For the first time in the history of the Pantone Colour of the Year, the Pantone Institute has created an entirely new colour its Colour of the Year 2022: Very Peri is a combination of violet and red undertones with blues.

The colour represents the transformation of the physical and digital world, with its new frontiers and possibilities, including the rise of the metaverse. Very Peri is described by Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, as conveying a “spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

Right: Chicobag Bottle Sling in Amethyst from Whitby & Co.

Live product and cookery demonstrations will be part of an ‘unmissable homewares buying experience’ at INDX Housewares & Linens at the purpose-built exhibition venue Cranmore Park in Solihull on February 22-23.

Brought to market by leading buying group Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the event is open to all retailers, with ‘a strong and inclusive mix’ across cookshop, SDAs, tabletop, linens, soft furnishing, home gift and home fragrance.

“We are thrilled to be joining our Housewares and Linens communities at a Above: Scene from INDX Housewares in August 2021. collective and collaborative show this February, and the AIS team has been busy planning and securing the best brands from both sectors,” enthuses Rachel Breen, head of homewares, AIS. “Visitors can look forward to seeing some fantastic new product ranges at what promises to be an exciting and inspiring show.”

Housewares exhibitors include Addis, Arthur Price, Captivate Brands, City Look Imports, Connect Distribution, Creative Products, Dartington, DMD, Dayes, Denby, Dexam, Eddingtons, EPE, ESG, Horwoods, Kuhn Rikon, Meyer UK, Morphy Richards, Neat Ideas, Pik a Pak, Portmeirion, Pure Tabletop, RKW, SodaStream, Taylors Eye Witness, The Cookware Company, Thermos, Tradestock, Villeroy & Boch and What More.

Renowned for its friendly, relaxed and professional buying environment, INDX Housewares & Linens offers attendees free admission, free onsite parking, and complimentary refreshments.

See www.indxshows.co.uk

Showroom extravaganza Lifetime Brands Europe is hosting a ‘Showroom Alive’ event in Birmingham (from January 25-28 and February 6-9).

“This time last year we were online with our digital event ‘Showroom Live’ and this year we are thrilled to be bringing our showroom to life with visitors! We’ve not scaled back our launch activity and we’re so excited to be able to share our latest new trends and must have new products with our partners,” comments Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director. “Designed to bring both brands and products to life, Above: La Cafetière is part of Lifetime Brands visitors can expect live product and cooking demos in the Lifetime Europe’s 10,000 square foot showroom, which has measures in place to “keep things safe Brands Europe show kitchen, trend insights, merchandising and secure.” inspiration, point of sale options and promo ideas.”

Some 250 new products across Cook, Serve and Enjoy categories include MasterClass cookware in trend colours and sustainable additions to Natural Elements, and the “completely re-brewed” La Cafetière brand across tea and coffee (see pages 26-27). Customers can book via sales reps or the sales office and a taster video can be viewed at kitchencraft.co.uk/showroomalive.

Shorter Chicago show The Inspired Home Show 2022 will go ahead as planned with Covid-19 safety-related policies and protocols and a shortened schedule. The show will take place over three days from March 5-7, instead of its usual four-day format.

Before collecting a badge at show venue McCormick Place, all exhibitors and attendees will be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination or produce a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours. While at the show, visitors will need to follow the additional protocols mandated by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. Currently, these include wearing masks and a proof of vaccination requirement to purchase and consume food and drink in cafes (but not for ‘grab and go’ food purchases). See www.theinspiredhomeshow.com Above: Chicago will be the source of inspiration in March.

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La Cafetière Est. 1967 Rebrewed 2022 Take the plunge and find out more kitchencraft.co.uk/lacafetiere

Available from T: +44 (0) 121 604 6000 | E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com | www.kitchencraft.co.uk/lacafetiere

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Strong start for webinars BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) has kicked off its 2022 webinar programme by exploring how to engage consumers with the best point of sale (POS) and merchandising. Events for the end of January include Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation followed by eBay, while February begins with a John Lewis forum (see linked story).

Phil Pond, director of trends forecaster Scarlet Opus talked BHETA members through superlative examples of POS and merchandising on January 12, looking at the best ways to present products in-store, online or in print.

He discussed how housewares suppliers can support retailers and forge partnerships that are genuinely mutually beneficial, highlighting styles of POS and merchandising that make the consumer’s purchasing-decision easier, as well as create brand champions.

A webinar by Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation on January 26 covers the latest state of trade, the ongoing impact of Brexit (including labour and UKCA/CE marking), along with the thorny issue Above: Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus pictured in the Trends of freight costs and supply chain challenges. Presented by Make UK’s chief arena at Exclusively 2021. executive Stephen Phipson, the webinar covers the wider headwinds for the manufacturing sector and solutions to the challenges faced by UK manufacturing.

Make UK represents around 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector, including over 5,000 businesses who are members of the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF). Designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow, it provides business support and training, and it champions manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU. “Despite the many positive opportunities for suppliers in the home enhancement sector, there are currently numerous practical challenges for manufacturers in general,” commented BHETA’s marketing manager, Steve Richardson ahead of the webinar. “It will be especially useful and illuminating to listen to views and advice on these from the wider community of British manufacturing.”

Rosalind Bridges, eBay’s category manager for home and garden is on BHETA’s virtual stage on January 27, talking about eBay’s background and trading strategy as well as why suppliers should sell on eBay. Her presentation includes a site tour of the leading online marketplace and insights into its best match algorithm and marketing tools.

Below: Steve Platt, managing director of EP Brands pictured at Exclusively 2021.

Three more housewares members European Products Brands (EP Brands), FBA International and Barista & Co Coffee are the latest housewares suppliers to join BHETA. EP Brands specialises in the supply of branded and bespoke designer glassware and associated packaging. Its portfolio includes: Villeroy & Boch, Crystal Galleries, Stolzle Lausitz, Cegeco, Oberglas, Cerve, Ritzenhoff, Tognana, Vidivi and Gio’Style, supplied directly to UK retailers, as well as to B2B customers.

EP Brands’ products are sourced for the UK market from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic and the Far East with carriage paid orders, ex works or drop ship. In addition to lead crystal and glasses, ranges include cookware, dining, melamine and cutlery. The company has also opened a partner office in the Far East.

“EP has some high-quality brands in its portfolio and a wealth of specialist technique suppliers in many countries,” notes Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares. “This is a great combination for a variety of retailers, and I’m delighted to see such an ambitious and entrepreneurial company joining BHETA.” FBA International UK is a subsidiary of a company which originated in Australia. It is committed to product innovation and development, creating smart, useful and affordable alternatives for the home and kitchen, under its own brands or client brands. The team oversees product development from concept to design to manufacture.

Established in 1990 (with an international head office in Melbourne), the company has production, warehousing and distribution facilities in China. Ranges include kitchenware and homewares, along with storage and pet products, which are sourced from around the world or uniquely manufactured at FBA’s own production facility in China.

Welcoming both Barista & Co (see separate story) and FBA, Seema stated: “I’m delighted to see sustainable, design-led companies looking to expand with BHETA.”

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First forum BHETA starts its 2022 retailer forums and networking opportunities with a presentation by Lucy Steer, head of category Home at John Lewis & Partners on February 2.

Lucy will provide an overview of business for the department store’s Home categories and discuss how suppliers can best work with John Lewis. BHETA members will have the opportunity to ask questions after Lucy’s talk.

For more information on BHETA’s events go to www.bheta.co.uk Right: Lucy Steer of John Lewis & Partners.

Above: Louise and James Gray of Barista & Co Coffee won the Plugged In Award for the Core All Grind Electric Coffee Grinder at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021, presented by BHETA’s Seema Grantham.

Dedicated to great coffee Based on the south coast, new BHETA member Barista & Co Coffee now exports to over 30 countries. Founder James Gray was originally inspired to create the company while enjoying super sweet ca phe sua da coffee at a street coffee seller in Hanoi with his girlfriend (now wife and fellow director) Louise. They appreciated that great coffee does not need to be complicated.

James thought that fresh coffee, along with coffee makers, accessories and friendly advice should be made accessible for consumers so more people could enjoy a higher standard of coffee at home. Meanwhile, with a background in sourcing for the likes of Selfridges and Waitrose, Louise joined the business in 2014 bringing her passion for ethical business and transparency in the supply chain. (See Coffee and tea market focus, pages 26-27.)

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Healing bad habits The start of any year is always a time for New Year resolutions, often with a focus on doing things better or for the first time and trying to stop bad habits. It has always been my belief that business owners should also set themselves some new year business resolutions.

2022 is set to be a challenging year and now is the time to ask yourselves what you will do differently to address these challenges and ensure your business prospers.

Based on what I have learned from working with independent retailers throughout the UK over the past few years, I would highlight the following areas for consideration: • Be sure you are up to date with new business regulations. For instance, from 1 January 2022, goods exported from Great Britain to the EU and goods imported from the EU to Great Britain (with the exception of goods being imported from Ireland) are now subject to full customs controls. If you’re importing or exporting goods, you’ll need to make sure that you (or your agent) have submitted the correct import or export declarations. If authorised, you or your agent can choose to use simplified procedures for imports.

Full details at: gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-uk-transition • Develop a sustainability plan for your business. As I have previously said, environmentally friendly retailing is a genuine opportunity.

• Continue to develop your business model as the shopping environment around you changes and consumer habits evolve. If you have not embraced the internet, do so now with extra focus on websites and social media presence. At Bira we know that many businesses struggle with creating a ‘hybrid’ business model, which is why we have created Neartoo - the new low-cost internet marketplace to connect physical stores with local customers (see separate story).

• Involve your staff with your business plans. Whenever I visit members, I am always impressed by the involvement and commitment of the staff working in the shops. These are often loyal employees who care about your business – use their skills and knowledge to grow. Large companies are moving away from personal contact, so in 2002 make your staff your USP (unique selling proposition).

• Work with other people on your high street to create a busy, buoyant place with a real personality. Any high street is a series of interdependent businesses with shared interests. All great high streets have a collective spirit and evidence of people working together.

Of course, you may be thinking of other things that are relevant to your business and your area. The important thing is to commit yourself to being proactive and doing something differently.

The start of the year will be difficult as we have started under the threat of yet another wave of Covid. Small retailers have done a fantastic job of surviving the past couple of years and you will need all your resolve, Inset: Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop resilience and creativity to find a new way forward and in York is working with fellow retailers make 2022 a prosperous one. to encourage community spirit.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira (The British Independent Retailers' Association)

Inset: Lawsons in Tavistock.

A

Lawsons in the news Liz Lawson, managing director of Bira member Lawsons of Devon was one of The Sunday Times’ interviewees on January 2, discussing Christmas trade for independent retailers.

Reflecting on how the emergence of the Omicron variant prompted consumers to get their shopping done, Liz reported:“It made people get on with their Christmas shopping.

We saw a bit of a surge online and in store in the middle of December once the government started mumbling about restrictions coming in.”

She also described “really good local support” for Lawsons’ Tavistock, Ivybridge and Totnes shops, with footfall holding up when shopper numbers were falling in larger destinations.

The Sunday Times article also highlighted the continuing trend for home cooking and baking, as well as ‘the popularity of brands such as Le Creuset, Denby and KitchenAid,’ which helped to keep Lawsons’ Christmas sales figures close to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Neartoo for all indies February 2022 sees the launch of Neartoo, the new online trading platform exclusively for independent retailers, including cookshops and housewares stockists, created by Bira. The association is urging all independent retailers to sign up, regardless of whether they are Bira members. Neartoo complements physical stores, helping shops move forward with a ‘hybrid’ model of retailing.

Papyrus, the cookshop, gift and home store in Glasgow, is among the hundreds of Bira members who have already signed up to trade on Neartoo. Shop owners can sync their existing online sales platform or create an ecommerce presence for the first time through Neartoo. For Bira members, use of the platform is free for 12 months, while non-Bira members can get five months free when they sign up.

Describing Neartoo as “a really exciting opportunity for indies throughout the UK to be able to start selling online or increase their own visibility,” Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre commented: “Bira wants to help independent retailers achieve their ambitions. If there is another lockdown it will mean that stores can still sell through click and collect and not lose business to other multinational online trading stores such as Amazon. There is such a huge gap between indies that do have an online presence and we believe they have been left behind for far too long with big tech companies taking over.”

He concluded:“This is the answer for thousands of indie stores across the UK to still maintain a bricks and mortar presence on the high street, while also allowing them to sell online but at a lower cost.”

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Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline Happy new year everyone! I hope you all managed some well-deserved time off over the holiday. We all managed to stay healthy and had a nice big family Christmas which was a true joy!

New shoots T

he couple of weeks before Christmas saw Covid run riot through our staff.

Shop cover got a bit tight in places, but we managed to stay open all the way through until Christmas Eve, which feels like a pretty good achievement! I was left on my own on Christmas Eve in Prep when I was due to have four of us in, so I had to rope in my partner who hasn’t worked in a shop since his teenage days at Waitrose. He survived and we managed to have a pretty successful day!

Sales were good with lots of customer support, but lack of stock and deliveries certainly put a slight dent in the figures.

However, looking back at the year and the challenges we have all faced I feel pretty proud of where we ended up. We survived, our sales were good, we hustled for stock wherever we could; we almost started to understand the import process and our customers were happy. Maybe not the highest of aspirations, but at this moment I’ll take it.

So, with fresh eyes we are taking on the new year. We are closing both stores for stock take and a quick lick of paint at the end of January once things start to get quiet again. Once that is done, we can crack on with restocking and resourcing. We have learnt a lot over the last year regarding sourcing from Europe and we are definitely having to relook at our supply base. With prices increasing across the board due to raw materials costs, labour and shipping, some of the duty costs are just becoming a

step too far and making products prohibitively expensive. I’m also going to try and work hard on the website and make sure it is kept up to date and push it further as last year it just ticked along.

We were really hoping to be able to return to the shows this year.

Above: Santa superstar: Holly and her Christmas Eve recruit.

Left: New window to start the new year at Prep in Stoke Newington.

Bottom left: Holly is involved in the ‘See you in Stokey’ campaign and hopes to rejuvenate a local garden for the community.

We hadn’t been to Ambiente for three years and we were excited to go and spend days wandering the halls and refreshing our ranges (with the odd frankfurter along the way obvz, and maybe some fizz). Instead, we will have to do our sourcing from the comfort of my sofa. We are spending time scouring the internet and Instagram to find new brands and products, which is lovely but is not quite as efficient as

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having it all laid out for you at a show.

Hopefully though it will lead to a bit more diversity in our stock as we will all be pulling from different resources.

I’m also having to rehire staff at Prep as people move on to pastures new, but it feels like a good time to get someone new in as we start the year. I love to hire local people where possible. They understand the customer better and have local knowledge and it goes along with the shop family we have.

We are also starting up our Stokey business association again so that we can apply to Hackney council for some more of the funding that is available. We are using it to further our ‘See you in Stokey’ campaign and as a part of that we are pitching to use funds to revamp some of the communal gardens around Stokey to make them a brighter and more fun place to hang out. They are currently run down and therefore underused.

It feels so positive to be working on this community side along with the other traders and the team spirit is really uplifting. When trade feels hard, and costs and supply are such a depressing conversation, the light that this brings reminds me why I love having a local independent shop.

Holly Wilson is the owner of two award winning North London cookshops: Prep in Stoke Newington and Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.

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STATE OF THE

THE NATION

Inset: All of those commenting for the State of the Nation highlights supply chain challenges.

Photo by Tom Fisk.

Below: John Lewis’ Lisa Rutherford.

Bottom: A festive table setting by John Lewis, as featured in one of its Home Décor Ideas & Inspiration articles by interiors writer Helen Stone.

Home entertaining had a positive impact in 2021.

2022

The housewares industry has experienced another year of unprecedented circumstances as well as the continuation of a rejuvenated enthusiasm for the home. PH asks several industry figures to reflect on another chapter for the history books, as well as look ahead to this year’s challenges and opportunities.

Travels in the kitchen

THE QUESTIONS:

Lisa Rutherford, category lead Cookshop, John Lewis & Partners:

* What housewares trend or development in 2021 stands out for you and why? * What is the biggest challenge and/or opportunity for 2022 (for your business, or the industry generally)? * How are you addressing this?

“The focus on entertaining at home has continued from 2020, whether it is family time or getting together with friends you have not seen because of lockdowns and travel restrictions. Where people are working more from home, they have more time to experiment in the kitchen and are investing more time into making dinner or lunch into an enjoyable activity rather than a quick chore.

We have seen customers be inspired by tablescapes and seen requests for product to support more adventurous cooking that may be from further afield if they can't literally travel overseas then they will create that moment at home.

Nicola Hattersley, the John Lewis Tabletop lead has had great success with the Levantine collection which has also been well received in Waitrose too.

The biggest challenge we are facing as we head into 2022 is the impact of all of the shipping delays we experienced at the back end of last year.

We still have newness intended for 2021 to hit down. The upside is that we will have a lot of great newness in 2022 and, with shops open during the first quarter vs being closed last year, it is an opportunity to showcase great product and inspire our customers.

As a new team (post restructure) we were very much looking forward to getting out to trade shows, meeting key suppliers and exploring the new. News that some events for the early part of this year are now cancelled is really disappointing. This is a challenge for us as we are keen to know what's out there.

Like everyone we are unsure when we will see the end of the shipping challenges we have had to face. This has forced us to evaluate our critical path and add in more time to ensure we get back on track with our buying cycle especially with seasonally critical lines.”

“ We will have a lot of great newness in 2022.”

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Investment pieces John Grayson, commercial director, Le Creuset, winner of The Excellence in Service and Excellence in Marketing Awards at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021: “One of the clear trends we have seen in 2021 is the desire for a return to good home cooking. The need for reassuring food favourites enjoyed with immediate loved ones or extended family and friends has been evident throughout the year with many consumers choosing cast iron cookware from classic Le Creuset colours, such as Volcanic, Cerise or Teal. These are often complemented with contemporary pieces from our stainless steel 3 Ply range.

The interest in investing in quality premium cookware has rarely been higher than in recent months and this continues to fuel our focus on upcoming innovation in colour, design, and performance.

Bamboo is our exciting new colour launch across both cast iron and stoneware this spring.

The biggest challenge for the industry

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Below: Dexam re-configured its warehouse for the start of 2022.

Closer to home Bryony Dyer, managing director, Dexam, winner of The Excellence in Product Development Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021: “Although the restrictions in 2021 were not as severe as they were in 2020, demand remained buoyant for all things ‘homemade’. It is great for our industry that baking and cooking have remained centre stage and we are now noticing that consumers are looking to invest in quality items, responsibly sourced. We believe the reason for this is twofold: they may have bought less expensive pans, bakeware, textiles and accessories in the past but now, with more use, the investment is worth it (and the results are better).

Also, and probably more importantly, consumerism leads to so much waste. We are gradually learning that the throwaway society that started in the 80s/90s cannot be sustained. Long may this last.

As for 2022, many, many of my colleagues in the industry have mentioned this but freight rates remain the biggest challenge and concern. When considered alongside raw material price increases and shipping delays, freight rates are a major headache for importers. As I write, my purchasing manager has shared the current rates for pre-Chinese New Year and they remain shocking. I believe this will continue until at least mid-2022.

Like others, we are addressing the freight issue with much more careful and considered timing of our consignments. Consolidation will be key.

Additionally, and something Dexam has been working on for over a decade, is reshoring. We are sourcing product closer to home: cast iron from France, textiles from Portugal and India (avoiding Chinese cotton and developing organic cotton), roasters from Italy and microwave-ware, knives and Butchers Stripe textiles from the UK to name but a few.

2021 was a good year for Dexam. 2022 will bring more of the same, but better. We achieved a lot in 2021 – we relocated the office, created a new showroom and re-racked our warehouse – all to provide the best possible service. We enter 2022 with optimism and a great team. Our customers and suppliers have been truly supportive during a torrid 24 months, and we look forward to working with them all this year and beyond. We have more resources in marketing and product development and a strong idea of who we are and what we want to do.

We have new licensing partnerships coming on board, and, although there will be no Ambiente, we look forward to welcoming retailers with a myriad of great new products at Exclusively.”

Right: Dexam’s Bryony Dyer.

The power of localism Yossi Gliksman, co-owner, Upstairs Downstairs Cookshop, Oswestry, winner of Independent Cookshop of the Year 2021: Above: Le Creuset products in the window at Kitchen Range, Market Harborough

generally in 2022 is the supply chain pressure and the challenges that it brings for everyone in manufacturing, distribution and retail. Pandemic restrictions in production facilities for many companies, coupled with huge increases in shipping costs that we have seen throughout the last 18 months are yet to significantly abate and we will need to continue to efficiently negotiate our way through this in 2022 in order that we can continue to delight the shoppers of Le Creuset products.

At Le Creuset we benefit from continued investment in our own facilities such as our French foundry at Fresnoy-le-Grand, where lead times are extremely efficient. This enables us to support continued demand in core categories such as cast iron cookware and, with exciting new launches coming up this Spring, we can with confidence continue to work with our retail partners to not just support, but yet again really grow the market.”

“Localism stood out last year and it has been heart-warming. 2021 was one of the best years we have ever had thanks to the support of our customers who want to keep livelihoods going in their town.

When we re-opened in summer 2020, people were keen to support local traders.

Customers were very emotional in the shop as they were so pleased to be back.

During lockdown we had pre-ordered tens of thousands of £pounds worth of stock anticipating supply shortages, and it was a gamble that paid off thanks to high demand.

It was hard to keep up with customer demand when we

reopened again in December after the second lockdown.

Local support is what got us through the third lockdown from January to April 2021.

With less government support, we had higher overheads but were able to provide a click and collect service, which worked well. Customer loyalty has been amazing – people really do care!

As we start 2022, the biggest obstacles facing housewares retailers are supply shortages (as most of products come from the Far East) and price hikes, as well as the impact of Brexit.

However, most independent cookshop owners have been in business for many years and are not the types to give up. We have dropped some suppliers due to Brexit; personally, I find the extra paperwork takes up too much time and the extra costs cannot be justified.

“ We need to get used to the new normal.”

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Above: Upstairs Downstairs.

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Below: Tableware at Upstairs Downstairs.

Collective strength

Will Jones, chief operating office, BHETA:

We now have a different approach to pricing at Upstairs Downstairs in general.

We consider the perceived value of a product rather than making an automatic mark-up; full margins cannot be made when our cost prices have increased by 15-20%.

Independent specialists have now become a little less reliant on big brand names – particularly those prioritising stock for their direct-to-consumer sales - as we can sell the benefits of good products from lesser known brands.

The pandemic has changed people's attitude towards life in general. I don't think we are going to see the old normal coming back; we need to get used to a new normal, which I feel will be better. We must put real value to products rather than seek the lowest prices; we have had too much choice for too long!

Local support will carry on through 2022 and retailers should make the most of it.

People yearn to come out for experiences.

We plan to re-launch the Cook@ Group in 2022. As a collective of independent cookshops, we will work with suppliers for joint buying terms and exclusive launches, and we are keen to promote British-made.

The next five years will be good for

“Who would have thought a year ago that in many ways 2021 would prove to be something of a repeat of the challenges – and opportunities - of 2020? It was a less shocking year in some ways as we got used to the concept of Covid restrictions in whatever form and the best ways to manage business in the meantime, but with the added issues of supply chain and the cost of freight, some might say 2021 was tougher than its predecessor.

As we enter 2022, the situation continues to be very challenging with a new variant again curtailing movement and the need to make difficult decisions in respect of international travel to exhibitions and the Far East buying trips. On the positive side, we will see the continued rediscovery of providing for and entertaining family and friends at home. This now embraces everything from shopping online to growing your own vegetables and herbs to cooking, baking and entertaining with food: every circumstance in which the consumer can reassert a degree of control in these extraordinary times. From a home enhancement point of view this is great news in terms of the development of skills to the purchase of new or more sophisticated tools, gadgets, and equipment.

Another key development (presenting both opportunities and challenges) is sustainability, or, as Scarlet Opus describes it in terms of consumer engagement, ‘Reset’. At Exclusively, we saw some superb examples of product developed in line with this thought process from both functional and aesthetic points of view. From a legislative perspective it is all about managing transition both sensitively and sensibly so that suppliers can move with the times. BHETA’s successful lobbying on the distinction between single use and multiple use plastic is a great example of what can be achieved and how it can contribute to the greater good.

The most immediate challenge - or set of challenges - for the housewares industry in 2022 is that the consumer will have less money to spend as inflationary pressures work their way through the supply chain on top of increased energy bills and increased taxes. While this tends to work in favour of home-based experiences, there is, of course, concern for consumer spending across the board. Member feedback suggests the hope that the now-established trajectory for home cooking, baking and entertainment enables housewares to be one of the sectors best placed to withstand the inevitable challenge.

It is hugely important that the industry recognises the contribution of collective action when addressing challenges and opportunities. All suppliers and retailers need to be able to react quickly to a changed and changing world. BHETA members are able to keep looking at the market data, identifying emerging trends and responding in good time, placing orders early whenever appropriate. BHETA has also proved the potential of collective and co-ordinated lobbying on issues from taxes to freight costs.

For BHETA, addressing challenges and opportunities is all about providing members with up to the minute facts, helping adaptability with ‘how-to’ content, taking on the issues with government and continuing to enable networking Top: Reset trend area at Exclusively 2021. opportunities with retailers Above: “The smiles on people’s faces at Exclusively and the sense of and export destinations.” industry togetherness was wonderful to see and experience,” reflects Will.

“It also proved that we humans do need face to face contact to thrive.”

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MARKET FOCUS

A full-bodied coffee with a tantalising aroma is the pick-me-up of choice for a multitude of home workers. For others, the mindful ceremony of making leaf tea provides a welcome diversion from the day at the desk. PH enjoys a caffeine boost and considers how consumers are embracing café culture at home.

AROMA

THERAPY "The UK’s appetite for coffee continues to go from strength to strength, especially as many people continue to work from home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” sums up Nigel Morrison, consumer and trade marketing manager for Melitta UK. At Lifetime Brands, Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director concurs that the move to mass homeworking has meant a “huge shift to brewing at home.”

Of course, methods of coffee brewing are diverse. Nigel reports on Melitta’s wide portfolio of coffee machines: “Interestingly, we are seeing bean to cup machines, such as the Avanza and the Purista Series 300, continue to

Inset: La Cafetière (from Lifetime Brands) has some exciting new launches for coffee and tea making.

perform well – plus there's still growing demand for bean to cup coffee machines which create top-tier barista style drinks from the comfort of your own kitchen.” He elaborates: “Take for example, our recently launched Latticia OT (One Touch). 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. Another example is our Latte Select (which

Temperature control “There has been a growth in specialty teas here in recent years but perhaps it is not widely known that to get the very best flavour they need to be brewed at different temperatures,” highlights Marcus Lux, head of export and business development at Gastroback, adding: “That is not such an easy task with a standard kettle.”

However, as Marcus explains: “Gastroback’s Design Tea Aroma Plus has eight tea programmes (60-100°C) for the preparation of green tea, black tea, oolong tea, sencha tea, white tea, jasmine tea, herbal tea and Darjeeling, and there is a hot water function, so it is also a standard kettle.”

Inset: Gastroback’s Design Tea Aroma Plus has eight settings to make a wide range of teas.

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launched in autumn 2021) whose sensor fields start the preparation of your favourite coffee speciality thanks to its one-touch, ease of use function and coloured picture display.” The machine also allows consumers to choose one of its twelve coffee recipes or save personal settings.

Meanwhile, according to Nigel: “Pour Over filter coffee also continues to increase in popularity and this is set to continue throughout 2022. Melitta’s epour is a great example of this, thanks to its elegant design which includes a modern touch panel with key features such as an open filter allowing you to experience the

PH Tea & Coffee 2pgs.qxp_Grid 22/01/2022 13:59 Page 2

Inset: Horwood is expanding its range of Judge Double Walled Glassware.

MARKET FOCUS

Mug shots Having the perfect mug can be part of the enjoyment of having the perfect brew. Richard Sharp, marketing manager at Horwood confirms that consumers are “buying products specifically to complement their home coffee machine.” He reports: “Our Judge Double Walled Glassware has been exceptionally popular - consumers love the clean aesthetic of design as well as the way it performs in use. Even coffee producers are using double walled cups in their advertising because it looks fantastic in use.” The new year therefore sees extensions to the Double Walled range to address increasing demand.

Meanwhile, tea lovers often appreciate a “huggable shape” for their perfect cuppa, notes Lee Woodhall, brand manager for Price & Kensington from The Rayware Group. The brand’s new stoneware mugs “feature a two-tone dipped glaze in a choice of contemporary shades, including coral, teal, yellow and navy that coordinate with our popular teapot colours.”

Moreover, the mugs are “debossed with a quirky slogan on both sides in the same colour hue creating a pleasant contrast to the cream glazing and adding some positivity to your day.”

Attentive to interior colour trends, Price & Kensington has added charcoal and “a calming, nature-inspired sage green tone” to its teapot range. Calming sage and charcoal hues also appear in the new collections of ceramic Accents Tea, Coffee and Sugar Storage Jars, which feature a moulded lid to allow for space-saving stacking.

brewing process with all your senses. The water spout, which rotates 360° and changes the direction and water flow depending on the brewing profile, ensures the coffee is optimally and quickly dampened as if by hand."

Now in its second year in the UK market, premium German brand Gastroback has over 30 years’ experience of developing trend-setting SDAs with a coffee portfolio that “ranges from filter machines which are arguably more popular outside of the UK to digital espresso machines like our Design Espresso Advanced Barista,” notes Marcus Lux, head of export and business development at Gastroback. The machine is winning the adoration of coffee shop lovers with its “15 bar pressure and a thermo-block heating system which offers warm-up in 1.5 minutes.” Its versatility is also attractive to busy homeworkers as it is suitable for freshly-ground coffee beans, coffee powder or ESE pods making espresso, latte macchiato or cappuccino, while its integrated hot water function allows for Americano, café crème and even tea.

When it comes to manual coffee making, there are arguably few brands more

recognisable than La Cafetière, which created its first French Press style coffee maker in 1967.

Lifetime Brands’ Claire Budgen reveals: “2022 sees the launch of new innovations, on-trend colours and new brand centric packaging.” She emphasises the appropriate timing, stating: “Coffee is king and the continued growing consumer desire to emulate the café experience at home presents a golden opportunity.”

Claire confirms that the new year brings:

“Cafetières in the latest designs and colours that emulate modern café culture with features that keep the flavour authentic.”

With classic and distinctive new shapes and natural finishes, the comprehensive portfolio for coffee lovers also includes espresso makers, grinders, frothers, accessories and mugs. “La Cafetière has everything needed to brew authentic coffee at home in style, and our extensive printed point of sale and digital assets ensure our customers can create the La Cafetière café culture in-store or online,” states Claire.

The brand is also embracing tea making, with its range of teapots and tea making accessories “for mindful brews, everyday cuppas and infusion friendly brewing.” As Claire acknowledges: “Helping consumers maintain a sense of wellbeing while spending time at home with products that support healthy daily habits for body and mind is more important than ever.”

Left: Huggable mugs by Price & Kensington from The Rayware Group.

Right: UK latte art champion Dhan Tamang has developed a new range with Barista and Co.

All about fresh coffee The Core All Grind Electric Coffee Maker – winner of The Plugged In Award at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021 – is a huge success story for Barista & Co Coffee. The company is seeing an increasing market for fresh beans (which it roasts and supplies via its subscription service) and “products that enable people to enjoy freshly ground coffee,” confirms director James Gray.

At Exclusively 2022, Barista & Co will launch a retail point of sale concept so that stockists can offer deliveries of freshly roasted coffee beans, alongside their display of Barista & Co coffee “hardware,” as well as drop shipment for larger value products.

The summer show will also see the introduction of a Barista Pro range and a #masterofmilk campaign. “There has been a huge growth in people with coffee machines at home creating latte art during lockdowns,” notes James. “We have teamed up with Dhan Tamang, six-time UK latte art champion and world finalist to create our own latte art range and training videos.”

The Two Brew is also in the pipeline for the latter half of 2022: a larger version of Barista & Co’s One Brew which provides “a different way of brewing” and has been a hit with real coffee enthusiasts. The Two Brew (for two mugs) is created from stainless steel and glass with a recyclable silicone seal.

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ou r g y l h s fre

® Registered trademark of a company of the Melitta Group

s ou i c i Del , ee ff co nd.

Experience exceptional coffee with the New Melitta® Latticia® OT For further information visit www.melitta.co.uk or call 07714 744 048

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tEA and coffee

Whether it be relaxed moments to enjoy cafe culture at its finest or the beautiful ritual of afternoon tea, Tramontina has an impressive selection of tea and coffee products to help you savour the moment even more. From the most sleek, contemporary vacuum flasks and stylish glass infuser teapots to double walled glass mugs (shown here), espresso cups and even accessories such as coffee/tea/latte spoons and serving trays – Tramontina has everything to make down time even more special.

Tramontina UK T: +44 (0) 20 3176 4557 / +44 (0) 20 3176 4558 E: contact.tuk@tramontina.com W: www.tramontina.co.uk

New colours have been introduced into the Aladdin Barista collection, pairing trusted functionality with performance for a sustainable choice. The Navy, Burgundy and Sage Green colourways are a perfect addition for 2022 and complete the full line up of seven trendy options. The Barista range includes three different sized mugs to suit a variety of needs including the perfect sized espresso mug, a medium sized drinks vessel and the perfect commuter mug. Each size is made of Thermavac™, Aladdin’s compact vacuum insulation technology to keep beverages hot or cold for hours. They also have a leak-proof flip lid with locking slider and a durable powder coat finish.

Burton McCall T: 0116 2341 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

The NEW Latticia® OT (One Touch) automatic bean to cup coffee machine 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 milk well and truly foamed – complete with a fine-pored froth. By clicking Lesser and Pavey is renowned for capturing dogs in 3D forms

on the One Touch button you can choose from

and on homewares, and this new range depicts an enchanting

different coffee serves with just one (simple)

scene of sleep dogs and flock surrounded by lush pasture and

touch – plus the silent grinder grinds the coffee

spring flowers called ‘Evergreen’. Pictured is another ‘evergreen’

extra quietly. Other features include: an XL

design of Collie and Sheep for delivery from April. The

water tank (1.5l), a 250g bean container and a

collection features a fine mug, breakfast mug, mug and coaster,

Double Cup mode for the preparation of two

a set of two mugs, a set of four mugs, jug, butter dish, teapot,

identical drinks simultaneously.

salt and pepper, egg cups, coasters, placemats, trays of three

EPE International

sizes, spoon rest, tea bag tidy, laptray and glass cutting board.

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Lesser & Pavey

W: epeinternational.com

T: 01322 279225 Pictured is the brand-new Christmas ‘Berry Thief’ collection using artwork from Karen Tye Bentley inspired by the hugely popular William Morris Red Strawberry Thief exclusively for Lesser and Pavey. The range features on a number of household items including condiments, spoon rest, fine mugs, coasters, mats, and the new addition of a two-tier cake stand, doorstop, Desire Christmas Reed diffuser and soy wax candle plus kitchen textiles (single and double oven gloves, tea towel and apron).

Lesser & Pavey T: 01322 279225

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N EW SPR I NG 22

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Discover how Denby’s exciting new Spring 2022 launches can help grow your category.

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DESIGNER FACE TO FACE: NICK MUNRO

Multi-award winning British designer Nick Munro – whose numerous high profile commissions have included designing a teapot for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - is currently turning Sheffield cutlery on its head.

With a debut Spring/Summer 2022 range for Carrs of Sheffield about to go into Harrods, Progressive Housewares caught up with Nick to discover what sets his designs apart.

Inset: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee teapot.

CUTTING

M

ention Nick Munro’s name in design circles and there’s an instant connection with beautiful, desirable, practical, award-winning British design. He has supplied the world's best hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés, along with many of the world's top retailers, and is also the Royal Academy of Engineering’s visiting professor of design at Imperial College London.

As a young design graduate in I988, his first client was Habitat, where he used bed springs to make spiral egg cups that became iconic; he is credited with taking Wedgwood from conservative to cool in the Noughties, with his take on Jasperware prompting Wedgwood to approach other leading designers of the day to include Paul Costello and Jasper Conran.

In fact, over the decades, Nick has partnered with an impressive ‘who’s who’ of leading global brands – from Bugatti to P&O Cruises – with a recent example being Burberry’s new café concept (which launched in Shenzhen in August 2020). “It was a brilliant collaboration,” recalls Nick. “We worked on bone china, silverware, cutlery and accessories, to include cake stands, with the Thomas’s Café concept now so successful that Burberry is planning to roll it out all over China.”

A more recent ‘East meets West’ design collaboration has been a range of versatile cast iron pans, in a Bauhaus colour palette,

Below: One of Nick Munro’s early glassware collections featured silver plated fish on blue crystal, with unique pewter handle detail.

for premium international cookware brand Winnington last year. “We created the brand name Versatiron,” explains Nick. “It’s an artistic concept that translates to the East as well as the West, a combination of European art and East and West cuisine, while elevating functionality and blending traditional and modern forms.”

But currently, it’s his collaboration with prestigious premium cutlery company Carrs of Sheffield that Nick is most excited about. It’s a contemporary, nickel and silver range of silverware that’s been designed and made in the UK, fanfaring British style, quality and values. “It’s a new concept, something really different to the

silverware produced by other leading companies,” Nick highlights.

So, what inspires him and keeps him at the top of his profession? “Staying curious with an appetite for life,” he responds. “You can sit down with people all over the world who get it and align with that philosophy. They want to support you, challenge you and champion you.”

He continues: “Additionally, working with so many of the biggest brands in the world has definitely been at the core of our success, with other doors opening as a result. In fact, our portfolio is unique because it’s so diverse. It includes designing for high technology in association with air quality, right through to designing pans and cutlery, as well as designing whole nutrition chocolate that’s about cocoa as a superfood.”

What’s been his favourite project to date? “I have invested in them all emotionally,” he points out, “and I don’t like to look back and rest on my laurels. I’m interested in what comes next, so I guess my favourite project is going to be the next one!”

Nick Munro: the lowdown l Engineer and artist Nick Munro began his professional career in the late 1980s, establishing the Nick Munro Studio in Chester in 1999. l Married to fellow designer Ali, they have two sons, with Nick and Ali big fans of the Northern Soul dance scene. l Competitive table tennis is a family passion, with Nick’s other sporting hobbies including cycling, skiing, sailing and tennis.

Inset: Designer Nick Munro with Versation cast iron pans by Winnnington.

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LIFESTYLE FOCUS

THE

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Inset: The Biolite FirePit from Burton McCall.

An appreciation of the great outdoors is here to stay, with more consumers making the most of their gardens, patios or balconies for cooking, eating and entertaining throughout the year. PH considers how the kitchen has extended beyond the patio window.

Flame grilling Since the onset of Covid, most of us have spent more time at home - restricted to meeting friends outdoors for part of the time – so it is no surprise that we have invested in our gardens. However, the shift towards the outdoors as an extended living space has been increasingly significant over the past decade, providing an antidote to busy lives that are dominated by technology and screens.

According to Waitrose & Partners’ Food & Drink Report 2020-2021, one in five consumers in its survey has invested in a new barbecue, and almost 40% have used barbecues more, while one in ten have installed an outdoor bar.

Lee McDonagh, managing director of Samuel Groves observes: “The trend for outdoor entertaining has been growing in recent years, and the pandemic and the development of outdoor kitchens and BBQs has fuelled this further.”

Consequently, Lee admits: “We saw the opportunity to develop a range of sturdy, versatile, longlasting, free from PFOA and PTFE cookware that can be used for outdoor cooking on the barbecue and open flames.”

Lee continues: “Britannia from Samuel Groves is perfect for outdoor

Techno fire-starter Grabbing the attention of visitors to Exclusively 2021, the Biolite FirePit and Barbecue from Burton McCall unites mobile technology with the primordial passion for a warming fire. Ideal for outdoor cooking as well as providing a warm hub for an outdoor gathering, the FirePit’s flames can be controlled via a Biolite app.

“Central to the FirePit is the advanced airflow system; an integrated fan injects the fire with air across 51 jets dramatically improving combustion by burning particulate matter before it has the chance to escape the fire,” explains Demian Lashlee at BioLite. “So, you can go from spark to smokeless in under 30 seconds. The x-ray mesh (recently upgraded with a larger perforation for more radiant heating) allows you to have a 360 degree view of your flames and creates the feel of a floating fire.”

He also emphasises: “The more air you introduce, the hotter the fire. The airflow pack can give up to 30 hours of clean burning on a single charge and detaches for easy recharging via a micro USB. When you’re not burning, the airflow pack doubles as a power bank offering power in a pinch to your other devices.”

Biolite recently introduced the AlpenGlow lantern to add to the outdoor dining experience.

“The AlpenGlow rechargeable lanterns deliver a dusk or daylight feel inspired by nature,” states Demian. “It features high-efficiency ChromaReal LED technology which accurately renders the colours in your environment with the glow of warm natural light.” Anticipating continuing growth in the outdoor entertaining sector, Demian confirms: “The pandemic has renewed our love of the outdoors and our products and technology in this category make it easier to enjoy.

Not everyone is a backcountry enthusiast but we all can certainly enjoy a back garden, BBQ and chill session with family and friends.”

Inset: Britannia by Samuel Groves can be used for cooking on a barbecue.

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LIFESTYLE FOCUS

No breaking news “Our new range of iStyle My Home toughened fine glassware brings a whole new dimension, and peace of mind, to outdoor dining,” states Keith Nye, managing director of Tradestock. “Designed to last the test of time, the range covers a variety of highly functional and aesthetically pleasing shapes including stemmed red and white wine, stemmed flute, tumbler, hiball and tankard, all displaying sleek sophisticated, fine lines and incredible clarity – ideal for all drinking preferences from cocktails, wine and fizz to beer, soft drinks and more.”

Keith confirms that this “technically advanced and stylish range of fine drinking glassware is produced in Europe using exacting state of the art manufacturing methods with a tempering process which increases the structural integrity of the glass by more than five times, compared to a non-tempered glass.” The result is that “the glass is more shatter resistant from the inevitable small knocks in everyday use, and also has impressive resistance to thermal shock (up to 135C), allowing water to be poured directly from a boiling kettle, great if you wanted to serve coffee, tea or hot toddies.”

Meanwhile, Kirstie Pendry, marketing manager for Auteur, notes that Corkcicle’s Stemless range “adds a sense of luxury to outdoor dining,” and maintains perfectly chilled beverages. “Made from triple insulated stainless steel, Corkcicle Stemless drinkware can keep your drink cold for at least nine hours – no more warm wine!”

Orthex Group launched its GastroMax Bio tableware range at Exclusively 2021, meeting the hugely growing demand for reusable outdoor and party tableware. Craig Sammells, Orthex Group’s country manager UK & Ireland notes that, in July 2021, the European Union banned single-use plastic products, such as disposable plates and cutlery in an effort to reduce plastic waste in our oceans.

Made from Brazilian sugarcane - a renewable source – Craig explains: “The carbon footprint of the GastroMax Bio tableware range is reduced by over 80% compared to conventional plastic, as the CO2 generated in production is largely compensated for by the CO2 absorbed during the sugarcane’s growth.” He adds proudly: “The range was chosen by Scarlet Opus to feature in the Trend Showcase at Exclusively – the second year running for GastroMax Bio products.”

cooking; it is made in the UK to ‘battleship build’ quality. It’s resonating with our customers as it’s great for ‘back to basics’ cooking, as well as being loved by professionals.” Lee also points out that the cookware is “equally at home on all hobs and in a domestic oven,” when wet weather brings food preparation back indoors.

Meanwhile, Tramontina has extended its barbecue expertise with the new Black Collection. This includes cookware that is ideal for an outdoor grill, barbecue or even an open fire. “Our aim with these unique products is to give the end-user the option to buy a unique pre-seasoned cast iron collection to undertake precise tasks, knowing exactly

which product is the best one for the specific recipe and exactly what to do with it to gain the best results with ease and confidence - almost giving you the feeling of being a professional chef!” enthuses Alexandre Frubel, managing director of Tramontina UK. He praises the collection’s “dark rustic style,” which appeals to barbeque culture, “as well as creating a ‘wow’ factor for any indoor kitchen setting.”

For those that enjoy eating outdoors after cooking inside, Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director of Lifetime Brands highlights the versatility of the bestselling MasterClass Cast Aluminium Casserole Dishes with a new collection of colours that are “inspired by nature and so perfect for the al fresco dining season.”

Inset: Tradestock’s iStyle My Home Toughened Fine Glassware.

Left centre: Corkcicle’s Stemless drinkware keeps wine, G&Ts and cocktails perfectly chilled.

The three new modern hues are lavender, which Claire acknowledges is “the biggest upcoming colour trend”, a “mindful and calming mint” and “hunter green, an instant kitchen classic.” Claire elaborates: “The dishes cook just like cast iron but are ultra lightweight – ideal for carrying from the kitchen to the garden table.”

Above: Part of Tramontina’s Black Collection.

Inset: Orthex Group’s GastroMax Bio is perfect for outdoor tables.

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RETAIL FOCUS Inset: Directors Lizzy Braine and Vicky Woolston at The Kitchen Shop, Lichfield.

TRAIN TO

GAIN

“Training is non-stop; we are constantly training,” enthuses Tom Carter, director of Potters Cookshop, Hockley, winner of the Excellence in Training Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021.

When the cookshop was closed during pandemic lockdowns, and staff were deployed to the neighbouring hardware store or fulfilling online cookshop orders, the table normally used for promotions was transformed into a training table, highlighting particularly products and enabling staff members to try them out.

The shop has also made the most of remote training opportunities with the help of suppliers such as Sage and Smeg.

“Our training is a combination of in-house and supplier sessions and it’s intense – there is always stuff you don’t know!” exclaims Tom. Moreover, Potters Cookshop’s regular product demonstration videos (filmed instore for its social media feeds) provide entertaining and succinct summaries and

In the fiercely competitive housewares market, well informed, helpful members of staff can be the diamonds that make a cookshop shine brighter than others. PH spoke to the winner and finalists of the Excellence in Retail Training Award 2021 to learn how they go about sharing knowledge and gathering pearls of wisdom.

soundbites that help the whole team get to grips with new products and refresh their understanding of old classics (such as the Jar Key from Lifetime Brands).

Above: Getting hands on with products on the shopfloor: Jo and Alison at Potters Cookshop.

Left: The team at award winning cookshop Trevor Mottram has decades of accumulated wisdom.

Yossi Gliksman, director of Upstairs Downstairs, Oswestry, winner of the Independent Cookshop of the Year at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021, concurs: “You never stop learning!” With 35 years of cookshop experience, Yossi believes that two-way communication is paramount: “Every day we learn a lot from listening to our customers. The most important thing is customer relations: get to know your customer and understand their needs before you advise them, so you supply what’s suitable for them rather than what they might say they want initially.”

Continuous shop floor training is a collaboration between Upstairs Downstairs’ staff - of which there is a longstanding core – and suppliers, particularly when there are new product launches, and knowledge is disseminated via hands-on demonstrations to the team and customers.

Meanwhile, Lizzy Braine, director of The Kitchen Shop, Lichfield acknowledges: “Our customer service and staff product knowledge is something that sets our shop apart from others and this is only achieved by training every single day.” She explains: “All our training is done in-house

Tried and tested With its very long serving staff, it is a longstanding joke that the team at Trevor Mottram in Tunbridge Wells often knows more than suppliers when it comes to product training! “Our training is very thorough, product driven and hands on,” acknowledges joint managing director Sarah Wood. The shop has a ‘library’ of products so that every member of staff can try out the products that they sell when cooking and preparing food at home. She admits: “When a new product is launched, we can be quite brutal in testing it and we will always share samples around so we can compare our experiences.”

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37_39_PH Training_muk.qxp_Grid 20/01/2022 17:01 Page 39

RETAIL FOCUS

Knowledge transfer

and personally, and we had to up our game when faced with the biggest staff turnover we’ve ever had during the pandemic, in addition to making changes in the shop and doing Covid safety training.

The shop has created new training tools for staff to refer to, including A4 guides sheets – some of which are strategically placed in appropriate areas, and are proving to be “extremely helpful,” Lizzy confirms.

Bespoke product guides – such as Divertimenti’s sector guides – provide inspirational resources for staff reference, while Borough Kitchen’s black ring-binder ‘book’ (created by the retailer’s co-founders and buyer) is an ever-expanding font of knowledge for its teams (see separate section).

Borough Kitchen, winner of the Multiple or Small Group Retailer of the Year has risen to the challenge of maintaining high levels of product expertise as its store teams have grown and yet not been able to mix due to the pandemic. The retailer’s Islington store opened in its permanent position in October 2020, adding the branches in Borough Market, Chiswick and Hampstead.

“At Borough Kitchen, having a tightly-knit team that knows our products’ functions— and how that translates to practical applications in the kitchen—is at the core of what we do,” states co-founder Justin Kowbel.

The retailer has built up its online training programme with monthly sessions that explore a popular product or popular group of products.

All team members are required to attend, regardless of their role in the shop floor, warehouse or office.

They are encouraged to send questions in before sessions. “It is an opportunity to reinforce the material in our book of ‘what, how and why’ product information and encourage discussions and questions, especially those asked by customers,” notes Justin.

With its focus on knowledge transfer to customers, Borough Kitchen has expanded the role of its full-time copywriter to include “writing informative product descriptions that mimic the way our experienced shop

Top: Potters Cookshop’s director Tom Carter and visual merchandiser Alison Hobbs received the Excellence in Retail Training Award from Simon Oliver, sales director of Tower Housewares, pictured alongside Jayde Adams, the host of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021.

Above: Learning about the woodware range at Upstairs Downstairs, Oswestry.

Above right: Borough Kitchen’s cofounder Justin Kowbel, head of ecommerce Suzannah Eurell and buyer Simone Hillman were delighted to receive the Multiple or Small Group Retailer of the Year Award, presented by DKB’s commercial director Jane Mason.

Inset: Knowledge sharing at Borough Kitchen.

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floor team members sell a product, and that includes making them engaging and ‘human’,” explains Justin. “This helps connect the online, shop and warehouse teams, providing them with accurate and updated material as much as possible.”

Newer shop floor and customer service associates can quickly and easily access this information via the retailer’s Shopify platform and then relay it to customers.

“This system provides a closed loop, connecting the knowledge of the founders, buyers, and senior team members to newer employees, both in-store and online, so they can build confidence in selling our products in between training sessions. The process is dynamic and not oneway —shop associates are encouraged to flag possible errors or points that could be misconstrued by customers based on their experiences, which are considered and amended efficiently.”

Borough Kitchen also publishes informative blog posts for customers and team members to read to better understand products. Examples include: “The difference between our ‘best of the best’ and ‘best of value’ cocottes, and how to clean and care for copper pans.”

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FOCUS ON RETAIL

RETAIL

SUPERSTARS

The hotly contended Excellence in Housewares Retail Employee of the Year Award was particularly significant in 2021 due to the mighty challenges scaled by shop floor, customer service and office staff members during the pandemic. PH features extracts from the industry’s nominations for superstar employees, and asks the award winner and finalists: What is the best thing about your job?

What’s going to be important for your business in 2022?

Candice Pradhan, customer service supervisor, Borough Kitchen Having been with Borough Kitchen since it was established in 2013, Candice has indepth knowledge, helping both customer and fellow staff with her “warm, friendly and patient” approach. “She is a consummate professional, taking praise and constructive criticism with equal amounts of grace. Her can-do attitude makes even the busiest days feel manageable (and fun!) Any environment she steps into at work she makes better.

Throughout the pandemic, Candice was crucial to the success of the business, working very hard and long hours to ensure everything was running smoothly.”

The best thing, according to Candice: “I am thankful for the opportunity provided to me, allowing me to take my shop floor experience of five years and leap into the E-commerce part of the business in customer services. I am grateful for the flexibility provided to me to balance home and work. Each working day is a new experience and I take it as it comes with the challenges and a few good laughs.”

Right: Borough Kitchen’s Adam Towell.

Below left: Borough Kitchen’s Candice Pradhan.

Important for 2022 (for Adam and Candice): “We want to work with our brand partners to navigate and improve the increasingly complex flow of goods due to Brexit and Covid, so we can continue to provide a highly edited, curated range of items for our customers both in store and online.”

Adam Towell, sales associate, Borough Kitchen, Chiswick Extremely knowledgeable, providing “incredible in-store service and sales,” Adam is also praised for adapting to take

on whatever challenges arise, providing “indispensable” help for the online team during lockdowns. “As one of the younger members of staff, he is always helping his older colleagues understand new technology and cultural shifts. New starters look to him as a mentor; he is patient, always willing to answer questions and provide emotional support.”

The best thing, according to Adam: “The team I work with, and to be surrounded by products that I love to work with on a daily basis.”

Anne Brailsford, sales manager, Camp Hopson, Newbury “Anne shows utmost dedication to both her staff and customers and is passionate about delivering the very best to her team and the store.”

The best thing, according to Anne: “Working as part of a great team and supporting staff: meeting customers, learning about products and passing this information on to the customer to help them purchase the right product for their needs, and seeing the customer happy with their choice, as well as seeing the shop floor looking strong and inviting.”

Important for 2022: “My focus for the upcoming year is to concentrate on staff training. This will involve asking reps to come into the store to train, especially on new products. This will increase staff knowledge and confidence, hopefully resulting in increased sales.”

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Inset: Camp Hopson’s Anne Brailsford.

PH Employee Focus.qxp USE_GF.qxp_Grid 22/01/2022 16:01 Page 2

Left: Harts of Stur’s Kirsty Allen receiving the Retail Employee of the Year Award from Grunwerg’s Ben Grunwerg at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021.

FOCUS ON RETAIL

Margherita Contu, cookshop manager, Cooks Boutique, Letchworth

Kirsty Allen, company secretary, Harts of Stur, Sturminster Newton Having worked at Harts for over 25 years, Kirsty is the “beating heart of the company”.

She runs the accounts department while being office manager for the customer service team and became company secretary in 2020.

“A real unsung hero of the business, Kirsty is always first in and last to leave the office.

Affectionately known as the company mum, her door is always open. She has shared laughter and tears with many of us over trials and tribulations both in and out of the office. A shoulder to cry on, giver of sage advice, agony aunt, Kirsty has an innate ability to get people to open up and get the best out of people.

With a tireless commitment and drive, Kirsty leads by example and keeps a calm head when others around her lose theirs. She is a consummate professional when it comes to ‘tricky’ customers and possesses a wicked sense of humour which no member of staff has escaped.”

The best thing, according to Kirsty: “It might sound like a cliche, but the people I work with.

The great camaraderie you get working for a family business makes for a great working environment while being beneficial to the company.”

Important for 2022: “To continue and improve on what we achieved in 2021. Last year was a very steep learning curve thanks to the pandemic. Like many businesses, we had to adapt quickly to challenging situations that were often beyond our control, while still maintaining our high levels of service. Being agile in such situations can make the difference between success and failure.”

Always keen to research every new product meticulously, “Margherita has built up really good rapport with customers, resulting in an increasing number of loyal customers. She is a pleasure to work with and an asset to the company.”

The best thing, according to Margherita: “Definitely our customers - they never fail to bring positivity to my days. The way our shop works makes every interaction with customers special; we take the time to stop and have a chat that goes beyond shopping - we talk about food, recipes and exchange tips.

It’s great.”

Important for 2022: “We are building our cookery school and hope to launch it in spring. It's been our dream since we opened the shop three years ago and, finally, we are fulfilling it.”

Above: View of The Kitchen Range, Llandudno.

Janet Gordon, manager, The Kitchen Range, Llandudno As manager over the past 15 years, Janet “has kept The Kitchen Range running, dealing with all the ordering, staffing arrangements and customer contact.” Cookshop owner Robin Whitehead pays tribute, stating that, as he has progressed into his seventies and sadly lost his wife a decade ago: “I can honestly say that I could not have coped without Janet’s input at The Kitchen Range.”

In his nomination for Janet, Robin also acknowledged: “Though suffering from health issues herself, she is always in the shop half an hour before anyone else and often does not leave until she is satisfied that all is ready for the next day.”

The best thing, according to Janet: “I love being able to help customers find what they need, as well as sourcing the right products for the shop.”

Important for 2022: “Creating eye catching window displays are our selling point, getting customers into the shop, and then it is up to us to ensure customers feel good about being here and have a nice experience of shopping.”

Below: Caroline (right) with fellow nominee Becky Farley.

Above right: Cooks Boutique’s Margherita Contu.

Above: Window at Cooks Boutique.

Abby George, general manager, Abraxas Cookshop Having stated in 2003 as a sales assistant, Abby became the first general manager in 2013. She works with branch managers and provides “invaluable” advice to the business partners and has implemented a new website and EPOS system.

“Abby’s tenacity during the Covid closures in running the website and generating sales during such a difficult time was incredible, which no doubt attributed to our recovery and ability to bring back every member of staff after lockdown.”

The best thing, according to Abby: “Working with a great team; we have a very supportive environment, with a lot of knowledge between us all. We’re always improving and committed to moving the business forward; it’s a company I’m very proud to be a part of.”

Important for 2022: “We’re looking forward to getting back out to the trade shows this year. We’ve found lots of new suppliers over the past 12 months that would be a good fit for our brand. It’s exciting to start to look at how we can incorporate them into our stores. We’ve also invested a lot into new Inset: Abraxas’ Abby George. systems, so we’ll be working hard to make the most of the Above left: Tableware at Abraxas. technology implemented throughout the company.”

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Caroline Mayne, assistant manager, Lawsons, Tavistock In April 2020, Caroline immediately volunteered to come out of furlough to support Lawsons’ website growth with an upbeat attitude that raised positivity across the whole team. “When adversity strikes you see people’s true character and potential; Caroline showed commitment, bravery and determination. I know many people do not consider retail workers as proper key workers, but they are!”

The best thing, according to Caroline: “The people I work with. It’s a friendly family atmosphere!”

Important for 2022: “Making our customers feel welcome and safe, whether in store or online. We will be focussing on more ecofriendly products and great service.”

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MARKET FOCUS

Smaller sets and modern classics for everyday and entertaining: PH looks at the trends, changes and developments in the cutlery sector.

Inset: Liana, a modern classic from Elia.

FORM

FUNCTION

A

ccording to the recently published Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2020-2021, Britain has become a nation of homebodies, with people embracing home entertaining and rediscovering the joy of dinner parties.

In fact, in the 12 months covered by the report, one in 12 people, across all age groups, posted a image of their food - or their ‘tablescaped’ meal setting - on social media, or sent an image to a friend.

Consequently, a well dressed table is a ‘must’, with cutlery playing a starring role. So, what is on trend as we start 2022?

“The customer expectations from cutlery have evolved with time,” says Sonali Rao, head of marketing at Seeba.

“Today, the demand for cutlery is reflective of people’s contemporary lifestyle and more suited to the current customer needs of versatility and flexibility. Versatility ensures daily use from a single cutlery set, as well as when entertaining. Ease of use is also important, as is being able to transport Below: Seeba’s Cairo collection.

cutlery easily, given the modern, ‘on the go’ lifestyle.”

She adds that variations are ever increasing, with an interest in cutlery featuring different colours and PVD coatings. “There are also variations in cutlery handles, some using plastic, while the body remains stainless steel.”

Additionally, she points out that in the wake of the pandemic, there has also been a demand for budget friendly sets which are made of lighter weight steel, with a move away from

plastic and bamboo, “which are not seen as eco-friendly.”

Elia’s marketing manager Helen Duffy says that smaller cutlery sets remain increasingly popular for contemporary patterns, which gives consumers the opportunity to purchase a small set to start with, and for the retailer to keep the SRP more attractive. “The alternative of a high value traditional canteen set, with a high SRP and slower moving stock, is no

Inset: Monsoon Home Sahara from Arthur Price.

Contemporary leads the way While traditional designs continue to ring up sales for many of the leading cutlery suppliers, consumer tastes have changed over the years, with eye-catching contemporary cutlery leading the way, and many newer designs becoming modern classics as people choose casual dining over more formal occasions.

At Amefa, Suzanne Muller states: “Cutlery used to be more about functionality, whereas today it has a more prominent, eye-catching role on the dining table. But both traditional and contemporary designs are equally important and sometimes even go hand in hand. We often see that classic cutlery with a different finish become a modern classic, so it is therefore quite versatile,” she points out.

“In general, with changes in the style of dining more open to casual entertaining, both traditional and contemporary styles work well,” notes Studio Williams’ Frances Bull. “Traditional ‘parish ‘patterns that we historically purchased worked alongside traditional dinnerware, which is not so popular in our casual world.”

Adds Seeba’s Sonali Rao: “The functional utility of a cutlery set, followed by ease of handling and aesthetics, all play a role in preferences. Traditional designs are classics that never go out of style, while contemporary designs help to catch the customers’ attention.”

Elia’s Helen Duffy acknowledges: “Many of our ranges can be described as a modern classic, based around timeless design, quality manufacturing and continuity of supply that will stand the test of time. While contemporary designs are the more popular option now, traditional patterns which will always remain popular, such as Kings, Bead and Harley, which we offer, along with Rattail, which continue to remain good sellers in the housewares market.”

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MARKET FOCUS

longer appealing either to retailers or to consumers,” she highlights.

“We continue to offer the premium canteen sets for wedding list customers making a considered purchase, whereas the high street retailer can choose from a wide collection of 16 and 24 piece sets for gifting, and for faster moving lines such as our Liana gift box cutlery.”

Concurs Suzanne Muller, marketeer USA/ export at Amefa: “Over the years, we have definitely seen a shift from larger sets to four or six person sets with just the table items. The matching smaller items are either slowly added over the years when needed, or trendy coloured items are bought instead.”

Studio William too, has seen the consumer moving away from the traditional set size for fine dining. “In our Charingworth brand, we have a set which includes a four piece place setting for ten persons and two serving spoons,” highlights sales andmarketing director Frances Bull. “This is extremely popular for four people families, plus storage is easier. Meanwhile, in the Studio William brand, we have recently introduced new packaging, which gives the consumer the opportunity to create a bespoke set size.” (See New generation packaging).

Above: Felicity by Amefa.

Right: Studio William’s Charingworth Fiddle vintage satin takes a classic shape and creates a shabby chic pattern with modern styling.

Below: Perpetue is new from Opinel.

Bottom: Sazgar Rashed shows Jomafe’s new eco friendly cutlery packaging.

Simon Price, ceo of Arthur Price, believes that consumers have changed in so far as there is more demand for quality, less driven by fashion and fads, with a greater

demand during the pandemic due to home entertaining.

Explains Simon: “We have always had strong sales of ‘traditional’ patterns – with Grecian or Rattail two very old patterns that

New generation packaging As with all product sectors, sustainability is a given for most cutlery suppliers, with packaging changing in line with environmental and consumer demand. For example, at Autumn Fair, Jomafe launched new craft packaging incorporating wood and board for its ‘made in Portugal’ cutlery sets.

Alongside biodegradable materials, Studio William has taken its packaging to another level, incorporating an inclusive sensory experience for both visually impaired and people with good vision.

In addition, the company says it has introduced a cutlery industry ‘first’, with 100% compostable packaging that uses natural materials, water-based printing inks and water-based glues.

“The concept is a braille embossed brown cardboard box lid, inviting user interaction to read the braille explanation of the box contents, or to simply see the braille as minimal graphic art, both highlighting how considered design can create a rewarding human experience,” explains sales and marketing director Frances Bull.

“Flexible to contents, the different sizes allow retailers to create bespoke set sizes to suit their customer base.”

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are still selling very well for us - but you could argue that the traditional vs contemporary design discussion has been generated by the tableware industry, whereas it doesn’t matter to the consumer.

Indeed, people choose their tableware based on the weight, material, price, brand and guarantee, and choose a pattern based on what is available when they need to purchase and so simply choose what they like.”

For leading French brand Opinel, the consumer need for high quality cutlery and kitchen knives that will last for years is a big focus, with the introduction of Perpétue in January 2022. The name is a tribute to the grandmother of the founder of Opinel, Perpétue Opinel. The collection features comfortable rounded handles and knives with micro-serrated blades, as well as sleekly designed forks and spoons.

For housewares retailers, it seems that small is beautiful, with a place for both traditional and contemporary designs that are guaranteed to make a statement on the table.

UNRIVALLED COOKWARE & K I T C H E N E X P E R T I S E SINCE 1926

27 DIFFERENT SETS AVAILABLE ALL SETS OFFER BRILLIANT PROMO PRICING SEE THE FULL SELECTION AT SPRING FAIR HALL 8 8F45 | sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk | 01902 458410 |

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NEW PRODUCTS

This New Year, Brabantia is happy to introduce a mindful new collection: our

Dexam, in partnership

MindSet

with the Royal

bathroom

Horticultural Society,

accessories. Each

bring together a

item has been

stunning range of new

designed with

products in its Home

self-care,

Grown Children’s

minimalism and

Collection. Each item

durability in

features colourful Apple

mind. Ranging

and Carrot images from

from handy items

its world-famous Lindley

such as a trusty

Collections and has

Toilet Butler, to

been designed with the

an elegant

environment in mind.

adjustable Bathroom Mirror. Each accessory has a mineral finish to help

The lunch bags,

create a feeling of luxury in the home so you can relax into a positive

backpacks and aprons

mindset. Contact your account manager for more info.

are made from recycled

Brabantia UK

plastic bottles and the lunchboxes and eating sets are made from bamboo fibre.

T: 01275 810600

Dexam

E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

T: 01730 811811 E: sales@dexam.co.uk W: trade.dexam.co.uk

Tala’s bestselling recyclable icing bags are now available in a larger

Pictured is a new BUILT lunch on-the-go tote bag and rucksack in stylish

pack size of 50. The recyclable

black, featuring a fashion forward quilted design inspired by the ever-

icing bags are easy to clean and

popular puffer coat. Ensuring that Lifetime Brands’ creations remain useful

come with a handy recommended

and out of landfill, the BUILT puffer tote bag and rucksack are made from

refill line. They are clear and strong,

tear and rip resistant Ripstop - an ultra-durable material designed to last.

for controlled icing. The icing bags

The bags are perfect for everyday adventures, gym essentials, taking to

are pictured with Tala’s beautiful

the workplace or picnics. The puffer design is warm and insulating and

design greaseproof rainbow

keeps contents safe and protected, plus the bags feature an interior leak

cupcake cases which are made in

proof, food safe, easy clean lining.

the UK. The Tala Cake decorating

Lifetime Brands Europe

range has been repackaged in striking cherry pink for a more

T: 0121 604 1111

contemporary twist.

E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com

Dayes

W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

T: 01728 833400 E: sales@dayesuk.com W: www.dayesuk.com

New from CamelBak is the Forge Flow travel mug, an everyday drinkware designed for convenient onehanded use. The vessel features an easy-sip function and includes a 100% leak-proof, trigger lever, selfsealing system. This 18/8 stainless steel vacuum insulated drinkware will keep your liquids hot for five to eight hours and cold for 10 to 13 hours (depending on capacity). Featuring a non-slip silicone base and full powder-coat finish for added durability. For thorough cleanability the arm on the cap simply flips up; both the vessel and cap are dishwasher safe.

Burton McCall T: 0116 2341 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

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NEW PRODUCTS

New Cake Topper picks

Beautiful bakes deserve

from Anniversary

beautiful boxes!

House offer a

Anniversary House has

quick and

extended its range of

effective cake

premium quality cake

decorating

and treat boxes covering

solution! New

confectionery, cupcakes

designs based

and celebration cakes.

on this year’s

The comprehensive

must-have trends

offering now includes

include Pastel

four new prints in the

Rainbow, Neutral

best-selling formats –

Rainbow and

Union Jack Celebration, Pink and Blue Pastel

Rainbow Foil Happy Birthday

Gingham and Plain White. The boxes have been designed with quality and function in

motifs. Each

mind. They are supplied flat-packed for efficient merchandising, and pop-up assembly is

topper features a

quick and simple – no cutting or folding necessary!

double-sided

Anniversary House

print and double bamboo picks for added strength & structure. No assembly required, simply remove from the packaging and place on top of the cake for a foolproof finishing touch!

T: +44 (0) 1202 590222 E: sales@creativepartytld.com W: B2b.creativepartyltd.com

Anniversary House T: +44 (0) 1202 590222 E: sales@creativepartytld.com W: B2b.creativepartyltd.com

Aiming to boost your mood, Brabantia’s colour palette of 2022 is popping with personality. The new Mineral Powerful Blue (pictured) is a trendy bold hue for the brave- Brabantia’s NewIcon Pedal Bins in 3L to 30L and Bo Touch Bin in 11L + 23L

Bestselling MasterClass Cast Aluminium casserole dishes come with a

will be available in this

lifetime guarantee and are now available in a new collection of on-trend

invigorating shade. The new

colours inspired by nature. Three new modern hues, lavender, mint and

palette also includes a fresh

hunter green, offer both beauty and performance. The dishes cook just

Dreamy Blue, Mineral Cosy

like cast iron but are ultra-lightweight. Super versatile, they can be used on

Brown and relaxing Soft

hobs, including induction, or in the oven. With a chemical free, ultra-

Beige. Invite the right energy

durable non-stick scratch proof interior and stainless-steel base. Each

into your home.

piece is designed for years of use and is easy to clean.

Brabantia UK

Lifetime Brands Europe

T: 01275 810600

T: +44 (0) 121 604 1111

E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

E: www.kitchencraft.co.uk W: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com

Natural Elements is your go-to eco brand, celebrating the beauty of using natural and sustainable resources to deliver functional and eco-friendly alternatives.

Pictured is a range of new wood fibre eco tools, which are 100% recyclable, super durable and non-scratch. Unlike other wood tools they are heat resistant to 170°C and dishwasher friendly. The range includes four essential kitchen tools - a spoon, slotted spoon, scraper spatula and pasta server, as well as a four-piece set.

Lifetime Brands Europe T: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 E: www.kitchencraft.co.uk W: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com PROGRESSIVE

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Visit us at stand 8D54-E55 to find out why Scrub Daddy is America’s Favourite Sponge!

www.scrubdaddy.co.uk

8D54-E55

Don’t spill a drop of your barista made coffee, at home or on the move.

Contact us to order T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com

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NEW PRODUCTS Introducing best-in-class bakeware with new Precision Plus. Each product is made from heavy-duty aluminised steel that is robust and warp-resistant, featuring our superior Black Diamond non-stick coating that is seven times stronger than other bakeware coatings - for effortless food release and easy cleaning. The versatile collection features over 28 products for baking Haden’s new Stand Mixer will help you to create delicious desserts and dishes with an ease. This handy kitchen gadget has seven speed settings

and roasting – all can be used in the fridge, freezer and dishwasher, and are also ovensafe up to 260°C/500°F.

plus pulse and five5-litre stainless steel bowl. The whisk attachment is

Tower

perfect for gently folding air into eggs and egg whites, whipping light

T: 0333 220 6070

fluffy cream and making your favourite dips and sauces. The dough hook

E: sales@rkwltd.com

means you can mix and knead the perfect yeast dough for bread, pizza,

W: www.rkwltd.com

pasta and flat bread. The flat beater is ideal for mixing heavier tasks such as cakes, frosting and even mashed potatoes! The Haden Stand Mixer is now available in turquoise, black and cream colour.

Haden Appliances T: 01909 544 570 E: info@hadenappliances.com

Proudly made in Germany since 1875 Fissler cookware is renowned by top chefs and professional cooks from all over the world. 2022 brings the launch of the uprated and refined Original Pro. II flagship range of cookware. Quality 18/10 steel, fully encapsulated bases, all induction compatible and oven safe with upgraded stay cool handles and new internal measurements….. just some of the superb features of this range.

Eddingtons T: 01488 686 572 E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk W: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Pictured is MasterClass Eco Snap smart food storage for less waste and more space.

Made from plastic bottles recycled at the molecular level to create a plastic that’s better than brand new, this food saving, planet saving storage is crystal clear like glass, stain and odour resistant and ultra-durable. BPA free, fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher friendly and with Eco Snap lids that seal in freshness, they’re food wastes worst enemy. Completely reusable and recyclable and made in Italy. Available in four sizes from 800ml to 1.5 litres as well as a four piece set, each item comes with a five year guarantee.

Lifetime Brands Europe T: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

The Lodge Sportsman grill is back. This is the ultimate portable hibachi style BBQ, pre seasoned and ready to rock and roll, perfect for the garden , patio or camping trip. The draught door regulates the heat, and coals can be stoked whilst the grill height is also adjustable. A lifetime of outdoor living in one unit.

Eddingtons T: 01488 686 572 E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk W: www.eddingtons.co.uk

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NEW PRODUCTS

Combining OXO’s original Salad Spinner design with a sustainable borosilicate glass body, the new Glass Salad Spinner offers added kitchen to table appeal, helping to prep and serve salads with ease. Recently awarded the Ambiente Solutions Award for innovation, its designed to dry salad leaves in seconds and doubles as a stunning glass serving bowl. The non-slip base prevents movement on the worktop, while the patented built-in

With OXO’s Grilling

brake button stops the spinner instantly. The handy spinning

collection a big hit last

basket also works as a colander to rinse lettuce and vegetables,

summer, the team has

and the lid comes apart for thorough cleaning. The premium glass

strengthened the range

bowl can be used for serving hot and cold dishes, and makes for a

with the new Grilling

striking addition to any table..

Precision Turner and

OXO

Grilling Basting Brush. The

W: www.oxouk.com

sturdy, flexible head of the Grilling Precision Turner is angled to slide under food effortlessly and flexes to turn delicate dishes like fish on the BBQ, while the sleek brushed handles feature soft grip accents for added comfort.

Designed for basting meat, fish and vegetables, the Grilling Basting Brush features a double layer of bristles to collect more of the marinade, while the angled head prevents drips on worktops.

The long handle keeps hands safe from flames and the heat resistant silicone bristles are safe to be used over the grill.

OXO W: www.oxouk.com

Recycling.

Sorted!

The new EKO Morandi Touch makes waste separation easy, thanks to its clever interlocking design. Available in different colours and sizes to fit your space and style. www.ekohome.co.uk

Home Re-imagined

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NEW PRODUCTS The Steel collection continues to grow with the addition of the Steel Can Opener and Steel Salad Spinner. With sharp, stainless steel blades, the Steel Can Opener has an oversized handle that’s easy to turn and cushioned touch points that absorbs pressure whilst in use, plus it has a built-in bottle opener for convenience.

The iconic Salad Spinner has also been given an elegant twist. With all the same features as OXO’s classic salad spinner, including built-in brake mechanism, removable colander, onehanded pump handle and non-slip base, it now has a sleek stainless steel bowl, perfect for serving.

OXO W: www.oxouk.com

Homemade guacamole or smashed avocado on toast, the new Smash & Scoop Avocado Tool from OXO has it covered. The perfect partner to the 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, the Smash & Scoop creates smashed avocadoes quickly and easily, and also works well with mashed potatoes, ground beef and even baby food. With a four-blade design and silicone blades, you can mash to a desired consistency and gather every last morsel from the bowl before serving.

OXO W: www.oxouk.com

FRES SH HON NEST COFFFEE

Grind frreesh with the award-winning Corre All Grind

100% plastic freee coffee makers and accessoriees

Retail ready coffee bags that stand out on the shelf

Jump on the frreeshest coffee. Barista & Co design and manufacturree award d-winning coffee kit and accessories for home, work and play. More people than ever enjoyed specialty coffee at home last year. With a range of manual brrewing solutions for ever y customerr,, we'll find the right retail solution for you.

Please also speak to us about custom POS

BARIS T AANDC O TR ADE.C OM

012 02 619 500 PROGRESSIVE

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sales@baristaandco.com m

Spice storage & shaker

Scan to see in use Introducing the Saunderton Herb and Spice Storage & Shaker.

An innovative new solution for keeping herbs and spices. Available in three formats, filled with spices, herbs or empty.

Available now from DKB Household Ltd. Contact us on: 01252 828055 or email: cust.serv@dkbrands.co.uk

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Perfect for picnics, outdoor dining, garden parties and entertaining - this gorgeous collection of natural wood serving, storing and display crates are a must and will add rustic charm to any kitchen, dining table or outdoor dining area. Each piece is unique bringing texture, style and detail to any table outside or inside and is available in white or natural finish. The collection includes serving board, mini crates, medium crates, deep trays, cutlery/bottle holders and large cutlery tray. Whether you are serving something exciting or essential, this collection of natural wood outdoor/indoor dining accessories is all you need to make guests feel special!

T&G T: 44 (0) 1275 841841 W: www.tg-woodware.com

This remarkable new range of toughened fine glassware brings a whole new dimension to outdoor dining. Designed to last the test of time, the range covers a variety of highly functional and aesthetically pleasing shapes all displaying sleek sophisticated, fine lines and incredible clarity – ideal for all drinking preferences from cocktails, wine and fizz to beer, soft drinks and more. Produced in Europe using exacting state of the art manufacturing methods, the tempering process increases the structural integrity of the glass by more than five times, compared to a non-tempered glass. This means that not only is the glass more shatter resistant from the inevitable small knocks in everyday use, but it also has an impressive resistance to thermal shock - up to 135°C. Tradestock T: 01823 661717 E: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk W: www.tradestockltd.co.uk The latest brand to be brought on board by Paul Hargreaves to join the line-up at PHA KitchEssentials is Roll’Eat, designed and manufactured in Spain. This is a collection of creative food bags and wraps which are reusable! Available in bright colours and designs, the two initial ranges in the UK are Snack’n’Go bags and Boc’n’Roll wraps (pictured – in Green Tile design), both with Velcro. All are machine washable and made from polyester with a wipe-clean lining. Both ranges are also available as ‘Bio’ using 100% biodegradable material and button and loop fastenings.

PHA KitchEssentials T :0151 651 2265 E: sales@phassocs.co.uk W:www.phakitchenessentials.co.uk

PackIt, the patented range of BPA-free foldable, freezable bags from the US is perfect for picnics and dropping in on friends and family for lastminute al fresco dining! Distributed exclusively in the UK by PHA KitchEssentials, the brand was established by Melissa Kieling, PackIt is now sold in more than 40 countries, with lines from lunch coolers to bags for wine, picnics, grocery, baby bottles and more. New designs and colours for 2022 in lunch and wine bags include Grid (pictured), Mulberry and Mint.

PHA KitchEssentials T :0151 651 2265 E: sales@phassocs.co.uk W:www.phakitchenessentials.co.uk

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FORGE FLOW PRESS, SIP, AND GO Our durable Forge Flow travel mug has been redesigned with easy-sip features, making this a must-have for beverages on-the-go.

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Captivate Brands will be celebrating being back at the

P

Spring Fair with a huge range of

R

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new product and new brands.

With sustainability firmly at its

Kuhn Rikon has added two new shapes to its Easy Glass

roots, the contemporary-styled

ovenware range – a generous and deep Roasting/Lasagne

&Again collection includes

dish and a 27cm Quiche/Flan dish. All Easy Glass products

storage, hydration and utilities,

feature Kuhn Rikon’s amazingly effective non-stick coating for

the successful Siip brand of

easy release and easy cleaning. Easy Glass will be on show at

mugs has many new designs for

the Spring Fair!

2022 and now includes cafetieres, while the stunning

Kuhn Rikon

Eleanor Bowmer license

T: 01902 458410

including Leopard Print pictured

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

takes Captivate firmly into giftware as well as homewares. New products will be on

Hall 8 Stand F45

show alongside best sellers.

Captivate Brands T: 01386 421622 W: www.captivatebrands.com Hall 8 Stand 8E50-F51

Allround five-piece Set now available and on show at the Spring Fair! Kuhn Rikon has added a five-piece cookware set to its best-selling Allround range. The set features three saucepans, a 24cm Launched just before Christmas,

non-stick frypan and the new 16cm non-stick

this new collection brings the

double-lipped milk

thought of Spring to mind as the yellow of daffodils is a sign

pan. Trade pricing allows

of nature welcoming after the

for regular promoting.

winter months. The Daffodil

Kuhn Rikon

Collection features the artwork

T: 01902 458410

by Jennifer Rose following a

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

collaboration with the Lesser

Hall 8 Stand F45

and Pavey design team. The collection will include a fine mug, breakfast mug, mug and coaster, a set of two mugs, a set of four mugs, jug, butter dish, tea for one,

T&G has over eighty products that carry the FSC® logo

teapot, coasters, placemats, trays in three sizes, spoon rest, tea bag tidy,

in natural beech wood and cork and these will all be

glass cutting board and laptray. Other new additions by Spring Fair will be a

on display at Spring Fair. The range includes natural

two-tier cake stand, cushion, doorstop, gin glass and stemless glass.

wood chopping, serving and presentation boards,

Lesser & Pavey

serving bowls, platters, tablemats, coasters, utensils and salt & pepper mills. T&G’s selection of glass

T: T: 01322 279225

storage is perfect for storing, serving and displaying

Hall 5 Stand D20-E21

food safely. Glass is a fully recyclable material which can save precious natural resources and reduce climate change. Our glassware collections combine organic shapes, elegant designs, sealed lids, allowing consumers to refill, reuse and recycle!

T&G T: +44 (0) 1275 841841

Ultra-plush microfiber cloths make clean-up a breeze! Use the, to trap dust, dry surfaces, apply polish and soak up spills. Then simply wash and reuse. Scrub Daddy microfibers are super absorbent plus effective in removing 99% of bacteria from surfaces.

With a 10” X 10” surface area the Scrub Daddy Microfiber Cloth, is super absorbent, quick drying, durable, machine washable and perfect for both wet and dry cleaning! And its colour coded too.

W: www.tg-

Scrub Daddy UK

woodware.com

T: 0330 2200671

Hall 8 Stand E30 – F31

W: www.scrubdaddy.co.uk E: info@scrubdaddy.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

55

HOUSEWARES

56-57_PH PRODUCT DIRECTORY_Jan-Feb 22.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 17:42 Page 56

Product Directory

GRIND FRESH A grind for cof fee makers Simple and easy to clean Grind on time or weight Prro oducts s made for now

Use with an Espresso Machine Por tafilter

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TRUST THE SMART STUFF RRP £5.95

Awarrd d winning smart solutions ffo or today’s ay’s kittc chen.

Consumer focused Co fo bak ke eware re e,, cookware re and tools t ffo or the smarter te kittchen and cook.

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Our best-selling Swiss knives in secure plastic cases

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01902 458410 / (!/Į'1$*.%'+*ċ +ċ1' PROGRESSIVE

56

HOUSEWARES

MC Progessive Ad 95 x 78mm.indd 1

08/04/2021 09:14

56-57_PH PRODUCT DIRECTORY_Jan-Feb 22.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2022 17:42 Page 57

Product Directory MORE THAN JUST ANOTHE ER BOTTLE BRAND Klean Kanteen is a must hav ve to meet consumer demand d for great products built with h integrity and care for both people and the planet.

For any trade enquiries, please contact: Email: sales@whitbyandco.co o.uk Tel: 01539 721032

For trade enqqu uires: sales@hor wood.co.uk www w..hor wood.co.uk/brands/stellar

See you at the

Spring Fair Show!

Find us at Hall 8 E40/F41 :H·OO LQWURGXFH \RX WR RXU QHZ UDQJHV LQFOXGLQJ Looking Wild

Artisan Flower

www.beldray.com

FLOORCARE | LAUNDRY | BATHROOM | ELECTRICAL LS | HEATING & COOLING

A clean home e is ® ome. a Beldray ho

Artisan Flower is available to order now.

For more details on the full range and our collections contact: davidmasondesign.com or email sales@davidmasondesign.co.uk

For trade enquiries, please con ntact our sales team sales@upgs.com

PROGRESSIVE

57

HOUSEWARES

Engineered for design, Engineeredand for performance. design, innovation innovation and performance.

Chosen by leading chefs and Chosen by leading chefs and home cooks all over the world. home cooks all over the world.

High-Performance High-Performance Japanese Stainless Steel Japanese Blade Stainless for edge Steel and Blade forretention edge and sharpness sharpness retention

Tech Edge Blade Tech Edge Blade Innovative reverseInnovative wedge handlereversedesign. wedge handle design.

Unique handle locks handle locks intoUnique the hand to reduce into the hand to reduce slip towards the blade slip towards the blade and hand fatigue. and hand fatigue.

Designed with and Designed with and for professional chefs for professional chefs and home-cooking and home-cooking enthusiasts enthusiasts

Superfine Superfine cutting edge for for cutting edge “out-of-the box” box” sharpness Optimised Optimised bolster bolster design design allows allows full length length of of the the blade to be be easily easily used used to and sharpened sharpened and

Furiknives knivesare are finished finished Furi withaa13° 13°cutting cutting edge edge with thebest bestbalance balance between between the sharpness and durability sharpness and durability

For more details on the Füri range, please For more details on the Füri range, please contact: Furi@fackelmann.co.uk contact: Furi@fackelmann.co.uk 58_HW_January February 2022.indd 1

21/01/2022 17:38

IBC_PH SHELF PORTRAIT UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS_muk.qxp_Grid 21/01/2022 07:44 Page 59

THE TOP

5 SHELF PORTRAIT

THE SHOP’S CURRENT BESTSELLERS:

l Katana Saya Knives from Grunwerg l Spanish Pottery from Divine Distribution l Tableware and Cookware from Jomafe l Glassware from Dartington Crystal l Stainless steel, Wooden and Silicone Utensils from Captivate Brands

RETAILER PROFILE Inset: Tala Silver Anodised is made in England.

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS Upstairs Downstairs in Oswestry won the Independent Cookshop of the Year at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021. It has enjoyed a surge in local support since the pandemic and prides itself on personal service. PH found out what’s flying off the award-winning shelves according to co-owner Yossi Gliksman.

ON THE WAY UP “Our customers love British made products such as Samuel Groves and Mermaid cookware and bakeware.

I was happy to give my feedback for the development of UK made Tala Silver Anodised Bakeware from Dayes.”

UPS AND DOWNS Inset: Japanese Katana Saya knife from Grunwerg.

Facts and stats Looking back “Having to shut the shop in March 2020 after nearly 35 years was frightening and surreal - akin to a Third World War without being able to see your enemy. We kept in touch with our staff on a weekly basis to reassure them we wanted to keep their jobs, even though we were in limbo. The unprecedented help from the government pulled us through.”

Inset: Part of a window display at Upstairs Downstairs.

Below: Inside Upstairs Downstairs.

l Situated in the market town of Oswestry in Shropshire, close to the Welsh borders, Upstairs Downstairs Cookshop is approximately 2,500 square feet. It merges with its neighbouring interiors shop, which is 7,000 square feet. l The cookshop stocks ‘thousands and thousands’ of SKUs. l Besides owners Yossi and Raine Gliksman, there are five members of staff, including daughter Libby.

“We’re very much a family business,” says Yossi. l The shop took the opportunity to put in some new shelving, displays and carpet during lockdowns.

“Cast iron casseroles are slow sellers due to their high cost and heavy weight, while sales of cast aluminium casseroles are going up.”

In person “Our best recent customers were a couple in their early 30s who spent hundreds of £pounds on British made cookware as well as knives and cutlery. They said they loved the experience and much preferred it to shopping online.”

New to the shelves “Captivate Brands is our newest supplier; we are very pleased with the product range and service.”

Jingle tills Lobbying call “If lockdown happened again, the categorisation of cookshops as ‘non-essential’ should be revisited. As sales over the past two years have shown, people need cookware – it is essential.”

The best thing?

“The best thing about Upstairs Downstairs is that we are very personable. We have fantastic PROGRESSIVE

customers, lovely staff and are professional with a human touch. People make friends here and there is a lot of laughter. We take time to understand our customers and treat them respectfully, so people come back again and again. One customer says she has moved here from the south because of us!”

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HOUSEWARES

“Christmas 2021 ended up being one of the best, probably due to our customers’ support, careful and selective stock buying and hard work and enthusiasm from the whole team here at Upstairs Downstairs.

Customers came in for our advice, with some saying they had bought online and not got what they wanted. All ages, including younger people, are enjoying the experience of shopping in stores.”

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Our new espresso machines Available in

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01909 544 570 18/01/2022 08:30