Update the kitchen with the contemporary Boston
Coordinate the countertop with Boston’s modern ice white shimmer finish, with stunning silver accents.
Get in touch by emailing sales@upplc.com to arrange an appointment where you can come and see our brand new ranges in person!
Countertop Set
Boston Stand Mixer
Boston Food Processor Hand Mixer
Sofas & Upholstery
Floors & Hard Surfaces
Remove bacteria and germs for a deeper clean
38-41:
WELCOME
As we enter the final month of the year, retailers are steeling themselves for what is fast becoming the norm in the golden quarter trading period – last minute Christmas shoppers - while suppliers are already looking ahead to the spring show season and planning stands, marketing, diaries and more. 2024 has been another uncertain year for many, with consumers and industry alike remaining nervous about political changes, the new budget and rising energy costs again, creating challenges for retailers and suppliers. But as always, the housewares industry has remained positive, forging ahead with fantastic new product development, wonderful customer service, impactful campaigns and incredible spirit to keep the sector thriving.
changes in consumer buying habits over recent years and found out what’s trending now. We also chatted to some key suppliers about the enormous and ever-important issue of sustainability in housewares and how they are constantly upgrading processes, design and manufacturing to become ever more eco-friendly.
On the topic of sustainability, we also find out more in this issue about DK Household Brands’ Zyliss range, winner of the Eco Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024. We also chat to Mepal about its recent B Corp accreditation.
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As we look ahead to 2025, there will, of course, be new challenges to overcome, but the trade seems largely upbeat, planning exciting new ranges, campaigns and more. For this issue, we were lucky enough to sit down with our Excellence in Housewares Awards Outstanding Achievement Award winner, Theo Paphitis, to chat about his time in the housewares industry. Theo talked about how Robert Dyas has navigated the economic crisis and how the business has adapted to the huge changes in the housewares industry over the past 12 years, as well as offering advice for fellow retailers. Elsewhere in the issue, we look at the SDA sector, which has also adapted to major
Once the Christmas rush is over and we’ve all had a well-deserved break, we’re looking forward to catching up with everyone in Birmingham at Spring Fair from 2-5 February and then onto Frankfurt for Ambiente from 7-11 February, before heading to Chicago for The Inspired Home Show from 2-4 March. There’s more to come on all of the shows in the first issues of next year, so do get in touch if you’d like to be included.
All that remains for me to say is that the Progressive Housewares team and I wish you all a very successful and busy December, a peaceful, fun and restful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. We’re very much looking forward to seeing you all in 2025.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
ISSN 2515-7493
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TOP STORY
SCANPAN hosts UK retailers at Danish factory
A select group of UK SCANPAN stockists recently joined the HAUS team on an exclusive trip to the SCANPAN factory in Denmark.
The visiting retailers gained an unparalleled insight into the craft, precision and dedication behind the brand’s cookware with an up-close look at the meticulous manufacturing process and Danish craftsmanship that have elevated SCANPAN into a leader in non-stick cookware.
Upon arrival in Aarhus, the group, which included Harrods, Divertimenti, Sous Chef, Trevor Mottram, The Cambium Group, Kitchen Range and Salamander Cookshop, was welcomed by the
SCANPAN Denmark team before beginning an in-depth, behind-thescenes factory tour.
The retailers witnessed the care, quality and skill involved at each stage of SCANPAN’s production. From initial casting to final quality control, the tour emphasized the brand’s dedication to sustainable practices and innovative techniques which have defined it for decades.
“We were thrilled to see such high-quality cookware in the making,” said Marc Kinsey, sales manager at HAUS. “Observing every intricate step and the craftsmanship and technique that goes into each piece gave everyone a new appreciation of the SCANPAN products we proudly offer.
“This experience has equipped everyone with invaluable information to share with their customers back in the UK, helping them understand why SCANPAN is a gold standard in non-stick cookware.”
Following the tour, SCANPAN treated the group to a thoughtfully curated Danish feast, where they enjoyed local cuisine and continued discussions with the team.
On the second day, the retailers were guided through Aarhus, enjoying the sights and culture of the city that SCANPAN calls home (it was recently voted the ‘happiest city in the world’) before returning to the UK.
The visit helped to deepen the connection between SCANPAN and its UK retailers, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability and customer education. The retailers have returned with fresh insights to share with their stores and colleagues, enhancing their customer service and promoting the craftsmanship behind each SCANPAN product.
Registration opens for the 125th Inspired Home Show
Retail attendees, manufacturers’ representatives, news media and other trade guest classifications can now register for a show badge at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register.
Exhibitor registration opened in mid October. The show, to be held for three days 2-4 March at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, will be the 125th show held since 1939.
Special events and celebrations marking the milestone are being planned and will be announced in the next few months. Last year,
the show introduced a newly configured layout using the North/South building complex and running over three full days. A power hour from 17:30 to 18:30 on Sunday and
Monday will allow buyers and exhibitors to complete meetings in progress at show end.
Although it has been part of past shows, an expanded ‘Debut’ section, an incubator programme that is dedicated to new and emerging companies with newly released products, will give 24 companies the opportunity to showcase their brands and products to the industry.
For more information about show events, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/events.
Left: The Inspired Home Show will celebrate its 125th show in 2025.
Above: The visiting retailers group included Harrods, Divertimenti, Sous Chef, Trevor Mottram, The Cambium Group, Kitchen Range and Salamander Cookshop.
Harrods named as Global Honoree for gia Top Window Awards
The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), the global sponsors and organisers of the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) programme, have announced the Global Honorees for the gia Top Window Awards.
The Global Honorees are: Small Company category Large Company category Milly’s, New Zealand Loeb, Switzerland Bazaar – La Barra, Uruguay Harrods, United Kingdom
“For more than 20 years, IHA is very proud to have honoured the very best in home + housewares retailing through the gia Awards –2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the gia Global Innovation Awards. The most recent gia Top Window Awards competition had entries from 15 countries, and it is incredibly encouraging to see the creativity and passion that retailers are placing into their window displays,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & ceo.
“We look forward to hosting the four gia Top Window Award winners at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, along with
Smeg opens first pop-up store
Smeg’s first exclusive pop-up shop opened at Bluewater Shopping Centre in October.
The brand’s only retail space outside of its permanent Regent Street flagship, Smeg opened the doors to the Bluewater pop-up for four weeks.
Located in the Lower Guildhall, the exclusive store offered appliance demonstrations, exclusive discounts, an opportunity to browse and purchase Smeg’s iconic collection of small appliances, fridges, cookers and ovens and lucky individuals even walked away with complimentary goodies.
The first 20 customers to make a purchase went home with an exclusive goodie bag, complete with a Smeg apron, tea towel and oven gloves. Visitors also had the chance of winning one of Smeg’s much-loved stand mixers.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a pop-up from everyone’s favourite Italian cooking brand without some tasters. Showcasing the capabilities of Smeg’s range of appliances, the team were on-hand to provide coffee demonstrations and advise on everything from its iconic fridges to its wide range of coffee machines, providing something for every kitchen and cook.
more than 30 additional retailers who have won other gia countrylevel competitions.”
The global jury, consisting of the four gia Expert Jurors – Anne Kong, Scott Kohno, Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen and Wolfgang Gruschwitz – evaluated home and housewares windows from around the world based on:
• Originality and creativity (theme, concept, special effects)
• Merchandise presentation
• Professionalism: execution and technical aspects (lighting, attention to detail, signage, copy)
The four gia Top Window Global Honorees of 2024 will be invited to The Inspired Home Show 2025 in Chicago and honoured at a festive awards dinner on Sunday 2 March, together with the other gia winners of 2024-2025.
Robert Welch resolves IP matters
Anti Copying in Design (ACID) member, Robert Welch Designs has successfully resolved several intellectual property (IP) matters with major UK kitchen knife brands.
The matters were regarding claims of registered design and copyright infringement related to its bestselling Signature Kitchen Knife range.
Following decisive action, Robert Welch has reached amicable out of court settlements including undertakings to cease the sale and distribution of the knives in question, along with the payment of royalties in recognition of the use of Robert Welch’s designs. These settlements play an important role in ensuring the continued success of the Signature range by safeguarding Robert Welch’s distinctive designs.
Rupert Welch, managing director of Robert Welch, said: “We are proud of the innovative design and craftsmanship that goes into every one of our products, and we are deeply committed to protecting our intellectual property. These outcomes demonstrate our dedication to upholding our brand and supporting the work of our talented design team. Our priority remains ensuring our business continues to thrive for the benefit of our employees and customers.”
Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s chief counsel, added: “The swift resolution of these matters underscores the strength of Robert Welch’s Signature range and highlights the importance of protecting its global intellectual property portfolio.”
Right: Harrods is one of two winners in the Large Company category.
Above: Robert Welch remains focused on providing customers with high-quality, uniquely designed kitchen knives that elevate culinary experiences worldwide.
Above: The pop-up was Smeg’s first retail outlet outside of its permanent London store.
TOP STORY
The ‘buzz’ is back in John Lewis
John Lewis has unveiled the latest phase of its multimillion pound store makeover plans. The culmination of a £6.5m upgrade of the retailer’s Oxford Street store has made it a shopping destination for both Londoners and tourists.
The flagship John Lewis store on Oxford Street, as well as stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle, are the first to benefit from significant investment with brand new, bigger beauty halls, with significant improvements across all six floors to include home and jewellery.
Almost 70 customer events were held over the opening weekend to celebrate the improvements across the stores. “The buzz is back in John Lewis and we’re giving
Burton McCall expands marketing team
our customers even more reasons to shop in our brilliant stores,” commented executive director for John Lewis, Peter Ruis. “We’re backing ourselves with significant investment to ensure customers get the exceptional quality, outstanding service and competitive prices they love about our unique brand.”
The department store has also announced a partnership with chef Jamie Oliver who will be bringing his new flagship Cookery School and Cafe to John Lewis Oxford Street in spring 2025.
The Oxford Street store will be a test bed for transformative improvements and changes which will then roll out to the wider store portfolio.
Burton McCall has appointed Rimi Pankhania as digital marketing and PR executive.
Rimi will be coordinating all PR campaigns for the Burton McCall brands and will be the point of contact for all digital outlets and influencers. She will also be overseeing the company’s future advertising plans.
Stewart Cameron, head of marketing at Burton McCall, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Rimi to the marketing team here at Burton McCall. With her extensive experience in influencer collaborations, digital marketing, and PR campaigns, Rimi brings a fresh perspective and innovative ideas, which will undoubtedly elevate the presence of our brands.
“We are confident that Rimi’s passion for marketing will significantly contribute to the company’s success and help us achieve new milestones. Welcome aboard, Rimi.”
Rimi added: “I am so delighted to join the marketing team at Burton McCall and have had such a warm welcome from everyone. Burton McCall is renowned for its amazing work with top brands and I hope to share my knowledge and apply my previous experiences, to add to the growth of the company.”
Morleys Stores names new chief executive
Allan Winstanley has been appointed as chief executive of Morleys from January 2025.
Taking over from Nigel Blow who has held the position for eight years, Allan has recently returned to the UK after a stint as chief merchandise officer at Myer in Australia.
Prior to his role at Myer, Allan was the president of Sears & Kmart Apparel in the US; chief merchandise officer at De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands and director at House of Fraser where he worked for 10 years.
Dobbies to close 17 stores in restructuring plan
Garden centre chain, Dobbies, has announced it will close 17 of its 77 stores as its new owners look to return the group to profitability.
The company said it is seeking the approval of creditors for a restructuring plan designed to reduce its rent bill. The closures are planned by the end of the year and will include 11 large centres and all six of its Little Dobbies sites.
Dobbies was bought last year by Ares Management investment company. The group fell to a £105.2m pre-tax loss in the year ending March 2023, compared to a £7m loss the previous year.
Dobbies said: “The restructuring plan, and other strategic initiatives, are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalisations, rent reductions and other tangible cost savings, securing its long-term future and allowing access to future investment.
“Thereafter, Dobbies will operate 60 stores and continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and having an active and committed role in the communities in which it’s based.”
Above: John Lewis has partnered with Jamie Oliver to bring his cookery school and café to the Oxford Street store.
Above: The store closures will include 11 large centres and all Little Dobbies sites.
Above: Rimi Pankhania, digital marketing and PR executive, Burton McCall.
Above: Allan Winstanley will take over as chief exec of Morleys next year.
Salter celebrates successful Good Food Show appearance
The Salter team exhibited at Good Food Show from 21-24 November to showcase its rebranded look and share its ‘The Experts in Everyday’ messaging.
Jennifer Dodd, head of marketing, commented: “The show was a great chance to meet and speak with consumers and hear their brilliant stories about Salter products they have owned for many years including scales over 30 years old. It was great to hear about how they are using our products, the recipes they’ve been trying out etc.”
The show also offered an opportunity to showcase the rebranded Salter look and share the message of the ‘The Experts in Everyday’. The Salter brand began with scales and now stretches across the home with products that take you from morning until night.
To reflect this, the countertop display at the show took consumers from day to night showcasing Salter’s latest products including coffee makers, stand mixers, bakeware and cookware, to air fryers and blenders.
The stand also hosted product demonstrations by the Salter team. Joe Swash joined the team on the Saturday to demonstrate his favourite hot chocolate recipe and favourite air fryer recipes, gathering a big crowd.
Suzanne Mulholland, aka The Batch Lady also appeared on the stand to talk through her Salter favourites on Friday. Suzanne demonstrated her favourite recipes in the Salter Fuzion Air Fryer and hot chocolate maker, two products she has at home and loves.
Amazon selects ReBorn for its Sustainability Accelerator
ReBorn Homewares is one of the top eight businesses from across Europe, chosen for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator.
Start-ups creating innovative and more sustainable consumer products are set to supercharge their businesses after being handpicked to join the latest Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The eight companies from across Europe, including six from the UK, will benefit from a 10-week bespoke programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum, as well as a €12,000 equity-free grant and $10,000 in AWS Activate Credits.
Divertimenti partners with Bluewater
Bluewater, a sustainable water purification and beverage solution, has secured a partnership with Divertimenti Cookery School.
The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the impact of using purified water in the kitchen, showcasing its vital role as a means of hydration and enhancing the quality of the food we prepare and consume.
Since launching in 2022, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has supported more than 40 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided more than €1 million in grants and credits and helped those businesses on average increase sales by 700% and raise over €18.7 million to date.
Brian Walmsley, ceo and founder of ReBorn, said: “This is a brilliant accolade as we scale ReBorn and drive towards a more circular and low carbon economy in the UK and beyond.”
“Water is often the unsung hero of the kitchen, yet it is absolutely essential to ensuring food is safe and clean to eat, bringing out the full flavour of vegetables, and safeguarding meats are tender and soft,” said Bengt Rittri, founder and ceo of Bluewater, a Swedish water brand with a global footprint.
As part of the partnership, Bluewater has installed one of its premium water purification Kitchen Stations in the Divertimenti cookery school.
Jules Kane, cookery school head, commented: “At Divertimenti Cookery School we strive to create an environment where every detail contributes to excellence. Water is a foundational ingredient in both hydration and cooking, and by having Bluewater as a partner, we’re empowering our clients to better understand the importance of being able to access great tasting, contaminant free water for hydrating and food preparation.”
The collaboration will include Bluewater workshops and cooking classes at Divertimenti, where participants will learn first-hand about the practical benefits of cooking with purified water. It also represents a long-term vision for both Bluewater and Divertimenti to foster a culture of better cooking practices and raise awareness about the importance of water quality in the culinary arts.
PEUGEOT appoints licensing agency
WildBrain CPLG has been appointed by ETABLISSEMENTS PEUGEOT FRÈRES and its subsidiary PEUGEOT FRÈRES INDUSTRIE to represent the PEUGEOT brand globally.
WildBrain will represent the brand across selected lifestyle categories including home and garden, electricals, sports equipment, toys and infant products.
WildBrain CPLG will explore strategic licensing opportunities to continue to extend the brand, through its Corporate & Lifestyle brand representation and management team, ASPIRE.
Meike de Vaere, svp partnerships and business development, WildBrain CPLG, said: “We see significant opportunities to bring premium partners onboard building on PEUGEOT’s position in lifestyle products, both in European territories as well as new markets.”
Thibault Martin-Dondoz, ceo, PEUGEOT FRÈRES INDUSTRIE, added: “We are happy to partner with WildBrain CPLG’s seasoned team for this ambitious programme to push forward our selective licensing activity internationally.”
Above: Bluewater aims to raise awareness about the impact of using purified water in the kitchen.
Above: ReBorn is one of eight businesses across Europe chose to benefit from the 10-week programme with Amazon.
TOP STORY
Above: The Salter team with Joe Swash.
Clean & Tidy Home Show announces
2024 awards winners
The Clean & Tidy Home Show revealed the winners of the Clean & Tidy Awards 2024, last month during the third annual event at ExCeL London.
As the UK’s only awards programme focused on home care and lifestyle, the Clean & Tidy Awards are driven by both public voting and evaluation by an awards council.
2024 Clean & Tidy Award
Winners:
• Cleaning Product of the Year: Iron & Velvet
• Cleaning Tool of the Year: The Pink Stuff
• Content Campaign of the Year: Rainbow Hunting
• Content Creator of the Year: Kara | @theonlywayis_pink
• Contribution to the Community: Adored Earth
• Contribution to the Environment: Composty
• Home Appliance of the Year: MyHenry
• Home Organisation Product of the Year: Care+Protect
• Home Scent of the Year: Marsden & Whittle
• Innovation of the Year: Boss it
• Lifestyle Solution of the Year: Poppies Cleaning Service
• Professional Organiser of the Year: Georgina Burdett, For the Love of Tidying
“The Clean & Tidy Awards highlight the incredible work being done across the home care industry, elevating brands that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Penny Moyses, founder of the Clean & Tidy Home Show. “We are proud to recognise the efforts of these exceptional brands and individuals, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to inspire and innovate.”
The Contribution to the Environment at the Clean & Tidy Awards 2024 was sponsored by Products of Change. Composty won the accolade for the second consecutive year, showcasing its unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices. There is a public vote for this award and the awards council, including Products of Change ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher and director Rob Willis, evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
• Initiative Overview and Objectives
• Sustainability Practices and Impact
• Community Engagement and Education
• Collaboration and Future Plans
The Clean & Tidy Home Show will return to ExCel London on the 18 and 19 October 2025, with the Clean & Tidy Awards 2025 taking place on Sunday 19 October. For more information contact Penny Moses at penny@cleanandtidyhomeshow.com.
ProCook plans 10 new stores
D2C kitchenware brand, ProCook, is planning 10 new store openings on the back of strong Q2 results.
ProCook reported an increase in revenue of 8.8% YoY (Q2: £17m). Ecommerce revenue increased by 12.2% and retail stores revenue was up 7.1%. Q2 LFL revenue was up 4.7% YoY. This meant H1 revenues were up 7.5% and 4.2% on a LFL basis.
10 new stores are planned in FY25, with four opened in the first half and ProCook is committed to opening a further six in the second half, with the majority opened in time for the peak trading season.
Lee Tappenden, chief executive officer, commented: “We have continued to build on recent momentum and outperform the market, with strong trading in the second quarter, as we made significant progress in delivering our clear plan to accelerate profitable growth.
“We are pleased to be expanding our store network with ten new stores in prominent retail destination centres. Our growing range of high quality products at unbeatable value, combined with our outstanding customer service, resonates very well with customers and these new stores will bring our offer to more customers in the UK, enabling improved brand awareness and an increased share of the fragmented kitchenware market.”
TOP STORY
Dexam names new marketing team
Dexam has hired Alice Jeffries as its first head of marketing and Abbii Cope as its new marketing exec.
Alice joins at an exciting time for the business, bringing a wealth of both B2B and B2C brand and marketing experience to the role.
Previously head of brand and content for London brand consultancy, The Team, Alice has a background in strategic brand marketing and copywriting. With a deep understanding of brand strategy and activation, Alice is excited to apply her knowledge and experience to continue to grow the Dexam brand.
Alice commented: “Joining Dexam in this capacity is a dream come true for me. Cooking and baking can be a sincere act of love for those we care about, I fully believe that the kitchen is absolutely the heart of the home.
“For me, this role is the perfect fit in terms of my professional expertise and personal love of cooking – I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”
Predominantly with a B2C background, Abbii has experience in customer engagement, content creation and copywriting. With an ever-growing knowledge of brand marketing and social media trends, Abbii is keen to use these skills to help the continued growth of the Dexam brand.
Abbii commented: “I’m really excited to be joining the Dexam team. Bringing together my love of marketing and passion for all things kitchen related, it is a great step forward in my career and I am thrilled to be in such a welcoming environment to learn and progress.”
RKW signs distribution partnership with Pasabahce glassware
RKW has announced a new distribution partnership in the UK and ROI with Pasabahce glassware. The collaboration brings together one of the UK’s leading consumer product distributors with one of Europe’s most respected and renowned glassware producers.
Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Istanbul, Pasabahce’s exports reach more than 140 countries globally, with a product portfolio that boasts over 20,000 unique items.
will aid Pasabahce’s ongoing efforts to extend its global footprint.
Pasabahce operates 44 retail stores and is supported by an extensive distribution network, solidifying its position as one of the most prominent names in the glassware industry. The new collaboration is a strategic move and aligns with Pasabahce’s ongoing efforts to extend its global footprint. By joining forces with RKW, Pasabahce is backed by the strength of the multi-channel state-of-the-art distribution capabilities within the UK and Ireland.
Above: Procook reported an increase in sales of 8.8% in Q2.
Above: Alice Jeffries, head of marketing, Dexam.
Above: Composty won the Contribution to the Environment Award for the second year running.
Homebase – A recollection and hope
Andrew Weiss, executive chair of BHETA looks back at the rise and fall of Homebase and what its demise could mean for the industry.
I remember one evening in the early 80s, during a cricket tour, at the home of the parents of one of our team. My teammate’s father was Gurth Hoyer-Millar, then chairman of Sainsbury’s, who arrived home late, joined us for a beer and talked excitedly about his latest venture, a home improvement store called Homebase.
Little did I know then that I would spend nearly the rest of my working life dealing with that same retailer and now, with concern, be writing about its rise and ultimate fall – and what it could mean for the home and garden industry.
The DIY rush
The first Homebase store opened in Purley Way, Croydon in 1981, as a venture between Sainsbury's and Belgian retailer, GB-Inno-BM. It offered a one-stop shop for home and garden supplies - a relatively new concept in the UK – and it expanded rapidly, along with rival brands such as B&Q, Texas, Wickes DIY, Do-it-All, Payless, Focus DIY and Great Mills.
In the 90s, the market inevitably saw consolidation as Homebase acquired Texas, making it the second largest player, Do-it-All took Payless and Focus picked up most of everything else. Wickes continued to grow organically with its trade-focused, own brand approach. B&Q also kept its own big box strategy but its owner, Kingfisher also picked up a small catalogue-based trade counter operation called Screwfix.
Decades later, Focus had acquired Do-it-All and Great Mills, but ended up in the hands of Hilco, when the brand disappeared, leaving B&Q, Homebase and Wickes as the three main DIY large retail formats. Homebase was sold to the Home Retail Group in 2006 and to Wesfarmers in 2016. Wickes became part of the Travis Perkins Group, before exiting as a standalone PLC in 2021. Following Homebase’s disastrous Wesfarmers/Bunnings era, Hilco again stepped in to acquire what was left.
Talented leadership
Homebase has had some of the industry’s most talented leaders. Following Hoyer-Millar was Colin Parsons, who started the growth, Jim Hodkinson spent some time running the business before moving to B&Q, Terry Duddy of The Home Retail Group oversaw further expansion, Paul Loft continued and after Bunnings, Damian McGloughlin took the reins in 2018 and restored the business to profitability by 2020.
But, what next for home and garden suppliers?
The attraction of Homebase was that it sold a wide variety of industry brands across core DIY, decorative and softer home improvement, housewares and garden plants and accessories. While CDS Superstores, i.e. The Range, has bought the brand, IP and around 70 stores with Homebase online continuing to trade, The Range is more variety than core DIY and its ‘centre line’ drifts increasingly towards the value end of the sector.
Which means there are fewer large-scale retailer options. B&Q is increasingly driven by its own exclusive brand strategy; Wickes, although softening a little on own brand is still focused on its core trade and ‘do it for me’ offer and neither provide easy sanctuary for DIY brands looking for new retail exposure. There are of course thousands of excellent DIY/homewares stores as well as increasingly friendly garden retailers. Some can be serviced direct and others are looked after by a strong DIY wholesale community.
My concern for the industry
This leaves us however with online and marketplaces. And here lies my concern. In today’s world these have an important place and Covid demonstrated how vital that place can be. But Homebase leaves a gap in aspirational DIY retailing and while it will be interesting to see how that gap will be filled, my hope is that the online marketplace does not become the only option.
Exciting as it is, it is increasingly price driven and plagued with anonymous me-too products that damage consumer confidence. DIY is also a hands-on community where many end users, particularly first timers, prefer the quality reassurance of choosing products in-store.
Some of the larger supplier brands will inevitably look at the Dyson model and go direct. It is consumers and no longer suppliers or retailers who dictate the market after all and thanks to this shift, along with an increasing confidence from suppliers on drop ship capability, which can only accelerate with the growing use of AI, going direct is no longer such a daunting experience.
But complete reliance on direct B2C will damage the quality of the home and garden industry overall – for all parties.
I hope that the void Homebase’s exit has created can be replaced and that we can maintain consumer trust in both supplier and retailer brands.
Inset: Homebase has had some of the industry’s most talented leaders.
As we approach the festive season, BIRA's ceo, Andrew Goodacre shares insights on how independent retailers can make the most of the crucial Christmas trading period in 2024.
The past year has seen significant changes in the UK's political and economic landscape. With a new Labour government at the helm and ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, retailers face both challenges and opportunities. While consumer confidence has shown signs of improvement, it's clear that shoppers remain cautious with their spending.
However, as seasoned retailers, we've weathered storms before. We've navigated recessions, interest rate fluctuations and shifts in consumer behaviour. Our resilience and adaptability have always been our greatest strengths and this year is no exception.
The key to success this Christmas lies in understanding and anticipating customer behaviour. We expect to see a continuation of last-minute shopping trends, with many consumers delaying their purchases until closer to the festive season. This presents a golden opportunity for independent retailers to capture those late sales.
To capitalise on this, it's crucial to ramp up your communication efforts. Utilise every channel at your disposal - from eye-catching window displays, to engaging social media content and personalised email campaigns. Your message should be clear and consistent: highlight what makes your offerings unique and why customers should choose your shop for their festive purchases.
While many independents may shy away from Friday-style promotions, consider creating your own unique offers or events. These needn't be deep discounts, but could be exclusive products, personalised services, or special in-store experiences that set you apart from the mass market retailers.
As we enter December, focus on honing your retailing skills. Excellent customer service, product knowledge and a welcoming atmosphere can make all the difference. Remember, you're not just selling products; you're creating a festive shopping experience that can't be replicated online.
As seasoned retailers, we've weathered storms before. We've navigated recessions, interest rate fluctuations and shifts in consumer behaviour. Our resilience and adaptability have always been our greatest strengths and this year is no exception.
The new government has pledged support for high streets and there's still strong public sentiment for shopping locally. Tap into this by emphasising your role in the community. Consider collaborating with other local businesses for joint promotions or events that can draw more footfall to your area.
Sustainability and ethical consumption continue to be important to many consumers. If applicable, highlight any eco-friendly or locally sourced products in your range. This can be a significant differentiator from larger chain stores.
Be prepared for potential last-minute changes in shopping patterns. Stay flexible with your stock levels and staffing. Consider extending your opening hours in the final weeks before Christmas to accommodate late shoppers.
Finally, don't forget the power of digital. While your physical shop is your primary asset, ensure your online presence is up to date. Many customers will research online before visiting stores, so make sure your website or social media profiles accurately reflect your current stock and any special offers.
As we navigate this festive season, let's remember that the spirit of independent retail - personalised service, unique products and community connection - is what many customers are seeking. By playing to these strengths and adapting to the current economic we can turn the challenges of 2024 into opportunities for success
Here at BIRA, we're optimistic about the potential of this Christmas trading period. We're here to support you every step of the way and wish all our members a prosperous, joyful and successful festive season.
Right: BIRA’s ceo, Andrew Goodacre.
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D o n a t e y o u r u n w a n t e d s t o c k t o o u r
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Holly Wilson’s From The Frontline
Christmas is here. I can’t tell whether I’ve just got used to it starting later and later, but this year it feels like it’s happening on time-ish. As always, I’m behind and still ordering stock like a mad woman, but I can’t complain about that.
The stock room is bulging, the shelves are heaving and I never know where I’m going to stash it all, but I’m doing it anyway and we’ll figure it out as we always do.
The end of an era
In Stokey our business association has organised our annual Winterfest. As always we support the Winter Toy Appeal, buying Christmas presents for kids who wouldn’t otherwise get one and the Hackney Food bank, which is struggling more than ever with an increase in demand.
It will be a day of carols, in-store events and a jigsaw trail, where 20 shops along our shopping streets each have a puzzle piece. Kids can follow a map to find them all and complete their jigsaw and enter a prize draw for a hamper of goodies from local businesses. It’s a fun event and gets people into shops they may not normally visit. It’s just a wonderful community day and kicks off Christmas in style.
It’s also given my kids an activity that isn’t screen-based and some pocket money as I asked them to split 600 puzzles into piles of the same piece. It’s great to get them grafting young, doing something for the community and helping their mum out. I’m about to have my eldest and all her friends wanting weekend jobs, so I’m looking forward to that and this was good training.
In Primrose Hill the council won’t put up Christmas lights, so we club together to
fund our own. It’s a pretty pricey undertaking, but it makes such a huge difference to the feel of the village through the festive period. And with Primrose Hill being such an iconic area with so many movies filmed there, it tops off the ‘quintessentially London’ vibe perfectly.
In less positive news, the budget was a real blow to us small businesses. A triple whammy is going to make trading pretty tough next year. At the moment I haven’t worked out what the reality will be for us. I’m burying my head in the sand until Christmas is over, but it will invariably mean that we have to increase prices to cover our costs, so it’s not going to be easy as prices have already risen so fast over the last four years.
There are already a few shops on the street who have said they are closing in the New Year and sadly more will follow, but I’m hoping that we will be able to tough it out and you all will too.
Prep celebrates 10 years in February and I think I have been writing this column for eight of those, since Jo Howard asked me to write the column at my first Excellence in Housewares Awards. I was only supposed to write this column for 12 months, but somehow the years have ticked by. I have loved sharing my journey on these pages and my thoughts and opinions on what’s been happening in our industry. But there are exciting new things that the brilliant team at Progressive Housewares want to do with the magazine and there are loads of wonderful retailers out there whose voices should also be heard.
Also, I feel like a broken record and like I have said everything I have to say, probably twice over, so it’s time for me to retire from my writing career. Katie will be breathing a sigh of relief that she doesn’t have to chase me for it every time its due and my family will be relieved that I no longer have to suddenly down tools on whatever I’m doing to get my column in, as it is going to press. Those who know me will not be surprised to hear this.
It has been an absolute pleasure and an honour to be part of the Progressive Housewares team and write this column and I wish everyone a brilliant Christmas trade, a lovely rest and a prosperous 2025. See you at Ambiente - we’re heading back after a five-year hiatus.
PH extds s huge thks to Hy for her wise words this cumn, gside unverg suppo for r ards d more.
Holly Wilson is the owner of two North London cookshops: PREP in Stoke Newington and Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.
HIGH STREET
HERO
This year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards Outstanding Achievement award winner, Theo Paphitis talks to Progressive Housewares about his work in the housewares sector, overcoming challenges, adapting to change and the British high street.
Entrepreneur and business owner, Theo Paphitis joined the housewares industry when he bought Robert Dyas in 2012. Having always been a huge advocate of the British high street, his passion and commitment to retail drew him to the business and has reinvigorated the brand, making it a key player in the sector today.
convenience. And there is nothing more convenient than Robert Dyas.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the high street, especially retailers with heritage. So when the opportunity to buy Robert Dyas came up, a business with 140 years of history at the time, I knew I had to get involved.
Theo tells PH: “The main thing that attracted me to buying Robert Dyas in 2012 was that it fitted into my view of the high street –
“I can wholeheartedly say that, 12 years later, I am truly glad I got involved in the housewares industry.”
Over the past 12 years, Theo has experienced significant shifts in the industry. He says: “The housewares industry has massively changed since 2012. With the rise of behemoth online players such as Amazon, retailers within the housewares space including Robert Dyas, have shifted into an omnichannel offering to offer the reliability of high street brick-and-mortar and the convenience of online –
the perfect mix of bricks and clicks.
“The increasing adoption of social media has also massively transformed the landscape. Brands that are able to use this to showcase their products and how they work have fared well.”
This is something that Robert Dyas has employed over the years. Theo continues: “Robert Dyas has thousands of useful products, which lend themselves well to social media, with handy hacks giving customers the help they need to get stuff done in the home and garden.
When people walk into Robert Dyas – and my other businesses Ryman, Boux Avenue and LGC for that matter – they’re not just shopping; they’re engaging with a piece of their community and looking for solutions. ” “
“Social media helps to push these messages far and wide to great effect. Take Robert Dyas’ Plant & Pause campaign during the spring gardening season, for example, which took off on social media and made headlines in papers, creating a movement of
Inset: Theo won the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards.
Right: Theo with all of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024 winners and the Progressive Housewares team.
Inset: Guests at the awards found out more about Theo’s journey in the housewares industry in his welcome speech.
people who wanted to garden their way to better mental health.
“Our colleagues often know local customers by name, understand their needs and provide a level of service that online platforms simply cannot replace.”
The recent challenging economic environment has affected the ways in which consumers shop across the board and in response, retailers have had to adapt their strategies to survive.
“War, political uncertainty and rampant inflation culminated in one of the worst costof-living crises many of us have seen in our lifetime,” Theo explains.
“While it definitely impacted shopping habits, it also meant that customers wanted to get bang for their buck and also wanted to get those products that could save them money. The perfect opportunity to provide excellent products at excellent price points.
“For example, this Christmas, the team has created a product range and focus that will help families have ‘Christmas for less’, from lights and Christmas decorations to tableware and cookery utensils.”
“When people walk into Robert Dyas – and my other businesses Ryman, Boux Avenue and LGC for that matter – they’re not just shopping; they’re engaging with a piece of their community and looking for solutions.”
If you do all that whilst maintaining a customercentric focus and looking after your colleagues, you’ll be onto a winner. ” “
Such campaigns were key to Robert Dyas’ success over recent years. Theo furthers:
“Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, the Robert Dyas team got their heads together and ran a fantastic cost-of-living campaign centred around air fryers and the cost savings they could deliver for our customers.
“Campaigns like this really help to push the message that Robert Dyas has a great range of products that can help keep costs down. There’s a reason 80% of customers surveyed recently believe Robert Dyas to be the most useful shop on the high street.”
To enable the business to offer a wider range of products and hit the prices it needs to, the team has changed the way it operates in recent years. “Robert Dyas has increasingly embraced the omnichannel model over the past few years, specifically dropship,” explains Theo. “Dropshipping now means Dyas can compete in markets with SKUs it never used to be able to before. From jacuzzi spas to air fryers – you can Dyas it.”
Ensuring the high street survives change and challenges is crucial. “I’ve lived and breathed retail for the last 40-odd years and it is a very special place to work,” Theo tells PH. “It’s part of the fabric of our communities. It’s a hub where people can come together and build relationships that can’t be replaced.
This passion for retail and community were a big part of Theo’s nominations for this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards. His colleagues also commended him for his leadership skills. Theo shares this praise with his team: “A quality that makes someone a great business leader is the ability to surround themselves with people who aren’t afraid to challenge them and have confidence in their area of expertise.
“You’re only as good as the team around you.”
While his passion for Robert Dyas, housewares and the general retail sector is clear, it’s fair to say the industry has been tough recently and Theo isn’t shy in campaigning for change in retail.
If Theo had a magic wand, there would be some major changes afoot: “I think I speak on behalf of all retailers when I say that if I had a magic wand, I’d like to see the playing field levelled between physical retailers and online players.
“One way this can be done is reforming the archaic business rates taxation system that sees retailers pay over 20% of business rates despite being only 5% of the UK economy. How is that fair? The business
rates tax is from the 1500s… and it’s fair to say things have moved on a bit since then.”
Without that wand, however, Theo has some sage advice for fellow retailers. He concludes: “My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace change. The retail landscape is evolving at the rate of knots and rather than just trying to keep on the retail travelator, it’s important to take a step back and look to the future so you can adapt and integrate industry-wide changes, rather than learning to live with them.
“If you do all that while maintaining a customer-centric focus and looking after your colleagues, you’ll be onto a winner.”
Inset: Robert Dyas joined Theo’s retail business in 2012.
Inset: Theo Paphitis receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award from Lifetime Brands’ Claire Budgen with host Ignacio Lopez.
Inset: The Plant & Pause campaign made headlines.
SUSTAINABLE KITCHENWARE TRENDS
As sustainability reshapes consumer expectations, the housewares industry has been undergoing a transformative shift. Today’s shoppers aren’t just interested in attractive, functional kitchenware – they want products that support an eco-friendly lifestyle and align with their values. This demand for sustainability is driving change across the industry, influencing everything from product design to retail marketing strategies.
Not merely a trend, sustainability is also a strategic opportunity. By embracing sustainability, housewares retailers and suppliers can differentiate themselves, build brand loyalty and connect with a growing audience of eco-conscious consumers. And in the wake of the festive season – a time when household spending peaks but so does waste – as we take on the new year, there’s no better time to highlight kitchenware that prioritises durability, versatility and waste reduction.
Heidi Thomas, head of marketing at DK Household Brands explains: “This is a cornerstone of our approach at Zyliss. Ethics and values shape our products throughout design and production, as we look to satisfy customer sensibilities alongside their needs. But with 2025 on the horizon, what are the current sustainable trends in houseware and are they set to continue?”
Eco-friendly materials and plastic alternatives
Environmentally conscious consumers are seeking plastic-free or reduced-plastic options in their kitchenware. Heidi says: “This is an established trend and it’s one we’ve responded to with a range of eco-friendly
storage solutions that prioritise materials such as tempered glass over single-use plastics. These products not only reduce reliance on plastic but are also designed to be airtight and leak-proof, keeping food fresh for longer and minimising spoilage.
Durability and longevity
Creative citrus use
The festive season sees an abundance of citrus fruits like clementines. However, many of these fruits go unused. A simple tip from Elly is to freeze whole peeled clementines and use them to add a refreshing zest to desserts, such as grating them over chocolate pudding or Christmas cake. Leftover citrus peels can also be candied or dried and used as a garnish for mince pies or festive cocktails.
As a retailer, you could promote zesters, graters and freezer-safe containers as part of a ‘Zesty Festive’ display, encouraging shoppers to make the most of seasonal produce. In-store displays or social media content demonstrating how to use frozen clementines or create candied peels can inspire customers to have a go.
“Our fresh glass storage containers, for instance, are crafted from durable borosilicate glass with BPA-free lids, making them a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious kitchen. The airtight seals on these containers ensure ingredients stay fresher for longer, offering a compelling eco-friendly option that resonates with customers looking to cut down on plastic use, while extending the shelf life of their food.
In addition, the handles on our utensils and peelers are made from wheat straw material that reduce the need for virgin plastic by up to 50%.”
One of the defining trends in sustainable kitchenware is a shift towards durable products that last. In a 2023 survey by McKinsey, 67% of consumers said they prefer to buy durable products even if they come at a higher initial cost. As consumers move away from throwaway culture, they’re willing to invest in high-quality kitchen tools they can rely on for years. This shift is prominent amongst younger shoppers, who increasingly view purchases as long-term investments rather than short-term conveniences.
Heidi expands: “This focus on longevity aligns perfectly with Zyliss’s philosophy. Through clever engineering, our products are built to last. Take our new offset knife as an example. Its santoku-style blade is designed for both precision and comfort and it features an ergonomic offset handle that keeps knuckles clear of the cutting surface, allowing for a safer, more controlled slicing experience. Its high-grade stainless-steel composition is made to hold its edge, meaning it requires less frequent sharpening and will last for years – making it a practical, yet sustainable choice for the modern kitchen.”
Inset: DK Household Brands recently won the Eco Award for its Zyliss utensils at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024.
Below left: Zyliss knives are crafted from high-grade stainless-steel designed to hold its edge, meaning it requires less frequent sharpening and will last for years.
Below: DK Household Brands recently hosted a Christmas Food Prepping demonstration at Divertimenti Cookery School in London, with food writer and sustainability advocate Elly Curshen (known as Elly Pear).
Practical food waste reduction tips
“Recently, we hosted a Christmas Food Prepping Demonstration at Divertimenti Cookery School in London, which saw food writer and sustainability advocate Elly Curshen (known as Elly Pear) share her top tips for reducing food waste during the festive season,” Heidi tells PH.
Multi-functional, space-saving designs
With space at a premium in modern kitchens, consumers are increasingly interested in multi-functional and space-saving tools.
Meal prep and portion control
“Her advice offers kitchenware retailers a chance to engage consumers with practical, waste-reducing ideas for implementation with a range of kitchenware products, including those provided by Zyliss.”
Here are some of Elly’s key tips, which may help to inspire consumers throughout 2025…
Repurposing vegetable scraps
Elly highlighted that one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste is to find creative uses for vegetable scraps. Instead of binning carrot or parsnip peels, consider turning them into pickles or adding them to homemade stocks. This makes use of every part of the vegetable while adding rich flavour to winter dishes, making them feel even more comforting and indulgent. For housewares retailers, this tip is an excellent opportunity to educate customers on waste-free cooking. Displaying peelers, stock pots and glass storage jars with labels like ‘Perfect for Zero-Waste Cooking’ can inspire shoppers to embrace this practice.
Heidi comments: “Zyliss offers several products that serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for single-use gadgets. From all-in-one graters and peelers, to compact storage solutions, our tools are designed to maximise functionality and efficiency.
“Multi-functional Zyliss products support compact, zero-waste kitchens and appeal to consumers who value efficiency without sacrificing quality.”
Recipe cards or small booklets with instructions on making vegetable stock or post-festive pickles can also add value and spark ideas, encouraging customers to try these techniques at home.
Storing leftover cheese
A Christmas cheeseboard is a British classic, however, finishing it can be a challenge, especially after Christmas dinner. Elly’s solution to avoid waste is to grate any leftover cheese, store it in the freezer and use it to make toasties, Welsh rarebit, or cheese sauce for pasta dishes in January. Again, retailers can promote freezer-safe storage containers and cheese graters as part of a ‘Leftovers Essentials’ section. Bundling graters and glass storage containers together as a specific ‘Cheeseboard Leftover Kit’ could be an appealing option for customers looking to make the most of overindulgent cheeseboards.
Zyliss is distributed by DK Household Brands
Zero-waste cooking tools
Elly emphasised the importance of meal prep – one of the most effective ways to cut down on food waste, particularly over Christmas when it’s easy to overestimate the amount of food needed for guests. By planning portions in advance and preparing ingredients with care, consumers can avoid buying and preparing more food than necessary. Using airtight storage containers to portion ingredients can also help keep food fresh for longer, ensuring that every ingredient is used.
This tip provides an opportunity for retailers to showcase high-quality storage containers, portioning tools and multi-purpose prep bowls. In-store workshops or online guides on portion control and meal prep could further enhance customer engagement while providing practical, actionable advice.
Heidi concludes: “Those are just a few food waste reduction tips that offer practical and accessible ways to promote sustainable kitchen practices over the festive period. For UK housewares retailers, they provide a chance to connect with customers on an issue that resonates with many that of reducing waste and meeting consumers’ sustainability needs.
“By curating themed displays, sharing seasonal recipe ideas, hosting workshops and more, retailers can make sustainability an integral part of the Christmas shopping experience, while also promoting sustainable thinking into 2025 and beyond.”
The zero-waste movement has made its way into the kitchen, with more consumers actively seeking tools that help them make the most of every ingredient. According to a 2023 Innova Market Insights report, 42% of consumers actively seek ways to reduce food waste at home.
“At Zyliss, we’ve embraced this trend with a range of products designed to encourage mindful cooking while minimising waste,” Heidi explains. “From high-quality peelers that ensure no part of the vegetable goes unused, to our potato masher that comes with an added silicon scraper to make it easy to access every bit of puree – using ingredients in their entirety has never been easier.
“The trends mentioned are all aspects we’re keen to support at Zyliss, with sustainability a fundamental principle of what we offer. Indeed, this dedication to green-thinking was recently recognised in the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024, where we won The Eco Award for our Zyliss utensils.
“The award recognises those brands who cut down consumers' use of single-use plastic/waste and/or whose main features promote sustainable living, so it was a fantastic category to win and it’s one that underlines our commitment.”
Inset: The Zyliss range of eco-friendly storage solutions prioritise materials such as high quality borosilicate glass over single-use plastics.
Left: The Zyliss Soft Skin Peeler one of the brand’s high-quality peelers that ensure no part of the vegetable goes unused.
Below: The Zyliss potato masher comes with an added silicon scraper to make it easy to access every bit of puree.
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Maker
Having experienced the highs of the air fryer trend and adapted to energy saving and cost cutting requirements, the SDA category has been working hard to meet consumer demands over recent years. Key suppliers outline the latest trends and what’s currently affecting purchasing decisions in the sector.
POWER TRIP
With energy prices still uncertain and the cost of living remaining high, as well as continued concerns around sustainability, SDA suppliers are seeing a continued consumer demand for small domestic appliances that save on both energy and bills.
Atit Chopra, senior buyer at Ultimate Products, tells PH: “We are still seeing consumers investing in energy efficient products and becoming much more aware of the cost of running some appliances in their home. Newer innovations within SDA products can offer energy efficient alternatives to larger appliances or more traditional ways of completing tasks.
“For example, at Beldray, we have developed a range of heated drying pods and airers, all of which help the consumer to dry their clothing efficiently and cost effectively. Our winged heated airer costs just 8p an hour to run.”
Sachin Bagga, director, Sabichi, adds: “Energy efficiency is on everyone’s mind right now, from retailers to end consumers. We see a lot of people wanting appliances that can
help them reduce their electricity bills. Products that are efficient but still powerful are in high demand. For instance, people are turning to air fryers and slow cookers because they use less energy compared to conventional ovens.
“Our customers are also asking for appliances with shorter heating times, or products that turn off automatically when not in use. We’re putting a lot of effort into designing products that strike a balance –helping people save energy without sacrificing performance. It’s all about making smarter choices that benefit both the consumer’s pocket and the environment.”
Energy saving is particularly prevalent when it comes to SDA. Dinos Cassiloulis, head of product management electrical, RKW, outlines: “This is especially important in appliances that are frequently used and need a longer operating time, like air fryers. It is important to highlight to consumers how energy efficient small appliances are, but also how they compare to equivalent traditional large appliances. For example, comparing the
The coffee craze
At home coffee machines have remained popular since a spike in sales during the pandemic. Matthew expands: “The coffee category is also looking to grow more and more, particularly espresso machines as more brands enter the space. With this, customers are looking for machines that fit their needs – do they want a quick coffee in the morning, or are they willing to spend more time making the perfect shot of espresso? There’s a machine for each profile, it’s just a case of finding one that suits.”
Aarke is introducing a new coffee system in the sector, including a filter coffee maker and coffee grinder which delivers the right amount of coffee based on the water level. Klaudia says: “Together these products embody Aarke’s vision of ‘everyday engineering’, blending effortlessly into daily routines and setting a new benchmark in the coffee industry.”
Salter is also launching a new coffee collection. Duncan comments: “The range is aimed at ditching the coffee shop and establishing an athome coffee routine, encouraging consumers to be their own barista. The range focuses on affordable machines for everyday brewing, from a 2-in-1 Iced Coffee Machine, which includes an insulated travel mug and iced coffee cup, to our Espresso Machine with a sleek stainless steel finish and milk frothing wand.”
Inset: Aarke’s new coffee system includes a filter coffee maker which allows brewing in a stainless steel thermos or glass jug, as well as a coffee grinder which integrates with the coffee maker.
Inset: Smeg has introduced a new Storm Blue colourway, available in a selection of appliances including the Breakfast Set.
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energy used when cooking in an air fryer versus cooking in a conventional oven.”
Marcus Lux, head of Gastroback UK, export and business development, adds: “Energy saving is still high on the list of considerations when customers are looking to buy appliances, as these are the most common products contributing to a home’s energy consumption. So energy-efficient appliances are a must and we are finding that products which offer several functions in one are winning out.”
While important, some see energy efficiency as additional to their key objectives in product development. Klaudia Klang, chief brand and communication officer, Aarke, expands: “Energy efficiency continues to be relevant, though it’s not always the primary driver behind purchasing decisions. At Aarke, we focus on functionality and quality as the cornerstones of our products. However, we are constantly innovating to add thoughtful features that enhance the user experience.
“For example, our new coffee machine allows users to brew directly into a thermos, minimising energy use by removing the need to keep the machine on for warmth postbrew. And if you brew in the glass jug, the warming plate is designed to automatically pause each time the jug is removed – a subtle yet valuable touch to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.”
As well as the cost saving element, many are seeing consumers making more eco-friendly purchases. Matthew James, SDA product manager, Smeg explains: “While we work to keep our appliances as efficient as possible, including eco modes where applicable, from an environmental point of view, there is much more emphasis placed on the use of plastics both in the appliance and its packaging. This is an area where Smeg has made significant
improvements in recent years.
“For example, Smeg introduced its Tritan Renew material which has 50% certified recycled content, made with innovative molecular recycling that recycles hard-to recycle plastic waste to create new materials."
As well as energy concerns, an emerging trend is the use of AI. Dinos comments: “One of the key trends in the SDA sector is the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Consumers continue to look for innovative ideas that help save them time and effort and make lives easier at home.”
Harry Singh, managing director of EPE International, exclusive distributor of Hamilton Beach UK, furthers: “The last few years have been dominated by energy saving and the rise of air fryers. This will continue with technology improving, becoming more compact, increased efficiency and certainly the integration of AI will help in delivering delicious meals.”
Another factor in decision making is multifunction products. Marcus expands: “A key demand we have noticed for a while now is product versatility. So products that are 2in-1, 3-in-1 etc. This is something which is integral to the Gastroback offer and we even include a 5-in-1, which is our Design Oven Air Fry and Pizza. This has the additional three functions of mini oven, rotating grill spit and dehydrator.
“Sustainability is something both retailers and end-users are looking for, but with the added idea of an appealing aesthetic, so a product will seamlessly integrate into the household décor.”
Jonathan Merricks, ceo and creative director, My VQ, agrees: “Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their appliances have on both their energy bills and the environment. We aim to be a consumer-friendly brand and as such, incorporate energy efficient technologies across our product range, from our DAB/DAB+ digital radios to our kitchenware, it is definitely a priority for us.
“One notable example is our rechargeable appliances, such as the Smoothie Maker, which not only provide convenience, but also help reduce energy consumption. By focusing on rechargeable options, we aim to minimise reliance on traditional power
Inset: Salter is launching a new coffee collection focusing on affordable machines for everyday brewing. Below right: My VQ will be launching new products into its SDA range including stand mixers and air fryers, as well as new designs in the Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston collections.
Inset: Tower’s next generation of air fryers will offer even more speed and convenience for consumers, while saving them money compared to a conventional oven.
sources, while maintaining the quality and reliability our customers expect. Energy efficiency is not just a trend, it’s a long-term priority that will continue to guide our design and development processes.”
Within the changing consumer priorities bought about largely by the cost-of-living crisis, is a desire for quality products. Klaudia explains: “We design products that resonate with values increasingly prioritised by our customers: quality craftsmanship, sustainability and refined, purposeful design that stands the test of time.”
Style is, of course, a factor. Harry tells PH: “As home living is becoming so important, customers look to match the style of their SDAs to their home décor, leading to a constant evolution of kitchen appliance designs and colours. Research has shown that the right colour combined with the right design have significant effect on people and help better living harmony and experience.”
Space can be an issue too: “Despite the growth for home living, space can be a challenge,” explains Harry. “The average UK room is equivalent to two parking spaces, therefore a small footprint for SDA will become critical.
Ultimate Products agrees: “We’re seeing strong sales on our coordination lines from Salter. Our ranges make it easy to update and refresh décor, without the need for a full kitchen reno.
“Hamilton Beach has brought several new lines to respond to the demand and shift in market trends, particularly with matching collections of kettles, toasters and coffee makers. Colours, materials and designs are in constant evolution and demand from modern consumers – the Ella collection is an example of meeting the new trend.”
Duncan Singleton, trading director at
“In particular, lines like Salter Pebble, featuring rounded edges, a softer matte finish and brass accents, are proving popular. Available in charcoal and stone, the relatively neutral tones sit well in both contemporary and more traditional homes.
“Space, or the lack of it, is always a frustration when purchasing anything for the home and is particularly difficult in the SDA arena, with consumers always seeking out multifunctional and multipurpose products, looking for versatility, flexibility and convenience.”
Having appliances on display also increases the desire for sleek designs. Sachin comments: “With open plan kitchens becoming more popular, people want appliances that look good on the counter, not
just work well. So design plays a big role in decision making, especially when it’s a product they’ll be using regularly, like a kettle or toaster.”
Jonathan adds: “Another trend gaining momentum is the demand for appliances that break away from traditional, dull finishes. People are increasingly looking for stylish, well-designed products that complement their aesthetics and add character to their homes. This shift aligns perfectly with our design philosophy here at VQ.
“With people wanting to return to their roots of slow living, we’re seeing the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic and British countryside themes have grown especially popular, as they offer a cosy, familiar touch to interiors.
“Sustainability is also a key trend, consumers want durable, long-lasting products that are thoughtfully produced. With this in mind, VQ’s approach has been to create functional, visually appealing products that contribute to a more conscious lifestyle.”
As well as looks, functionality is vital. Sachin concludes: “Right now people want products that make life easier, but they’re also looking for quality and longevity. In SDA, we’re seeing a real focus on convenience. Consumers are busier than ever, so features like time-saving and multi-functionality are huge. Appliances that are intuitive and easy to use, like air fryers and multi-cookers, are topping the charts.”
Inset: Hamilton Beach is introducing smaller and compact appliances. The VisionCook 11L Digital Dual Air Fryer is a great example with a smaller footprint while still servicing a large family.
Above: Gastroback’s new Design Power Hand Mixer Set 5-in-1 offers 20 speed levels, infinitely variable power from 900 – 14,000 rpm and an additional turbo button, max 15,000 rpm.
Right: The Haden air fryer microwave from Sabichi is a multi-function appliance which uses the company’s Aerofusion technology.
1: Salter DuoWave 26L
The Salter DuoWave Microwave Air Fryer combines the functions of a microwave and an air fryer in one versatile kitchen unit, without the need for separate appliances, to save countertop space. The microwave function quickly defrosts and reheats food, while the air fryer feature crisps, cooks, roasts and more with little to no oil, for a healthier cooking alternative. Featuring a generous 26L capacity, the DuoWave cooks all types of food, from reheating leftovers, to cooking a whole roast chicken, achieving perfect results every time, without the need for a conventional oven.
Salter
W: www.salter.com
E: sales@upplc.com
2: Salter Chocolatier
The Salter Chocolatier Hot Chocolate Maker offers a convenient way to prepare hot chocolate with the simple press of a button. Featuring a generous 240ml heating capacity, it allows users to effortlessly blend chocolate flakes with their preferred milk to create a rich and smooth beverage in less than five minutes. Additionally, its 115ml milk frothing capacity enables customisation of froth consistency, from cold to thick or light, adding a professional, baristastyle finish to both hot and cold drinks, perfect for enjoying at home.
Salter
W: www.salter.com
E: sales@upplc.com
3: Good Food Air Fryer
The Good Food 10L Dual Sided Air Fryer, in partnership with Tower, combines the capabilities of an oven and air fryer for the ultimate cooking experience. Using Vortx technology, it cooks food 30% faster with just one spoon of oil, reducing fat by 99%. The Smart Finish function ensures both the drawer and oven finishes cooking simultaneously. Additional features include viewing windows to monitor cooking progress, defrost and warm functions, and ten pre-set options to cook everything from chips to steak. Available from RKW.
RKW
T: 0333 220 6070
W: www.rkwltd.com
E: sales@rkwltd.com
4: Good Food 6.5L Digital Slow Cooker
The Good Food 6.5L Slow Cooker is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Bought to you by Good Food in partnership with Tower, the slow cooker contains a lightweight, removable aluminium pot which allows for easy serving. With a 6.5L capacity, full family meals can be made. Cool touch handles on either side of the slow cooker provide added safety, whilst the LED digital display makes it simple to select the correct high, low or keep warm function required for seamless and efficient use. With a delay and timer function, this is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Available from RKW. RKW
T: 0333 220 6070
W: www.rkwltd.com
E: sales@rkwltd.com
5: Bamix Deluxe Handheld Food Processor
Products New Small Domestic Appliances
In the world of kitchen appliances, the Bamix Deluxe stands out as a versatile, indispensable tool. It comes equipped with a variety of blades, each designed to handle specific tasks with remarkable ease and efficiency, as well as a grinder attachment to grind spices, nuts, coffee beans and more. The multi-purpose blade blends soups, sauces and smoothies to a perfect consistency, and excels at chopping and pureeing fruits and vegetables. The whisk blade effortlessly whips, beats and emulsifies dressings. The beater blade, designed for aerating, can create light and airy mixtures such as cream and fluffy meringues. Available from Burton McCall. Burton McCall
T: 0116 234 4611
W: www.burton-mccall.com
E: sales@burton-mccall.com
6: Hello Kitty Licensed Products
The new Hello Kitty license from Uncanny Brands is a fresh addition to the collection, offering a burst of pink to kitchens everywhere. The Hello Kitty waffle makers are available in both mini and large sizes. Pour in the batter, close the lid, and in no time, a waffle shaped like the infamous kitty is ready for butter and syrup. Compact and easy to clean, these appliances are a must-have for Hello Kitty fans. Also available is the Hello Kitty Mug Warmer set which is perfect for keeping a drink warm at home or the office. Simply place the mug on the heat mat, and the warmer will automatically start to keep the beverage at the perfect temperature.
DKB Toys & Distribution
T: 07581047656
E: grace.burton-rees@dkbtoys.com
W: www.dkbtoys.com
1: Salter XL Dual View Air Fryer Oven
Featuring an innovative ‘French door’ style design, the Salter XL Dual View Air Fryer Oven provides a generous 15L cooking space with multi-level cooking for maximum convenience. With 11 interchangeable cooking accessories, including a rotisserie function, the air fryer oven allows for preparing meals for the entire family, from a whole chicken to a variety of foods simultaneously using the removable divider. The sync and match cooking functions ensure different foods can be served at the same time, for consistent results. The XL Dual View Air Fryer Oven is complete with glass viewing windows to easily monitor cooking progress.
Salter
E: sales@upplc.com
W: www.salter.com
2: Swan Retro Dual Basket Air Fryer
The Swan Retro Dual Basket Digital Air Fryer is a faster, energy efficient alternative to traditional oven cooking. With Swan Cyclone Technology, a powerful fan cooks the contents by rapidly circulating hot air, giving evenly cooked and crispy meals using 50% less energy. The air fryer features two 4L non-stick baskets, making cooking for the family a breeze as two foods can be cooked at once. The digital touch panel has eight pre-set functions, taking away any guesswork and getting perfect results every time. The Swan Retro collection is inspired by 1950s and 1960s to compliment all kitchen decors, and is available in blue, cream, grey and green. Available from RKW.
RKW
T: 0333 220 6070
W: www.rkwltd.com
E: sales@rkwltd.com
3: Tower Elite Pizza and Air Fryer Oven
The Tower Elite boasts an 18L capacity and a maximum heat of 400 degrees, cooking a pizza in under five minutes. With this product, authentic Italian style pizza can be brought to any home. With five high temperature programmes, perfect crispy bases can be easily achieved, with an authentic pizza stone included. The Elite is so much more than a normal pizza oven, offering a further 15 cooking functions including air frying, making it the perfect versatile product. Available from RKW.
RKW
T: 0333 220 6070
W: www.rkwltd.com
E: sales@rkwltd.com
4: Design Dehydrator Mini Professional
Gastroback has gained a reputation for innovation, quality, design and being bang on trend and its three latest launches are no exception. The Design Power Hand Mixer Set 5-in-1 has 20 speed levels, the Design Smoothie Maker Mix & Go is a stainless steel design with two mixing jars and the Design Dehydrator Mini Professional is the ideal appliance for smaller quantities and limited space. Gastroback
W: www.gastroback.co.uk
E: marcus.lux@gastroback.de
5: Perfectly Toasted, Deep Fill Sandwiches Every Time
The Haden Deep Fill Sandwich Maker is here, just in time for the festive season. With extra-deep fill plates for bigger, more satisfying sandwiches, it’s perfect for creating warm, comforting meals. Sandwich makers are trending as quick, versatile kitchen solutions, and demand is already high. Featuring non-stick plates for easy cleaning and sleek stainless-steel accents, it’s as practical as it is stylish.
Haden
Products New Small Domestic Appliances
T: 01909 544570
E: info@haden.com
W: www.haden.com
6: New Haden Microwave Air Fryer
The new Haden Microwave Air Fryer, powered by AeroFusion Technology, revolutionises everyday cooking. Combining microwave, air fryer, and convection capabilities, it ensures quick, energy-efficient meals with the perfect crispy finish. Ideal for busy households, this multifunctional appliance offers a healthier way to cook, using minimal oil while delivering delicious results. With its matte black and brushed stainless steel finish, it is as stylish as it is practical and the auto-cook presets and intuitive digital control panel bring ease and efficiency to meal preparation.
Haden
T: 01909 544570
E: info@haden.com
W: www.haden.com
MEPAL IS B CORP CERTIFIED
Mepal sees the B Corp certification as a milestone. During the certification process, the company was assessed on five pillars: governance, environment, employees, customers and community. A minimum of 80 points are needed for a company to become a B Corp. Mepal achieved 101.6 points and is visible on the public Global Directory.
Entirely as expected, Mepal scored many points from its intensive collaboration with
Mepal has been successfully certified as B Corp, an important step towards more responsible business practices. With this, the specialist in storing and carrying food and drinks underlines its sustainability strategy and shows it is on its way to a more sustainable and socially responsible business that is committed to a better world, with an eye for people, the environment and society.
sheltered workshops, local production and overall business operations. To complete the certification process, companies must document the impact of their decisions on all their stakeholders in their statutory documents. A B Corp certification is not a one-off thing, as every three years companies are assessed for meeting the (increasingly higher) standards for recertification.
Jan-Pieter Schretlen, ceo of Mepal, officially received the B Corp plaque from Tessa van
Soest, director of B Lab Benelux, the nonprofit organisation behind the certification, allowing Mepal to officially call itself a B Corporation. This gives Mepal access to the ‘B Corp community’, a network of like-minded companies - such as Bugaboo, Rituals, Ace&Tate, Auping and Tony Chocolonely, offering knowledge, insight and inspiration.
Jan-Pieter comments: “For 75 years, we have been synonymous with high quality with our timeless designs that transcend generations.
Left: Jan Pieter Schretlen, ceo of Mepal.
Our dedication and craftsmanship ensure that everyone can enjoy our long-lasting products. And we do so with passion but also from naoberschap – together. Local production with our local community. This certification rewards this work, which we are proud of.
“However, the B Corp certification is a starting point. That is why we continue to develop high-quality product innovations that have a long lifespan, are 100% recyclable and if something breaks down you can easily replace a part. Produce locally and keep doing business consciously so that we become C02 neutral.”
Tessa van Soest, director of B Lab Benelux, added: “To welcome Mepal to the B Corp community is great. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others. It will also help to share our message that business success can be as much about people and our planet, as just profit.”
Above right: Wesley Kloppenburg, chief marketing & digital officer and Heleen Janssen, head of brand, with the B Corp award.
Below: Mepal offers products that are practical and respond to the growing need to combat food waste and plastic consumption.
THE GREEN
LIGHT
Across all sectors of business, sustainability is now a priority and many of the new materials, processes and packaging options lend themselves well to enabling housewares manufacturers to improve their eco credentials. Some key suppliers tell PH what they are doing to be kinder to the environment.
Going hand in hand with the current desire for value, consumers are increasingly focused on making eco-friendly purchases for the home and kitchen. Products that last, reducing waste, as well as those which are crafted from sustainable materials and packaged in an eco-friendly manner, are winning at retail.
Ellie Wilcock, marketing manager at Pure Table Top, explains: “As a B Corp business, we consciously develop products with a sustainable mindset. Our consumer is shopping more sustainably, hence the importance for responsible sourcing and conscious design through suppliers certified to the highest ethical standards and sustainable material selection.
“Consumers are taking less and less of a ‘fast fashion’ approach to their home styling and instead simply buying good quality
key pieces to update a look/feel of their home.”
Heidi Thomas, head of marketing UK & Ireland at DK Household Brands, agrees:
Consumer communication
Pure Table Top has introduced a Digital Product Passport. Ellie outlines: “We are working to better understand our impact through our ongoing partnership with Dayrize, which is helping to measure the footprint at product level.
“Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and are looking for brands that share their values. For many, sustainability has become as important as quality and functionality. We see this reflected in the positive response to our eco-conscious products, with our wheat straw plastics appealing to consumers seeking products made from renewable materials.”
Nick Squire, md, Dayes, furthers:
“There is a growing emphasis on creating sustainable yet effective cleaning tools and
“We also have a newly established partnership with Fabacus, which is supporting the opportunity to share cradle-to-gate transparency. This, we believe, will make it easier for us all to understand how we can reduce our socio-environmental impact with compelling and factbased data.
“We have always known the complexity of the supply chains we work with, a lot of which lacks the transparency we want. Aligning with new ESPR regulation, the new Digital Product Passport initiative acts as a key vehicle to allow us to deliver this message to our customers and to our factories.
“With the support of our key partners, Dayrize and Fabacus, we are beginning to gain a greater understanding of the impacts across a product’s key measures. Being able to have access to this level of detail and turn this into a consumer-friendly passport, is a huge step for us in our sustainable messaging journey.”
Through its partnership with Earthly, Lifetime Brands is also conveying a clear message. Claire explains: “Printed point of sale is available to our partners so they can display this alongside our brands in-store – so the link to the projects that we together support is clear and visible.”
Below: MasterClass Can-to-Pan from Lifetime is made of 70% recycled aluminium, sourced from discarded drinks cans.
Inset: Black + Blum’s Multifunction Boxes help customers reduce personal food waste and reliance on plastic containers. The company will launch a new range early next year, featuring its recycled PET plastic fabric.
solutions. Consumers want products that make life easier while being environmentally friendly. Many of our Sorbo products incorporate recycled materials and elements as a standard, reflecting our commitment to sustainable living without compromising on quality or performance.”
Dexam is seeing consumers researching more ahead of purchases. Alice Jeffries, head of marketing, says: “People have a far greater interest in the sourcing, manufacturing and labour practices behind their purchases. This has resulted in brands needing to provide increased transparency and demonstrate ethical production practices, such as fair labour, ethical sourcing and waste reduction.
“Millennials and Gen Z are very attuned to environmental issues, tending to favour eco-friendly brands. Their spending power and vocal advocacy for sustainability are forcing brands across all sectors, including housewares, to prioritise eco-friendly practices and materials.”
plastic packaging for our products as possible, we recently switched our Top Cracker Opener and Pizza Scooters to non-clamshell packs.
All our unused cardboard is recycled, if not reused.
“Another sustainability project at an early stage is to arrange installation of solar panels to help lower the cost of our energy via this renewable source. We have a large and low, flat, south facing roof which will provide the perfect location for the installation. We are also expected to generate more energy than we will use, which will help costings longterm as we sell back to the grid.”
While consumer demand for sustainability is growing, many suppliers have been focusing on the area for some time. Richard Walker, md, Eddingtons, comments: “Eddingtons recognises the importance of sustainability and we have been early adopters to support this area. For instance, removing as much
Mepal focuses on local production of products with longevity, but also places importance on the job its products perform. Joe Stalder, country sales manager, UK, Mepal, says: “Our products offer an alternative to single-use plastics. Additionally, food stays fresh longer in our air and aromatight storage, reducing food waste. To encourage this, we test all our products to meet the strictest food safety requirements. By doing so, we promote the use of our products as alternatives to food waste and single-use plastics.”
exciting and promising, but this impact will only be scalable if many retailers and manufacturers embrace this change.”
Composty is another supplier founded to create sustainable products. Matt Guest, cofounder comments: “As a family business, sustainability is why we founded Composty, therefore we’re committed to sustainability at every stage of our process. We create products that are 100% compostable and plastic free, meaning they give back to nature after use, leaving no trace at landfill. Our materials and packaging are sourced responsibly to minimise impact.
“Additionally, we support environmental causes by donating to 1% for the Planet.
Other suppliers have been created with sustainability at the forefront. ReBorn ceo and founder, Brian Walmsley expands: “ReBorn’s vision is a world without waste – where anything discarded can be turned into a useful product. This is built on the core principles of circular design: meaning that everything is designed to be made from recycled materials and to be recyclable and repairable again at end of life. This contrasts with conventional linear design methods of turning virgin materials into products that ultimately end in landfill.
“Brunel University recently undertook a detailed lifecycle analysis, showing that this circular approach results in 79% less carbon emissions than making equivalent items in the Far East from virgin materials. This is very
Inset: Composty’s Magic Pop-Up sponges are space saving and fun –they come flat and spring to life with a bit of water.
Inset: New to the Zyliss utensils range are peelers and a potato masher, each made from durable, high-quality stainless steel with eco-friendly wheat straw handles.
Inset: Kiln Blue tableware and home décor is the latest launch from Denby and epitomises the company’s sustainability credentials.
Inset: The Calypso 2.0 from Mepal is a compact food waste caddy made from 100% recycled materials.
We’re proud to have won the Clean & Tidy Home Show ‘Contribution to the Environment’ award twice. We’re constantly evaluating and looking for new ways to improve our environmental footprint.”
Supporting sustainable initiatives is part of Black + Blum’s plan, too. Dan Black, co-founder and lead designer, explains: “A major focus for us now is our partnership with City Harvest and 1% for the Planet –drawing attention to the environmental impact of food waste, which accounts for 810% of man-made emissions.
“We also now provide a lifetime guarantee on our non-glass products to encourage customers to use them for life and reduce overconsumption. We are also taking steps to reduce our packaging, which is already made from unbleached kraft card and where possible, we limit the amount of plastics used to store and deliver our products.”
projects, protecting and regenerating precious ecosystems. To give just one example, in Madagascar we’re helping to tackle climate change one mangrove at a time, supporting the planting of thousands of trees. So far, together, we’ve planted 4,805 trees and supported 5,224,043 sqm of habitat. We have been carbon positive on shipping since 2021.
“Another example is in our warehouse –everything has been thought through –bubble wrap alternatives and void fill paper are recyclable, biodegradable and made from 100% recycled paper. All waste card and shrink wrap from our warehouse operations is also recycled.”
Manufacturing sustainably is not without challenges though. Dean Barlow, operations director at Denby, which places a strong
For Lifetime Brands, it’s a case of approaching the whole process with sustainability in mind. Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director, expands: “It’s not just about the final product. Since 1850, we’ve navigated countless challenges and we’ve grown and adapted every time. Navigating climate change is no exception and we’re considering this at every turn.
“As such, we have partnered with Earthly, supporting three climate-changereversing, carbonbusting projects. We offset our shipping emissions through donations to these
Inset: Dexam recently launched a new CellarDine collection of glassware made from 100% postconsumer recycled glass from Egypt.
Top left: Sorbo has a complete range of innovative cleaning products and new solutions for all household chores.
ReBorn
range
Denby reactive stoneware in a hydrogen/natural gas-powered kiln, with good results.
emphasis on sustainability, tells PH: “The ceramics industry currently has a huge reliance on gas-fired kilns. Denby is part of a UK Ceramics Industry consortium headed by Ceramics UK specifically looking at the industrialisation of hydrogen in large scale. As part of this project, we have already fired
360 approach
What More focuses on sustainability on many levels. Bex Holt, head of marketing outlines: “We’ve reduced our pallet wrap consumption by 40 tons a year since 2021. We’ve cut out one million polythene bags per year from our supply chain. We recycle 100% of all our scrap within our manufacturing, across plastics and bakeware. Our own scrap, as well as byproducts from other UK manufacturers such as car bumpers, is then reprocessed across numerous of our own ranges – Wham BAM storage, plant pots, seed trays, buckets and more.
“Circa 90% of the grid electricity consumed at our manufacturing site is from renewable sources; and we’ve operated a zero-to-landfill general waste collection for the last six years, diverting over 1,000 tonnes from landfill sites.”
or
“The transition to a low carbon economy obviously creates challenges for an energy intensive industry such as ceramics and hydrogen use is one important aspect of a suite of initiatives that need to be investigated and embedded into our industry.
“A vital part of any work on hydrogen use is the supply infrastructure and we are pleased that Denby is part of the East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium, of which hydrogen is now an important strand. Of course, it is also possible that low/zero carbon initiatives we may be using in 2050 as an industry may not even have been invented yet.”
Overall, the move towards sustainability in manufacturing requires equilibrium. Joe concludes: “It’s always about finding the right balance between meeting customer needs, creating durable products and maintaining economic viability. Finding the right approach is always the hardest part. However, with 75 years of history, this balance is deeply ingrained in Mepal’s DNA.”
Left: The
Bathroom
has just launched at John Lewis and on the ReBorn site. All products are made in the UK from recycled materials and is recyclable
repairable at end of life too.
Right: What More is focusing on communicating with consumers about the benefits of choosing sustainable products and that plastic can be good for the environment – as long as it’s not single use.
POC Advisors: A Helping Hand.
Navigating the sustainability agenda can be daunting, but it’s essential. Our goal is to assist you in doing what’s right while unlocking future economic opportunities and partnerships.
POC Advisors are here to turn your ambitions into actionable steps, leveraging our industry expertise across the consumer goods and sustainability industry. Whether crafting a sustainability strategy, implementing supply chain transformations, or providing guidance and support, we’re with you every step of the way.
Our Services
Sustainability Strategy: Develop and implement a tailored sustainability plan with confidence, engaging stakeholders and partners.
Policy & Reporting: Craft datadriven narratives for industry awareness and compliance with reporting frameworks.
Emission Reduction & Net Zero: Analyse your value chain to reduce carbon emissions and progress toward Net Zero.
Capacity Building: Strengthen organizational resilience and understanding to implement sustainability improvements effectively.
Communications: Share your sustainability journey effectively with clear messaging and accessible language.
Packaging & Material Innovation: Explore practical solutions for sustainable packaging and material choices tailored to your needs.
B Corp: Our programs guide you through becoming a B Corp, enhancing your social and environmental impact.
Got questions or challenges?
We’re dedicated to transforming the brand and licensing industry to meet evolvingeconomic, social, and environmental demands.
Reach out to get in touch.
Email: advisors@productsofchange.com or visit www.productsofchange.com
1: Koziol Connect 3pc Kids’ Tableware Sets
Koziol is a brand that prioritises environmental sustainability, making it an excellent choice for retailers who are conscious of their impact on the environment. The company is committed to using Bio-Circular and recyclable thermoplastics, created using recycled sunflower and rapeseed oil from the hospitality industry. These children's tableware sets are crafted from durable BPA-free plastic for safety and longevity. Each piece boasts a vibrant colour and playful pattern, adding personality into any dining space. The set includes a plate, bowl and cup with matching lunchboxes available. Available from Haus. Haus
T: 01782 572910
E: info@inthehaus.co.uk
W: www.hauswares.co.uk
2: De Buyer Mineral B Cookware
The idea for the Mineral B collection of carbon steel cookware came from an inherited French technique of using beeswax to protect utensils from rust, making this range symbolic of the De Buyer family’s inherited technique, passed down through generations. Mineral B is made from raw steel, allowing owners to season the pan with vegetable oil and over time create their own natural non-stick effect. Guaranteed for life, its performance actually improves with time and will become an item that is passed onwards to each family generation. Perfect for retailers looking to satisfy increased customer demand for raw materials and natural cookware. Available from Haus. Haus
T: 01782 572910
E: info@inthehaus.co.uk
W: www.hauswares.co.uk
3: Pure X Eden
In keeping with the Eden Project’s mission to demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet, Pure’s new range of tableware and kitchen textiles is reminiscent of summers on the continent. Brand new for spring/summer 2025, this collection is a love letter to the Mediterranean’s crops and cultivation, making the Biome’s beautiful produce the hero of its story. Hand-drawn illustrations of tomato vines, knarled olive branches, and vibrant chilli peppers all come together to create a sophisticated yet playful look for any home, harbouring a true sense of nature and connecting around the table with not only each other, but with the natural world.
Pure Table Top
T: 0116 4782928
E: enquiries@puretabletop.com
W: www.puretabletop.com
4: Mepal
The trendy water bottle, with a capacity of 500, 700 or 900 ml, is made in the Netherlands and is 100% recyclable. The large opening ensures the bottle can be quickly filled with water or a favourite fizzy drink, and then add ice cubes, or fruit and herbs. The short twist opening allows users to easily access their drink, and the durable bottle is odour and taste free allowing users to enjoy drinks again and again.
Mepal
E: j.stalder@mepal.com
W: www.mepal.com
5: GreenPan Première Collection
Products New Sustainable Products
The GreenPan Première Collection is a professional grade, 3-ply stainless steel range featuring the Thermolon PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating. Some stainless steel pans can become discoloured over time but thanks to the innovative Evershine technology, the GreenPan Première Collection looks as good as new for a long time. Durable wrapped stainless steel rims protect the non-stick coating against chipping. Silhouette rivets create a seamless and easy-to-clean interior, while sturdy stainless steel handles deliver a secure grip for a professional cooking performance on all hob types including induction. Built for intensive daily use, this collection delivers long-lasting durability and top-tier results in the kitchen.
Burton McCall
T: 0116 234 4611
E: sales@burton-mccall.com
W: www.burton-mccall.com
6: New for Autumn 2024 from Greener Cleaner
Greener Cleaner is extending its high-performance eco-friendly cleaning range with some great new additions including the Slate Grey Dual Ended Detail Brush. It has strong bristles which clean effectively and are suitable all around the home. It has a long, narrow handle for cleaning all areas with a wide brush end for larger surfaces and a narrow brush end for awkward areas. Made from 100% recycled plastic and dishwasher safe. Greener Cleaner
T: 07796610453
E: Laurence.smith@vitalityhouse.co.uk
W: www.greenerc.co.uk
The sustainable multi-functional bowl
Multi bowl Cirqula
The sustainable Cirqula collection from Mepal has been designed specifically for a complete ‘circle of use’. You can store prepped meals or leftovers in the freezer or fridge, heat up in the microwave (without the lid) and then use them to serve at the table. The innovative, flexible lid is airtight and leakproof enabling food to stay fresher for longer, and the transparent window in the lid allows you to see the contents of the bowl clearly. The Mepal Cirqula bowls are practical and easy to store away, because they can be stacked when they are filled and nested when they are empty. The Cirqula range is made of high quality, durable materials, that guarantee a long life span.
To discover more about Mepal’s storage range, or other product ranges, contact j.stalder@mepal.com or call 07384 317364
• High quality product that replaces single waste plastics
• Perfect for storage of leftovers to reduce food waste
• Made in The Netherlands
• BPA-free
1: Multi-Function Range
Now available in sets of three, the microwave-safe Multi-Function range from Black+Blum is a revolution for food storage and meal prep. Made from stainless steel, they are dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer-safe. The full range contains three shapes and seven sizes of container ranging from 600ml to 1.4L, so users can choose exactly how they want to use them.
Black+Blum
E: sales@black-blum.com
W: black-blum.com
2: Insulated travel tumbler
Made from high-quality stainless steel, the Insulated Travel Tumbler from Black+Blum features an innovative lid lock that makes it 100% leak proofcreating a vacuum seal so it won’t spill a drop. Keeps drinks ice cold for eight hours and piping hot for six and fits neatly into car cup holders. Available now in three colours.
Black+Blum
E: sales@black-blum.com
W: black-blum.com
3: NoStik Bake Liner
Transform any baking experience with the NoStik reusable Bake Liner. This innovative product ensures baked goods come out perfectly every time by preventing them from sticking to trays. Whether baking cookies, pastries, or roasting vegetables, the NoStik liner eliminates the need for additional fats or oils, promoting healthier cooking. Simply cut the liner to fit the bakeware, and it's ready to use. The non-stick coating is ideal for all types of ovens and bakeware, including trays, racks, stainless steel, glass, and porcelain. With heat resistance up to 260°C, it can handle all baking needs. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just wash with warm, soapy water.
Burton McCall
T: 0116 234 4611
E: sales@burton-mccall.com
W: www.burton-mccall.com
4: Eddingtons Bakers White Compost Pail
A simple and effective way to store organic kitchen waste ready for the compost heap. The 3.2 litre metal compost pail, in trendy bakers white, comes with an in-built carbon filter and silicone seal inside the lid to prevent odours escaping.
Eddingtons
T: 01488 686572
E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk
W: www.eddingtons.co.uk
5: New Telescopic Microfibre mop
Products New Sustainable Products
Also new for autumn 2024 is the Greener Cleaner Telescopic Microfibre Flat Mop. Made from 100% recycled plastic, it has a three part telescopic handle for easy storage, which extended to 1.8 metres. The washable mop head is easy to apply and remove and removes dirt, grease and bacteria from any hard floors, or tiled surfaces. It has a 100 machine wash guarantee and is approved by Allergy UK Greener Cleaner
T: 07796610453
E: Laurence.smith@vitalityhouse.co.uk
W: www.greenerc.co.uk
1: Bengt Ek Kitchen Timers
These vibrant, playful 60-minute kitchen timers by Bengt Ek Design are a perfect blend of fun and functionality, with their vibrant colours and quirky shapes inspired by both classic kitchen appliances and faithful animal friends - these timers make cooking more playful and add a unique, smileinducing flair to any kitchen. Whether your customers are coffee enthusiasts, passionate bakers or simply love spending time in the kitchen, these timers are ideal accessories that will add both style and utility to their cooking space.
Haus
T: 01782 572910
E: info@inthehaus.co.uk
W: www.hauswares.co.uk
2: Emile Henry Epicure
Tableware
This new collection of tableware combines elegance and durability in a sleek, minimalist design. Crafted from high-fired Burgundy clay, every piece is both microwave and oven safe, making it ideal for both everyday use and special occasions. Each understated colourway adds a refined, earthy tone that complements any table setting, from rustic to modern. Their gently curved edges make them perfect for plating and easy handling, while their scratch-resistant glaze ensures longevity. Even better, every piece is dishwasher safe for easiest cleaning.
Haus
T: 01782 572910
E: info@inthehaus.co.uk
W: www.hauswares.co.uk
3: Mepal Vita bento lunch bowl
The bento lunch bowl has a capacity of 1500 ml, is made in the Netherlands and is 100% recyclable. The bowl has a tray and two removable, leakproof containers. Thanks to its screw-on lid the bowl is leakproof and therefore perfect for meals on the go. This sustainable bowl gives endless ways to switch up your lunch and can even be used for hot dishes because the bowl is microwave-safe (with the lid placed loosely on the bowl). With this bowl you can enjoy delicious, varied lunches wherever you go.
Mepal
E: j.stalder@mepal.com
W: www.mepal.com
4: Kew Palmhouse Glass
This range of glass has been inspired by the world famous structure and drawings of the Victorian Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Architects, when building the Palm House, borrowed techniques from the ship building industry to achieve their ambitious vision – which may explain why the Palm House resembles the upturned hull of a ship. The hand cut elements in each piece have been designed to reflect the intricate Victorian glass panes of the building itself, adding a touch of timeless luxury and glamour to every sip.
Pure Table Top
T: 0116 4782928
E: enquiries@puretabletop.com
W: www.puretabletop.com
5: Sorbo Grout Brush
New
Products
Introducing the new Sorbo Grout Brush. It is designed with thin, durable bristles, and effortlessly tackles dirt, grime, and mould on tiles, around taps, and in hard-to-reach spaces. Its comfortable handle provides a secure grip, making cleaning easier than ever. Available from Dayes. Dayes
T: 01728 833400
E: customer.service@dayesuk.com
W: www.dayesuk.com
6: Woodbury Lane
One of the latest in-house designs from Captivate Brands, Woodbury Lane, was a real hit when it launched at the recent summer shows. It combines a traditional rustic feel with contemporary lines, shapes and colours, across tabletop and kitchenware like check mugs, wooden egg holder and dinnerware. It joins other popular in-house brands at Captivate including Luxe Kitchen, &Again and Just The Thing. Captivate Brands
T: 01386 421622
E: info@captivatebrands.co.uk
W: www.captivatebrands.com
1:
Eleanor Bowmer Cherry
Special
This Mother's Day, celebrate the most important women with Pure Table Top’s new collection, Cherry Special. Featuring Eleanor's unique and iconic hand-illustrated designs, each piece in this collection is crafted with love and creativity, making it the perfect gift to honour and appreciate Mums everywhere.
Pure Table Top
T: 0116 4782928
E: enquiries@puretabletop.com
W: www.puretabletop.com
2: Progressive Professional Mandolin
New from Progressive is a hand-held mandolin with a blade adjustment handle for a seamless change between blades. It provides consistent pressure for slicing, julienne, and waffle cuts. The integrated blades can adjust to four slicing thicknesses of 1mm, 3.5mm, 5.5mm, and 7.5mm, allowing users to create professional, restaurant grade dishes at home, effortlessly.
Eddingtons
T: 01488 686572
E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk
W: www.eddingtons.co.uk
3: RIG-TIG THERM-IT Vacuum
Jug 0.9 l.
RIG-TIG's Therm-it, thermal vacuum jug is the perfect choice for those who want a small and practical solution to keep their tea or coffee warm for hours. With a modern twist on retro design, this thermos flask is both sleek and functional. The high insulation capacity of jug ensures that drinks stay warm, whether users are in the kitchen, living room, or garden. The screw lid makes it easy to take it on the go, making it ideal for outings or busy days. There is a tea filter included.
Eddingtons
T: 01488 686572
E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk
W: www.eddingtons.co.uk
4: Special Edition Scrub Mommy Christmas 3-Pack
Users can wrap their cleaning routine in holiday cheer with the Special Edition Scrub Mommy Winter Shapes 3-Pack. This limitededition set features its festive, winter-inspired sponges in delightful shapes: Tree, Elf, and Snowman. Designed to bring the holiday spirit into every corner of the home, these sponges combine the cheerful aesthetics of the season with the exceptional scrubbing power to be expected from Scrub Daddy. Scrub Daddy
W: www.scrubdaddy.co.uk
5: Make & Take a Cuppa
New
Products
Enjoy your hot or cold drink anywhere you like with this small Brabantia Make & Take Insulated Cup. This thermos travel mug holds up to 200 ml of your favourite drink, keeping it warm for up to three hours (or cold for up to six.) With a smart-click lid to open and close with ease, this little cup is 100% leakproof too. Great as a small seasonal gift, or a practical work assistant this winter.
Brabantia
E: sales.uk@brabantia.com
W: www.brabantia.com/uk
6: Smooth satin taupe
Brabantia is offering another solid shade in its waste bin collection. Its NewIcon Pedal Bins are now available in the Satin Taupe colourway. And this 5L model is the perfect addition to bathrooms – why not prepare for the New Year spike in sales of waste management solutions? Available in 3, 5, 12, 20 and 30L, the bin is roomy with an odourproof soft-closing lid. What’s more, it is C2C certified at Bronze level and comes with a generous 10-year guarantee and service.
Brabantia
E: sales.uk@brabantia.com
W: www.brabantia.com/uk
THE TOP
4 SHELF PORTRAIT
THE SHOP’S CURRENT BESTSELLERS:
“Pans are selling really well at the moment as there’s nowhere else around where customers can buy a really good pan.”
The current bestselling products are:
l Horwood pans
l Scanpan pans
l Judge pans
l Zeal silicone tools
Changing landscape
“I think with the involvement of the internet, you now have to be far more canny,” owner Jill Corfield explains. “I don’t sell on the internet as I think it’s a separate business and I don’t have the warehouse space for stock. The choice for customers is now so huge that you can’t just stock a few lines, you’ve got to have far greater stock to provide the choice.
“You’ve also got to be competitive and I can’t order the same volume as the big grocers. So you have to watch your prices and profit perhaps won’t be as high as it used to be.
“Things have got more competitive, but almost in an unfair way. I worry for the high street shop.
“My stock has also changed over the years from the preconception of a start-up, to what people want. When you start, you think you have what people want, but they then come in and ask for something different. If you get a couple of people asking for the same thing, you know you’ve got to stock it.
“As the years have gone by, we’ve got a far better understanding of what people want.”
Recipe for success
“We provide a nice service to the local people and I’ve got a really good idea now of what people want and I don’t try and compete. I go for quality. All of the team are cooks, we all trial
JILL’S COOKSHOP
Opened in April 2013, Jill’s Cookshop has become part of the fabric of the Hoylake community. Jill’s background is in catering and she is a trained chef, so her advice and knowledge, alongside an impressive product offering have kept customers coming back for years.
Facts and stats
l “It’s not a big shop, I’m not sure of the exact dimensions, but it’s small.”
l “I have too many SKUs to count. I hate to think how many –thousands probably, as so many are individual little ones like cheese wires.”
l “I’ve got a good friend, Sue, who helped me set the shop up and volunteers on a Wednesday with me. And then I’ve got one employee, Anne.”
l “I don’t have the space for many events, but we always do sherry and a mince pie and gingerbread the week before Christmas. I have sweets on the counter for the kids. On our anniversaries, we offer a free gift and a glass of fizz.”
products first, so we all know what we are talking about. Our customers will call us up for help with recipes and I’m always happy to help.”
The best thing
“The friendliness and knowledge of our team is the best thing, along with our wonderful customers.”
ON THE WAY UP
“What sells well is what chefs are using on the TV or what influencers are showcasing, so it varies hugely. Influencers and chefs like James Martin and Mary Berry are a big draw, so anything they use is popular with our customers.”
UPS AND DOWNS
“Teapots aren’t selling like they used to at the moment.”
Recent changes
“I don’t advertise any more except for social media. I found that most people don’t even look at the circulars and the newspapers now.”
Marketing mix
“Social media is the main way we promote ourselves, on Facebook and Instagram. We also find word of mouth promotes our shop. People in our area are very loyal, we’ve still got that village type community.”
Current trade
“Trade is okay. It’s picking up now for Christmas and we’re getting busy, but I don’t think the internet and Black Friday sales that go on for two months help local shops. We keep trying to do something a little bit different to keep people coming in.”
Best customer
“We had someone spend £360 recently and they bought the full range of Robert Welch knives –they had one of each. Those customers are a one-off, but we get more customers like that coming up to Christmas, especially with our gift wrap service.”
Newest supplier
“Taylor Eye Witness. I love their products and I’ve been after them for a while. I had to weigh up whether I could add another supplier, but I’m so glad I did, I’m delighted with the range.”
Inset: The best thing about the shop is the knowledge and friendliness of the team. Below: The shop is now getting busy in the run up to Christmas.
