Progressive Housewares March April 2023

Inspired by the soft tones of delicate sea shells scattered across the most serene shores, Shell Pink brings a contemporary edge to any kitchen and dining space. A refreshing addition no matter where it’s placed, Shell Pink is available in a range of Enamelled Cast Iron cookware, oven-to-table Stoneware and Accessories.

Wow. What a start to the year we’ve had. With three successful shows already under the belt of the housewares industry, there’s been much to celebrate already in 2023.

A return to Frankfurt for Ambiente after a Covid-enforced break was welcomed by the industry. The show took on a slightly different format this year with a change of halls and integration with other shows, but feedback from exhibitors and buyers alike was positive. A busy, vibrant show gave everyone a chance to get back together again and see innovation in the flesh.

We then hot-footed it to Birmingham to catch Spring Fair, which was also well-attended and this year had the added benefit of the new Source Home & Gift show with a global showcase of ethically sourced products from over 20 territories.

Last, but by no means least was The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, which welcomed a strong range of international buyers and exhibitors and the general feedback was another busy, buoyant show. The event also saw the announcement of the annual gia awards for both product and retail, showing huge innovation and investment throughout all areas of the sector. Looking ahead, June will see the industry convene again in London for Exclusively, which this year has sold out earlier than ever before, demonstrating the strong demand

for trade shows and product sourcing. Exclusively has announced a range of new features and doubtless has more to come ahead of the show.

This issue sees the return of our annual Retail Barometer, which gives an invaluable picture of how indie cookshops and housewares retailers have fared over the past year, and what their expectations are for 2023. While the number reporting increased sales in 2022 dropped off slightly from the previous year’s all-time high (we can blame pandemic-related shop closures for a large part of that spike), 45% still said that 2022 was better than 2021 for their businesses.

Retailers are also expecting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis to be slight on the whole, and around the same number as last year – 40% - are expecting a slight decline in sales over the coming 12 months, but importantly, nobody said they expected a major decline.

Anecdotal evidence, along with media reports are suggesting that perhaps 2023 won’t be quite as severe for businesses as we’d first feared. The industry is undoubtedly still in for a bumpy ride with the recent further rise in inflation, but the overall feeling is pretty positive at the moment.

Evoking the feeling of dining under clear skies on distant shores, Azure’s mesmerising hue refreshes the spirit and captivates the senses, wherever it goes and however it’s served. Designed to enhance every décor, Azure is available in a range of Enamelled Cast Iron cookware, oven-totable Stoneware and Accessories.

Pantone View Home + Interiors 2024 palettes unveiled

Leatrice (Lee)

Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute shared the insights and inspirations that went into creating the seven palettes in a keynote address at the Inspired Home Show 2023.

Lee, who is director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, said: “Being alive is an apt metaphor in a time when we are still, and we really are, emerging from the anxiety that has engulfed us in the last few years. We can’t ignore that. We know that no matter where we are in this ongoing process, it’s left an indelible and emotional mark on our lives that seeks relief, renewed optimism and rejuvenation.”

Art is an important part of that healing, said Lee, as it allows us to use our imagination, while science is important because it provides the very explanation for life itself. Both art and science played an important role in the selection of the 2023 Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta, described by Lee as a nuanced crimson red that balances both warm and cool colours.

Lee closed her session by outlining each of the seven Pantone View Home + Interiors 2024 palettes unveiled at the show.

Sustenance – This palette evokes feelings of creative cooking, love and laughter, and the joy of sharing. It involves greens, bluegreens, a yellow-green, some deeper tones and a suggestion of pink.

Replenish – This ‘water-born palette’, involves many shades of blue but also incorporates apricot and pink and is all about life balance and rejuvenation.

Creative Mixology – Every colour family is represented here in a palette all about individuality and experimentation.

Sanctuary – Sanctuary offers relaxation and harmony with several pastels, mid-tones and a deeper, chocolate-like brown.

Stylist – Inspired by fashion crossovers, this combination features many blues and bluegreens, but also incorporates metallics.

Surrealism – Described as ‘illogical, quirky and witty’, Surrealism evokes feelings of an uninhibited dream state.

Scenic – Inspired by the prismatic hues in nature’s light spectrum, this palette is dynamic. Pinks and purples combine with oranges and orange-pinks, as well as some earthy tones.

Exclusively sells out earlier than ever

Exclusively, which takes place from 13-14 June at The Business Design Centre, Islington, has completely sold out to exhibitors. All spaces in all areas of the Exclusively Show, including the Launchpad for small companies and start-ups are now taken, making the event the leading UK show in housewares, small domestic electricals and gift.

Show director, Seema Grantham, commented: “This news is an exciting endorsement of Exclusively’s pivotal role in communicating new product development and the latest trends to all the key buyers and to media and influencers in the sector.

“Exclusively visitors, multiple, independent, UK and overseas will really have the opportunity to see the very best that the housewares, small domestic electricals and gift sectors have to offer.”

This year, the show will welcome new exhibitors including Aquaphor, Arix, Beurer, Birkmann, The Silicone Straw Company, Strata and Sue Ure, and the return of many others including Brita, Dartington Crystal, Joseph Joseph, Oxo and Pendeford. Seema continued: “We had a brilliant number of visitors last year, but I’m expecting even more this year given the quality of the exhibitors and the combination of popular and new show features in 2023.”

Will Jones, chair of Exclusively, added: “This is very positive news and an endorsement of the show, the team have done a fantastic job and to sell out by mid-March is a tremendous achievement. The focus now is to ensure that we make as many visitors as possible aware of the quality of the exhibitors and the combination of popular and new show features in 2023.”

Barista & Co completes the Big Water Walk

Project Waterfall teamed up with Barista & Co to bring The Big Water Walk to Bournemouth beach front on Wednesday 22 March.

Hundreds of baristas and coffee lovers took part in the new event, which aims to raise awareness for the communities which have to walk for hours every day to collect their water. The walk offered a 5k and 10k route and each company had to carry 40 litres of seawater – the equivalent to two jerry cans.

The campaign was part of World Water Day, held annually on 22 March to raise awareness of the water crisis.

James Gray, founder of Barista & Co, commented: “As part of our commitment to 1% for the Planet, we have been supporting the Project Waterfall for five year and our fundraising events support this further.”

BHETA’s Seema Grantham features in Women in Trade Associations Powerlist 2023

The popular sector manager for housewares and small electricals and director of sales for the Exclusively shows has been included in the first WiTA Powerlist.

TAF, The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the CBI joined forces to champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.

The Powerlist features the 100 most influential women from the trade association sector and was decided from hundreds of nominations by a panel of judges.

All areas of the show are now taken for 2023.

Above: Seema Grantham is honoured on the inaugural WiTA Powerlist.

Above: Lee Eiseman delivered her keynote at The Inspired Home Show.

Scotts of Stow bought in pre-pack sale

The Inspired Home Show reports strong performance

Four highly productive days concluded on 7 March at McCormick Place in Chicago with over 1,600 exhibitors and almost 30,000 home and housewares professionals from 125 countries in attendance.

Organisers, the International Housewares Association, said the show demonstrated significant year-on-year increases in both exhibitor and retailer participation.

The IHA has also announced that the 2024 show will take place from 16 to 19 March, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Derek Miller, president and ceo of the IHA, commented: “The 2023 show was an incredible step forward in the post-pandemic recovery of face-to-face events for the home and housewares industry. The enthusiasm and positive feedback we have seen over the four days reminds us all how important it is to gather the industry together in-person every year.

“It was particularly rewarding to see the return of so many who were unable to participate last year.”

Spode introduces King’s coronation tableware

Continuing Spode’s long tradition of developing homewares to mark royal moments, the special commemorative range is illustrated with design details synonymous with the monarch in Spode’s iconic cobalt blue.

The design features leaves and scrolls taken from Spode’s archive patterns, which intertwine with roses, shamrocks, thistles and daffodils to represent the four countries of the UK.

Lisa Archambault, global design director at Spode, commented: “We have a long history of creating beautiful and distinctive collections to mark royal occasions, so we’re proud to be able to continue this tradition and commemorate a truly special moment with the new collection. “Perfect for collectors and for those who simply want to use and enjoy the range as part of their celebrations, as well as offering the opportunity to pass down an heirloom for generations to come, the collection is a wonderful addition to any home.”

PH understands the retailer appointed administrators on 9 March, shortly before it was bought in a prepack sale by All About Cashmere.

All About Cashmere, also trades as Woolovers, and is a mail order company specialising in clothing for a similar customer demographic to that of Scotts. Administrator for the retailer, Resolve Advisory, has reportedly written to Scotts of Stow suppliers to inform them that they are now unsecured creditors in respect of money owed. The letter also stated that at present, no payments could be made, but details of debts owed by the company should be forwarded to the administrators.

A further letter from the prior owners of Scotts of Stow stated that the decision to appoint administrators came as ‘after a sustained period of challenging economic conditions, we found ourselves in a situation that we couldn’t recover from on our own’.

New sentencing guidelines published for knife sales

Under the new rules, large UK retailers will now face fines of up to £1 million in respect of underage knife sales. The guideline states that the fine ‘must be sufficiently substantial to have a real economic impact which will bring home to both management and shareholders the need to comply with the law’.

Following a consultation, the guidelines mark the first time magistrates courts will have specific guidelines for sentencing the offence of selling knives to children, and will be prosecuted by Trading Standards.

Until now, the amount of fine or penalty imposed had been left to the court’s discretion. Under the new guidelines, organisations will face a fine ranging from £500 to £1 million. Individuals could face a range of noncustodial sentences. The guidelines are designed to set out a more structured and consistent approach to sentencing the offence.

Ashley Borthwick, a lawyer at international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, explained: “The focus of the guidelines is upon the underage sale of knives. The legislation does, however, cover a much broader range of bladed articles including, for example, axes and razor blades. It is therefore important that retailers understand the scope of the legislation in order to identify which items of stock are subject to age restrictions.”

Lifetime brands upgrades online Market Place

After 12 years and with 1,500 registered and active users of Market Place in the UK alone, Lifetime Brands has upgraded its online presence to an enhanced service, offering customers the latest technology.

Market Place is now an information hub, built to save time for customers. Users can fully manage their account, place orders online and pay upcoming invoices. Soon, status updates on orders will be automatically sent, allowing orders to be tracked.

The new site also offers access to a wide range of marketing assets, as well as unique offers and discounts. Assets include images for use on social media, advertising or online, and access to digital web banners and MPU graphics. Customers will also be able to see how all point of sale and purpose designed displays will be bought to life, all listed so they can be added to any UK order.

The seasonal campaign planner will guide retailers with bestsellers and help users select the right products. In-store solutions such as stand packs and planograms will also be orderable online and will be updated each season.

These features will be delivered over the coming months.

Below: Challenging economic conditions were cited as the reason for the retailer’s appointment of administrators.

Above: Magistrates courts will now have specific guidelines for sentencing the offence of selling knives to children

Below: The Inspired Home Show featured a number of new and returning features.

Below: The Coronation collection features Spode’s iconic cobalt blue.

Above: The new site is designed to save customers time.

OXO introduces new tools and new brand campaign

New products to OXO’s seafood utensils include a Seafood and Nut Cracker, which combines classic design with modern comfort. The ridge opening fits claws of any size, while the narrow centre pinches thin crab legs.

The OXO Seafood Picks help to pull seafood from its shell, featuring OXO’s classic non-slip signature handle. The Seafood Scissors cut through shells and fish, and feature a special curved design, as well as a built-in cracker. Lastly, the OXO Oyster Knife opens oysters with ease. The blade and bent tip pierce and pry open shells, then separates the meat from the shell.

The new OXO Barware collection features a Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker – a measuring cup and shaker in one. The Steel Cocktail Strainer fits inside shakers or glasses, while the Steel Muddler help release aromas and oils from herbs. The Steel Double Jigger comes with two measurement sizes.

For wine, the OXO Steel Double Lever Waiter’s Corkscrew glides through any cork, while the Steel Winged Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter smoothly removes corks without pulling. The Steel Spillproof Wine Stopper Set helps make wine last longer and expands to fit any bottle size.

Further product launches include the Steel Die-Cast Bottle Opener, the Steel Shot Pourer, the Steel Angled Jigger, the Steel Ice Bucket and Tong Set and various Ice Cube Trays.

Meanwhile, OXO’s new Icons are Forever brand campaign highlights four design icons, including the Swivel Peeler, the Salad Spinner, the Angled Measuring Cup and the POP Containers.

Kit Ha, EMEA marketing director, explained: “With our Icons are Forever campaign, we are paying tribute to these four legends, putting their unique functionality and timeless, universal design into the spotlight.

“All OXO products are engineered to be better and guaranteed to last a lifetime, so the message ‘Icons are Forever’ perfectly underlines our uncompromising attitude towards quality.”

IHA presents gia products Awards

Suppliers ranging from well-established brands to first-time exhibitors have been honoured as Global Honorees of the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design. The honorees in each of 14 categories were announced during the invitation only gia dinner on the first evening of the Inspired Home Show 2023 in Chicago.

The Global Honorees are:

Bath + Personal Care – Stasher, Everyday Beauty Bag

Cleaning – simplehuman, Paper Towel Pump

Cook + Bakeware – Gourmet Kitchen Works, Genetti Fan Lid

Home Décor and Gifts – Wrap-It Storage, MagSnap – Magnetic Snap Wristband

Home Organisation + Storage – Grand Fusion Housewares, Roll-up Drying Rack with Collapsing Utensil Holder

Household + Home Electrics – Roborock, S8 Pro Ultra

Kitchen Electrics – Ooni, Ooni Volt 12

Kitchen Hand Tools + Cutlery – Dreamfarm, Sharple

Kitchenware – Dreamfarm, Fluicer Luggage, Travel Goods – Sherpani, Soleil AT Pet Products – Dexas International, Snack & Distract Licking Mat

Smart Home – Chefman, CHEF iQ Smart Thermometer

Sustainable Product – LARQ, LARQ Bottle Filtered Tabletop – Sempli, Monti-Mini Decanter + Monti-Rosso

Derek Miller, IHA president and ceo, commented: “Congratulations to these Global Honorees of the 2023 IHA Global Innovation Awards for Excellence in Product Design; they represent the cutting-edge innovation and creativity that is driving the housewares industry today. “Product innovation is the engine that keeps the home and housewares industry vibrant and profitable. It is our pleasure to honour the brands and designers that continue to push the envelope and delight both buyers and consumers.”

Dunelm profits fall, despite increased sales

Dunelm Group has announced its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 31 December 2022.

The homewares retailer saw sales of £835m in the first half of FY23, an increase of 5% year on year, and 43% higher than H1 FY20 – pre-pandemic. Profit before tax for the period was £117.4m, 16.6% down year-on-year. Gross margin was 51.1%.

Digital sales made up 34% of total sales for the period, a slight increase of 1% compared to the previous year. Around 10,000 new SKUs were launched on Dunelm.com over the period.

During the first half, Dunelm opened three new stores, including one relocation. The retailer also tripled its Delivering Joy campaign, with over 60,000 Christmas gifts donated to local causes. Looking ahead, Dunelm predicts that while its customers have been resilient to date, the consumer outlook remains unpredictable. Expectations for FY23 PBT remain unchanged.

Nick Wilkinson, ceo, commented: “Our focus has been on ensuring that we continue to offer outstanding value to our savvy customers through a proposition which is committed to quality, at the right price, across an expanding range of relevant products. We believe that this is why we have continued to grow our sales, customer numbers and market share.”

Inset: Winners were crowned in each of the 14 categories.

Below: Dunelm reported sales of £835m in the first half of FY23.

Above: The Seafood Picks are one of OXO’s new line of products.

CORDLESS

Quickly lift and remove stains, spills and messes

What More acquires Firsteel

The manufacturer of housewares brand Wham, has announced the acquisition of Firsteel, supplier of prefinished metal.

Using its success in the UK and export markets, What More has gained ground in the bakeware and cookware markets. Firstly the company invested in bakeware machinery and moulds from a company founded in 1890, along with its key personnel, to develop a new division.

With this as a manufacturing base, the firm was able to purchase PushPan from a Chinese company and enable the range to become Made in Britain, helping What More to gain credibility internationally.

What More also invested in a new tool room and acquired toolroom facility, Canteen Smithy, to boost its mould making capability and retain traditional engineering skills locally. The latest acquisition is Firsteel, which manufactures and develops customised prefinished metal. What More then turns this into bakeware and cookware, so the acquisition will secure its lines of supply, giving it quality control over the production process.

What More UK director, Tony Grimshaw OBE commented: “Their contribution will be essential and absolutely brilliant, of that we are sure. This move will lead to other product opportunities and development, even using other metals.

“This is a match made in heaven. Firsteel’s expertise, and their proud, committed and enthusiastic workforce will slot in perfectly with the rest of the What More team. Now we truly are a drawing board to the over, bakeware/cookware supplier. Designed in the UK, made in the UK, sold to the UK and the world.”

UPGS reports revenues increase of 2% for the first half

Ultimate Products has announced its trading update for the six months ended 31 January 2023. Unaudited group revenues increased by 2% to £87.6m. The company said that online channels were the main driver of the growth, supported by the continued normalisation of supply chains. Consumer demand for energy efficient and money saving products also remained buoyant across all channels.

UPGS reported that the level of retailer overstocking experienced in 2022, which, along with challenging macroeconomic environment, causing retailers to be cautious in ordering, is now reducing in the UK and more normal ordering patterns have recommenced.

At the end of the six-month period, the group had a net bank debt/underlying EBITDA ration of 1.0x, compared to 1.3x in July 2022.

The board anticipates a full year performance in line with current market expectations.

Simon Showman, chief executive of Ultimate Products, commented: “Amidst a tough economic climate, we are delighted that our products, especially those that are energy efficient and money saving, continue to resonate strongly with customers. Global supply chain disruption has now eased, which has improved stock availability and supported the growing demand from our online customers.

“Looking ahead, we expect that the current softness in global shipping pricing, as well as the partial recovery in sterling, will provide additional relief against the ongoing inflationary backdrop.”

Kütahya Porselen partners with Karim Rashid

The new Yum Collection in collaboration with designer Karim Rashid, reflects the, dynamic and contemporary style of the world-famous designer and consists of two series with different designs. The first series is the Skallop Collection, which has blue and pink tones. The second offers vibrant green. The Yum Collection consists of a serving plate, flat plate and mug.

Villeroy & Boch Dining & Lifestyle revenue up 5.3%

The Dining & Lifestyle division generated revenue of €329.4 million in the 2022 financial year, up €16.7 million or 5.3% on the previous year.

The division significantly increased revenue with its retail outlet partners by €11.6 million, or 13%, as well as with its own retail stores, up €7.8 million or 8.3%, compared to the previous year.

In addition to this growth, the e-commerce business consolidated after Covid restrictions expired, but was still reported to be well above pre-crisis level.

The management board considers the economic position of the group to be positive. In a statement, the company said: “The Villeroy & Boch Group brought the 2022 financial year to a successful close despite the challenging environment. The revenue and EBIT targets for the 2022 financial year and the planned return on net operating assets were achieved.

“The Group expects global economic growth to be weak on the whole in 2023. The war in Ukraine and the interest rate hikes by central banks to combat inflation are continuing to stifle economic activity. However, global inflation is expected to decline.

“Based on the expected economic environment, the goal for the 2023 financial year is to achieve organic growth in consolidated revenue of between 4% and 7%, mainly due to an increase in sales prices. The Group expects it operating EBIT to remain at the prior-year level.”

Above: UPGS reported a 2% increase in group revenues for the first half.

Pure Table Top certified as a B Corp

Pure Table Top has announced it has been certified by B Corp. The company wanted to communicate the quality of its products, so has taken accountability for its entire impact and worked hard to improve quality transparency, traceability and stakeholder value.

Based on the B Impact assessment, Pure Table Top earned an overall score of 91, compared to the median score for ordinary businesses of 50.9, and a qualification score for B Corp certification of 80.

The overall score is made up of scores for governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

Tom Sellicks, sustainability officer at Pure Table Top, said in the company’s impact report: “Over the past year at Pure Table Top we have turned our full attention to our sustainable transformation. The first part of this transformation began by realising the true impact of our supply and value chains on people and places.

“For us, the future of our company and the planet comes down to collaborating with others to design, manufacture, and promote homeware products that are elegant, innovative and responsibly sourced.”

Jeremy Pang offers video studio at Exclusively

The Exclusively Show has added another new feature to its popular format. Throughout the 2023 event, popular School of Wok chef, Jeremy Pang, will be offering exhibitors the opportunity to work with his specialist video production agency, Curious Crab.

With a mini production studio located in the Exclusively Brand Showcase, Jeremy will be inviting exhibitors to bring along a star product and put together a 10-15 second video featuring its top three USPs.

Curious Crab focuses on combining product animation with lifestyle film to engage the audience. The company has a real affinity for food-related products.

Chair of Exclusively, Will Jones, commented: “This should be both fun and extremely valuable for Exclusively exhibitors. Jeremy and his company have a great reputation; and his service, which he is offering companies at a fraction of the normal rate for the duration of the show, is a real opportunity which I urge companies and brands to explore.”

PHA KitchEssentials to close

Paul Hargreaves said: “PHA have had a thoroughly enjoyable 23 years as a distributor in housewares, but it is time for a change. It has become increasingly harder for a small distributor to operate with the ongoing effects of Brexit and the pandemic.

“The associated investment levels required to maximise the opportunities created by the new rapidly changing marketplace meant that sadly I took the difficult decision to close the doors.”

With immediate effect, the following PHA brands will be handled by Eddingtons: Cidex candles from Denmark, Cuisipro from Canada and Graupera earthenware and Vaello Campos (paella accessories) both manufactured in Spain. As part of the handover, Paul will help the Eddingtons team facilitate a smooth transition of the brands and customers to Eddingtons.

Richard Walker, Eddingtons md, added: “We were sorry to hear of the news that Paul was closing. In our subsequent discussions we were happy to take the opportunity to continue the distribution of a selection of Paul’s much-loved products and brands which will move immediately to Eddingtons portfolio.”

Auteur introduces eKu

eKu was designed with practicality, durability and usability at its core and the collection features a fun, on-trend colour palette and beautiful, minimal packaging.

Created from upcycled plastic waste, eKu brings sustainability to kitchenwares. A recent First Insight report found that 72% of consumers now consider sustainability in their purchasing decision, showing sustainability is front of mind.

The eKu range is made using post consumer plastic waste from fast food chains where every year, millions of cups, plates, forks and bottles are otherwise thrown into landfill. Every item produced is GRS approved – the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is a voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product, ensuring that the brand is authentic, transparent and credible. Due to launch in May 2023 with a range of utensils from a garlic press, to chunky slotted spoons and a peeler, there is more product innovation in the pipeline for eKu.

Jenny Dahlman, managing director of Auteur, commented: “We are thrilled to be adding eKu to the Auteur brand portfolio, the fit is perfect and we’re really excited to work with them to build the brand in the UK.”

Aqua Optima unveils new branding

Market research carried out by Aqua Optima has revealed that the audience for water filtration products is becoming younger and more diverse, as consumers look to become more eco-friendly.

The brand, part of Strix Group, has made moves towards offering a more sustainable portfolio. All its water filters are now fully recyclable via its relationship with TerraCycle and its latest appliances are designed to reduce energy and water waste.

Laverne Eldridge, head of finished goods sourcing and category marketing at Strix Group, said: “Our parent company, Strix Group, is a world-leading innovative and sustainable technology business, so we are well positioned and are currently the only brand combining water filtration and dispensing appliances.”

Elisa Bellero, head of brands & marketing communications at Strix Group, added: “The new look and feel for the Aqua Optima brand is fresh and we believe it will engage both families and the younger audience, who are very switched on to the benefits of water filtration products both for themselves and the planet.”

The new branding will be supported by a digital and print advertising campaign, consumer marketing campaigns and in-store POS and display support being made available over the coming months.

Above: Eddingtons will handle the distribution of many of PHA KitchEssentials’ brands

Left: eKu will be on Auteur’s stand at Exclusively Housewares in June.

Below: Jeremy Pang’s video production agency, Curious Crab, will be on-site at Exclusively

AN EAR TO THE GROUND

More than 40% of people over 50 years old suffer from hearing loss, rising to more than 70% of people over the age of 70. Which is why Big Red Sales, which already serves the housewares marketplace with leading cookware products, recently started selling products from Amplicomms.

Big Red Sales founder, John Reddington, comments: “We are always on the look out for new first class products to sell to our 1,000+ market base of retailers. And with deafness being so widespread amongst older people, we thought this would be a highly suitable market for our retailers.”

Amplicomms offers high-quality products with exclusive features and a loud and clear HD sound. The DECT phone range offers One-touch audio-boost on handset side; Extra loud ringers; Call block function; Three direct memory keys; Large high quality full graphic display; Hands-free function; Ergonomic big button keypad; and hearing aid compatibility.

The TV listener products offer stereo sound quality. Features include Easy-to-use wireless TV listener; High quality crystal clear sound; 2.4 GHz digital transmission; Extra loud volume; Integrated microphone with on/off activation; Three-preset tone control; Balance adjustment; Optical cable. Last but not least, the Amplicomms brand offers the dealer generous margins in this category.

BHETA educates on R&D tax incentives

Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement 2022, which included details of increased public funding for R&D, BHETA hosted a webinar in February to help its members to discover if and how they can qualify for tax breaks.

A key output of the webinar was how widely this underpublicised opportunity can apply and therefore how many supplier companies should at least investigate their eligibility.

Speakers at the event were Duncan Kelly and Adem Zia from Europe’s leading R&D tax specialist, Ayming. During the session Ayming discussed the qualifying criteria and how claims can be maximised once the new legislation comes into force in April 2023. The topics covered included the upcoming changes, details of the different schemes, key considerations for claiming, examples of R&D in manufacturing relevant to BHETA members, and a Q&A.

Ayming has 30 years’ experience with a global team of experts working across 15 countries. It supports around 20,000 R&D and innovation projects worldwide each year and generates around €1bn in funding for clients. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ayming works within the requirements of regulation and compliance standards. It also adheres to PCRT (Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation).

BHETA marketing director, Steve Richardson, commented: “Changes are due to take effect for expenditure on or after 1 April 2023. This gives companies relatively little time to anticipate the plan for the new scenario. It’s therefore going to be a great help – particularly to some SME businesses –to have leading experts to consult, courtesy of BHETA.”

BHETA expands member services team

The association has appointed Samantha Astle and Reena Choudhury to its member services team. Both new recruits will be focusing on member relationships and recruitment, and member services delivery, alongside similar roles for the Exclusively housewares, SDA and gift exhibition, owned by BHETA.

Samantha and Reena will be based at BHETA’s HQ at Vyse Street, Birmingham. Samantha has enjoyed a career in police administration and in the building products industry, while Reena has worked in logistics and event management.

Samantha said: “The home and garden sector has seen a step change in consumer interest in recent times, so this is a very exciting opportunity.”

Reena added: “Industry suppliers are expanding their businesses exponentially as well as dealing with the current logistical changes, so BHETA is a really important resource for members and it’s great to be part of delivering that support.”

Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA, commented: “Member services is one of the key parts of BHETA’s offer, alongside market data, lobbying and retailer networking, so I’m delighted that Samantha and Reena are joining the team ready to help members realise opportunities and find a collective approach to current challenges.”

BHETA hosts meet the buyer events with JLP and Lakeland

BHETA is set to host live face-to-face meet the buyer events with the John Lewis Partnership and with Lakeland this spring, as well as an online forum with John Lewis small electricals team.

Members are being urged to save the dates ahead of further details. Non-members who are interested to attend can also get in touch with BHETA as soon as possible to understand their options to do so.

The Lakeland event will feature buyers across all categories at its event on 27 April. The John Lewis event will feature buyers representing cookshop, tabletop and utility on 17 May. Each supplier will be allocated a 20-minute appointment if they have products in more than one category. Attendees should focus on product features and benefits, together with cost price proposals. The meet the buyer format is a tried and tested BHETA retailer networking format.

The John Lewis small domestic electricals forum will be an online event with Matt Thomas, partner and category lead, and will be held on 23 May.

KIN joins BHETA

Sustainable home and garden product designer, KIN, has joined BHETA. The company develops products which offer a ‘better and more sustainable way to get jobs done in the home and garden’. Whatever the space, the KIN indoor storage is stackable and thoughtfully designed to make home organisation easier and more sustainable.

The brand’s Clever Pots range for outdoors maximises the use of space from patio to porch and windowsill to conservatory, and helps to keep plants watered for longer and move pots around more easily.

Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares, said: “KIN is a great innovator in sustainable home and garden products and hugely committed to R&D. I’m delighted that the company is joining BHETA and look forward to welcoming the team to BHETA events in future.”

Above: Kin offers stackable indoor storage to make home organisation easier and more sustainable. Lerft: Samantha and Reena join BHETA’s member services team.

Non-members wishing to get involved should contact Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares and small domestic appliances on 07946 078566, or Keeley Vernon, BHETA’s sector manager for DIY and garden on 07398 840418.

Chief operating officer of BHETA, Will Jones, commented: “I’m delighted that BHETA can secure opportunities for members to pitch to key retailers like John Lewis and Lakeland. We expect a big turnout for all the events, so are advising interested suppliers to get the dates in their diaries.”

An early Easter

BIRA’s ceo Andrew Goodacre talks about Easter being early this year and how stores need to use it to their advantage and know their audience.

This year has already started off tough with the cost-of-living crisis, figures showing that spending has been down, and then the inevitable snow in March which slows down shoppers in town.

But what does an early Easter in April mean for a retailer?

It will be coming just a few weeks after the spring budget and mark the start of a few short weeks with bank holidays looming, but we believe this could be the start of a busy season for many retailers across the UK.

With spring well underway, we hope that this means increased footfall as the weather starts to get better, and with better weather it brings more people out and about. The bank holidays also mean that with fewer people at work, they will be out with their families and friends and wanting to celebrate the extra days of rest for most.

But for indies it’s the time that they need to market themselves like they have never done before. This can start with social media, utilising as many platforms as possible, emails out to your shoppers showcasing fresh spring goods for sale as the new season opens.

Then of course there are your shop windows. Over Valentine’s Day we were

sent a wealth of pictures of our independent shops who had gone all out for the event, and the feedback seems to show that it has been slowly paying off, so the momentum needs to continue and they need to make sure they appeal to the masses.

Interestingly, I recently attended a webinar which was about grasping the opportunity about marketing to the ageing population. Research seems to suggest that the older population will account for more spend in shops, and so this needs to be seen as an opportunity by retailers to aim for.

This is a different take on what we are usually told, which is to focus on Gen Z. But what is more likely is that retailers will know their older customers much better. They have the time to stop and talk, and to share their views and ideas about the world and their needs and likes.

Look at how your shop is laid out, is it easy to move about in? Is it accessible? Offer your staff extra training to be helpful and available for them - and spend that valuable time. But equally don’t be fooled thinking that older customers don’t ‘do’ technology. They absolutely do, but some just like to keep it a little simpler.

So this Easter why not look to extend your customer base and understand them a little more - and of course market your market well.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira (British

Independent Retailers' Association)

BIRA is cautious following Spring Budget

The association has said the forecast for the future from the Spring Budget announcement looks brighter, but warns that businesses are still in for a rough few months ahead.

BIRA said it hopes that the forecast for the future helps to improve customer confidence and will drive economic growth.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo of BIRA, said: “The chancellor was upbeat about the economy in that we are likely to avoid a recession and forecast growth is better than expected. We wanted to hear about plans for growth and we were told about new investment zones, increased capital tax allowances for business investment and £200 million in local regeneration.”

BIRA sees these as positive measures but long-term are not necessarily addressing the challenges faced by the high street today.

“We were not expecting much from the budget,” Andrew continued,“and while we are pleased with the focus on growth, many of the big announcements are focused on long-term investment.

“We hope that the better economic forecasts, and more people returning to work will improve consumer confidence – often the key driver for high street economic growth. Unfortunately though, there was nothing to ease the fears of indie retailers dealing with the pressures of today.

“The pressures of inflation, high energy costs and energy support set to reduce by 95% in April, and wages set to increase by 9% in April. This budget may improve consumer confidence, but it does little to boost the confidence of businesses on the high streets throughout the UK.”

BIRA continues fight for government support on business energy rates

BIRA has said it will be continuing to engage with OFGEM to provide value insight into the industry on the non-domestic gas and electricity market.

OFGEM has requested submissions from stakeholders, such as BIRA, to give their views on the state of the market as a whole, helping it to understand whether and where these are temporary or isolated to specific suppliers, or if they are systematic, potentially requiring changes in regulation.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo of BIRA, commented: “BIRA is engaging with OFGEM to ensure that the energy suppliers are genuinely supporting commercial businesses and making the best rates available.

“The current government support scheme will end at the end of March and be replaced by one that offers 94% less support. I also urge all businesses to speak to their energy suppliers on a regular basis to ensure that the service levels and rates charged are as they should be.”

Above: The association is providing value insight on the non-domestic gas and electricity market to OFGEM.

Inset: Andrew says that the older population will account for more spend in shops.

HIGH STREET HIGHS

The cost-of-living crisis, the war in Ukraine, energy price hikes and continued challenges with stock availability and shipping, meant that 2022 proved a challenging year again for housewares retailers. Despite all of this, however, consumers continued to spend and adapt to changing situations and 45% of retailers said that 2022 was a better year than 2021, while 30% still expect to see growth in 2023.

PH’s 18th Retail Barometer delves a little deeper into the past year for indie cookshops and housewares retailers from across the UK. Respondents were asked to reflect on the year passed and look ahead to the next 12 months in housewares, offering an invaluable picture of another incredible year of highs and lows.

A STRONG YEAR

Of all the Retail Barometers Progressive Housewares has run, 2021 showed the strongest year for growth, with 62% saying that their overall trade was better during that year, than the previous year. Despite an array of challenges in 2022, 45% of retailers still said that 2022 was better than 2021 for their businesses. Apart from 2021’s success, that figure was the best result of the last five years. A third of retailers (33%) reported that sales for the year were worse than in 2021, while 22% said their sales were around the same year-on-year. Despite the turbulence on a macro-level, the lack of lockdowns and restrictions during 2022 resulted in a more normal year of trading for retailers where they were able to remain open to customers.

How has your business fared over the last year?

PH looks back at five years of Retail Barometer data:

Of those who reported improved business, sales had increased by an average of 17%, while those reporting a worse year in 2022, also said sales fell by an average of 17%.

The cost-of-living crisis has had an impact on customers spending habits and compared to 2021, when almost a quarter of retailers saw a significant rise in average spend, no respondents reported the same for 2022. 30% saw a slight increase in the average spend, while the majority, 50%, said that the average customer spend for 2022 remained the same as in 2021. 20% said the spend

Basket values

How did the average spend per customer in 2022 compare to 2021?

50% Remained the same

20% Decreased significantly

30% increased slightly

Inset: Consumers continued to spend on housewares in 2022.

Inset: Part of a bright window display at Rossiters, Bath.

On the positive side, retailers are expecting the effect of the cost-ofliving crisis to be slight over the coming year. Perhaps the strong sales results in 2022 have boosted confidence, as 50% expect only a slight decline, and just 20% anticipate a significant decline. 10% even expect a slight increase and another 10% think the crisis will cause a significant increase in sales, while 10% remain unsure about the effect it will have over the next 12 months.

Squeezed budgets

Energy crisis

At the other end of the chain, however, the increasing cost of energy has taken its toll on retailers. When asked what impact the increasing bills have had on the day-to-day running of the business, 50% said it’s had a slight impact, while 30% said it’s had a significant impact. 20% have been unaffected by the increases. Imminently, the government support for energy bills will be reduced dramatically, leaving retailers less positive looking ahead. When asked what impact they expected increased bills to have on their business in 2023, 40% expected there to be a significant impact, and 60% expected to see a slight impact.

As an industry faced with such pressures, the descriptors offered when asked to sum up the housewares industry at present, were sadly, yet understandably, all negative. Many used adjectives such as ‘pressured’ and ‘threatened’ and one even used ‘dastardly’. Others alluded to price pressures with words such as ‘expensive’ and ‘inefficient’, while some seemed to be looking for innovation when describing things as ‘uninspired’ and ‘staid’.

TECH SAVVY

A slight increase from 2021, 70% of respondents said they sell online. Most of the retailers have had an online presence for a number of years, with one having opened its ecommerce business as early as 1999. There has, however, been a fairly significant drop in the online vs in-store sales, with an average of 29% of sales online and 71% in-store, compared to 2021, when 41% of sales were online and 59% in physical stores.

THE POSITIVES: SHOP LOCAL

Remaining on the top spot for the positive influences on respondents’ businesses in 2022 for a second year running, was the trend for shopping local. A huge 80% of retailers included this in their top three positive factors having an impact on business.

Website (ecommerce growth) Also the same as 2021, ecommerce growth took second place with half of the retailers siting this in their top three.

Social media Just under half of the retailers chose social media as their top positive factor on their business last year, showing the continued influence across platforms on sales and engagement.

New housewares products

New launches were in joint third place, showing that newness and innovation in the market, really help support retail.

Diversification Also joint in third place was the diversification outside of housewares products. Retailers who are widening their reach are reaping the rewards.

Shift towards gift-able cookshop products This was the final category in joint third, as retailers showed that expanding their audience to include gift-givers was seeing benefits in terms of sales.

Above: Most retailers are expecting a slight decline in sales due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Above: An average of 29% of sales occur online.

THE NEGATIVES: STOCK AND THE ECONOMY

Stock shortages and supply chain issues top the chart for the most negative impact on business in 2022, but this year, equal first place went to price increases. Beginning during the pandemic, it seems that the industry is still not back to normal when it comes to being able to order and receive products.

While Covid-19 thankfully fell out of the charts, the cost-of-living crisis came in as a new entrant, to take its place as a close second in the factors that had the most negative impact on business in 2022.

In terms of competition, it’s still suppliers selling direct to consumers which impacts most negatively on retailers’ businesses, closely followed by competitors’ websites in joint fourth place. Housewares products in supermarkets, as well as those sold in other multiples also made the top 10 in joint sixth place, while housewares products sold in discount and value retailers came in at number seven. Other Brexit related issues such as extra paperwork, were still causing problems at number five.

ALL CHANGE

Making improvements may not have been the most obvious priority during recent challenging times, but in fact, 60% of retailers surveyed said they’d invested in their business by having a partial refit over the past year. This figure was up from 53% in 2021, showing that in-store is becoming more of a focus.

20% had invested in new lighting – perhaps to offset energy price increases – while 10% had spent on new EPOS equipment. Meanwhile, 50% had also worked on website development over the last year, down slightly from the prior year, when 76% had been making online improvements. And 40% had invested in new computer equipment.

When it came to marketing, social media remained in the top spot, as it has for the previous three Retail Barometers, with 80% of retailers now engaging in promotions on the platforms. In terms of the most popular platforms, Facebook lost its top spot, with 44% of the vote, while Instagram continued to improve its market share with 56% using it to promote their shops.

Discounts were the second most popular marketing tool with 60% engaging. Web advertising rates remained the same as in 2021, while leaflets jumped in popularity, with half of all retailers using them to promote their businesses.

WHAT MAIN FACTORS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOUR BUSINESS IN 2022?

1 Shop local trend

2 Website (Ecommerce growth)

3= Social media

3=New housewares products

3= Diversification outside housewares

3= Shift towards gift-able cookshop products

4= Click and collect

4= Promotional activity

4= New customers

4= Local competition closing down

WHAT MAIN FACTORS HAD A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON YOUR BUSINESS IN 2022?

1= Stock shortages and supply chain issues

1= Price increases

2 Cost of living crisis

3 Suppliers’ websites selling directly to consumers

4= Competitive retailers’ websites

4= The UK economy / inflation

5 Other Brexit-related issues (eg extra paperwork)

6= Housewares products in supermarkets

6= Competition from multiples (other than above)

7 Housewares products in discount/deep value retailers

Communication is key

What promotions and/or advertising did you run in 2022? (with % of those engaged in them, and comparison with 2021)

1 Social media promotions 80% (up from 73%)

2 Discount promotions 60% (up from 50%)

3= Web advertising 50% (same)

3= Leaflets 50% (up from 32%)

4 Gift voucher scheme 40% (new)

5= Competitions 30% (up from 27%)

5= Press advertising 30% (down slightly from 32%)

6= Loyalty cards 20% (up slightly from 18%)

6= Free gift promotions 20% (down from 32%)

7 Cookery events/demos 10% (new)

Independent

Independent view: “Scary times with high cost inflation which is not in our control; combined with low sales growth is not a good combination.”

view: “Suppliers should focus on retailers who work hard to sell and promote their products and tell their brand story rather than on lazy online discounters who add no value.”

Inset: Stock shortages and supply chain issues are still the top negative influence on retailers.

Above: Instagram overtook Facebook for the first time in the Retail Barometer in 2022.

BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION

For housewares indies, sustainability is a key factor in their purchasing decisions. 80% of those surveyed are ordering products which reduce single use, up from 70% in 2021, and continuing the upward trend of the last three years.

Packaging was another key consideration and 70% purchased products which use less packaging in 2021, up from 59% a year ago, and 50% in 2020. 60% also said they are now using paper bags, thus reducing the impact of their own packaging as a business.

It seems sustainability is also increasingly impacting consumers’ purchasing decisions, too. 40% thought it was making a marginal impact which was down slightly compared to last year, but 30% said the effect was significant, up from 14% in 2021. 10% were unsure, while 20% didn’t think it was making an impact on buying.

MAKING POSITIVE CHANGE

If retailers were able to wave their magic wands and change just one thing about the housewares industry, their biggest wish would be to stop online retailers from offering products at lower prices. They would also like to see suppliers supporting those retailers who work hard to promote brands in-store, rather than selling online. Similarly, one retailer said they would encourage people to shop in-store. Diversity was one wish, with a retailer hoping for more females and minority groups promoting brands. Stock availability and smaller carriage paid orders were also high on the wish list.

BIG COMPETITION

In an unchanging picture to that of 2021, the threat of competition was felt strongly among independent housewares retailers. 90% felt that major online operators such as Amazon selling housewares were a threat or serious threat. Similarly, 80% felt that supermarkets’ continuing expansion in housewares were either a threat or a serious threat. And 60% felt that suppliers selling online direct to the public were a serious threat and a further 20% felt they were a threat.

Garden centres’ growth in housewares is also viewed with extreme caution, as 60% saw it as a threat, and 10% as a serious threat.

When asked about what they felt was the most serious of all these threats, most people (50%) chose online retailers. 10% felt suppliers selling direct was the most serious threat, and a further 10% viewed value retailers such as Home Bargains and B&M as the biggest threat to their business.

SECTOR BREAK DOWN

While the pandemic created a generation of bakers, creating a huge increase in sales for the past two years, it seems that bakeware’s moment in the spotlight has come to an end. Only 10% of retailers saw an increase in the sector in 2022, while 30% saw a decline.

The sector experiencing the biggest decline in sales was cake decorating, with 63% reporting a downturn in sales and only 25% experiencing growth.

By far the biggest growing sector, was eco-friendly products, which saw an increase for 56% of respondents, with only 22% seeing a decline in sales, matching the view that sustainability is increasing as a factor in buying decisions.

Glassware saw an increase in sales for 50% of retailers, in a similar trend to that of 2021, when 61% saw an upturn in sales. While 38% saw an increase for barware, a sharp fall from last year, perhaps as the novelty of the Covid garden pub wears off.

Entertaining at home seems to be a continuing trend, however, as we battle to keep costs low in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. Casual dining sales increased for half of all retailers surveyed.

Cookware took a slight decline, as a third saw a downturn in sales, and only 22% saw growth. And the strength of knives in 2021 tailed off as only 11% saw an increase in sales, although 56% said sales remained stable.

SDAs saw stable sales for 38%, while only a quarter saw an upturn in sales. Other stable categories included stainless steel cookware, with 71% saying sales remained unchanged, cast iron cookware (63%), children’s products (67%) and oven-to-tableware (63%).

Above: Sustainability continues to grow as a factor in buying decisions for both retailers and consumers.

Inset: Tramontina’s eco-friendly Wooded Teak Board.

Above: Major online retailers in the housewares sector were seen as the biggest threat to indies.

Inset: Glassware sales increased for 50% of retailers.

paper towel pump

BEST SELLERS

The top selling brands and products in 2022 were, unsurprisingly, air fryers in general, and Le Creuset cast iron and stoneware products, also cited in the 2021 Retail Barometer.

Other brands and suppliers named among the heroes for 2022 were Euroscrubbies, Moo Pops Bottle Tops, Rice Alphabet Melamine Cups, Gisela Graham ceramic crockery, Zyliss Comfort Pro 8” Chef’s Knife, and candles.

When asked what the biggest chef, cookery programme or food related social media platform which influences sales of kitchenware, the top answer was The Great British Bake Off. Also mentioned was James Martin, as well as a new one for housewares, indicative of the economic climate, Martin Lewis.

Category performance in 2022

The year ahead

PREDICTING THE FUTURE

With much uncertainty ahead in the economy as a whole, it seems indies are cautious about the year ahead. 40% of retailers are expecting a slight decline in 2023 – around the same number as last year. 30% are hedging their bets on marginal growth, which is down from 40% in 2022, while only 10% think growth will be significant in the coming 12 months.

20% are expecting business to remain about the same as it was in 2021. Nobody expected to see a major decline, compared to 4% in 2022, which perhaps shows a better start to the year than we had initially expected.

Looking further ahead, those that see a positive future for indie cookshops and housewares retailers over the next three to five years, dropped from 46% last year to 40%, while the 9% who had a very positive outlook last year, disappeared when looking forward to the next few years, with nobody predicting a very positive future. The retailers who see the future as weak rose from 18% for last year, to 30% for the coming year. And 10% now feel the future is very weak, whereas none had the same view in the last Retail Barometer.

The future of housewares retail

How

Independent view: “Stop online retailers selling at unrealistic low margins, which has an impact on everyone else, as the consumer with the touch of a button can price check - margins aren't being eroded by the consumer, this margin battle is retailer led and hurts everyone.”

MARKET ON THE

B&Q is a powerhouse in the world of home improvement. With over 24 million visits per month, and 313 stores nationwide, the retailer is one of the most recognisable and credible retailer brands in the UK. B&Q’s website is also one of the top visited UK retailers for consumers looking for home improvement products, with significant traffic. Customer insight research has shown that B&Q is the preferred retailer of choice when it comes to the home.

The retailer’s decision to launch a specialist marketplace at diy.com a year ago, enabled customers to choose from an expanded selection of products in a range of sectors, including SDAs, which was new for B&Q.

Joanna McKew, head of business development, B&Q Marketplace, tells us about the success so far: “In just 11 months, the number of new products offered at diy.com has increased eight-fold, with over 340,000 new products added from 400 sellers, and in February 2023 B&Q marketplace sales accounted for 24% of B&Q’s total e-commerce sales.”

B&Q is the first home improvement retailer to offer an integrated experience for customers, where they can utilise both online and in-

store benefits. Joanna explains: “Our marketplace offers the convenience of our 313 store locations for returns of many items, with click + collect options being considered – so getting closer to the customer than pure plays.”

The marketplace fits perfectly with B&Q’s aim to help people ‘improve their homes to make life better’, helping customers deliver their home improvement in the fastest, most efficient and convenient way

increasing consumer demand for speed, convenience and mobile access. The expansion also made the most of the ongoing rate of migration to online shopping and growing popularity of marketplaces.

According

Joanna continues: “Launching our marketplace was a natural next step towards improving shopping experiences for our customers, enabling them to shop a wide range of products in one place.”

Going forward, there is scope for new categories to join the online platform, including housewares. Joanna comments: “The marketplace has also allowed us to venture into new subcategories, such as cookware and tableware and we continue to expand our offering with categories that have a natural adjacency to our historical offering.”

In fact, some of the biggest successes have come from new categories which B&Q didn’t previously offer, such as SDAs. Joanna expands: “You could buy your kitchen from B&Q, but you couldn’t buy your kettle, toaster, or that all important air fryer. Now you can, and the huge success we have seen over the past 12 months proves we are giving the customer what they want.”

The expansion plans are carefully managed, however, and B&Q’s marketplace will focus solely on home improvement products, selected by B&Q experts from pre-vetted third party

to a report by Inriver, nearly half (48%) of online product searches in the US, UK and Germany started on marketplaces.

Launched in March 2022, B&Q’s home improvement specialist marketplace is designed to maximise consumer choice in a range of sectors including wallpaper, lighting, power tools, and SDAs. A year on, PH catches up with new head of business development, B&Q Marketplace, Joanna McKew, to find out more.

Inset: Traditionally consumers could buy a kitchen at B&Q but not a kettle or toaster. Marketplace is changing that.

Below: Joanna McKew, head of business development, B&Q Marketplace.

merchants. Joanna says: “Selection by B&Q experts helps ensure that customers are receiving the same high quality that they would expect from products sold directly by B&Q, online and in-store.

“I think this really makes us stand out in our space and showcases that customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We have a fantastic and extremely knowledgeable team here to assist sellers and would love to hear from any brands, retailers, distributors or suppliers who would be interested in showcasing their product portfolio through diy.com. We have now opened 18 categories for third party sellers, including kitchenware, home textiles and cleaning.”

Newly appointed to the role, Joanna sees big potential for the marketplace: “Personally I see so much value in a marketplace and as a consumer, I like to have variety and choice with minimum effort. That is why I was really excited to join the team and help grow the B&Q marketplace.

“Our ambition is to be the go-to destination for customers improving and maintaining their homes. We’ve still got lots of room to expand the ranges within the categories we’ve already launched, as well as to add more categories to our offer, so that we create a unique, specialist home improvement marketplace.”

Powered by Mirakl

B&Q works with Mirakl, the industry’s leading enterprise marketplace SaaS platform, which enables the team to benefit from the wealth of experience it brings from working with hundreds of marketplaces globally, including Joules, Decathlon and H&M Home.

Joanna says: “Mirakl have supported us in our growth journey and the solution we can provide sellers is superior.”

Over the next 12 months, the team plans to build on the success of the first year of the marketplace, growing its supplier base and offering and raising its profile in the industry.

Joanna concludes: “This year is an important year for us as we continue to build on the success of the last 12 months and my team and I are looking forward to meeting and discussing opportunities with sellers on how they could potentially work with us.

“We have lots of events in the diary, including the B&LLAs and the Excellence in Housewares Awards later this year, so do look out for us, if you would like to discuss opportunities.”

Inset: B&Q marketplace is expanding to include new categories such as cookware and glassware. Below: The marketplace originally launched with products in categories including lighting, wallpaper and SDAs.

Inset: Products in the marketplace are carefully curated by experts at B&Q.

Holly Wilson’s From The Frontline

A good start

The year has started off well. Christmas was good in both stores. I tried some new product that was a little more pricey than normal in PREP, which was a bit of a risk in the financial climate, but it worked. When people are buying less, they seem to want to buy better. I have such a broad range of customers in PREP that over time when more high-end items hadn’t sold, I had replaced them with a cheaper version and perhaps I had forgotten that if the product is right and beautiful, people will buy it.

Richard Dare’s Christmas always starts and finishes earlier as our locals tend to leave London for the festive period, but this year Fatima got us super prepared and we had plenty of stock in early and it paid off. We are always reviewing and tweaking, as we all are, and it worked well for this Christmas.

January was good in both stores. In PREP we were selling down our stock in time for stock take and in Richard Dare we restocked a bit as January is always good. Stock take went well and then it was time to restock. This coincided nicely with Faire’s Winter Market. We’ve decided it’s a great platform to add in drops of newness to the store, without having to commit to huge carriage paid orders. The terms aren’t as good as they were initially as is always the

way, but it’s still a great platform for sourcing. With so many loyal locals and large amounts of core stock, it’s really nice to be able to offer fun and exciting new product without taking too much risk.

It's also a great way to see new stock having not been to all the shows this January. I went to Top Drawer which was a much better show than last year with more suppliers and better attendance so that was good to see.

I however didn’t attend M&O or Ambiente. Last year Fatima and I had decided that we were definitely going to Ambiente as it’s been a while, but in the end we just couldn’t justify it. We don’t need to take on any big new suppliers as our supply base is fairly settled at the moment for our main collections. Also, the cost of European suppliers and the hassle of dealing with the paperwork isn’t worth it for small suppliers. It’s such a shame and I feel like it has made the sourcing pool so small. This is why Faire and Ankorstore are going to work so well.

We are working on what our new projects as a business association will be to help bring more people to the area to increase footfall. This has been hampered for the last

month as a building on the high street in Stoke Newington partially collapsed, very luckily not hurting anyone, but it was a close call.

Two years of the Marylebone landlords knowing the building was unsafe but doing nothing about it led to the collapse and Hackney council have had to take over the repairs. This has involved the high street being closed and a scaffold structure being built the whole width of the road. The shops either side of the road are closed and have not been allowed access at all. The high street will be closed to vehicles and the shops closed until mid-March.

It has created local chaos and for the shops and businesses closed and residents displaced, it has been a living nightmare. Our business association has set up a Go Fund Me to try and help the businesses survive through this tough period as it will take ages to go through insurance and it is doubtful anyone will pay out when the building was in known disrepair.

So, while things are a bit quieter, we are restocking, sourcing some new product and planning for the year which feels like a good place to be.

It’s almost the Easter holidays and I will be desperately trying to plough through my work while the kids are with their dad before I get them for the second half. Nothing like school holidays to focus the mind.

Inset: A building on the high street in Stoke Newington has collapsed, causing all businesses to close until mid-March. Below left: Holly is using the quieter period to restock and source new lines.

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• Patented triple safety system

• Patented triple safety system

• Lid posi�oning aid and locking indicator to safely seal the pressure cooker

• Lid posi�oning aid and locking indicator to safely seal the pressure cooker

• Fill level control and measurement markings to easily measure liquids

• Fill level control and measurement markings to easily measure liquids

• Depressurising func�on on cooking valve and handle to easily adjust pressure

• Depressurising func�on on cooking valve and handle to easily adjust pressure

• NovaGrill® surface for frying and searing with grill-effect

• NovaGrill® surface for frying and searing with grill-effect

• Dishwasher safe with the excep�on of any removable parts

• Dishwasher safe with the excep�on of any removable parts

• Sustainably cra�ed from up to 90% recycled, sa�n-finished 18/10 stainless steel

• Sustainably cra�ed from up to 90% recycled, sa�n-finished 18/10 stainless steel

• Exclusive, energy-efficient Cookstar® base – for op�mal heat distribu�on

• Exclusive, energy-efficient Cookstar® base – for op�mal heat distribu�on

• Suitable for all stovetops, including gas and induc�on

• Suitable for all stovetops, including gas and induc�on

• Available in 4 sizes, from 2.5 - 8 Litre capacity

• Available in 4 sizes, from 2.5 - 8 Litre capacity

A range of premium 18/10 stainless steel tools that are everything you would expect from Fissler’s reputa�on for quality and durability. Each tool is safe and comfortable thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle each perfectly balanced and a pleasure to compliment the Fissler OPC collec�on of cookware. There is an eyelet for storage or hanging and each tool is heat resistant and dishwasher safe. There are 16 tools on this assortment from serving spoons, whisks, turners, mesh skimmers, a wok turner and a pizza wheel, a tool for every need.

A range of premium 18/10 stainless steel tools that are everything you would expect from Fissler’s reputa�on for quality and durability. Each tool is safe and comfortable thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle each perfectly balanced and a pleasure to compliment the Fissler OPC collec�on of cookware. There is an eyelet for storage or hanging and each tool is heat resistant and dishwasher safe. There are 16 tools on this assortment from serving spoons, whisks, turners, mesh skimmers, a wok turner and a pizza wheel, a tool for every need.

COOKING UP

There have been many factors over recent years which have caused us to focus on cooking at home. First the pandemic removed our option to eat out, while a focus on health and wellbeing has moved many away from processed foods, and now the increased pressure on budgets, leaves us looking not only for more cost-effective ways to eat, but also for cookware that will last the test of time and ideally save energy.

Bryony Dyer, managing director of Dexam explains: “I firmly believe the consumer wants something that will last, function exceptionally, is energy efficient and at a price they can afford. Our Supreme cookware, for example, is suitable for all hob types, with the 6mm impact-bonded aluminium and fully encapsulated sandwich base, makes them super energy-efficient.

“I think people are generally being more cautious with their spending, but that caution is tempered by wanting stunning pieces in their kitchen that last. The trend continues towards healthy eating and preparing food from scratch, so at Dexam, we want to support our customers to enable them to do this.”

Lucy King, product manager at Smeg, agrees: “The most important factors are cost, quality and materials. Good cookware is an investment that should last for years, so they should be sturdy and durable, have good heat conductivity, and be easy to use and maintain. If they look great and make a design statement on your countertop, then that’s a bonus.

“Being able to use the cookware on the hob, then transfer it straight to the oven and then onto the table to serve is an

Targeting a new generation

In September, The Cookware Company will launch a new minimalist designed KitchenAid Enamelled Cast Iron and Stoneware collection. Neil comments: “The cast iron category has remained relatively unchanged for many years, resulting in it becoming less relevant to younger design and style driven consumers.

“Additionally the ever high price of cast iron cookware has resulted in it becoming out of reach for many of these younger consumers. KitchenAid Cast Iron is around 30% lower in RRP compared with leading brands. The KitchenAid brand is renowned for its stunning colour palette, and these are reflected the new collections including on-trend Pistachio and Dried Rose.”

important factor. All Smeg cookware can be used on any hob surface, and transferred straight into the oven to 250 degrees, and the beautiful design is stylish enough for any table.”

Richard Walker, managing director of Eddingtons is also seeing a move to energy efficient features: “We are seeing a shift to energy saving solutions such as pressure cooking. Time spent cooking is dramatically reduced for those low and slow cooked dishes which can be prepared in a fraction of the time.

“Our Fissler brand is growing in the UK and we see customers wanting to buy once or trade up to the best they can find. The made in Germany story is really starting to resonate, less of a carbon footprint and German quality. We are seeing continued investment in our heritage lines from Lodge. A cast iron skillet

The continued focus on sustainability seems to be key when it comes to cookware purchases among consumers. More and more people are seeing cookware as an investment by buying long-lasting, quality and durable cookware, which is safe and functional. PH considers the trends and what is influencing purchases.

Inset: The Cookware Company’s KitchenAid Cast Iron Casserole Dish in empire red

Inset: Dexam’s Supreme nonstick frying pan

or Dutch-oven can become an heirloom piece handed down through generations. The cookware simply gets better with age.”

William James, UK marketing and sales director at Winnington, sees economic pressures as creating two groups: “We’ve identified two key trends. The built-to-last investment and the convenient cost save trends. On one end, you have traditional cast iron, premium carbon and stainless steel cookware and on the other, the ceramic coated cookware. These trends are linked by a need to spend wisely during the current economic climate.

“We’ve all noticed the price of eating has risen in line with inflation. An easy way to save is to dine in instead. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality and variety of meals. Investing in carbon steel and stainless steel cookware can help replicate that restaurant flavour at home, satisfying both the appetite and the wallet.”

News of potential harm to the environment for certain products, could contribute to a change in habits. Neil McIntosh, country manager, UK & Ireland, The Cookware Company, outlines: “We expect traditional reasons for buying cookware to change dramatically during 2023 and 2024, with sustainable, healthy cookware becoming much more of a key driver that will influence consumers choices away from traditional PTFE (PFAS) non-stick cookware.

“Consumer behaviour is likely to be hugely influenced this year by the increasing widespread coverage in UK media on the harmful impact of PFAS to the environment and the potential risks associated with many product categories including non-stick cookware. This will increase awareness of PFAS and as a consequence start to shape consumer cookware purchase decisions to shop brands that offer healthier, ceramic coated non-stick cookware.”

Sustainability continues to be a key focus during the design process of cookware for many. Bryony explains: “Sustainability runs through all our new product development. Whether it is the way it is packed, what it is made from, or the impact on the local environment in which it is made, we have a responsibility to do our best for the planet.

handles on the new Saveur Selects NitriBlack pans are made from melted down stainless steel offcuts.”

Neil expands: “With continual global media focus, mounting scientific evidence and regulatory scrutiny regarding their harmful effects, the PFAS family of chemicals is likely to be restricted by regulations from 2025 for all but essential uses such as, for example, medical devices. For 15 years, GreenPan has been the original pioneer of world leading

The ultimate sear

Winnington has just launched the Saveur Selects Nitri-Black pans. William explains:

“These three additions to the collection are a toughened rust-proof upgrade on classic carbon steel cookware. Carbon steel heats up very fast and is compatible with both gas and induction hobs. Overall, it’s an incredibly efficient and versatile metal to cook with, achieving the ultimate sear with no fragile toxic coatings to worry about.”

“Our Supreme range of saucepans come with a lifetime guarantee. This is because we are confident they will last and as such are saying buy it once, rather than spending less and throwing away.”

William adds: “We always develop cookware with the future in mind. Nitri-Black carbon steel is an example of how we’ve applied the latest technology to improve the longevity of traditional materials. We ensure throughout our supply chain we buy steel using a percentage of recycled metal and in our factory, we strive toward 100% use of the steel involved in our manufacturing. The

Thermolon, a healthy, ceramic, non-stick coating with all the advantages of traditional non-stick but without harmful toxins such as PFAS.”

From a design perspective, statement pieces are still doing well. Lucy explains: “Colour is still popular, since it’s such as easy way to make a statement and personalise your space without having to do any DIY. And for Smeg, collectability is also important, our cookware has a distinctive retro design in the same family style as our small appliance range and retro refrigeration and large appliance collection.”

Inset: The Nitri-Black Carbon Steel range from Winnington

Inset: The Fissler range from Eddingtons is growing in the UK.

Below: The Wok from Smeg is available in red, cream and black.

1: NoStik Crisper Basket

The Crisper Basket by NoStik is perfect for the preparation of oven chips, nuggets, pizzas, onion rings and more. Made with black mesh material, the Crisper Basket allows optimum hot air circulation through its openings, giving food a satisfyingly crispy texture.

Designed for no mess and no stress in the kitchen, the Crisper Basket also enables fat-free cooking thanks to non-stick properties which remove the need for butter and oils during the cooking process. The Teflon food-safe, non-stick coating not only withstands heat up to 260°C but is also long lasting, making the baskets durable and reusable. After use, the Crisper Basket is easily cleaned in the dishwasher or with soapy water.

Available in two capacities – 1.5L and 3L.

Burton McCall

T: 0116 234 4611

E: sales@burton-mccall.com

2: Tala Performance Superior

Grade cookware

Tala Performance cookware is made from high quality 18/10 mirror polished stainless steel for long lasting and superior performance. The pans are manufactured entirely in Portugal and come with a 25-year quality guarantee. With convenient internal litre markings for measuring liquids for immediate use, the thick impact bonded base provides even heat distribution and can be used at high temperatures, retaining heat well and cooking food evenly. Safe for use on all stove tops including induction. The pans feature stay cool handles.

Dayes

T: 01728 833400

E: sales@dayesuk.com

W: www.dayesuk.com

3: Kuhn Rikon Allround Plus

Kuhn Rikon has a long heritage in manufacturing exceptional cookware and pictured here is Allround Plus, an extension to its best-selling 18/10 stainless steel Allround range. Available in three saucepan sizes (1.9L/16cm, 2.7L/18cm, 3.7L/20cm), each with a glass lid featuring draining function and steam vent, Allround Plus is a great everyday range and is efficient too. The fully encapsulated, impact bonded induction base ensures fast, even heating. The saucepans can be used on the hob or in the oven to 240°C and the range is suitable for dishwasher-cleaning. The pans come with Kuhn Rikon’s UK Limited Lifetime Guarantee.

Kuhn Rikon

T: 01902 458410

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

W: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

4: The Cookware Company

KitchenAid collection

The KitchenAid Enamelled Cast Iron casserole collection is robust and durable, combining style and performance, in a variety of colours, ideal for taking straight from the hob or oven to the table. Made of high-quality cast iron, which retains heat expertly and once heated stays hot, the range is perfect for searing, browning, frying and slow cooking. Suitable for all hobs, including induction, and oven safe (up to 260°C).

Cookware

T: 07553 535501

E: neil.mcintosh@cookware-co.com

E: jason.kirk@cookware-co.com

5: The Cookware Company

GreenPan PFAS-free range

GreenPan will continue the extension of PFASfree innovation beyond Cookware and SDAs, with the introduction of a new GreenPan PFASFree non-stick Bakeware range. There are 10 new lines in the range, including Spring Form Tins, Loaf Tins, Muffin Trays, Bundt Tins and more. The diverse range of shapes and sizes, made with healthy, PFAS-free and non-stick for easy release, meets every baking need and ensures picture-perfect results every time.

Cookware

T: 07553 535501

E: neil.mcintosh@cookware-co.com

E: :jason.kirk@cookware-co.com

E W L I F E P R O

M a n u f a c t u r i n g r e c y c l e d a l u m i n i u m u s e s u p t o l e s s e n e r g y

O u r r e c y c l e d a l u m i n i u m i s e v e n m o r e e f f i c i e n t

9

O u r r e c y c l e d s t a i n l e s s s t e e l h a n d l e s r e a l l y a r e s t a y c o o l

T o u g h , p r e m i u m , S w i s s - m a d e n o n - s t i c k c o a t i n g

O n t o p o f a l l t h a t w e o f f e r i n d u s t r yl e a d i n g m a r g i n p o t e n t i a l , c u s t o m e r s u p p o r t , a n d s t a f f t r a i n i n g

1: Toolbar Mixing Bowl and Colander - Air frying companion

These built-to-last mixing bowl and colanders prove to be multi-functional and money-saving. Consumers can save water while cleaning ingredients, then save energy air frying the food they have prepared. Soaking, then seasoning homemade chips is easier than ever making these space-saving sets the ultimate air frying companion. Available in 18 & 21cm sizes.

Winnington

T: +447531 134899

E: william@winningtonhousewares.co.uk

2: Saveur Selects Nitri-Black Carbon steel

Nitri-Black Carbon Steel cookware has landed. Treated (not coated) with an optimised nitriding process, the carbon steel is upgraded to become five times tougher and truly metal utensil safe. Capable of handling the high temperatures of commercial and open-flame cooking, these pans deliver the perfect sear for restaurant-quality steaks at home.

Winnington

T: +447531 134899

E: william@winningtonhousewares.co.uk

W: www.saveurselectsinfo.uk/cookware

3: Salter Cast Iron collection

Perfect for experienced and novice cooks alike, Salter’s Cast Iron cookware has been expertly designed for hob to oven cooking. Ideal for slow cooking meat, stews and curries, the cast iron retains its heat, making it perfect for families who love to go back for seconds. Oven safe up to 240°C and suitable for all hob types, these cast iron pieces make a versatile addition to modern kitchens.

UPGS

E: sales@upgs.com

W: www.salter.com

4: School of Wok by Dexam: Pre-Seasoned Woks

A finalist in the 2022 Excellence in Housewares Awards, the Pre-Seasoned Wok range by Dexam under the School of Wok brand is available in 10.5”, 12” and 14” sizes, along with a 13” authentic round bottom wok. The pre-seasoning gives the benefits of non-stick without having a non-stick layer that can scratch and wear out. There is no need to season at home, the hard part is already done so cooks can get straight to cooking delicious meals. All are suitable for modern hobs, including induction.

Dexam

T: +44 (0)1730 811811

E: sales@dexam.co.uk

W: www.trade.dexam.co.uk

5: Dexam Supreme cookware

Boil, sauté, bubble and roast your way to culinary success with the Dexam Supreme stainless steel cookware range – designed to last a lifetime. The range includes six saucepans, a chef’s pan and a jam/preserving pan, manufactured from 18/10 stainless steel with 0.7mm thick body. They are suitable for all types of hob, grill, oven and dishwasher and include internal capacity markings. The range also includes a pizza/pancake griddle and three frying pans with a high quality non-stick coating, along with four deep roasters and racks.

Dexam

T: +44 (0)1730 811811

E: sales@dexam.co.uk

W: www.trade.dexam.co.uk

Products New

Cookware

The

clock is ticking! Are you ready to make the switch? #NOPFAS

• THE ORIGINAL: healthy ceramic non-stick since 2007

• THERMOLON™ COATING: leader in innovation, outstanding performance

• ALWAYS PFAS-FREE: no harmful PFAS-chemicals

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US: Neil McIntosh: Country Manager UK I neil.mcintosh@cookware-co.com Jason Kirk: Head of sales UK I jason.kirk@cookware-co.com

Dexam has been at the heart of many kitchens for over 60 years. As winners of the 2022 Excellence in Product Development award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards, it should come as no surprise that the supplier has launched an array of new lines for spring/summer 2023. PH caught up with the team to hear more about the outdoor dining collection Sintra.

PORTUGAL A PIECE OF

Spring is a time where many of us will be starting to plan our summer getaways. Portugal has always been a popular choice for us Brits, but have you heard of a little place called Sintra? With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns, exotic gardens and colourful palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Best known for its historic hillside, sprinkled with multicoloured facades, Dexam hopes to bring the magic of this place to people’s homes with its new Sintra collection; a colourful array of tapas dishes, salad bowls and more, all inspired by the Unesco World Heritage–listed town.

During the pandemic the only means of escape or vacation was in your own

garden (or a balcony or front doorstep) Helen Boardman, Dexam’s product manager, explains how the Sintra collection builds on this idea and where it all started: “Outdoor dining has been a Covid bright spot. The pandemic forced people to interact with familiar surroundings in new ways. While

garden bars, amongst other innovative uses.

“In addition to the indoor-outdoor trend, we’re also predicting a rise in inviting nature indoors for 2023. I therefore wanted to create a collection that would sit at the centre of outdoor dining whilst breathing life into interiors and creating a connection between daily life and the nature that surrounds us.”

bedrooms became offices, gardens became the new entertaining space.

“With overseas travel restricted until early last year, some households have had additional disposable income to spend on big ticket home improvement projects, including garden renovations. We’re seeing the rise of outdoor kitchens and even

As a brand that is passionate about reducing its impact on the environment, Dexam was keen to create beautiful pieces from sustainable sources. The Sintra collection uses a combination of terracotta, recycled cotton and ecofriendly mango wood materials. Terracotta is a naturally sustainable material; it is durable, energy efficient and can also be recycled. The use of terracotta in interior design has also seen a 25% year-on-year increase from November 2021 to November 2022.

Helen describes how this sparked the main inspiration for the collection: “Where

Inset: The terracotta wine cooler keeps wine cool naturally for over two hours. Below centre: Small and large tapas dishes are part of the range. Below centre: The collection includes a set of three fish shaped tapas dishes.

better to begin than one of the most famous places terracotta is produced –Portugal. Portuguese pottery dates back to prehistoric times. Excavations of ancient settlements have produced terracotta urns used to store wine, water and olive oil, as well as smaller bowls, jugs and dishes. Portugal is the land of great sun, great wine, great food and great ceramics.

These are all feelgood factors that come to mind when we think about this country.

“On a visit to Portugal last year, I had the pleasure of visiting the town of Sintra. I was captivated by the richness of the architecture and surrounding landscape. I therefore named the collection after this town and wanted to ensure colour was brought into the pieces. Bright ochre yellow leads this collection, taken from the Pena Palace walls. The natural green is inspired by the UNESCO world heritage site, Parque de pena. The deep ink blue is taken from the Atlantic Ocean just 5km away at Praia de Magoito.”

The terracotta pieces include a small and large tapas dish, set of three fish tapas dishes, wine cooler, water jug and oil drizzler. Each is available in all three colours with a hand finished glaze which makes

them easy to clean. Terracotta provides many benefits due to its unique properties – for the tapas dishes it absorbs and distributes heat evenly (they are also dishwasher, oven and microwave safe). The terracotta wine cooler also keeps wine cool the natural way –soak in water for 15 minutes and then it will remain chilled for over two hours, conserving and using less water in the process.

Another piece in the collection reduces water waste by giving new life to unwanted materials. A set containing a woven striped napkin and placemat (in the same green, ink blue and ochre tones) has been made from 60% recycled cottonoffcuts which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. This leads to a reduction in the water footprint associated with the growing and harvesting of virgin cotton.

The third and final material used in Dexam’s Sintra collection is mango wood. Mango trees are grown for their fruit but as the tree matures it becomes barren, so

farmers have to plant new trees every seven to 15 years. Only the older, less fruitful trees are chopped down for their mango wood. A beautiful salad bowl and matching server set have been hand enamelled with a spot design, available in the same green, ink blue and ochre tones as the other pieces.

For a limited period Dexam is offering a special six for five pack offer which equates to 17% off trade price for the full collection. POS will also be provided to retailers who purchase the collection and Dexam is also running a display competition, offering retailers the opportunity to win a free pack of Sintra and a hamper full of Portuguese inspired goodies.

Dexam’s Sintra collection will be available for delivery at the end of March but can be pre-ordered now.

For more information on the collection, special pack offer or competition you can contact a member of their sales team on sales@dexam.co.uk or call 01730 811811

Inset: The salad bowl and matching server set are crafted from mango wood

Far left: The Sintra collection features green, ink blue and ochre tones. Below centre: Portuguese feasts can be recreated with the Sintra collection.

Below: The salad bowl and matching server set are crafted from mango wood.

To find out more, head to stand EH246 at Exclusively or contact: contact-uk@peugeot-saveurs.com sales@burton-mccall.com

“Ambiente was a very successful show for us,” Chris Gee, managing director of Peugeot Saveurs UK, tells us. “We had some quality time with both buyers and colleagues throughout the duration there. The show was vibrant and great fun too.”

The Peugeot stand saw the launch of more than five new ranges at Ambiente. First up was Maestro, the new Pepper Discovery Mill and Spice range. Peugeot says it has designed the perfect instrument for discovering pepper with the new collection. The French-made mill features interchangeable compartments combined with a selection of premium peppers, imbued with extraordinary aromas.

Maestro is Peugeot’s invitation to embark on a unique and instant journey through the world of pepper. The collection is designed in Peugeot’s signature understated,

FULL OF FLAVOUR PEUGEOT

classic lines. using graphite grey tones, beechwood, glass and stainless steel. The Spice sachets offer triple protection from air, light and humidity for the pepper, while the mill provides six pre-defined grind settings. A fine grind offers flavour, a course grind adds flavour and texture, with medium offering a balance.

Available as a gift set including the mill and three glass jars and premium spices, as a mill with a single jar, or just extra jars, the collection offers incremental sales for retailers with the range of premium peppers also available, including Kampot black or red, Sikara, Voatsiperifery, Fresh Blend and Red Meat Blend.

Amongst the other launches at the show were extensions to the successful Line design range, the Frizz wine cooler

sleeves, the BBQ Mill and new colours for the Tahiti Duo set.

Following such a successful show, Chris is already planning to return to Frankfurt in 2024. “We had a great location with all traffic coming past our stand, so we hope to be able to keep it for next year’s show.”

Over the next year, Peugeot UK has big plans to make a success of the new Maestro launch. “We are working hard to get Maestro well distributed, in order for retailers to benefit from all of the press and social media work which is underway already for the collection,” explains Chris.

As part of this plan, Peugeot is placing an increased focus on the independent retailers. Chris says: “We are working with Burton McCall on extending our independent business, providing the displays and marketing support that our partners need to be successful with our ranges.”

The company will be presenting its brand on its own stand, EH246 next to Burton McCall, for the first time at the Exclusively show in June. Soon after the team will be amongst the judges for the Excellence in Housewares awards, and will of course be entering some of the new lines itself too.

Further new products will be launched toward the back end of the year, with the popular gift sets, the Evolution Decanter and further extensions to the Line range. Watch this space for more information.

At Ambiente this year, Peugeot Saveurs UK launched a range of new products to its awardwinning portfolio. PH sat down with managing director, Chris Gee, to find out how the show went and what’s in store for the company over the coming year.

Inset: The Maestro Mill has six grind settings, creates no mess and has easily refillable and interchangable jars.

Right: Frizz cooler sleeves in red or black. Below: Premium peppers offer incremental sales for retailers.

Above: The Maestro is available in a gift set.

Out of

shows,

FROM ANTICIPATION

AT AMBIENTE...

February 2020 was the last time we all gathered together in the Messe Frankfurt, without a thought that we wouldn’t be there again for another three years. So it was with great anticipation – and maybe a little nervousness, that exhibitors and visitors alike made the trip to Frankfurt. The excitement was palpable. There were a couple of slight irritations and teething problems – if you were in the main housewares area around halls 8 and 9 and made the mistake of leaving the show at its close, there was a nearapocalyptic wave as everyone tried to make it up just two escalators. One the organisers need to address for next year’s show. Then there was the clash of dates with Spring Fair meaning some exhibitors chose one show over the other – or some did both. But the organisers have already announced

non-clashing dates for next year and major buyers were definitely to be seen around Frankfurt, if not Birmingham.

The final potential obstacle was the reworked show, with the housewares halls now – or for those of us who have been coming for too long, ‘back’ – in halls 8 and 9 rather than the 1-3 of recent years. It was running alongside Christmasworld and the stationery show Creativeworld for the first time which might have added to the visitor

Inset: Major shows give the opportunity to see international exhibitors and with space to show their full range.

Left: Ambiente has steadily increased its focus on sustainability and many more stands this year were shouting about it, including German cookware manufacturer Woll.

Below: Nordic storage producer Orthex Group featuring room sets and storage ideas.

numbers. It certainly added to the excitement if you strayed into one of the halls like I did and was greeted by a 20ft T-Rex made from red Christmas lights.

If you did have time it was also really interesting to check out the Creativeworld sections of the show, with art suppliers, stationery and paper and lots of sustainability on offer.

So yes, it was the old and also the new Frankfurt. The photos on this page are just a snapshot of what stood out.

all the housewares

Ambiente was the one that had to wait the longest before making a reappearance post-Covid. Would the show live up to the anticipation? Progressive Housewares paid a visit.

Inset: Berlin-based B-Corp Soul Bottles have now been in business for 10 years.

Left Soul Bottles has grown its offer to include licences like Sesame Street, but always with a strong ethical message.

Back for its second post-Covid outing, The Inspired Home Show was bigger and packed full of design and

innovation inspiration.

TO INNOVATION IN

THE WINDY CITY

Tcolour, design (including student design), the gia retailer and product awards and cooking demos. And if you missed anything the website carries virtual product demos as well as info and downloads for some of the keynotes and trend talks.

The Innovation Theatre had guest speakers on a huge range of retailer- and consumer-focused – topics. Some notable ones this year included a guest speaker from TikTok and ‘Inflation’s influencer on housewares consumer behaviour’.

The Inspired Home Show is a great example of how these events can be hugely valuable for networking too – making connections with distributors, brands and buyers from your own country as well as international.

US brands to watch

Many of these were on show at the New Exhibitor/Trending preview on the morning of the first day at the show, which was attended by at least one UK distributor and several UK buyers.

Nutr – electronic nut-milk maker, close to signing a deal to get into Europe this year. Bebly – designer dispensers to hide ugly wine boxes.

Vochill – wine glass chiller which you can keep in the freezer.

Rosanna – ceramics, looking to re-enter the UK market.

Render – small women-owned business producing dish cloths/tea towels made from recycled plastic bottles.

Loopy – Gia finalist producing products including coffee cups made from coffee manufacturing waste.

inspiration which counts for the most. Sustainability and ethical trading remain key tenets of what’s on offer from brands and products – there were BCorps, women-owned, women’s empowerment programmes, 1% for the Planet. There were patented products and technology throughout the show plus space-saving and neat gadgets and appliances. Lots of inventor-maker products that are about to be ramped up on production, or already have been – and usually the motivation has been ‘I looked for one of those and couldn’t find it, so I developed it myself’.

Next year’s show takes place from 16-19 March 2024 www.theinspiredhomeshow.com

View from the UK

This was The Funky Appliance Company’s first Inspired Home Show and co-founder and ceo, Joe Sillett felt it had surpassed his expectations: “It’s up onto a level that even I have been surprised by. What’s pleased me the most is that the feedback is what we’re offering is hugely refreshing and we fully expect to convert all of the opportunities –we couldn’t be happier with The Inspired Home Show 2023.”

Above & top: Former lawyer Bryn Wilson developed her double-walled insulated Served range of stainless steel lidded bowls and pitchers because she couldn’t find a product like it.

Above: Peter Groom and Joe Sillett on their The Funky Appliance Company stand in Chicago.

Left: Bebly founder Ally Baerenwald at the show.

FRANKFURT” TO BE BACK IN “IT WAS GREAT

After the Covid hiatus of the past couple of years, the housewares trade was back at Ambiente this year (3-7 February) – and it seems like it was nothing short of a sensational comeback. The fully booked exhibition halls were buzzing with reunions and there was an energetic ordering mood for the 4,561 exhibitors which occupied the entire Frankfurt exhibition centre. A total of 154,000 buyers came to Frankfurt to experience trends live and to make orders, while there were participants from more than 170 nations. Progressive Housewares catches up with several suppliers to get their thoughts on the return of the show.

Valentin Ortiz, ceo, Stor

“Our first exhibition in Ambiente was in 1995 and since then we have been proudly part of this show, repeating every February except for pandemic closures. By far and away, 2023 has been the best edition ever – the quantity and quality of

the visitors was completely unexpected. The overall atmosphere and vibe was fantastic from the first day to the last. The new pavilion organisation made customer flow more reasonable by homogeneous categories. The new structure of business also made more sense than previous years. However, we were informed by some customers they were not able to attend the number of expected days as they had to split them with two other shows (Nuremberg toy fair and Spring Fair in Birmingham).

We think that Ambiente could have been even better with a more rational schedule.

Despite this, we believe that some of the days had the same attendance that the five days together in 2020 did for sure.”

“This was the first Ambiente exhibition for FinaMill and we couldn’t be happier with the level of interest we had and the business we received from our presence at the show. Ambiente gave us the opportunity to meet and have really useful discussions with our distributors across the world including our UK distributor Eddingtons, as well as making new and valuable connections with international buyers.

We have a strong innovation story to tell – FinaMill is the world’s first grinder with interchangeable pods – and that was very well received. In fact, we heard quite often from the visitors that FinaMill is one of the most innovative products they’ve seen in the entire show and it breathes new life into the category.

If we were suggesting any improvements to the show, we would say that as a new brand in Europe, any way the organiser could highlight that, to give it more attention, would be even better. The compliments FinaMill received from visitors were beyond our expectations. The positive vibe at the Ambiente trade show reassured us that the trade has bounced back after Covid.”

Alex Liu, founder, FinaMill

Above: Alex Liu, founder, FinaMill.

Top: The overall atmosphere at the show was “busy and exciting” according to FinaMill founder, Alex.

Inset: The crowds were back at Frankfurt exhibition centre for Ambiente from 3-7 February.

Inset: Valentin Ortiz, ceo, Stor.

David Osborne, head of trade marketing EMEA, DKB Household

“Our stand was very busy with lots of visitors keen to see all of our brands and specifically our new products for 2023.

Visitors were particularly interested in our four new Cole and Mason ranges, and especially the new London Collection, plus our new Zyliss kitchen utensils range made with 50% less plastic.

The show had an impressive, positive atmosphere with people from all over the world delighted to be able to meet each other again after such a long absence.

For DKB, we welcomed the opportunity to meet so many new and established contacts in one place, and give them the chance to get hands-on with our products. The highlight for us was the overwhelming positivity and adoption of our new innovative ranges that will be launching in the second half of the year.”

Jenny Stewart, commercial director, Ultimate Products

“We had such a positive and rewarding experience at the trade fair - the footfall was good and plenty of quality retailers attended. Our brands gained a lot of attention – Salter, Beldray and Petra in particular; all are heritage brands that are becoming increasingly popular within retail across Europe.

The show was vibrant and full of energy, with a great atmosphere around the place. Building and maintaining relationships with our wonderful customers is at the heart of UP’s culture. With the lack of opportunity to exhibit at shows like Ambiente over the last few years, we sorely missed face to face interaction with customers both present and new. It was amazing to be back doing

Alex Goethals, ceo, Eternum

what we do best this year, launching product in a magnificent way! The show from start to finish was a huge highlight for us. Quality time with key major retailers and hearing their feedback first hand, listening to our customers complement our new ranges and them sharing their thanks and appreciation for our hard work and excellent service was a huge highlight. Being able to showcase our newest collections to so many retailers in one week makes life much easier, you can share strategy and future planning and gain a clear picture of what the future holds.”

Left: Jenny Stewart, commercial director, Ultimate Products.

Roman Kovalev, head of sales, Samura

“The overall experience was very pleasant and positive, which was affected by our own team’s effort, as well as the overall mood of the visitors. It was a new experience for the team since our stand was four times bigger since the last exhibition. The enlargement of the stand caused additional exposure and attracted a lot of visitors, retailers and important people from the industry.

Madbull, Damascus, Super 5 and the market collection, Harakiri were all the stars of the show, which was expected by our team. Our newly started collections - Artefact, Yakovlev, Pearl and the highly anticipated Hannibal Steak Set - received a lot of positive reviews and pre-orders.

Our highlight was our stand, which was made as a work of art to make our visitors feel like they were visiting an exquisite gallery. Everything was thought of, from the placement of the products to the paintings of the products and the visual effects on the screens. However, we were located in the far corner from the hall entrance which probably resulted in losing some potential meetings and visitors. Our team has already found a perfect spot for the next event and will use the previous mistakes to own advantage next year.”

Shaun O’Meara, director of international sales, Dreamfarm

“First and foremost, it was great to be back in Frankfurt. Interacting with customers and being able to showcase the brand and our latest award-winning products was a lot of fun. Dreamfarm invested heavily in new product development during Covid and our footfall on the stand reflected the hard work put in by of our design team. Given we are a fun, vibrant and colourful brand, we naturally draw in visitors, but we were extremely busy with new customers, demonstrating our latest products and of course writing orders. Overall, it was a great experience.

Our new products were extremely well received, but the Fluicer was a smash hit. Our GIA awardwinning flat, fold, easy juicer, generated serious excitement and was the one item that every customer wanted and opened the door for new Dreamfarm retailers and international markets.

We’d really missed the ability to showcase the development of our brand at a strategic level to a large audience, as well as personal interaction. Dreamfarm is all about function, so touch and feel are a massive part of discovering your new favourite Dreamfarm product. It was amazing to see such positive reactions to our products in person. Our show highlight was spending time developing closer ties with existing partners and onboarding new customers – it’s why we do it.”

“Our feedback about the show is positive. We were wondering how the show would be after Covid and we were positively surprised.

For Eternum, it was very important to take part in the Ambiente show because it was an opportunity to launch our new ‘Eternum 2.0’ strategy. By this we mean the launch of our new branding, new collections, new products and also strengthening Eternum’s presence in the retail market.

Next to that, it was also the opportunity to meet our customers who we haven’t met during Covid and meeting new prospects. Our booth attracted lots of people and we were satisfied about the show. Customers were interested in our new launches; we are bringing to market trendy and well designed products which is what retailers are looking for.”

Top: David Osborne, head of trade marketing EMEA, DKB Household. Inset: The new Cole & Mason ranges were among those attracting attention for DKB.

Inset: The team at Samura had a very positive experience at the show, says head of sales Roman Kovalev.

Above: Shaun O’Meara, director of international sales, Dreamfarm. Inset: The vibrant and colourful nature of the brand was reflected in Dreamfarm’s stand at the show.

Right: Alex Goethals, ceo, Eternum.

SPRING

FEVER

Ian Humm, head of brand sales, Pure Table Top

“Spring Fair was busier than expected - we were pleased with the level of footfall, the mix of both new and current customers, plus the orders taken meant it was a positive for revenue, too.

We showcased a selection of our ‘house of brands’ with our market leading Joules collection continuing to be very successful; plus the first showing of our new Missprint range; and the fantastic Royal Botanic Gardens Kew collection which was the number one for orders written.

Paul Marchant, key accounts manager, Kuhn Rikon

“Footfall was much better than we expected. Last year’s show was good, but we thought exceptional circumstances at the time may have boosted attendance, so we were pleasantly surprised.

We used the show to launch major extensions to our recycled range, New Life Pro, and also to launch the Essentials range of kitchen utensils. Both ranges were very well received. There were very positive vibes from pretty much everyone. We had lots of visitors from the South and the North of Ireland which was a lovely bonus for us.

Emma Sutton, b2b marketing manager, RKW

“Spring Fair was a great show for us. It's always nice to see people excited about our products and brands. Our footfall was strong throughout the show especially in the mornings when we were rushed off our feet.

We have been exhibiting at Spring Fair for over 30 years now and the atmosphere is always incredible. There is an indescribable air of passion and creativity that is infectious – you really just have to be there to experience it. It’s a great way to kick off the 2023 season.

We had over 800 products on display across our three stands and there is nothing quite like showcasing physical products where customers can touch and feel the quality of our ranges.”

Pure Table Top also become B Corp certified in December of last year, so to be able to display the logo and talk about the journey of ‘making business a force for good’ was the absolute highlight.”

We love doing the shows; they are so valuable for us to meet customers and benefit from their knowledge and wisdom. No names, but we gained a couple of accounts that we have been longing to supply for quite a while; that’s a great feeling.”

Carol Smith, UK and Ireland country manager, International Cookware

“We received a good number of visitors to our stand, and more varied types of business, for example coffee shops, restaurants, garden centres, wholesalers and online sellers to name a few. Few national accounts visited the stand which could be a result of the show clashing with Ambiente. Certain buyers had travelled back from Frankfurt to Spring Fair which was good to see.

The Duralex coloured glasses received lots of enquiries especially the Picardie, and coloured bowls with some interest on the new Picardie dinnerware range. The Pyrex pure glass storage dishes, made with 100% borosilicate glass lid and base and the new packaging version on our casseroles also attracted attention.

It was good to showcase the brands and get the product out there to be seen at its full potential, which we have not been able to do otherwise. In my opinion all houseware brands should be situated in one specific area rather than being mixed among others that come under different sectors.”

“A huge buzz”, “a great show”, “upbeat”, “very positive” – just some of the feedback from exhibitors to this year’s Spring Fair, which returned to Birmingham’s NEC from 5-8 February. Progressive Housewares gets the lowdown from some key companies about how they found the show.

Inset: Spring Fair will head back to Birmingham’s NEC from 4-7 February 2024.

Inset: Emma Sutton (right) pictured with her mum, Su, at this year’s Spring Fair.

Above: Pure Table Top used the show to talk about its sustainability journey.

Above: Carol Smith, UK and Ireland country manager, International Cookware.

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As a brand, Gastroback focuses on design, high grade materials, professional functionality, quality and safety, and says this focus is not just a distant goal, but a living reality – day after day, product by product.

This attention to quality and detail has served the company well over the last turbulent year, as despite the challenges, many products in Gastroback’s portfolio have been successful. Marcus Lux, head of Gastroback UK, export & business development tells us: “Last year was a challenging year in our industry. The price increases for energy and food were clearly noticeable at consumer level and we saw cautious buying behaviour.

“However, some of our new product launches were actually well received. For example our Digital Toaster (2 and 4-slice), our Oven Air Fry & Pizza and our Ice Maker Bartender Pro. Overall we were pleased with engagement by both trade and consumers.”

Looking ahead, the company is readying for Exclusively from 13-14 June, 2023, which is an important date in its diary. Marcus explains: “This year we will be exhibiting for the third consecutive year (after 2021 and 2022). It’s a MUST in our diary. The attendance, the quality of enquiries and the feedback are always very good. They’re an expert audience and the atmosphere is friendly and calm, great for facilitating good discussions.”

There will be new launches on the Gastroback stand (EH520), but Marcus remains tight lipped about any further details, inviting those interested to visit the stand to see the products themselves.

Over the next 12 months, the

ELECTRIFYING EXCLUSIVELY

Gastroback was founded over 30 years ago near Hamburg and aspires to make professional technology usable for the kitchen at home. The brand is preparing for the Exclusively show in June this year with a range of exciting new launches.

PH chatted to head of Gastroback UK, export & business development, Marcus Lux about the company’s plans.

awareness of our brand and the versatile nature of our product.”

company has much to look forward to. Marcus explains: “We have plenty of new product launches lined up for this year, including products in new categories for Gastroback. I am quite excited about those new products and I’m sure they will be popular with retailers and consumers alike.

“Together with our UK distributor EPE International, I am also looking forward to having many meetings with customers to further drive

Forecasting can be challenging during uncertain economic conditions, but Gastroback is ready to serve when consumers are confident, says Marcus. “We have over 90 SKUs in electrical appliances stocked at our UK warehouse and finding the right balance between supply and demand is something I am constantly trying to optimise. A lot depends on consumer confidence so that we are ready when our retail customers are ready to stock up on small electrical kitchen appliances.”

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, Marcus says consumers are still spending on the right products: “Consumers want quality products with good functionality, features and ease of use at a competitive price.

Gastroback delivers exactly this.”

“Visit Gastroback at Exclusively (EH520) 13-14 June [at the Business Design Centre, London]. info@gastroback.co.uk, www.gastroback.co.uk

OUT OF

THIS WORLD

During the Inspired Home Show in Chicago this year, the show, together with the International Housewares Association (IHA) announced the 2023 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence, along with two special award winners. PH headed on a virtual world tour to find out more about the winners.

The gia awards are organised by the IHA and The Inspired Home show and the winners are announced and featured at the show. The awards were created to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world. Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been more than 500 gia retail award winners, from over 50 countries on six continents. The awards jury is made up of three retail and visual merchandising experts and seven editors and publishers of cosponsoring housewares trade publications from around the world. The Honorees are chosen from the 27 winners previously selected in their respective countries by the national gia sponsors.

A festive gia awards dinner was held at the Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel. In addition, there is a special gia display in the walkway connecting the Lakeside Centre to the Grand Concourse.

The winner of the Martin M Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising was also awarded on the night to Tiendas Landmark of Argentina, and the gia Digital Commerce Award for Excellence in Online Retailing was awarded to Illums Bolighus of Norway. PH delves a little deeper into the Global Honorees’ stores…

A small town Argentina: Tiendas

Landmark

Martinez Tiendas Landmark is the first ‘made in Argentina’ department store chain, and offers anything for the home, featuring high end quality and design. Each brand has its own space, theme

and atmosphere, creating a store-in-store concept.

The new 6,000 sq meter (64,500 sq ft) Tiendas Landmark store was designed to be an immersive experience which invites customers to tour the store as though it were a small town, and features buildings, streets and a central piazza.

There is a pathway to follow around the store, set by architecture, and the fully set-staged store includes several artist interventions, including a holographic entrance by Parratoro, murals

by Martin Rob, and elaborate wallpapers by Mercedes Costal.

painted

Inset: Each brand has its own space in store.

Left: The store is designed as a small town, with buildings, streets and a central piazza

Bottom left: Tiendas Landmark of Argentina scopped the Martin M Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising.

Royally approved Norway: Illums Bolighus, Oslo

Scandinavia s leading department store within design, lifestyle, fashion and home furnishings for the quality conscious customer, Illums Bolighus has the tagline which says it all: The Royal Warrant: “By appointment to her majesty the Queen of Denmark.”

Illums Bolighus focuses on Scandinavian designer brands with input from world-known names. The focus is on in-store customer experience, using specialists – designers and suppliers are present in-store to meet customers and tell the story of their products.

The first Illums Bolighus store in Norway opened in 2006 and now

Multi-sensory experience Colombia: Ambiente Living

Medellin Ambiente Living’s tagline is The Iconic Housewares and Experiences Centre, and it’s the first of its kind in Colombia –providing a broad home and kitchen product offering with gastronomic and lifestyle experiences.

The store’s product offering is inspired by iconic art and design from different aesthetics and historical time periods and covers a wide range of sectors, including luxury furniture and unconventional lighting, to plants, bold decoration and a complete line of kitchen and tableware.

Ambiente Living draws customers in with a multisensory experience, which is inspiring and highly memorable. Customers can experience impactful visual displays, hearty cuisine, artisan perfumery, daily live musical performances and immersive design services.

Completing the unique offering are in-store lifestyle VIP events ranging from concerts to fashion shows and art gallery exhibitions.

features five locations. It offers not just quality products and celebrated designers, but also signature store events from wine courses and tastings, to art exhibitions.

Inset: Designers and suppliers are available in store to tell the story of the products.

Right: There are five locations in the Illums Bolighus portfolio.

Below left: The Ambiente Living store is multi sensory and highly memorable. Inset: Ambiente Living is the first store of its kind in Colombia.

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Home Re-imagined

Steeped in history Uruguay: La Iberica, Montevideo

Established in 1892, La Iberica is located in the historic quartier of Montevideo, in a building built in 1850, featuring many of the original materials that give the store a special character. The four-storey, 1,350 m2 store offers a curated selection of 5,000 home products from around the world and by local artisans. Known as the tastemaker in Uruguay, La Iberica mixes tradition with state-of-the-art in a unique and timeless way.

The recipe for La Iberica’s 130 years of success in business is to combine a customer-oriented service with permanent innovation in products. It introduces on average at least 10 new products per month, carefully chosen with the criteria of timeless beauty, functionality, innovation and good quality.

Rustic chic style USA: A. Dodson’s Suffolk, VA

A. Dodson’s is not just a store – it’s a destination, a shopper’s oasis offering trendy clothing, distinctive home furnishings, exquisite gifts and antiques of yesteryear. With a rustic chic setting, the shop is unpredictable, quirky and alluring, yet serious about style, offering something for all the senses.

Customers are inspired by movieset like and awe-inspiring seasonal displays and using ordinary things in extraordinary ways – with the same visual WOW experience also provided online and via various social media channels.

For A. Dodson’s, offering a friendly and welcoming shopping experience is of the highest importance, and so is supporting its community through the Round Up programme, which so far has raised over $200,000 for local charities.

Inset: The store mixes tradition with state-of-the-art in a unique and timeless way.

Right: La Iberica is located in a building built in 1850.

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A glass of red

Wine consumption is growing in the UK, and Peugeot Saveurs UK has just the product to make the most of red wine.

Retail sales of glassware have been strong over the past few years.

Covid lockdowns saw us recreating nights out at home, with many consumers upgrading glassware, but the increase in sales has continued now that life is returning to something resembling normality.

50% of the indie cookshops and housewares retailers surveyed in this issue’s annual PH Retail Barometer reported increased sales in

the glassware sector, while 40% said sales had remained stable during 2022, and only 10% saw a drop.

This trend is also being seen by suppliers. Chris Gee, managing director of Peugeot Saveurs UK, expands: “We expect to see those that want to invest in the best glassware that

Chris comments: “We know that for both young and older reds, decanting helps the oxidisation of the wine and releases aromas and flavour as well as smoothing the tanins.”

The new Evolution decanter launches in September and offers a wide neck and striking design. Don’t forget the Bilbo cleaning beads for incremental sales.

lasts, to continue to make that investment.”

Now that restrictions are lifting, the hospitality sector is also focusing on stocking quality glasses for that luxury feel. Nikolan Borger, marketing manager at Zieher tells us: “People have been at

With a trend towards entertaining at home, and a desire for restaurant quality glasses, the consumer demand in the glassware sector is strong. PH finds out what the latest trends are and how the sector is changing.

Inset: The Pilastro range from Skelton has been expanded to include a cocktail shaker and tall tumbler.

Inset: The new Evolution decanter from Peugeot launches in September.

home a lot lately and quite a lot of them have stacked their home with luxury glassware to get a bit of living quality.

“However, with restrictions mostly gone, seems to lead a trend to get out no matter the cost. People are heading out to make up for lost time at great locations, and if those locations can provide exquisite experiences like top quality glassware, that might be an advantage to those.”

Some suppliers saw an increase in consumer sales during lockdown, and as a result, have enhanced their focus on this market going forward. Jan Zschiesche, export manager at Stölzle Lausitz, comments: “During Covid we saw a huge increase in online sales. People couldn’t go out, but they still wanted a ‘restaurant’ experience at home. So they invested in restaurant-quality glassware. Our direct-toconsumer sales have increased and as part of that, we are relaunching our webshop to make it easier to shop directly with us.”

European brands are also making the most of the success of the sector. Richard Walker, managing director of Eddingtons, says: “It’s been a great year for Stelton and its sister brand Rig-Tig. We’ve been rebuilding the brand’s UK presence, which dropped away a little after Brexit, but its following from the trade and consumers as a leading design collection put the brand in an excellent place.

“Since launching in the UK, we partnered with a number of selected retailers and now sales are performing really well once again and are building further with the introduction of new products.”

Particular drink fashions are changing the trends for glasses. Chris continues: “Spirit sales are continuing to grow, as they did throughout the pandemic – with cocktail glasses and spirit glasses all matching that

growth. Spirits such as varieties of rum are outpacing the growth in traditional gins, whiskies and vodkas.”

Styles are becoming more flexible, as Jan outlines: “The shapes have also changed over the years. Previously you had specific shapes for specific drinks, but things are not so rigid now. The cups can be used outdoors and in a relaxed atmosphere because they look chic, express a certain informality and are extremely stable.

“They are not only suitable for juices, water and soft drinks, but also for wines, as the shapes of the cup are based on the tops of the goblet glasses. And of course you can also enjoy spirits such as gin and whiskey in these.”

Nikolan agrees: “There seems to be a rising demand for modern, clean, but innovative designs that provide an appealing look, but nevertheless are functioning well. Our Vision wine glass series does handle these requirements rather well. The wave in the bottom of the glass grants an exclusive appearance as well as a unique taste of wines.

“Glassware no longer has to follow strict, old rules but can be way more inventive –provided it still does its primary task to make you enjoy your drink.”

Conversely, some are seeing a trend for more detailed designs. Lucy McMillan, trade marketing executive at Rayware, comments: “There is an increase in glass being decorated with texture and colour, people want eye-catching designs to make a statement on their table.”

Whether you’re looking to stock clean, classic lines, or looking for more innovative unusual designs, there is a growing offering of glassware to satisfy demand.

Inset: Zieher has added a water glass to its Vision wine glass series due to high demand.

Below: The Ravenhead Winchester Saucers from Rayware.

Inset: Zieher has developed some add-ons for wine enthusiasts, such as a decanter drying rack.

Inset: The Bar collection is Zieher’s offering for unforgettable moments with drinks and cocktails.

Below: Stölzle Lausitz’s Symphony glassware is perfectly balanced and pleasing to hold.

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THE TOP

5 SHELF PORTRAIT

RECENT BESTSELLING HOUSEWARES:

l Practical aids like wire mesh descalers

l Euroscubby reusable cleaning cloths

l Cake decorations

l Thermometers

l Gift mugs

SALAMANDER

Salamander was opened in Wimbourne by Diana and Michael Griffiths in 1996. David and Ione bought the business from Michael when he retired in 2019. As enthusiastic cooks, the couple wanted to emphasise its core focus as a cookshop and a destination to visit to purchase leading cookware brands.

ON THE WAY UP

“Frying pans, pan sets and speciality cookware. “This is in part driven by customers switching to induction hobs, and a recognition that we can provide good advice on what will best meet their needs.”

The best thing

Owners David and Ione explain: “Customers say it is always an interesting place to visit, come for inspiration and they love that we tend to know the story behind so many of our products. We have deliberately chosen so many of the products we sell. We have put an emphasis on stocking long lasting, sustainable products and have sought to stock what we feel are best in class products in each price category.”

Staying strong

“Despite the uncertain times, trade has remained very good.”

Communication is key

Despite making the decision not to sell online, Salamander has over 800 subscribers to its monthly newsletter. “We have a website where you can browse, find recipes and information on key brands we stock, we have held virtual cooking competitions and events, as well as live ones and you can even book a Zoom personal shopper session. The focus of all this is personal engagement

Facts and stats

l There are 8,000 SKUs on the system, probably 6,000 in store at any one time.

l Over the last year, Salamander’s two biggest suppliers by percentage of turnover were Le Creuset and Lifetime Brands.

l There is a team of six part time staff.

with our customers and they value this.”

Salamander also engages in local print media advertising and has a monthly column in one of the titles. The shop has an instore and window theme each quarter, with coordinating store posters and promotions.

Bringing cookware to life

“We run events from April to December each year. Some are drop-in events usually led by a supplier or locally based expert.

Salamander aims to offer an experience that makes seeing things for real and shopping in a bricks and mortar shop something special.

Others are pre-booked/ticketed events in-store out of hours demonstration sessions.

“Our last event was an evening food walk around artisan shops in the town, followed by showcasing products, input from an expert fishmonger on fish cookery and food and drink tasting back in the shop.”

Recent changes

Salamander has recently introduced a set of special offers each month and has increased the number of events and dropin sessions. “We have also

Long-lasting, sustainable and eco-friendly products. “We have also applied these principles to our back office operation and were delighted to be accredited as a plastic free champion.” Barware. “This was in part re-emphasised by focusing on stocking a wider range of products from one key brand, Cellardine.”

Coffee makers and accessories. Slow cookers, microwave containers and of course, air fryers.”

UPS AND DOWNS

“High end food mixers and knife block sets. “Perhaps inevitably after we sold many during and just after the pandemic. The traditional flask and food pot are also slower selling, possibly due to fewer people working in an office and the increased popularity of keep hot bottles and cups.”

introduced more British and European made products and going forward, we are looking to add to the customer experience on our website.”

Above: Ben Morley from Lifetime Brands presents the prize for the one pot cooking competition at a recent event.

Inset: The shop has a quarterly window and in-store theme.

Inset:

Inset: David and Ione were delighted to be an EIH winner and have had many customers coming in to congratulate them.

Inset: The Salamander team’s aim is to bring cookware to life.

The garden and any outdoor space is increasingly being viewed by consumers as an extra room of the house, with many investing in décor and products to enable them to use the space for relaxing, eating and entertaining. PH explores how suppliers are extending their ranges to support the growing trend for outdoor dining ahead of this year’s season.

AL FRESCO EATING

Perhaps it was the pandemic which caused consumers to fall back in love with their gardens, or maybe the continued increases in the cost-ofliving have meant people are looking for new ways to spend their leisure time at less of a cost. Either way, there is a continued trend to spend time and money in outdoor spaces.

Hayley Baddiley, global marketing director at Denby,- explains: “Increasingly consumers are choosing to invest in their outdoor spaces in the way they would

any other room in the home, turning them into areas for living, dining and entertaining and wanting them to look beautiful as well as be practical. Denby’s legendary durability and stunning designs means it has long been used by consumers for both indoor and outdoor dining, thereby reducing the need for a second set for outside use.”

Others see the trend as having originated from the pandemic, but continuing due to additional factors.

Tanith Sellicks, director of Pure Table Top, explains: “The lasting effects of the pandemic continue to influence outdoor dining. We have reconnected with spaces closer to home and our gardens in particular have become a

Peugeot goes outside

vehicle for us to reconnect with nature. People have become more willing to invest in their gardens recognising the vast potential they have.

“With the cost-of-living crisis impacting the affordability of eating out, our minds turn to our existing outdoor space and the potential to create a beautiful al fresco dining space in the comfort of our own gardens,” Tanith continues.

Peugeot’s BBQ Pepper Mill withstands bumps and knocks with rubber protection and a stainless steel base. A hanging hook and a light which goes on when tilted and switches off when upright, makes it ideal for outdoor dining.

The new Frizz wine cooler chills wine in 20 minutes and keeps it cool for up to two hours. The Saffron Yellow Bakeware brings bright summery colours to al fresco dining, while the Bistrorama and Tahiti Elements are the company’s colour offers for dressing up outdoor tables. Tahiti features pastels and on-trend colours, where the pepper is always a darker shade to the salt, while Bistrorama offers vibrant, glossy colours.

Inset: The Studio Grey Tableware from Denby with the Denby Halo Griddle.

Inset: Peugeot’s BBQ mill lights up when tilted and offers rubber elements for durability.

Steel accents

as an opportunity for the outdoor dining sector. Brice Visart, operations director at Eternum, says: “The history and our culture showed us that even if there is a crisis, people still want to invest in their homes.

As Eternum is present in the food service and retail segments, we are not expecting a negative impact, but the balance between retail and food service may change in 2023.”

To create a beautiful outdoor space, there is a number of key trends emerging. Adam Freeman, Typhoon brand manager at Rayware, outlines: “Home décor spills outside as we’re decorating our gardens as if they are another room in the home. Bringing in textiles and aesthetically designed décor to bring a sense of cosiness, while maintaining a comforting feel.”

Christopher Gee, managing director of Peugeot Saveurs UK, outlines the importance of an outdoor cooking space as well as dining: “We are valuing our outdoor space more. Outdoor furniture and outdoor kitchens, alongside pizza ovens and BBQs are all in growth, and set to continue, as we forego going out to invest in our own space. Tablescaping also continues inside and out, feeding into social media trends.”

Ease of use is a key trend for Denby.

“Denby’s inherent strength and versatility gives consumers the confidence to use it outside,” Hayley comments, “and as it is safe to use in the oven and microwave, it can go straight from the oven to the table and

afterwards is safe to place in the dishwasher with minimum effort to clear up afterwards.”

Brice adds: “We notice that customisation solutions are important for our customers. Therefore Eternum offers PVD coating, stonewash finishing or even engraving options.”

As with all areas of housewares, outdoor dining brands are also focusing on sustainability when developing new lines. Christopher explains: “We use sustainable PEFC wood from 100km radius of the factory, water based paints, eco packaging, and we recycle wood chips for the energy sector. We also have upcycled ranges of mills where we re-use rejected production.”

Hayley continues: “First and foremost, it’s important to produce products which are not intended as disposable pieces and can be reused time and time again. Denby is not only beautiful, but crafted to last. Every piece of Denby is a considered choice with multi-functional and durable pieces which embody our ethos of buy once, buy well.”

Brice furthers: “The factories with whom Eternum is working, respect not only product requirements, but also sustainability, social and environmental requirements. All our factories are audited by an external company to check that the requirements are met.”

With all of the above taken into account, there are also some key factors in creating a successful outdoor dining collection.

Tanith concludes: “For us at Pure Table Top, it is important to bring joy to every mealtime and make outdoor dining feel as though it is an occasion.

“We would also encourage use of ceramics, and bright napkins and placemats to help create the table setting. Durability is going to be key for the future, and designs that are made to last and be collectible for years to come.

“Outdoor dining is the perfect place to explore bright and joyful pattern you wouldn’t necessarily choose to buy for every day, all year round use, so designing a range with a colourful twist can also be an important factor to consider in the creation process.”

However consumers choose to style their al fresco dining, it seems one thing is certain, the garden is here to stay as part of our dining and entertaining space.

Eternum recently rebranded and now has five collections. Signature features 18.10 stainless steel cutlery with a superior polish. The Classic cutlery range is crafted from 18/10 stainless steel, while the Young range is 18/0 stainless steel and the Steak Knives are crafted from 13% chrome steel knives. Finally, Gastronum is a range of stainless steel table accessories.

Inset: Mackay from Ladelle is made from durable mango wood with a tropical enamelled print.

Inset: The Young linewith a range of colours, including the Orca Black - offers a quirky element to the outdoor table.

Inset: Pure Table Top’s MissPrint range offers ceramics and textiles in mid-century bold patterns ideal for outdoor dining

Inset: The Appolia Saffron Yellow collection from Peugeot brings a pop of colour to the table.

1: A little soup moment

Brabantia’s new food on-the-go collection Make & Take invites consumers to take a moment for themselves in their busy schedule. The Make & Take Soup Mug is microwave-proof and holds 600ml of liquid. Better yet, it comes with a separate transparent container for you to keep all your lovely, dried additions in. The Soup Mug is available in traditional Light Grey, Dark Grey, and the zesty Jade Green. See Brabantia’s website for more.

Brabantia

E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

W: www.brabantia.com/uk

2: ChefAid Birchwood Cutlery Set

The ChefAid FSC Birchwood Cutlery Set is a perfect alternative to plastic. Lightweight and durable, the cutlery set is biodegradable, and compostable. The Birchwood cutlery is ideal for parties, weddings, picnics, and art projects. The cutlery set comes in a pack of 24 and is also available as knives, forks, and spoons.

Dayes

T: 01728 833400

E: sales@dayesuk.com

W: www.dayesuk.com

3:

Kiln Green

Kiln Green is a new tableware and giftware collection from Denby, which is designed to embrace nature and biophilic design. The celadon green ombre glaze is applied by hand, making each piece unique, and works alongside other green ranges too such as Denby's Regency Green and Greenwich collections.

With its beautiful tranquil and serene tactile glazes and organic shapes, expertly designed serving pieces with uneven forms and hand-thrown features, sit effortlessly with place-setting items. Denby ceramics are as sustainable and considered as possible and the pottery was the first pottery in the UK to be zero waste to landfill. Each piece is crafted by at least 20 pairs of hands through the making process at Denby's Derbyshire Pottery by true artisans making a timeless collection that is stunning enough for best and versatile enough for every day.

Denby

T: +44( 0)1773 740770

E: TradeB2BAdmin@denby.co.uk

W: www.denbypottery.com/trade

4: Constance

Constance is Denby’s new porcelain tableware pattern in a subtle pattern of mixed foliage characterising spring blossom and summer fields in shades of soft grey.

Handcrafted at Denby’s Derbyshire Pottery, Constance has the appearance of fine porcelain in a delicate warm grey colour palette, but also has the versatility and durability attributes for which Denby is renowned. Suiting a wide range of interior styles, Constance makes an ideal bridal collection.

For the ultimate in versatility, Constance can be styled up or dressed down for every dining occasion. Constance Porcelain shares Denby’s environmental attributes and is the conscious choice for lovers of porcelain, sitting easily alongside existing tableware in the home. Intended to be used and enjoyed every day, Constance is dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe, as well as oven safe to 250°C.

Denby

T: +44(0)1773 740770

E: TradeB2BAdmin@denby.co.uk

W: www.denbypottery.com/trade

Outdoors Dining

5: BioLite FirePit+

See fire, not smoke with the FirePit+. With capacity for four firewood logs, the BioLite FirePit+ creates a smoke-free, hyper-efficient burn with patented airflow technology, and gives everyone a front-row seat to the magic thanks to the mesh body enabling 360˚ views. Lift the fuel rack and toss in charcoal to transform the FirePit+ into a hibachi-style grill, complete with an included Grill Grate.

Turn your FirePit+ into a wood-fired oven by using the enamel coated, stainless steel Grill Lid. This durable accessory integrates with the FirePit+ to concentrate heat for both low-and-slow and quickgrill cooking methods. With a run time of 14 hours (fan medium), you can control the fan speed and flame size manually, or remotely via Bluetooth with the free BioLite app.

Burton McCall

T: +44(0)116 234 4611

E: sales@burton-mccall.com

1: Indoor/Outdoor Precision Meat Thermometer

Promising the same precision that has earned them their position as the UK’s number one scales brand, Salter’s water-resistant and durable Indoor/Outdoor Precision Meat Thermometer is the secret to elevated outdoor cooking. Measuring 200°C to -45°C, check that meat is cooked to perfection on the barbeque. With quick temperature readings at increments of 0.1°C for ultimate precision, the results are shown on the large easy read display.

UPGS

E: sales@upgs.com

W: salter.com

2: Akinod magnetised compact cutlery

Just launched by outdoor lifestyle specialist Whitby & Co, is this series of magnetised compact cutlery from French brand Akinod. Available as Straight or Foldable Mulitfunctional sets, the cutlery is designed as the perfect solution to eating anywhere. Handle designs include decorated polymer or wooden, and black or polished mirror finishes. Also new is the Akinod 1.4L dualcompartment polypropylene bento box set, featuring an acacia lid and its own insulated tote bag.

Whitby & Co

T: +44(0)1539 721032

E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk

3: Joules Melamine

Pure Table Top’s Joules outdoor dining range is perfect for the spring and summer months. Made from melamine, a hard-wearing, long-lasting material, the range features dinner plates, side plates and cereal bowls in two delicate floral designs. Consumers are able to make a real occasion of al-fresco dining with this range –whether that’s in the garden with a glass of something nice, or during a picnic at the park with friends.

Pure Table Top

T: +44(0)1163 440055

E: Sales@puretabletop.com

W: www.puretabletop.com

4: Rouge 02 wine breather

CellarDine’s "silver award" original Rouge 02 electronic wine breather continues to be a huge favourite with retailers and the public, generating excellent sales at the ‘meet the maker’ events, endorsed by Alchemy wines who produce the Phil Tuffnell ‘Tuffers Tipple’ wines. The Rouge 02 reduces breathing time from hours to under a minute, offering maximum flavour every time. Comes pre packed in a mini CDU and is supported with superb social media activity and web links.

CellarDine

T: +44(0)1256 345560,

E: sales@cellarDine.co.uk

Independents Tradestock

T: +44(0)1823 661717.

5: Therm au Rouge red wine warmer / Flexicles Bottle Chiller Gift Set.

Since launch 25 years ago, the original and best-selling Therm au Rouge red wine warmer has now sold over 2.4 million units. Designed to warm your favourite cold red wine to the perfect drinking temperature, this unique product operates in just minutes and is a superb table talking gift. Also available as a gift set with excellent packaging with full social media, press and web support. The best ideas really are the original.

CellarDine

T: +44(0)1256 345560,

E: sales@cellarDine.co.uk

Independents Tradestock

T: +44(0)1823 661717.

New Outdoors Dining

Products

1: Kuhn Rikon Essentials tools and gadgets

Brand new in the Essentials tools and gadgets collection from Kuhn Rikon is the Essentials flexible Turner, which is just that. Super flexible, and with the added advantage of a high-heat silicone edge that makes it perfect for lifting and flipping eggs and fish, without risk of damage to any non-stick frying pan.

Kuhn Rikon

T: 01902 458410

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

W: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

2: FinaMill

FinaMill is the award-winning innovative electric grinder from the US which is unlike anything else on the market. The secret? The interchangeable and refillable spice pods, which double as storage for all spices and can be swapped in and out with just a couple of clicks. They also mean FinaMill can offer incremental sales. You can operate the FinaMill with just one hand—perfect for multitasking cooks and people with limited mobility – and the grind size is adjustable. Distributed exclusively in the UK & Ireland by Eddingtons.

Eddingtons

T: 01488 686572

E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk

W: www.finamill.co.uk

3: Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grater

Kuhn Rikon has relaunched its best-selling Ratchet Grater in a new cool grey tint. The Ratchet Grater makes easy work of grating parmesan, chocolate and nuts and is especially useful at the table – in fact it’s a real talking point. Fully dishwasher-safe, the Ratchet Grater is very easy to use. Simply release the spring loaded feeder press to add the food, replace and then holding the grater by the rounded end, use the other hand to rock the ratchet back and fore.

Kuhn Rikon

T: 01902 458410

E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

W: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

4: The small bin with a big attitude

Simplehuman’s sleek five litre slim pedal bin gives you generous capacity, even in tight spots. It’s built with the same design features as larger models in the range — a durable steel body, removable inner bucket, internal hinge and strong steel pedal. There’s even a liner pocket which stores custom-fit liners and dispenses them from inside the bin.  simplehuman

E: business@simplehuman.co.uk

W: www.simplehuman.co.uk

5: Scrub Daddy Power Flower – Spring special

Last year, Scrub Daddy fans went crazy for its spring shapes, so the company had to bring out fun flower shapes for 2023. In pink, green and yellow, this super sweet Scrub Mommy trio is exactly what you need to brighten up your cleaning. Scrub Mommy Power Flower is a cleaning sponge made from FlexTexture and ResoFoam. An exclusive material that changes texture based on your water temperature. Firm in cold water for tough scrubbing, soft in warm water for light cleaning.

Evo Lifestyle Products

T: 0330 2200671 UK | +44 1884 254013 INT

W: www.evolifestyle.co.uk | www.scrubdaddy.uk

1: Scrub Daddy PowerPaste

The Scrub Daddy PowerPaste is now available nationwide in B&M. PowerPaste naturally abrasive paste is non-toxic and biodegradable and can be used all over the home. Consumers will also receive a brand-new Dye Free Scrub Mommy made with no added colourants, but with all the same features. It’s a powerful natural paste for cleaning, with an exclusive dye-free Scrub Mommy. Just dampen the sponge and swirl on the paste to produce a cleaning foam.

Evo Lifestyle Products

T: 0330 2200671 UK | +44 1884 254013 INT

W: www.evolifestyle.co.uk | www.scrubdaddy.uk

2: Yvonne Ellen tableware

Captivate Brands designs attractive and practical products for around the home. Its hugely talented in-house team brings flair and imagination to products which are proudly designed in Britain. One of the latest licensed designs to join the portfolio this year is Yvonne Ellen. Founded in 2013, the Yvonne Ellen brand has built on her success for beautifully designed tableware ever since.

Carefully illustrated animals with on trend colours and subtle hints of gold give an elegant aesthetic and the collaboration with Captivate Brands combines this unique style with a twist of nostalgia.

Captivate Brands

T: 01386 421622

E: info@captivatebrands.co.uk

W: www.captivatebrands.com

3: Bo’s little bro

Looking for a small bin that’s kind on the eye, easy to clean and to open? The Bo Waste Bin collection is the new addition to Brabantia’s Bo family. With the same sleek style and fantastic benefits, this little bin fits in the smallest corner of a bathroom, office or even nursery – with convenient size options of 4, 7 or 12L. The Bo Waste Bin Hi (pictured) is made from 52% recycled material, and available in Matt Black, White, Platinum or Matt Steel Fingerprint Proof.

Brabantia

E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

W: www.brabantia.com/uk

4: Design Water Kettle Pour Over Advanced

The super sleek Design Water Kettle Pour Over Advanced (62329) from premium German kitchen appliance brand, Gastroback, has a gooseneck spout for an even flow of water and ergonomic handle. The precise setting of water temperature, in 1° increments from 24°c to 99°c, allows the brewing for different types of coffee and roasts, as well as all types of tea. Other features include a 100°C boil up function, 1l stainless steel container and two-hour keep-warm function.

Gastroback

E: info@gastroback.co.uk

W: www.gastroback.co.uk

5: Design Multi Juicer Digital Plus

Premium German kitchen appliance brand, Gastroback, focuses in on the practicalities when it comes to product development –and the Design Multi Juicer Digital Plus (60152) is no exception. The 4-in-1 blender, juicer, chopper and coffee grinder features a titanium-coated stainless steel microsieve for the fine juicing, has a 1300 watt professional motor, a XXL feed chute (which can take a whole apple) and is electronically controlled.

Gastroback

E: info@gastroback.co.uk

W: www.gastroback.co.uk

All we care about is getting the best cup of coffee in your hands. That's why we roast fresh. That's why we grind fresh. And that's why we brew fresh.

Product Directory

Products New

DEVELOP YOUR COFFEE PORTFOLIO

smallappliances@smeguk.com

1: Spotbuster

Beldray’s latest innovation in pet cleaning, the brand new Spotbuster lifts stains, spills and messes. Complete with scrub brush for stubborn stains and a powerful builtin spray function, the Spotbuster is perfect for quick pet clean ups.

UPGS

E: sales@upgs.com

W: www.beldray.com

2 S'well Azurite Marble Salad Bowl Kit,

1.9L

Azurite Marble highlights the deep blue shades and variegated bands of the lustrous azurite stone, featuring a high-gloss finish. Upgrade your salad in organised style with the all-in-one Salad Bowl Kit, the perfect companion for athome meal prep and on-the-go eating. The kit includes one 1.9L Salad Bowl, as well as a condiment container and a removable tray. The leakproof, see-through lid and the closable condiment container help organise salad toppings, bread, sandwiches or even reusable utensils. Suitable for short-term

refrigerator storage, consumers will enjoy their salad with maximum freshness.

Lifetime Brands

T: +44(0)1216041111

E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com

W: www.lifetimebrandseurope.com

3:

KitchenAid Digital Glass Top Kitchen Scale, 5000g Dry / 5000ml Liquid Capacity

The sleek KitchenAid 5kg Glass-Top Kitchen Scale features an attractive, stainless steel accent trim and an oversized knob to set units of measurement. Glass is a naturally stain and odour-free surface and is tempered for safety. The large 2.5cm backlit readout is easy-to-read. An 'add and weigh' tare function helps to zero out the weights of containers before adding food or weighing multiple ingredients together. Conveniently converts both dry and liquid measurements.

Lifetime Brands

T: +44(0)1216041111

E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com

W: www.lifetimebrandseurope.com

TRADITIONAL COFFEE

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Embrace Tradition

For 100 years, Bialetti have been perfecting the Moka. Today, they have a presence in 94% of Italian homes and the love for traditional, Italian stovetop coffee is spreading. Discover the full range from Bialetti today. Introduce an icon.

Stovetop coffee makers for gas, electric and induction hobs

Italian coffee ground specifically for Moka

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