Progressive Housewares March/April 2016 Issue by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

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March/April 2016

The connected machine

Taking coffee experiences to a whole new level. The new Nespresso machine communicates directly with smartphones or tablets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ultimate in coffee machine connectivity. Available March 2016. For further details, please contact Nespresso on 0800 442 442

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Editor’s comment www.max-publishing.co.uk Experience the delicious taste of mineralised water from your tap water, saving money and the environment. BWT’s unique Magnesium Mineraliser (approved by GHI) mineralises tap water with Magnesium. 70% of adults don’t receive their RDA of this wonder mineral, essential for health, concentration, fighting stress and diabetes. It is also a flavour carrier for optimum taste in water, coffee and tea. In blind tests consumers and experts selected BWT Mg2+, likening the taste to bottled mineral waters. To find out more : www.bwt-filter.com or email : enquiries@bwt.co.uk

PH is delighted to be launching the 17th Excellence in Housewares Awards, which promises to be as colourful, uplifting and exhilarating as ever - not least thanks to our fabulous Bollywood theme. We are looking forward to receiving a plethora of product innovations that have hit the shelves (and flown off) over the past year, as well as nominations for retailers that are raising the bar and being proactive in the challenges that present themselves in today’s competitive market. See www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk If you are a retailer, please do not wait to be nominated, as there are several categories for which you can self-nominate your business. Don’t hold back, don't be modest, and don’t let time pressures stand in your way – help us to recognise and reward today’s most innovative retailers. Email me or pick up the phone to tell me what you have been doing (see below for contact details). I am really looking forward to hearing from you! This issue of PH puts the spotlight on independent retailers, with the findings of the PH/CHA Retail Barometer. Despite the negative influence of lower footfall, nearly half of respondents had a better year in 2015 compared with 2014. Above: PH’s Emma Cain (left) and Jo Howard with Paul Hollywood You can read these fascinating findings in our news story on on Kitchen Craft’s stand at Spring Fair (see news). page 14, and from page 24-27. Below: Lords’ Rita and Rachna Dewan are presented with their gia UK trophy in Chicago by PH’s Jo Howard (see news). Our pages are also brimming with news and products from the recent shows. It has been fantastic to see many buyers enthusing about their discoveries, which I hope will soon be making an impact in stores. PH is also very proud to have been at the Chicago gia (Global Innovation Award) gala to celebrate the success of UK gia winner, Lords, which was awarded the prestigious title of gia honoree, putting UK retail best practises in the worldwide spotlight yet again! (See news and pages 37-39). Lords’ journey to Chicago started with nominations for the Excellence in Housewares Awards last year – another good reason to vote and enter!

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk

CALLING ALL RETAILERS If you are a retailer, please self nominate yourself for The Excellence in Retail Display award by emailing me around six images of your best window and/or in-store displays. You can also enter the Excellence in Retailer Initiative Award by emailing me a summary of a retailer initiative which has helped increase sales or raise your profile over the past year. Thirdly, tell me about your training initiatives or on-going staff training programme for The Excellence in Retail Training Award. Last, but certainly not least, nominate an excellent member of your sales or customer service staff for the Retail Employee of the Year Award. Email me at joh@max-publishing.co.uk or call 01295 811 853. If you have any queries, you can also contact PH’s Emma Cain on 020 7700 6740.

Subscription £50 per year for the UK, £75 for overseas Subscribe online, or email mike@marketingreinforcements.co.uk or call: Marketing Reinforcements on 020 8943 9541 (9am-5pm). 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.

in house Jo Howard Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax Publishing director warren@max-publishing.co.uk Jakki Brown Editor-in-chief jw@max-publishing.co.uk Emma Cain Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk Patrick Wade Advertisement director mediap@aol.com Mark Grayson Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk

In this issue 5-17

News

32-33 What’s cooking for men?

BHETA News

35-36 Product focus: men in the kitchen

CHA News

37-39 International retail focus: gia honorees

20-23 Spring Fair review

40-45 Market focus: Entertaining and parties

24-27 The 2015 Retail Barometer readings

46-49 Market focus: Cookware

50-51 New products

Tamsin Douglass’ From the frontline

29-31 Ambiente Review

Progressive Housewares

Introducing... For more information please go to www.Globalknives.uk

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News

York’s Mulberry Hall closes York’s iconic china and glass store, Mulberry Hall closed in mid March, having traded in the city’s historic Stonegate for 60 years. The store had 17 showrooms over three floors, carrying prestigious brands such as Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, Spode, Royal Copenhagen and Waterford crystal, as well as contemporary ranges fro Cath Kidston and Villeroy & Boch in its Dining Warehouse. Md, Adam Sinclair expressed his sadness at the prospect of closing earlier in the year.

Hello, is it plates you’re looking for? asks Lionel Singer songwriter Lionel Richie has launched his own homeware range in the USA, Lionel Richie Home, including dinnerware and crystal barware. Recognising that homewares design is an unusual career move, Lionel says he was inspired to create his own range after finding the products surrounding him in hotels all around the world lacked charisma. He has confessed that, as a keen home entertainer, his Los Angeles home is a “showroom” for his range.

TOP STORY

A Bollywood blockbuster

Below: Sign of excellence – the trophies.

The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2016 has an exuberant Bollywood theme - the big night of the housewares industry year will take place on Wednesday October 5 at the London Lancaster hotel next to Hyde Park. The event is organised and presented by Progressive Housewares, in conjunction with the CHA. With preparations well underway, the housewares industry is invited to submit entries and nominations for these coveted awards. Downloadable product entry forms can be found at www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk. Suppliers are also asked to vote for retailers that are excelling (via emailed voting forms or via the website). Retailers themselves are invited to self nominate for the Excellence in Retailer Initiative,Training and Display awards, as well as the Employee of the Year award by emailing joh@max-publishing.co.uk (as well as nominate hit products for entry into the awards). PH editor, Jo Howard commented:“Becoming a finalist in the Excellence in Housewares Awards is an achievement to shout about, so make sure you are represented at the judging stages by sending in your top products of the last year, or if you are a retailer, showing us your displays and telling us about your recent initiatives.” She urged suppliers to,“Help us reward the best,” by nominating top retailers. SMART Worldwide has joined the strong line-up of sponsors for the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2016. These currently include: Ambiente, BHETA, bira, bira direct, Brabantia, Camelbak from Burton McCall, CHA, DKB, Exclusively Electrical, Joseph Joseph, KitchenAid, Kitchen Craft, IH+HS, Imperial, Le Creuset, Meyer Group, OXO, Salter, Spring and Autumn Fairs, Tefal, Top Drawer, Vitamix and Wilton. To book your places at the industry’s big night, contact Clare Davies at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk.

Magnificent seven for Portmeirion

Above: World Kitchen UK’s Michael Smith and Daffyd Evans on the Corelle Market Street stand at Chicago’s IH+HS.

On top of the world World Kitchen has a new European Warehouse and UK sales team, Michael Smith and Daffyd Evans, who expounded the virtues of key brand, Corelle at Ambiente and Chicago’s IH+HS. “Corelle is a massively well known brand in the USA and has lots of appeal for UK consumers,” states Daffyd.“It is great for families, thanks to its resilience and scratch and chip resistance, as well as being hygienic and odour resistant.” Daffyd also points out that it is ideal for those with small kitchens “as it stacks better on shelves or in a dishwasher.” In line with the trend for eating outdoors, Corelle “transfers from indoors to outdoors on summer days,” adds Michael, who also highlights the brand’s development of chic new designs, including its Market Street range. The latter is named after the historic Market Street in Corning, New York (where World Kitchen is based) and inspired by the locality, including the natural landscape around the town, its tree-lined streets and historic motifs.

Portmeirion has reported growth for the seventh consecutive year, with revenue increasing by 11.9% to £68.7 million (compared to £61.4 million in 2014). "We are delighted to be reporting another record year," commented nonexecutive chairman Dick Steele. "Our core values of innovation, targeted product development and operational excellence remain unchanged. Trading in the first two months of the current year is ahead of the comparative period in 2015. The outlook for 2016 is positive." Portmeirion’s busy stand at Spring Fair featured senior design technician, John Raftery, a previous engraver for Blue Italian, celebrating Spode’s Blue Diamond 200th anniversary, Wrendale designer, Hannah Dale, and Sophie Conran, celebrating the 10th anniversary of her range. Sophie launched a range of 10 mugs (to mark 10 years), with her personal favourite being the “adorably cute mug with three coloured dots – it makes me smile!” • A video showing how Spode Blue Italian is made in Stoke-on-Trent has gone viral, clocking up well over a 1.1m views in just six days after it went live on the brand’s website in mid March.

Above: A potter on Portmeirion’s stand at Spring Fair demonstrated how Sophie Conran’s first products are hand thrown.

Loving the pressure for succulent meals Pressure cookers were the focus of a recent What to Buy and Why on BBC TV. The programme rated the Tefal Clipso from Groupe SEB as its top choice, and also featured Kuhn Rikon’s innovative Bluetooth model. Groupe SEB’s marketing manager, Stephan Kaczmarczyk reports that pressure cooking has made a “comeback” with the trend for wanting to create succulent meals from “difficult to cook” meats. He adds:“Pressure Cookers promise much more intensity of flavour in not only stews but also everyday dishes such as Bolognese Sauces, ragus and curries. * Kuhn Rikon launched its microwave pressure cooker at Top Drawer and Spring Fair,“opening up pressure cooking to a wider audience,” acknowledges md, Edward Margetts. Last year, Meyer Group introduced the first microware pressure cookers from Prestige. (See Cookware pages 46-49).

Progressive Housewares

Focus on trends and deals for Christmas at this year’s Exclusively shows! With the UK’s largest line-up of top-quality homewares suppliers under one roof, it’s easy to spot new market trends and get your Christmas orders placed. ADDIS HOUSEWARES •

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Run by the industry, for the industry

Exclusively Housewares will run alongside its NEW sister show Exclusively Electrical, designed especially for small domestic appliance buyers

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News Above: Wedgwood has collaborated with Topshop, with prints that are on clothes and tea-ware.

TOP STORY

Lords awarded gia honoree

Introducing tea and t-shirts Afternoon tea and catwalk glamour have come together in a new collaboration between fashion retailer Topshop and iconic china and tableware brand Wedgwood. “The marriage of two such celebrated British brands feels very fitting and the reworked prints perfectly encapsulate our girl for the season,” said Kate Phelan, global creative director at Topshop. Two prints have been created – Cupid, which is inspired by Wedgwood’s Jasperware, and Blackbird, which draws on the Wild Strawberry pattern but with an added ‘rebellious’ twist. The prints are being used on dresses, blouses and high-waisted jeans as well as a limited edition Wedgwood x Topshop Unique Blackbird teacup and saucer.

Lawsons fights for Totnes South west based home retailer, Lawsons is part of the Save Totnes group that is fighting Devon County Council’s aim to reroute traffic from Totnes High Street (where one of Lawsons three stores is situated). Md Liz Lawson made a personal appeal to anyone that loves Totnes to contribute to a crowdfunding appeal to raise the legal costs for the Court of Appeal in London in April to continue to defend the case. Last year the High Court ruled that Devon County Council had been unlawful in implementing the change of traffic direction in Totnes. Local shops are encouraging their customers to back the campaign by offering offers to those donating to crowdfunder. See www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-totnes.

London-based housewares retailer, Lords beat off stiff competition from the rest of the world to win a coveted gia Global Honoree award in Chicago. Lords won one of five top awards for overall retail excellence in the Global Innovation Award (gia) programme. The award is testament to Lords’ recent impressive expansion and re-branding with its six stores in and around London. Lords was put forward for the award by the judging panel of the Excellence in Housewares Awards (run and organised by PH in conjunction with the CHA). The gia announcement was made on March 5 at the gia gala evening at Above: Lords’ Rita and Rachna Dewan receive the gia Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua, coinciding with the honoree trophy from gia expert juror, Scott Kohno. International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS). The gia programme is organised by the International Housewares Association (IHA) – its global sponsors – and Progressive Housewares is the programme’s UK sponsor. Some of Lords’ best practices were highlighted in the gia expert jurors’ presentation on The Top Ten Retail Trends for 2016 at the IH&HS (see story on page 17.) In addition to Lords, the Global Honorees for 2016 are: Illums Bolighus in Denmark, K’OOK! In The Netherlands, Kitchen Shop in Malaysia and Lakehouse Home Store in Canada. The Martin M Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising was awarded to Karaca Home of Turkey, while a new gia award for Digital Commerce went to Cooking - the Kitchen Company of Spain. The gia gala also celebrated all 25 national gia winners (from which Global Honorees are selected by an international jury), as well as product awards from the IH+HS (see Chicago news page 17). Lords’ product director, Rachna Dewan reflected on the “shock” of hearing Lords name announced as the first gia honoree on stage:“Everyone up there was a worthy winner – we were up against amazing retailers, the best of each country.” Meanwhile, Lords’ brand director, Rita Dewan described their experience in Chicago as “overwhelming”. She elaborated:“We have been really well taken care of and experienced a wonderful welcome from the show organisers and gia judges. The exhibition is very impressive and well-organised.” Lords joins the UK’s strong line-up of Global Honorees (presented over the last 8 years): Selfridges, Bentalls, Steamer Trading, Lakeland and John Lewis. The next gia UK winner (and contender for a Global Honoree) will be one of the retailer winners of The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2016. (See gia honoree feature on pages 37-39).

Luxury for the kitchen and table

Coffee by remote

Paul Kempsey (whose previous housewares roles include JWP and Paton Calvert) has launched Luxury Housewares. The company is responsible for the UK sales and marketing of Chroma knives (including FA Porsche Type 301) and innovative Italian Mepra cutlery. Paul says:“the aim of Luxury Housewares is to offer stylish and elegant yet practical Above: Welsh slate plate from Luxury products for the most discerning consumer.” Housewares – the exceptional raw Luxury Housewares is also developing a range material is “500 million years in the making” and has already made inroads in of tableware and kitchenware products with the hospitality trade. Welsh Slate to be launched at Exclusively Housewares in June. Unlike imported slate, Welsh slate, which is quarried at the company’s own site at Penrhyn in North Wales, is “non-absorbent so it doesn’t need to be lacquered and can be used as a plate to dine from,” explains Paul, adding that it is dishwasher, microwave and conventional oven safe.

Nespresso has introduced its first ever smartphone connected coffee machine, designed especially to suit increasingly connected lifestyles. Using Bluetooth Smart technology, the new Prodigio machine enables users to prepare coffee remotely, be alerted when they are running low on their favourite Grands Above: Prodigio from Nespresso from Krups and Magimix. Crus and receive notifications to empty the capsule container or top up the water tank. Meanwhile, De’Longhi has introduced its state-of-the-art PrimaDonna Elite, described as ‘the world’s first fully integrated bean-to-cup coffee machine to offer smart connectivity, allowing you to create, personalise and deliver your perfect coffee straight from your mobile device, wherever you are in the home.’

Progressive Housewares

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News

SPRING FAIR NEWS IN BRIEF l Sophie Conran launched her new Dine

cutlery from Arthur Price, with a pattern inspired by walks on the beach, and the “scallop shells you collect.” She told PH: “It’s modern yet classic.” l Spring Fair’s ‘top trending’ products

(from data from its website searches) included Natural Canvas from Denby and Katie Alice Vintage and M by Mikasa, both from Creative Tops. l Greeting card designers now launching

their work on kitchenware include Julie Steel (with a collection of mugs by Fairmont & Main, launched at Spring Fair) and Olive & Belle (with new bone china mugs and a teapot from Hudson & Middleton). l Showcasing his handmade wood and

metal kitchen tools at Spring Fair, designer, Jon Andrews told PH the inspiration for the shape of his potato masher came from looking at daisy while picnicking with his wife, a chef (who “road tests” all of Jon’s products.) l Spring Fair has launched a new Inside

Retail report with a raft of ideas aimed at helping independent retailers, entitled How to Win New Customers. l Gift of the Year winners (announced at

Spring Fair) included the Microwave Popcorn Maker from Thumbs Up for Kitchen and Dining. l Falcon Products is now official UK

distributors for Spanish company Pulltex (with its wide range of corkscrews and other wine accessories) and Shrewsbury based Sytch Farm Studios, who offer a collection of handmade, unique ceramics and wooden boards. Both were launched at Spring Fair (see Entertaining pages 40-41). l Spring Fair has joined together with The

Guardian to create two master classes on social media and blogging to enable retailers to hone their social media skills. The second class takes place on April 11.

TOP STORY

Spring Fair’s Hollywood debut PH met Paul Hollywood surrounded by a crowd of cookshop fans on the Kitchen Craft stand at Spring Fair. The professional baker and judge of The Great British Bake Off admits that, despite many other approaches from companies, the collaboration with Kitchen Craft was appealing because the design team was “open to suggestions” about ideas that would make home baking more productive. Paul told PH:“I know what pitfalls there are in baking and so I know what people need.” Paul has many personal highlights in his range, including “the dolly for hand-raised pork pies” where his design enables easy release of the pastry, and scales displaying all necessary measurements “so you’re not fumbling on your iPhone to look things up.” Not surprisingly, Paul’s professional Above: Paul Hollywood with the mixing bowl from his new range from Kitchen Craft, on the supplier’s experience inspires many aspects of his range (including the stand at Spring Fair. rolling pin, and scaled down versions of baking trays for flutes, cheese sticks or petit pain). Paul admits to currently having “four of these cooling trays stacked in my kitchen at home,” and enthuses over the aesthetics of the range, stating:“I love the Champagne colour,” as well as the look of his large mixing bowl (which Paul cites as a great gift for both male and female bakers, especially when accompanied by a useful tool, such as his dough cutter). Paul is keen to introduce his baking thermometer to home bakers, as, he reflects:“When people say, “Your cake recipe didn’t work,” it is usually due to the oven temperature.” Describing the process of product development as “quite addictive,” Paul is looking forward to working on more products with Kitchen Craft, stating:“This is just the start!” • Spring Fair ran from February 7 – 11, and coincided with the 40th anniversary of the NEC, Birmingham. For more Spring Fair launches, see features on Cookware (pages 46-47) and Entertaining (pages 40-41) plus PH’s Spring Fair review (pages 20-23), and linked stories.

Made in Britain with humour Young designer, Robert Meredith (pictured) launched Meredith’s range of “quirky” kitchenware at Spring Fair. The collection – which features a horned butter dish and pasta container with ears - appeals to young professionals, says Robert, who is thrilled to be manufacturing his ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent. The wooden base for his ‘Pepper Jack’ mills has been possible to make in the UK thanks to the “last remaining shoe manufacturer in Northampton, which has the machinery to make an eclipse shape.” Robert’s design career has included working with Phillipe Starck (creator of the iconic Alessi Juicy Salif Citrus Juicer): “What I learnt from him is to put your own personality into your designs.”

www.eddingtons.co.uk www .eddingtons.co.uk sales@eddingtons.co.uk

Progressive Housewares

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News

TOP STORY

Circulon’s 30th celebrations Meyer Group celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Circulon brand with retailers from across the retail spectrum and industry colleagues at a reception on its stand at Spring Fair. The Circulon brand is Meyer founder, Stanley Cheng’s proudest achievement, along with Anolon (launched two years later). Stanley reflects that his innovation of hard anodised nonstick soon became the “preferred manufacturing process for high-performance non-stick cookware”. Meyer Group chairman, Paul Wright looks back at Circulon’s introduction to the UK market in 1986: “Prior to Circulon, durable non-stick cookware was a contradiction in terms. We had to change trade and consumers’ perceptions, explain the relevance of hard anodised cookware and persuade both that the premium prices were justified.” The brand’s continued innovation was also showcased at Spring Fair, with the launch of new ranges, Circulon Ultimum and Momentum, The Ultimatum Above: Ulster Stores’ Jane Stewart and Lakeland’s ranges features an edge-to-edge induction Veronica Davidson were among the buyers making a base and Ultra total non-stick, as well as a toast to Circulon at Meyer Group’s Spring Fair reception. flat rivet design (for ease of cleaning) on its Left: Fenwick Newcastle’s Gail Bailey and Leicester’s Helen Shaw with PH’s Jo Howard at the reception. forged high density pieces. The Ultimatum collection also includes bakeware and tools. The year ahead will see increasing social media activity for the brand as well as plans for multi-media advertising. (See Cookware pages 46-47).

‘Star baker’ launches ‘show stoppers’

Above: Hit Products’ Barry Freeder demonstrating the CoachCoaster at Spring Fair. Colours have been developed in conjunction with the design director of sofa specialist, DfS.

Calling all thirsty coach potatoes The launch of CoachCoaster - a drink holder for use while sitting on the sofa – met with an appreciative audience at Spring Fair. Barry Freeder started Hit Products after inventing the novel device. “It drove my girlfriend mad when I sat on the sofa balancing a beer,” Barry told PH. After becoming redundant from a decade in chartered surveying, Barry developed his beer bottle solution, which also holds cans, mugs and baby bottles.

Right:The Great British Bake-Off winner, Nadiya Hussain and Wow! Stuff's Richard North at Spring Fair.

The most recent winner of The Great British Bake Off, Nadiya Hussian attracted baking fans to the Wow! Stuff stand at Spring Fair, where Nadiya signed copies of The Great British Bake Off book. Wow! Stuff was launching its first licensed Great British Bake Off range which includes 'method' mugs, multi-bake timers, personalised bake tins and ceramic baking beans, all with an innovative twist. The range features popular phrases from the show: 'soggy bottom', 'star baker', 'great bake', 'show stopper' and 'on your marks, get set'. "It was wonderful to have Nadiya on our stand to celebrate the launch of Wow! Stuff's Great British Bake Off giftware ranges," enthused ceo Richard North. "On the day, the Twittersphere was alive with so many positive comments about the brand, Nadiya and our range, so we were thrilled to bits!" He added that the company worked closely with Love Productions, creators and owners of The Great British Bake Off, to produce a range that reflects the show’s “warmth and broad appeal.” Talking to PH, Nadiya admitted to a couple of her personal kitchen ‘must haves’, including an ice cream machine: “I'd never used one until Bake Off, and then bought one in a sale. It's quick and easy to use and the ice cream is delicious." She also loves versatile “silicone pads” (for lining baking trays to make biscuits, among other uses).

NEW N EW 30cm 30cm pizza pizza plate plate aavailable vvaila ble nnow ow For more details visit www.pyrexuk.com or call 01564 786 030

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Progressive Housewares

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News

NEWS IN BRIEF l In bira’s quarterly sales monitor, cookshops

and housewares stockists saw a 2.69% decline in the 4th quarter of 2015. Overall, bira members saw an average year-on-year decline of 2.35%. l Grunwerg, as distributor of Global in the UK,

is proudly sponsoring the prestigious culinary competition, the Roux Scholarship for the 32nd year. The winner of the final on April 6 will have the opportunity to work in a Michelin star restaurant anywhere in the world for six months. l The recent Top Drawer included the successful launch of the Food Emporium, addressing the growing interest in artisan food in retailers, including cookshops, with speciality and fine foods from over 50 artisans, producers and brands. Specialist food was also a feature at Ambiente and HOMI shows. l Leekes, the 115 year old family owned home

retailer with headquarters in South Wales, has acquired the Park Furnishers business in Bristol. l Housewares and DIY stockist, Harpers closed after 40 years of trading in Chipping Norton, blaming internet shopping for the slump in its sales in recent years. l The doodle Monet placemat set from UK

company, eatsleepdoodle won the Best New Product Gift category at awards presented by US show, NY NOW. Addressing the popularity of craft brewing, the Stagg Pour-Over Kettle by Fellow received the Best in Market Award. l Danish homewares multiple, Søstrene Green

has opened its first UK store in the Intu Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The store stocks kitchenware, interior furnishings and designer home accessories as well as gifts, stationery and toys. l Autumn Fair has been shortlisted for Best

Trade Show in the Exhibition News Awards. The winners will be announced at London's Park Plaza on April 28. l Sainsbury's had made a formal £1.4bn bid for

Argos owner Home Retail Group by the time PH went to press. Rival bidder, South Africa's Steinhoff International had withdrawn. Sainsbury's chairman David Tyler said: "We will create a multi-product, multi-channel proposition with fast delivery networks that we believe will be very attractive to the customers of both businesses." l Black and white was a strong colour theme

across Milan’s recent HOMI. Housewares revealed more coloured cookware and glassware along with metallics, wood and certain plastics that had been certified as sustainable. "These are starting to be a substitute for glass and ceramics," said show director Christian Preiatan. l In the run-up to Pulse (May 15-17 London

Olympia), the show’s newsletter includes advice on how to spot micro trends. It highlights the trend for ‘Foodie Gadgets’ and picks out a potentially attention-grabbing new product, which is still awaiting patent, stating: ‘the ‘Aromafork’ is around the corner to help you scent your food,’ and adding, ‘Bring on chocolate flavoured carrots, strawberry flavoured broccoli or wasabi ravioli.’

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Steamer buys Divertimenti Steamer Trading Cookshop has acquired historic London cookshop, Divertimenti from AGA Rangemaster. The acquisition is the culmination of talks that started before Christmas (following the acquisition of AGA Rangemaster by US company, Middleby Corp last July). Described by Steamer Trading’s md, Ben Phillips as “an amazing brand,” Divertimenti first opened its doors in 1963, catering for the new generation of food-lovers and home cooks. Its store in Brompton Store, Knightsbridge also houses the highly respected Divertimenti Cookery School. Ben confirms that Steamer Trading will retain the Divertimenti brand (for the shop, school and online business), which resonates with London foodies, and all members of staff have moved across, including buying, Above: Divertimenti’s Brompton Road shop – the business is now part of expanding cookshop chain, web and warehouse teams. Steamer Trading. “The shop is in a great location, and the cookery school opens up amazing opportunities for us,” Ben states, while Divertimenti’s “well set-up warehouse” is another important aspect of the acquisition. The business is “a fantastically good fit with Steamer Trading,” Ben confirms, adding that, with Steamer’s intentions to develop the Divertimenti brand, while retaining its “identity and flavour,” the acquisition is also “good for the industry”. Steamer Trading plans to open a Divertimenti Cookery School in its new Truro store this summer, attracting,“A lot of the same audience as Divertimenti in London,” notes Ben. He elaborates:“Cornwall is a very popular holiday destination for Londoners, and we will offer speciality classes like fish and seafood dishes and knives skills, which will appeal to food-lovers who have a little more time on their hands while holidaying.”

Right: The ActiFry TV ads show how great results can be achieved with very little oil.

Fry time for Easter Tefal is investing in a £1m TV advertising campaign for its ActiFry low-fat fryer range for the ninth successive year. Encouraging consumers to opt for healthier eating options over the prime Easter sales period, the campaign uses a highly visual 20 seconds and 10 seconds mix of advertisements. It showcases the speedy ActiFry Express XL, which can cook over 1.5kg of fresh vegetables. The ads will air from March 24 to April 20 on a wide range of TV channels including ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, Daybreak and ‘Multichannel’, along with digital marketing on Facebook, YouTube and Display. Dominik Pytel, Groupe SEB marketing director describes ActiFry as a sales “phenomenon”, adding that the campaign “provides retailers with an outstanding platform to maximise sales at point-of-purchase.”

Teflon supports flipping good Pancake Day race Teflon once again supported Britain’s oldest pancake race, which took place in Olney in Buckinghamshire on Shrove Tuesday. Some 157 children raced with pancakes in Teflon non-stick pans, cheered on by hundreds of spectators. Lianne Fisher won the Olney ladies’ race in record- breaking time. BBC’s Blue Peter sent a ‘rookey’ entry - presenter Barney Harwood donned a blonde wig and red dress to take part! Teflon UK retail marketing manager Andrew Godfrey said:“ We are delighted to support the continuation of this historic pancake race which brings together residents of all ages in Olney while raising valuable funds for community initiatives.”

Above: Children with Teflon pans ready for the famous Olney pancake race.

Progressive Housewares

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Taking glass action Pyrex launched its new brand manifesto video at Ambiente for the next era of the 100 year-old brand, emphasising the ‘resistant, durable, desirable’ nature of its products, while highlighting the impressive borosilicate glass manufacturing capability in France. The ‘Made in France’ logo is now prominent on packaging, including the brand’s new lidded Cook + Store and Cook + Freeze ranges. * For Ambiente Cookware news (including Pyrex and GreenPan, see Cookware pages 46-47). For Ambiente product review, see pages 29-31. Below: The Leekes’ buying team were among retailers celebrating with LSA at Ambiente along with PH.

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Flying the flag at Ambiente The UK will be Ambiente's partner country in 2017, putting the spotlight on UK companies exhibiting at the show, and celebrating British products and culture. The announcement was made at the recent edition of the international trade fair (12-16 February in Frankfurt), when the last partner country, Italy made a ceremonial handover to UK dignitaries. "The United Kingdom is a nation that stands not only for classic but also for eccentric and individual design," stated Detlef Braun, member of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt. Sir Sebastian Wood, British ambassador to Germany added:“It is an excellent opportunity for British companies and designers to present both their products and the diversity, innovation and uniqueness of British design, and to establish contact with trade experts and business partners.” Meanwhile Ambiente 2016 was the most international exhibition in its history, confirms organisers Messe Frankfurt. Some 79% of exhibitors came from outside Germany – from a total of 96 nations – making the show a global hub for buyers from over 150 countries. The proportion of visitors from outside Germany were at their highest at 55% of the total (up from 53% in 2015). The top ten visitor nations after Germany were Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, UK, China, USA, Switzerland, Turkey and South Korea. Above: (From left to right) British Honorary Consulate-General’s Dr Andreas Fabritius and British Consulate-General’s Susan Speller * Ambiente 2017 will be February 10 to 14. (See other received the Ambiente Partner Country Globe from Messe Frankfurt’s Ambiente stories). Detlef Braun and Italian Consul General’s Maurizio Canfora.

LSA toasts five exceptional materials

Parisian chic at Ambiente

LSA International celebrated its 50th anniversary with a reception at Ambiente, where stockists were among those sipping a cocktail developed exclusively for the company’s landmark year. Containing five ingredients (including Champagne and Polish vodka) and served in LSA’s Celebrate drinkware, the cocktail reflected a ‘five’ theme, as LSA products continue to be inspired by five raw materials: glass, porcelain, leather, wood and enamelled steel. The foundations of LSA date back to the swinging 60s, when Janusz Lubkowski and his wife Ewa approached Terence Conran at Habitat with traditional brightly coloured enamelware from their native Poland. Janusz established the company with co-founder Tony Saunders and introduced other products from Poland, including porcelain clay contemporary tableware, leather bags from small workshops, wooden accessories from cooperatives, and mouthblown glass. When Janusz’s daughter, Monika Lubkowska-Jonas joined the company in 1985, she began designing unique glassware collections, which pushed the boundaries of hand production, and fused modernity with tradition, cementing LSA’s position as a specialist glassware producer, appealing to fashion conscious consumers.

Merison launched the first collection of Elle homewares at Ambiente with two distinctive ranges: Metropolitan Bistro and Parisian Catwalk. The former includes “interchangeable plates that can be mixed and matched – as you would in fashion,” explained Stephen Fletcher, ceo of Merison, while Parisian Catwalk includes tableware for “evening” use. Stephen added: “It’s about being distinctive and elegant.” Right: A Parisian style street café on Merison’s stand at Ambiente showcased the launch of Elle homewares.

Below: Part of the Artisanal Gardening trend gallery at Ambiente, with some Mason Cash products from The Rayware Group.

BergHOFFs’ high five

Trendsetters from The Rayware Group

BergHOFF Worldwide has been awarded the renowned red dot design award for five of its new collections, including the Ron knife series and wooden drawer (winning a Best of the Best, pictured), a portable table BBQ, the Ron cast iron collection, the Leo pizza prep set and the Leo ravioli set as seen on the stand at Ambiente.

Products from The Rayware Group were in each of the Trends 2016 galleries at Ambiente. A Mason Cash tagine, citrus squeezer and measures were shown as part of the Artisanal Gardening trend (as were various wooden boards from T&G). Viners’ Eminence Gold cutlery was part of the Futuristic Couture display, while Viners’ Silhouette black knives illustrated the Functional Simplicity trend. Mason Cash Baker Lane cake tins were part of the Composing Freedom showcase. Ambiente’s Trends installation provides the show’s visitors with inspirational lifestyle settings with themes devised by experts, the bora.herke.palmisano design studio. Other inspiring exhibits at Ambiente included the Kitchen Innovation of the Year consumer awards (with three winners from KitchenAid, including its Spiralizer attachment), The Design Plus award winners and Solutions, which puts the spotlight on ‘clever solutions for everyday kitchen and household problems.’ The latter included Mastrad’s Express Whisk providing a ‘better way to whisk’ with its three possible configurations to adapt to different containers and quantities of liquid.

Progressive Housewares

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Below: The Retail Barometer asked: How has your business fared over the last year?

TOP STORY

Indies grow despite challenges Nearly half of the respondents to PH and the CHA’s Retail Barometer survey had a better year in 2015 than 2014. The expansive survey (see pages 38-41) asked independent cookshops and housewares stockists for their insights into business success, trading conditions, perceived threats, promotional and community activities, costs, sourcing and ‘must have’ ranges, as well as the ‘hero’ product of the past year for indies. The number of indies saying that they experienced a better year of trading in 2015 (over the previous year) is the highest percentage since 2010 and this positive news is compounded by reports by the majority of a “slightly higher” average spend. However, despite these brighter figures, when indies were asked to give just the ‘one word’ to sum up the housewares industry, the majority (63%) have negative connotations, reflecting the tough conditions for independent retailers. The most used word was ‘challenging’ (with ‘difficult’, ‘saturated’, ‘fragmented’ and ‘sad’ among those words coined). New housewares products were cited as having had the main Was 2015 Better than 2014? positive influence on indies’ businesses in 2015, cited by a third of independent cookshops and housewares stockists in the Retail Barometer. Same 21.7% Four factors were the joint second most positive influence: TV cooking programmes, new customers, online/website and promotional activity. In keeping with independents’ determination to provide good service and product Worse 29.7% knowledge, the next positive influence on the list was ‘staff’ (mentioned by 21.2%). Lower footfall was highlighted as the main factor that had a detrimental effect on independent cookshop and Better 48.6% housewares retailers in 2015 – mentioned by over half (52.8%) of the Retail Barometer respondents. One indie added a footnote stating that footfall for the business was down by 11% in 2015. Competitive websites were the next on the list of negative influences on their business last year, followed jointly by the expansion of housewares products in supermarkets and parking issues (see table). Just over half of respondents anticipate ‘marginal growth’ in 2016. However, looking ahead into the not too distant future, some 40% of cookshops and housewares retailers are positive about the future of independents in the next three to five years, while 30% regard the future as “weak” and the remainder are undecided (“neutral’). For further findings see pages 38-41.

PEOPLE l Sumen Rannie has been appointed as

commercial director of SodaStream UK (a newly created position as part of the global restructure), reporting to the president of SodaStream Europe, Henner Rinsche. Sumen joined last April (after nine years with Spearmark) and rapidly progressed into the role of head of sales. Sumen takes responsibility of the UK market at an exciting time for the business, spearheading a new TV campaign, which sees the brand return to UK screens for the first time in four years, backed by a £2m media spend, as well as supported by PR and digital activity. l Kevin Towler (pictured) has joined the Charles Viancin sales team, covering London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Peter Battersby, who heads up Charles Viancin in the UK, describes Kevin’s reputation and previous experience as “very impressive”.

The Rainy Day Trust celebrates 173 years The industry charity that supports employees and former employees of the housewares, home enhancements and improvements industry, The Rainy Day Trust (RDT) celebrated its 173rd anniversary on March 24 . Founded in 1843 by Henry Lowman Taylor at a Public Meeting held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, for the purpose of granting permanent pensions, the Charity was then known as the Iron, Hardware & Metals Trades’ Pension Society. The first ‘pensioners’ were admitted in September 1846, beginning the charity's proud history of unbiased help for those in need. The Charity was honoured in 1893 by the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) at London’s Guildhall (pictured), where it was announced that Queen Victoria had commanded the Charity be designated a “Royal” charity – the name was subsequently changed to The Royal Metal Trades’ Benevolent Society. RDT ceo, Bryan Clover comments: "We are pleased to be able to offer modern support built on a foundation of traditional values.” He continues: "We have embarked on a programme of growth and the delivery of new services, including legal advice and telephone based counselling. If readers know of anyone who may need our support, please ask them to contact us.”

Vitamix launches blend challenge

Home growth at John Lewis

High performance blender specialist, Vitamix has introduced a new standard test protocol for high-performance blending that measures the smoothness and homogenisation of its blends. The company worked with a third-party organisation to develop The Blend Quality Index (BQI) - a test that consists of blending dry black beans with water for one minute. “Just knowing a blender’s wattage is not enough,” states Martin Devaney, sales manager for Vitamix UK.” * On its stands at Ambiente and Chicago’s IH+HS, Vitamix showcased vintage models from the company’s 95 year history. These included a 1939 fruit smoothie maker (with striking similarities to modern personal blenders!)

Sales in Home at John Lewis were up by 4.1% for the 52 weeks ending January 30. In his commentary, Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of John Lewis Partnership, stated: “Our in-house collections including the House and Croft ranges complement the best of design from the industry.” Overall, the Partnership reported a 10.9% decline in full-year pre-tax profits to £305.5m, “entirely due to higher pension charges arising from volatility in the marketdriven assumptions, and lower property profits,” stated Sir Charlie who also reflected: “The Partnership has delivered a healthy trading performance and increased market shares in challenging conditions.” 2016 will see store openings in Leeds and Chelmsford, as well as two major distribution centres in Milton Keynes.

Progressive Housewares

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Left: Maarten Dekker, vice president and general manager of Coravin Europe demonstrating the Coravin model 2 (which “has a lifestyle look and is more intuitive to use”) at Spring Fair.

TOP STORY

Business rates slashed Cookshops are among those rejoicing at the Chancellor’s Budget

Savouring wine each glass at a time Coravin launched its newest innovative wine preserving tool at Spring Fair, which replaces wine poured via the device with a formula of inert argon gas, while the wine bottle’s cork naturally re-seals. The inventor of the “revolutionary” gadget, Greg Lambrecht developed the gadget when his wife was pregnant and yet he wanted to enjoy a single glass of wine. With a background in medical inventions, Greg used his knowledge of medical needles when looking at ways of accessing wine without pulling out the cork. (See Entertaining pages 40-41).

announcement that he had raised the threshold for small business rate relief from £6,000 to £12,000. The long running campaign to see business rates reformed means that over 600,000 small businesses will pay no business rates at all from next April. Arguably the biggest tax cut of the Budget, it represents an average saving of £6,000 a year. The threshold at which companies pay higher business rates has risen from £18,000 - £51,000 benefitting some 250,000 businesses who will now come out of the higher rate. George Osborne also confirmed that revaluations will now be more frequent - every three years - and that, for larger businesses, he will be linking the business rates multiplier from the Retail Price Index (RPI) to the lower Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2020. Above: Chancellor George Osborne. The Chancellor told the House of Commons that the business rates reform represented, "a £7bn tax cut for our nation of shopkeepers . . . a tax system that says to the world we are open for business." Alan Hawkins, ceo of bira (the CHA’s parent organisation) commented: "The government has listened to businesses and in particular to the High Street shops whose business rates pain first alerted everyone to the damaging effects of this outdated tax. These changes go a long way to alleviating that pain in the longer term and bira welcomes that." He added: "The world of retail is still changing at a breakneck pace, so we believe that we must look beyond 2020 and create a tax system fit for the next decade - and further. That task of achieving truly fundamental reform remains - and bira is keen to engage in the process of achieving real change for the future."

Minister proposes coffee cup tax Environment minister, Rory Stewart raised the problem of disposable coffee cups in the House of Commons on March 17, proposing a new taxation to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable cups to takeaway coffee shops. “Having tackled plastic bags with a tax that I hope everybody in the House would agree has been a success, coffee cups seem Above: A tax on disposable coffee cups would encourage consumers a very good thing to look at to use reusable cups, such as the next,” said the minister. He Ultimate Products’ fashion highlighted that “tens of millions” conscious collection of Cambridge of cups are “being produced and Sippy Mugs. thrown away.” Moreover, vast numbers of cups made from a combination of paper and plastic are hard to recycle. Ultimate Products is among the housewares suppliers that offer environmentally friendly solutions, with its biodegradable, reusable Cambridge Bamboo Sippy Mugs.

Plastic’s fantastic for Stewart Stewart celebrated over 70 years of manufacturing as well as recent expansion with members of the press on March 16. The plastics manufacturer’s products include Refine, Essentials and Seal Fresh food and drink storage collections. Established by WWII Spitfire pilot Charles Dugan-Chapman, Stewart moved to a purpose designed 178,000 sq ft facility in Banbury three years ago (following a £17 million investor buyout in 2012, supported by ECI Partners.) The increased manufacturing capacity helped Stewart grow by 25% in its last financial year.

CLASSIC GROWLERS High performing double-wall vacuum insulation, Klean Kanteen Growlers, keep ﬁzz or cold-brew coffee at its original, tap-fresh temperature for hours on end. Klean Kanteen’s stainless steel Growlers are a stylish and reusable way to grab beer to go from the local micro-brewery. Beautifully designed and built to last, Klean Kanteen Growlers will make owners the envy of beer geeks and hipsters everywhere.

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I n t ro d u c i n g t h e a wa rd - w i n n i n g ro n k n i fe s e r i e s a n d m a g n e t i c d ra w e r o rga n i s e rs f ro m B e rg H O F F.

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CHICAGO NEWS IN BRIEF l Alessi’s Pulcina stovetop coffee maker and

Prepara’s Adjustable Oil Pourer (from PHA Kitchessentials in the UK) were among the IHA Global Innovation Award winners, presented at the gia gala evening on March 5. l An artist painted a striking canvas as a backdrop to the Corkcicle stand in the Discover Design area during the IH+HS. The painting will raise funds for fresh water in Haiti. Corkcicle (distributed by Root 7 in the UK) launched its “pitcher size” canteen at the show. l Meanwhile, Bobs Your Uncle launched kitchen textiles with road sign graphics, a spin off from its popular photographic range of road signs on melamine tableware (distributed by Cubic in the UK). “We’ve been on two road trips around the US and Martin loved photographing signs from diners and old motels,” says ex-pat Michele Yeeles (pictured with design director, Martin Yeeles). l Trudeau launched a new sub brand, Trudeau Maison, which fuses good design with affordability and offers opportunities for cross merchandising across categories, along with various new display options. l Thermos showcased its Smart Lid drinks bottle, with a downloadable app that provides hydration aims for the day and tracks the users’ water intake.

Embracing both nature and technology 2017 Naomi Shedden from UK-based trend analysts Trend Bible talked about Home and Interior Trends for Spring Summer 2017 during the IH+HS. She highlighted trend drivers, including that fact that food scandals and campaigns on ‘hidden’ salts and sugars are leading to a deep mistrust of the food supply chain, meaning consumers increasingly want to make food ‘from scratch’. Consumers are also feeling overwhelmed by the amount of physical (and digital) ‘stuff’ in their lives, resulting in a trend for ‘buying better.’ Two of the themes Naomi highlighted were “Tribal Gathering” and “Activate”. The latter acknowledges the rise of the “smart home”, with everyday objects becoming intelligent, while an increasingly key driver is health and wellbeing. There will be a desire for ‘athletic’ shapes and materials in the home, says Naomi. “Tribal Gathering” reflects consumers’ desires to get closer to our ‘natural’ state in reaction to the complexities of modern life, with designers looking at ancient traditions, and natural, earthy materials.

TOP STORY

Chicago’s future forecasts Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS March 5-8) delivered a plethora of insights into trends and developments influencing housewares design and retailing. Keynote speakers included the ever-popular Lee Eiseman of the Pantone Colour Institute on colours, while the Retail Trends presentation by the gia (Global Innovation Award) expert jurors included examples of UK gia honoree winner, Lords’ display (such as its light Above: Shades from the Forest bulb bay) and best practises. Bathing palette (as displayed Shades of green and green/blue is a with products from the IH+HS the Pantone exhibit) will colour palette forecasted by Lee for inhave a relaxing and restorative 2017 for the home, inspired by the effect on consumers, says Japanese stress-reducing practise of Pantone’s Lee Eiseman. ‘Forest Bathing.’ Black and white graphics continue to be strong, sometimes with the introduction of another colour, while the trend for “power clashing” or “unexpected colour combinations” is growing.“Rescue” has become the new buzzword, replacing recycling,” notes Lee – hence “retro is not going away” and ‘faded demin’ is a trend colour influenced by the “repurposing movement”. Lee highlighted the trend for “artisan, handcrafted and rough hewn surfaces”, while “black and charcoal” are making a “major comeback” (including cookware) and metallic finishes are strong (for example, iridescent cutlery). She commented: ”All types of household objects are being turned into objet d’art,” and also discussed the psychological effects of colours, including the colours of the year 2016, warm Rose Quartz and peaceful Serenity (blue). * “The future is about convenience and anything that saves consumers time,” stated Tom Mirabile of Lifetime Brands in his overview of consumers’ core values and expectations. He elaborated:“This can be as high-tech as a robotic cleaning device or as low-tech as a food prep kit that is delivered to your door.” He also highlighted health driven trends for home distilling, bread-making (and ancient grains), home butchery and homemade snacks. * Recordings of IH+HS presentations are at Above: View of the http://www.housewares.org/education/presentations-webinars. IH+HS, with its new SMart theme branding. * The 2017 IH+HS is March 18-21. See www.housewares.org.

Nordic Ware shines for 70th Nordic Ware celebrated its 70th anniversary with a drinks reception (along with temporary bundt tattoos) on its stand at Chicago’s IH+HS. The Minnesota-based family owned manufacturing business was founded in a basement by the parents of current president and ceo, David Dalquist. The company gained a reputation for aluminium pans as post war Scandinavian immigrants sought ebelskiver pans. Above: Nordic Ware’s David, Martha and Jennifer Dalquist with anniversary bundt pans on the stand at Chicago’s IH+HS. Bundt pans received a boost in the mid 60s when home baker, Ella Helfrich came second in the Pillsbury Bake Off (a national competition run by the baked food brand) for her Tunnel of Fudge Cake (which needed a Nordic Ware bundt pan). Nordic Ware is marking its 70th year with three exclusive gold bundt pans: the Anniversary Crown Bundt, Anniversary Quartet and Geo Bundlette. Earlier this year, the governor of Minnesota declared a “Nordic Ware Day” of celebration, in honour of the company’s commitment to local manufacturing. Bundt fans are being encouraged to take part in social media competitions for the special year. Nordic Ware UK’s Pauline Findlay notes the growing popularity of sharing bundt cake imagery via social media. She describes fans of Nordic Ware in the UK as “a very loyal community that is growing.”

Progressive Housewares

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Wilko in latest Meet The Buyer day Talking ‘credit’ reaps returns BHETA held its Credit Forum on March 9, updating members on all current credit and risk management issues in the retail sector. Aimed at credit and finance professionals, the event was cohosted by Reynolds Trade Credit and Experian. BHETA members who have not previously been to a Credit Forum are invited free of charge, while a full Credit Forum membership costs £350 per annum for the three sessions. Commenting on the event, homewares sector director, Will Jones said, “Being a member of the Credit Forum brings many benefits, not least the latest information but also mutual support and shared experiences. As with all BHETA events, the networking opportunity always proves valuable as well.” Hilary Dale of Brita Water Filter Systems added, “Going to the BHETA Credit Control Forum can be a huge help. Very often you have the same customers as other members who can help with any issues you have including getting the best contact details. Equally, you might be considering whether to offer particular terms to a customer and someone else in the forum may have more information that will guide your decision.”

Wilko is the latest retailer to participate in BHETA’s successful Meet The Buyer series. The event took place on March 22 (as PH went to press) at the Clumber Park Hotel, near Worksop. Wilko was interested in proposals for innovative core range listings for Spring/Summer 2017 from existing or new suppliers of all sizes, as well as immediate promotional opportunities that offer outstanding value to the consumer. Nine of Wilko senior and assistant buyers (including Inset: A Wilko store opening. kitchen, electrical appliances and housewares categories) attended the day, which attracted a huge level of interest. Some 59 suppliers (from the housewares and DIY sectors) took part, with nearly 100 timetabled 20minute appointments. Meanwhile, the recent Meet The Buyer days with Home Hardware and B&Q respectively were proclaimed a great success by all parties. Home Hardware is the largest voluntary organisation of its kind in the UK for independently owned housewares, hardware and DIY stores, with 450 members and national distribution from its two distribution centres at Barnstaple and Bedford. Home Hardware’s six-strong buying team, headed by head buyer, Jim Chadwick, formerly of The Range, met with 39 different suppliers, covering all categories including housewares and SDAs. Jim reflected: “MTB offers us a unique opportunity to meet lots of suppliers in one day and as a result, they are ideal for sourcing new products for our seasonal mailers, cookshop promotions and Summer Living catalogue.” Mark Newbold, md of Metaltex commented: “We have dealt with Home Hardware for years but it is interesting to see them looking at the whole category now that Jim has joined the business. It is good to be involved at the start of the changes.” James Grey of Hotplate Products concurred: “MTB gives me an insight into a retail company and whether we are right for each other. Even though 20 minutes is a very short time, it is very useful to meet the category buyers face-to-face and understand their business.” Housewares were among the new product areas looked at by B&Q in its first Meet The Byer Day with BHETA. The retailer was keen to address gaps in its current offering as well as source products that sell well in other hardware retailers around the world. Following the successful event B&Q’s category director, David Lennon said: “We hope to repeat the day several times per year.” Companies interested in taking part in future MTB events should contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130 or wj@bheta.co.uk.

Right: Some products from IC Innovations – one of BHETA’s new housewares members.

Retailers in profile In a new service linked to the successful Meet The Buyer days, BHETA is making detailed profiles of leading multiple retailers available to members. The first of these are documents about B&Q and Wilko. The retailer profiles include statistics, contacts and information about strategy and trading (produced for BHETA by Steve Collinge of Insight DIY). In future, new profile documents will be supplied automatically to Meet The Buyer attendees and then made available to members in general. BHETA director, Paul Grinsell explained, “We have always provided information and presentation templates for our members to enable them to get the best out of the Meet The Buyer programme. It seemed logical to formalise this into an accompanying series of documents that cover all the knowledge that is essential for suppliers seeking strategic alignment with their target retail partners.” For a copy of the trade profiles, BHETA members should contact BHETA member services on 0121 237 1130 or email wj@bheta.co.uk, or nab@bheta.co.uk .

Progressive Housewares

New members sign up IC Innovations is among BHETA’s new members. The Sheffieldbased company designs, sources and imports seasonal products, design-led gifts and housewares including woods, ceramics, porcelain and slate. Also new to the association, CIE Europe designs and manufactures household storage products, while Ryland, Peters & Small is a publisher of attractive, informative books in niche areas including food and drink. BHETA’s home enhancement sector director, Will Jones commented, “It’s clear that recent BHETA events focusing on retail engagement and networking are attracting companies and brands to join BHETA at an exciting rate."

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Changing role This is a farewell column from me as I have decided to step down as CHA Chair. I have formally taken on the position of Third Vice President of the CHA’s parent organisation, the British Independent Retailers Association (bira). As such, my time is going to be devoted to supporting the aims of bira as a whole. I sold my high street cookshop last year, retaining the online and warehouse element of the business and as the Marvellous Group continues to evolve, my business is now more grocery and beauty than cookshop and housewares. I therefore feel that the CHA should be represented by someone at the core of the CHA’s home and gift market. Above: Joan pictured with The CHA is about to embark on a new era, to meet the needs of this vice chair, Christine Lynn Thomas of Kooks ever changing and diversifying market. This is a great time to get Unlimited at last year’s involved with your trade association and put your ideas forward. Excellence in Housewares Product Judging Day. Member input is crucial, so if I leave CHA members with one last thought it is that if you have an opinion on supermarkets selling cookware, if you have an opinion on suppliers selling direct to consumers or if you want to have engaging debates on our industry with visits to exemplary retailers and suppliers then now is the time to get involved. Get in contact with Kate Godber (0121 446 6688) and sign up to the new CHA Action Group and have your say. I have enjoyed my time as chair of the CHA, but it is the right time for me to hand over the reins, in the short term to my vice chair Chris Lynn Thomas of Kooks Unlimited in Richmond. I look forward to seeing you at bira’s High Street Conference on 11 May.

Joan Woulfe, retiring CHA chair Shadow business secretary joins bira conference speakers With the escalating debate on Europe, bira welcomes former shadow business secretary (2011-2015) Chuka Umunna to this year’s High Street Conference (May 11, Chateau Impney in Worcestershire). Chuka will discuss how any potential changes to Britain’s relationship with Europe will influence independent retailers. The strong line-up of speakers that will look at the future of retail also includes Greg Williams from Wired magazine, Shanker Patel, ceo of Lords Above: Delegates at last year's Group of Companies, which includes gia bira High Street Conference. honoree winning retailer, Lords (see news and pages 37-39) and Jane Means, author, presenter and customer service expert. Meanwhile, Claire Harper, owner of independent childrenswear retailer IndiaCoco (and former Mamas & Papas marketing director) will focus on how digital technology can work with, rather than against, bricks and mortar businesses. Besides the opportunity of networking with retailers and suppliers, conference delegates can talk about potential savings and business benefits with bira’s service partners (including bira direct, HSBC, bira legal, bira insurance, bira pensions, Global Payments, bira bank and Spiral Utilities). Vin Vara from hardware and housewares stockists, Tool Shop, London and bira’s incoming national president for 2016-2017 states:“The speaker programme is just one part of what will be a day full of inspiring and valuable experiences for retailers. We know that time is short so retailers will want to make the most of their time out of the shop, that is why we are providing a truly stimulating day that will leave retailers feeling excited for the future.” He adds:“I personally really value the time to speak with other retailers and the service partners on the day. With a few short conversations we are able to save ourselves time and money and ensure we are making the most of our bira membership.” After the conference itself, bira will host its British Independent Retail Awards 2016 (see linked story). Visit www.thehighstreetconference.co.uk for more information.

Above: The CHA knives sales information pack.

Know the knives law With Home Office minister Nicola Blackwood, MP for Abingdon bringing knife sales back to the headlines, the CHA is urging members to know their legal requirements. Test purchasing continues and of the hundreds of shops that have been targeted in London, 81% kept knives in sight of the till and only 6% kept them in cabinets. The CHA has been central to controlling access to blades and CHA members have the advantage of a free information pack designed in partnership with the Home Office. The pack summarises the responsibilities of retailers, including age-related procedures for selling knives, and also includes point of sale templates. CHA members can receive their free pack by contacting the CHA on 0121 446 6688.

Fresh focus on customer care A bira one-day training course on Customer Care on May 17 provides ways to invigorate independent retailers’ focus on service. The course is built around ACE - the Active Customer Engagement model. To find out more, see www.bira.co.uk/training/retail-training or contact Neil Moss on 0121 446 6688.

Local heroes and top teams Retailers can now nominate themselves for bira’s Independent Retail Business of the Year 2016, Independent Retail Employee of the Year and a new Team of the Year award to celebrate the hard working teams that pull together to run a successful retail business. Meanwhile, charity awards, Local Hero 2016 and Charitable Champion 2016 continue to recognise retailers that dedicate time and support to their communities and charities. Sarah Golden, marketing and membership director at bira reflects that the awards (presented on May 11 – see conference news) “are a great way to raise the profile of businesses.” To enter the bira British Independent Retail Awards see www.bira.co.uk/awards.

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20-21_23_Spring Fair Review_Spring Fair pages 26-33 24/03/2016 09:51 Page 20

This great value nine-piece Combo Set from Russell Hobbs is the perfect starter set for a new home, or simply to refresh your essential cookware. The set features three high-quality aluminum 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans, with a non-stick coating and glass lids with steam vents to give optimum cooking results. A heatresistant glossy black outer gives the pans a contemporary look. The three handy nylon utensils with soft-touch handles have multiple uses, while the three sturdy stainless steel kitchen knives will cater for all your food preparation needs. Russell Hobbs Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: homewares.russellhobbs.com

Pictured is the New Kuhn Rikon Montreux Cookware with a Superthermic© energy saving sandwich base design - the waved profile of the base ensures optimal heat distribution with a high stability. When heated, the material expands so the middle of the base remains on the heat source. Heat is transferred quickly and evenly to cook food. Suitable for all hob types including induction. The new Montreux range includes stockpots, casserole pots, a sauté pan and saucepans in various sizes. Kuhn Rikon Tel: 01902 458410 Web: www.kuhnrikon.co.uk

T&G’s exciting new products and range extensions were well received at the show. Sophie Conran teamed up with T&G Woodware to create a beautiful and fresh new range of wooden boards and kitchen accessories. The new range reflects Sophie’s love of cooking, entertaining and all things beautiful and the items come beautifully gift boxed, perfect for presents! T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

With two new partnership agreements put in place just before Spring Fair, the Falcon Products stand was brimming with new products and innovation. The Pulltex brand was unveiled with an impressive presentation of corkscrews and wine accessories for both professional connoisseurs and regular wine lovers. Falcon’s other new brand, Sytch Farm Studios (pictured), offers a collection of unique, hand-made ceramics and wooden boards comprising the likes of tapas sets, dipping sets, serving bowls and more. All pieces are designed and made entirely in the UK using clay from St. Agnes, Cornwall and wood from Shropshire. Falcon Products Tel: 01706 224790 E-mail: sales@falconproducts.co.uk

With the Olympics coming to Brazil in 2016 and the appetite for all things tropical, Navigate has launched its colourful Summerhouse™ ‘Ipanema’ range featuring an eclectic selection of alfresco dining accessories. Dip-dyed bamboo, wood and bright modern acrylics give the collection its signature look across drinkware, salad bowls, dinner plates and dessert bowls. Ipanema also coordinates perfectly with other pieces in the company’s wide range of picnic and outdoor living products. Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 Email: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.co.uk

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Make fresh vegetable spaghetti or wide pasta ribbons with the flip of a switch. Launched at Spring Fair 2016, the compact Progressive Veggie Pasta Maker from Eddingtons provides a healthy way to encourage kids to eat vegetables, whilst having fun prepping in the kitchen - great for using with courgettes, carrots and cucumbers to create a healthy alternative to pasta. There are no complicated blades or attachments to change; it’s easy to use and even easier to clean as it can be simply opened up and placed in the dishwasher. Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Exuding an inherent earthy elegance, Elements was one of the many highlights on the Fairmont & Main stand. This attractive range comprises dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, mugs and low mugs and features an unglazed band, which contrasts beautifully with the earthy colours in the collection. Bone – a creamy off-white, Sky - a subtle blue hue and Neo - a striking black, sit beautifully together and lend themselves to mixing and matching to give a striking tabletop option in any setting. The collection is dishwasher and microwave safe. Fairmont & Main Tel: 01924 848300 E-mail: sales@fairmont.co.uk

A timeless and endearing design delicately details the Mayfair handles, making a beautiful addition to the range. Created with perfect weight and balance that feels comfortable in your hand. Polished to a high mirror finish standard, 18.10 is the finest quality stainless steel containing lustrous properties that are hard wearing, rust resistant and dishwasher safe. This luxury 16-piece set includes four table forks, four table knives, four dessert spoons and four teaspoons. Rayware Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.viners.co.uk

Tradestock’s fresh new-look stand featured exciting new collections and range extensions across tabletop, kitchen & dining, accessories and giftware. One of the key focal points was a range of new textured placemats, which were impressively displayed on their own new merchandising unit. These durable, water and stain resistant teslin mats come in a spectrum of stylish on-trend shades with subtle patterns, and, along with a new range or round woven placemats add an enhanced facet to the company’s vast table dressing collection. Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

The new Russell Hobbs 40L Square Sensor Bins are a necessity for any home. The sensors make waste disposal even more hygienic, simply wave your hand over the sensor and the lid automatically opens with no need for contact! It makes scraping your plates cleaner and simpler and emptying the bag is hassle-free with its easy to remove lid. Available in three colours: black, white and red – this is a stylish addition to any kitchen. Russell Hobbs Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: homewares.russellhobbs.com

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Outdoor Excellence New Spring, Summer and Children’s Collections • • • • • •

Look and feel of ceramic Bold on trend graphics Durable lightweight melamine Resists breakage and scratching 100% BPA Free Dishwasher safe

sales@Eddingtons.co.uk 01488 686 572 www.eddingtons.co.uk

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Add an Italian touch to your Saturday nights with the New Eddingtons Retro Pizza Scooter Cutter. The rotating stainless steel, non-stick wheels will cut through any loaded pizza, giving you bite-sized slices. Complete with handy kick-stand the retro pizza cutter is not only functional but can also add a bit of fun to any kitchen worktop. The Pizza Scooter cutter is available in a six-piece display unit, which contains two red, green and blue scooters. Alternatively the red can be purchased in single pieces. Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

A pioneer of applying photo-etching technology to graters, Microplane will continue to revolutionise the food preparation category with innovative new products at Spring Fair. Launches include the 5-in-1 Elite Box Grater, Garlic Cutter – engineered to transform garlic cloves. 2-in-1 Herb Mill – cuts fresh herbs with efficiency and precision - and Rotary Grater, featuring a unique conical design for easy grating. Microplne Tel: Ross Harper on 01204 778594 E-mail: rharper@microplaneintl.com Web: www.microplaneintl.com Prepare fantastically full toasties packed with extra tasty fillings using this deep fill sandwich toaster, Salter’s deepest yet. Extra large cooking plates allow for deeper filled sandwiches and large slices of bread. The non-stick cooking plates release the toasted sandwiches without tearing, making cleaning easy with no scrubbing. It is a conveniently sized 28.5 x 15.2 cm, and easy to use with power on and ready indicator lights with automatic temperature control. With 900W power, you can make two toasties in just four minutes – perfect for a quick lunch or a fast snack whenever you need one. Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com The new shape Kilner Universal Jars have a curved and graceful silhouette and have been created to provide for a wide variety of uses. The beautiful design is not only perfect for the kitchen and dry food storage, but will also provide an attractive and functional solution for soaps or cotton wool in the bathroom, or trinkets in the bedroom. Rayware Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.kilnerjar.co.uk

The Typhoon Hudson range is made seamlessly from one piece of high quality coated steel making the storage strong, robust and hardwearing. The compact, stackable design of the storage takes up less space on the countertop, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. The Hudson bread bin is made from high quality, hardwearing colour coated steel body making it strong, robust and hardwearing. It features a reversible beech wood lid, which can be used as a chopping board, grooved to catch crumbs. Rayware Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.typhoonhousewares.co.uk

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The independent picture Independent cookshops and housewares retailers have entered 2016 in reasonably optimistic mood, according to the findings of the CHA and PH’s Retail Barometer. Almost three quarters of the respondents had either seen their business grow in 2015 or remain on a par with the previous year – the most positive feedback for many years. However, the market remains unequivocally “challenging” and over half of indies pinpoint a drop in high street footfall as the most negative influence on business. PH explores the findings of the 11th Retail Barometer survey of independents, including threats to their business, their ultimate wish list and the revelation of ‘must stock’ ranges.

The Retail Barometer readings Looking back and looking up With a new timing and some fresh new questions, the CHA and PH sent out its 11th Retail Barometer survey to all of bira’s cookshop and housewares members in February to gain a picture of the full year in independent retailing in 2015. Encouragingly, the number of respondents that had a “better” year is the highest (at 48.6%) since 2010. Since 2011, the majority of Retail Barometer respondents have fared “worse” when comparing their business year to the previous one. 2015 is a break from this downward trend: some 29.7% did admit that business was worse last year, but the findings of the 2014 Retail Barometer were less rosy reading when 40.6% of respondents said their sales had declined. (See data from the past six years). For those respondents that gave figures, their average increase was 8.78% in 2015 over 2014. Incidentally, the 48.6% of independent cookshops and housewares stockists that experienced a better year in 2015 is similar to the predictions given at the end of 2014, when 47% of Retail Barometer respondents for that year’s survey predicted that they would experience growth in 2015. Hence positive expectations were met!

Bottom left: Average spend increased for half of respondents (albeit ‘slightly’ for the majority of these.) Below right: TV cookery programmes were a positive influence on business according to 27% of respondents. Image used is BBC TV’s Saturday Kitchen with James Martin.

Growing gains There is also positive news PH asked cookshop and housewares about the average ‘spend’ retailers for their expectations for per customer, with 50% of their business in 2016 respondents claiming that this had increased (albeit Marginal growth 52.5% ‘slightly’ for the large About the same 20% majority) from 2014 (see pie Slight decline 15% chart for 2015, and comparative table for a Major decline 2.5% review of three years). Significant growth 10% Looking back over the last eight years of data, these are the most positive figures for average ‘spend’, and are a reverse of the worst year, ie 2012 when 50% experienced a decline and only 15.6% an increase. (See further findings in News page 14.)

How has your business fared over the last year? PH looks back at the last six years of Retail Barometer data:

2015 vs 2014 Better 48.6%% Same 21.7%% Worse 29.7%%

2014 vs 2013 Better 34.4% Same 25.0% Worse 40.6%

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2013 vs 2012 Better 42.9% Same 17.1% Worse 40.0%

2012 vs 2011 Better 15.6% Same 15.6% Worse 68.8%

2011 vs 2010 Better 35.0% Same 27.5% Worse 37.5%

2010 vs 2009 Better 51.9% Same 26.9% Worse 21.2%

24-27 Retail Barometer 2016.e$S_Grid 29/03/2016 12:50 Page 2

The independent picture

The negative influences

What main factor had a detrimental effect on your business in 2015?

Lower footfall

52.8%

Competitive websites

41.7%

Expansion of housewares in supermarkets

36.1%

Parking issues

36.1%

Competition from multiples

19.4%

Expansion of discount/deep value retailers

19.4%

The UK economy

13.9%

National Minimum Wage/Living Wage

3.9%

Business Rates

8.3%

Rent Review

5.6%

Reviewing three years of average ‘spend’ 2015 vs 2014 Increased 50% Same 34.2% Decreased 15.8%

2014 vs 2013 Increased 29.0% Same 51.6% Decreased 19.4%

2013 vs 2012 Increased 39.4% Same 39.4% Decreased 21.2%

Getting in on the action When it comes to sourcing those vital new products, sales representatives and agents are most important, followed by trade exhibitions (attended by 86% of respondents). Feedback from customers leads to product sourcing for nearly 60%, while 57% source from bira direct. Looking in other shops and trade magazines are also important routes to new products. Nearly 90% of Retail Barometer respondents engaged in promotions and/or advertising in 2015, with the most popular being discount promotions (rising from second place last year, and used by 66.7% of respondents in 2015). Press advertising has stepped up to second place (used by 58.3%), while the use of social media has slipped from the most widely used means of promotion in both 2014 and 2013 to the third most important on the list in 2015 (used by 41.7% - see list). Many shops are active with local groups, namely their Chamber of Commerce (40%), followed by Town Centre BIDs (30%), town centre retailing groups, schools and charities (26.7% each), while 20% are members of the Federation of Small Businesses in addition to their bira membership. When it came to investments made in respondents’ business in 2015, the two key areas for spending were websites and external decoration (joint top, with almost a third investing in these respectively.) After that, the priority for investment was in ‘people power’, ie extra staff training and then, keeping abreast of technology, computer equipment. Coming joint fifth in the list of investment areas for 2015 were diversification into nonhousewares and new shop units, giving retail interiors a boost. Over 2016, exterior or interior store improvements (from new lighting to a new coat of paint), and website development are the priorities among those 64% of respondents that intend to make improvements to their business. Some 59% of respondents have a website, of which the majority, 60% are for information only (and 40% are transactional).

Independent view: “It is not easy but we are up quite a lot every month except two since last May. We are importing more direct from suppliers to increase margins and changing our offering frequently and our displays more.” Small increases

How was average ‘spend’ per customer in 2015 compared to 2014? About the same 34.2% Increased slightly 42.1% Declined 10.5% Increased significantly 7.9% Declined significantly 5.3%

Right: Press advertising was the second most popular form of promotion or advertising for indies in 2015. Image used is an advertisement by Copperfields of Whitstable in a local magazine – the retailer was a finalist in The PH/CHA Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Excellence in Retailer Initiative last year.

Progressive Housewares

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The independent picture

Popular promotions

The most used promotional or advertising initiatives in 2015 were: 1st Discount promotion 2nd Press advertising 3rd Social media 4th Leaflets 5th Collaboration with other local retailers/businesses 6th= Free gift promotions 6th= Cookery events/demos 8th Gift voucher scheme 9th Web advertising 10th Loyalty cards Note: Respondents were asked to indicate all initiatives used in 2015. Right: Advertisement for the National Living Wage. Similar numbers of indies do not anticipate any effect on their business as those who expect the resulting costs to have a negative effect.

The competitive market When asked for one thing that respondents would change about the housewares industry if they had a magic wand, the most popular wishes are to stop suppliers selling directly to the public and for supermarkets to stop selling cookware. After that comes no internet shopping (or a surge of shoppers to the high street rather than buying online). Lower minimum orders follow in the indies’ wish list, as well as faster deliveries. Other wishes include more marketing support, an end to price matching by major stores, less discounting on major brands (particularly from etailers) and a reduction of VAT to 17.5%. That suppliers are selling directly to consumers is clearly a major concern – 92.1% perceive this as either a ‘threat’ or ‘serious threat’, which is even higher than the number regarding online operators in the housewares sector (such as Amazon) as a ‘threat’ or ‘serious threat’ (86.8%), and higher than the perceived threat of supermarkets (84.2%, although the majority see this as a ‘threat’ rather than ‘serious threat. See data below.) When it came to service from suppliers in 2015, the good news is that more than a third of indies (35.1%) in the Retail Barometer state that levels improved slightly for them. This is tempered by reports from just under a third (32.4%) that service levels declined slightly.

Staff matters Changes in the law means rising staff costs this year, not surprisingly the cause of concerns for some businesses. When asked about the increase in National Minimum Wage (and introduction of National Living Wage for those 25+) in April, similar numbers of independents are concerned about the negative effects (either ‘slight’ - 25.6% - or ‘major’ - 20.5%) as to those that do not anticipate an effect (43.6%). Some 10.3% will use the increase to their advantage (motivation for staff). Similarly, the figures anticipating no affect on their business from the introduction of workplace pensions is 47.4%, while the same total anticipate a negative effect (half of these say ‘slight’ and half a ‘major’ negative effect). However, the majority of respondents (61.5%) anticipate that their staff levels will remain the same in 2016, while around a fifth (23.1%) anticipate recruiting staff, and 12.8% are likely to reduce staff levels.

Independent view: “It is very easy to get sucked into negativity and worry. Retailers are not able to rest on their laurels and have to come up with new ideas for their business to aid cash flow supplementing that from their shops, whether this be through such avenues as shows, online or gift lists.”

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Above: Plants and pots? When asked, 'How do you view garden centres' growth in housewares?' some 47.4% regard this as a 'Threat' and a further 31.5% a 'Serious threat', while the remaining 21.1% are neutral.

How do you view housewares suppliers selling online directly to the public? Serious threat 57.9%

Threat 34.2%

Neutral 7.9%

How do you view online operators in the housewares sector (eg Amazon)? Serious threat 57.9%

Threat 28.9%

Neutral 13.2%

How do you view the supermarkets’ continuing expansion in housewares? Serious threat 28.9%

Threat 55.3%

Neutral 15.8%

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The independent picture

Independent view: “It would be great if all companies could treat the independent sector with the same respect as they give the big boys. They could not manage without the small independent shops to promote and explain how an items work they need to listen!”

Sector by sector in 2015? Category

Growth

Bakeware 47% Barware 18% Cake decorating 28% Cast iron cookware 6% Casual dining 14% Ceramic-coated cookware 38% Children’s products 25% Glassware 28% Mugs 31% Non-stick cookware 26% Oven to tableware 16% Preserving 44% Small electricals 36% Stainless steel cookware 22% Storage containers 29% Textiles 45% Tools and gadgets 37% Waste management 27%

Stable

Decline

41% 58% 41% 22% 43% 41% 54% 56% 55% 64% 58% 41% 28% 66% 52% 42% 57% 58%

12% 24% 31% 72% 43% 21% 21% 16% 14% 10% 26% 15% 36% 12% 19% 13% 6% 15%

Below: A ‘must have’ - Steller from Horwoods.

three ranges they could not do without in their shop. When it came to their first choice of ‘must haves’, Horwoods and Kitchen Craft top Inset: The trend for spriralising in 2015 the list, with the most mentioned brand being was evident in cookshop sales. Stellar cookware from Horwood. Overall (across respondents’ three choices of ‘must have’ ranges) Kitchen Craft is the most mentioned supplier, with 42% of respondents Talking products Sales of the vast majority of housewares categories citing the supplier’s overall stock or particular were stable in 2015, with no particularly strong ranges (Masterclass or Kitchen Craft tools and ‘growth’ areas. However, bakeware has edged back gadgets) as essential to their business. to growth for a modest majority (47%) – 2014 was In the overall list of ‘must haves’, the next most the only year that bakeware had not experienced essential supplier (after Kitchen Craft and growth for the largest chunk of respondents in Horwoods) is Joseph Joseph, followed by Taylors Independent view: “We Eye Witness. After these came (jointly) Le Creuset the whole decade of Retail Barometers. need free parking in Preserving (last year’s only growth category) (with its Toughened Non-Stick and Cast Iron ranges small market towns to was a growth area for another small majority pinpointed) and Culpitt’s cake decorating products. increase footfall (44%). Small electrical appliances saw mixed Grunwerg’s ranges were also among the ‘must and to help us fortunes – with 36% seeing decline and stocks’ (including Global knives) as well as those of compete with the out growth respectively! The only category that Dexam, KitchenAid and The Rayware Group of town shopping.” dropped in sales for the majority of (particularly Kilner jars). After these (with equal respondents was cast iron cookware, which, mentions) came Charles Viancin lids, Signature knives having decreased in sales for 70% of respondents during 2014, from Robert Welch, Dreamfarm from Forma House and Guzzini. declined again for almost three quarters of respondents last year (see table). The future? It is no great surprise given recent media coverage that the standout How do you view the future of the independent product for indies in 2015 was the spiraliser, from various brands and housewares retailers or cookshops in the next 3-5 years? suppliers (with models by Gefu from Haus at the top of the list, followed by Microplane). The Neutral 30% spiraliser was the ‘ultimate hero Independent view: “Mary Portas product’ of the year for 56% of and the other lobby groups have Positive 40% respondents who were able to Weak 30% had zilch effect on the attitude of pick one overall bestseller. councils that use town centres as The Retail Barometer also cash cows, in particular car asked independent cookshops parking and rates.” and housewares retailers which

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From the front line March-April 2016_v8_Layout 1 23/03/2016 15:01 Page 1

Tamsin Douglass’

From The Frontline

Beware the soul-suckers We’ve experienced increasing numbers of what we call ‘Dementors’ calling into the shop, so called because they can leave you feeling a little demented and also because, like the Dementors* in the Harry Potter books and films, they suck out any happy thoughts and feelings you have, leaving you an empty shell of a sales advisor, wondering where you went wrong! Below: Tasmin with ‘wand’ and ‘broom.’

These are the customers that you go to the far ends of the earth to help out and then they tell you that they’re going to buy online and just wanted more information and to actually hold the item. Absolutely soul destroying! They are the customers that come in all of a rush, saying, “You’re my last chance, I’ve been everywhere looking for… Do you have any?” Then when you bring out this long sought for item that costs £2.50, they query the price and leave saying, “Well, I know you’ve got them, I’ll pop back!” and they are never seen again. They are the customers that ask you if you sell slow cookers and, when you reply “yes” and offer to show them what you have, the customer says, “No, I bought one in Aldi, I just wanted some advice on what to do with it!” They are the customers that pick up every item in the shop wanting a detailed description of what it does, what it’s made from, where it’s made, with no intention whatsoever in buying it (usually when you have a shop full of customers that are queueing up to pay. They’re the customers that ask for a casserole dish yet, when you’ve shown them all of the dishes you have in stock and they are disappointed, you

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probe a little deeper and they tell you they’re looking for one that’s rectangular in shape and has no lid. You show them the roasting dishes and ‘bingo’! That’s what they wanted! Not a casserole dish at all! I find it’s when people say that they’ve been everywhere looking for an item that causes us the most pain. It is like they are keen to tell you that they would happily spend their money anywhere else but with you! It makes us want to weep, especially when it is something that we always stock. I can never resist telling them to come to us first next time as, if we don’t have it, we’re always happy to order it, something I know most supermarkets are unable to do. I revel in pointing out our differences, trying to get the message across that independent shops do have their advantages! Although I joke about these difficult customers, my personal way to deal with them is to be the most helpful, positive sales person I can be, even though sometimes I want to chase them out of the shop with a broom. I treat these customers as a challenge; they will not break me! They will leave the shop feeling that I have given them my full attention and expertise and although they haven’t bought anything, they

might do next time! One thing that keeps me upbeat is the amount of really nice customers that come in and are genuinely pleased with the service we give them. I call these customers my ‘Patronus charms’ (keeping the Harry Potter theme going*). Luckily most of our customers are lovely and get the advice they need, the item they were looking for and leave the shop happy with their purchase. There are also a lot of familiar faces suggesting that we are mainly getting it right. Our customers recently nominated us for a local Best Independent Retailer competition and reading the

nomination comments was really humbling. The fact that people took the time to do that made us all incredibly proud of our little shop and the service we provide. Retail can be so challenging, but also so rewarding, and I genuinely enjoy my job despite the Dementors! The continued support of ‘Patronus’ customers gets me through serving the time-wasters and show-roomers.

Tamsin Douglass is the manager of independent cookshop, The Cookware Company in Carlisle. * In the magical world of Harry Potter, Dementors are nasty creatures that suck out your soul. Patronus charms vanquish the Dementors.

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The Russell Hobbs Colours Plus 5-Piece Knife Set is perfect for everyday cooking, with a knife to suit every task. Made from stainless steel, the knives are strong and easy to clean which is ideal for a busy cook, while the blades are pleasantly sharp for smooth and precise slicing. Nothing sticks as you slice, ensuring easy preparation and the included acacia chopping board compliments the sharply designed knives that will look great on any worktop. With exceptional quality knives, this great looking set is the perfect addition to your cookware. Russell Hobbs Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: homewares.russellhobbs.com

A new label for Creative Tops’ couture-inspired Mikasa brand is M by Mikasa. This collection presents elegant pieces in superior materials, making it perfect for those who desire a classic look with durability. Sleek and elegant white pieces with clean, distinctive lines are made in strengthened vitrified porcelain and paired with organic materials such as slate and cotton accessories for a quality finish to any dining arrangement. Creative Tops Tel: 01536/207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com

OXO launched a series of new innovative products at Ambiente this year. The Silicone Squeeze & Pour Measuring Jugs (pictured) are flexible and microwave safe, the specialized honeycomb pattern protects your hands by dissipating heat and a simple squeeze forms a precise pour spout. Adding to OXO’s successful range of cleaning brushes is the clever Kitchen Appliance Cleaning Set. This versatile set includes two brushes with four heads: A loop brush designed to clean sharp blender blades, an angled brush, a chisel scraper, and a flat scraper which snaps together on a handy clip. OXO Tel: 0114 242 0405 E-mail: info@oxouk.com Web: www.oxouk.com

New from simplehuman is the touch-free semi-round sensor bin. It features dynamic sensing: The first sensing technology smart enough to adapt to you and the surrounding environment — no false triggers, no unexpected lid closures. This model has an innovative liner pocket that keeps liners where you need them – store and dispense liners from inside the bin for a fast and easy liner change. The steel surface has a silver-infused clear coat that is both fingerprint-proof and anti-microbial. Cleaner and healthier! Simplehuman Tel: 01491/875974 E-mail: sales@simplehuman.co.uk Web: www.simplehuman.com/uk

Elia International introduced its latest range of cutlery - Palladio, Designed by Nick Holland. Palladio combines modern lines, classic elements and a distinctive hexagonal shape, influenced by Palladian architecture. This pattern includes a full dinner setting with a choice of Solid or Hollow Handle knives and co-ordinating Steak and Serving items. Made from the highest grade 18/10 Stainless Steel, Palladio is a striking pattern for any table setting. Elia Tel: 020 8998 210 Email: sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk

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The Russell Hobbs Infinity range is guaranteed professional quality and only gets better the more it is used. The patina non-stick coating seals in the seasoning, darkening and improving the quality of your cooking over time - the darker the pan gets, the better your Infinity pan will perform. When you are ready to clean up, simply wipe the griddle in order to build up the non-stick, seasoned coating, or wash gently with water or a non-abrasive cleaner. The Infinity range including a 20cm Frypan, 24cm Frypan, 28cm Frypan, Wok and Griddle Pan will transform you into a chef in your own kitchen - you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it! Russell Hobbs Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: homewares.russellhobbs.com

Dexam have teamed up with Chef Jeremy Pang from the School of Wok to create a comprehensive range of woks and accessories to enable enthusiasts to practise the art of Chinese cookery. Jeremy is a passionate educator, as well as being an extremely talented chef and burgeoning TV personality and the School of Wok collection is an uncompromising reflection of his knowledge of the Chinese kitchen. The range launches in March 2016 with a merchandising stand offer. Dexam International Tel: 01730 811811 Web: www.dexam.co.uk

The new Brew Control Tea Pot from Judge JDG50 allows the tea to steep freely, but once you’ve reached your ultimate infusion, you simply push the plunger, as you would a cafétiere, and seal the leaves away at the bottom of the pot. Suitable for all forms of loose-leaf and herbal tea, the Judge Brew Control Tea Pot has a four to five-cup capacity (1L). It has been made from scratch-resistant Borosilicate glass, is dishwasher-safe and with its cute little snub-spout, pours dribble free and really stands out from the tea pot crowd. Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: customerservice@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

T&G had an exciting show with many new products on display. New for spring is the featured vibrant new colour range “Colour by Numbers”. A range of kitchen accessories crafted using a mix of materials, ceramic, wood and FSC® Certified Cork which has been created with home storage and entertaining in mind and has an on trend 70’s vibe about it. T&G. T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

After another successful year at the Ambiente show, Western House launches a new range, Tutti, underthe Ella Sabatini brand. The range consists of a wine and flute in assorted blush colours. These elegant tall drawn stems are a must for any table, inside or out. Western House Tel: 01256 462341 E-mail: sales@western-house.com Web: www.western-house.com

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Dexam is proud to be launching the next wave in cutting technology with its Groovetech range of knives. Natural airflow between the patented grooves makes these knives easier to cut with, giving the user a chemical free non-stick experience. The straight edged blade cuts beautifully without leaving grooves in your food, and is a full tang, forged Japanese steel construction. There is a safety storage guard included with each knife, all of which come with a 10-year guarantee. Dexam International Tel: 01730 811811 Web: www.dexam.co.uk

With its large printable surface, Freeform is also the perfect platform for presenting striking images, designs and messages and Ambiente was the perfect opportunity for the company to introduce the ‘Big Picture’ - a creative initiative which incorporates its new specialised digital printing system and brings enhanced bespoke design capabilities to its global customer base. Spectacular displays featuring designs presented across multiple FreeForm® trays, such as Earth shown here, formed striking backdrops to the stand, creating an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction from visitors. Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

Buzz and excitement surrounding the Kitchen Craft stand at Ambiente centred on Lovello, a striking range of kitchen storageware featuring smooth contours and retro styling across classic key colours. Available in three classic commercial colourways - Scarlet, Midnight and Vanilla, Lovello includes canisters for tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits, as well as a cake tin, a bread bin and a utensil holder. Each item is beautifully formed and features elevated non-scratch bases and raised mirror polished lettering that really gives the range a lift. Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

A modern take on a true classic, the new Salter Retro Bins have arrived with their practical and stylish designs. Easy operation with foot pedal function and complete with strong removable plastic inner liner, these 30L capacity pedal bins are ideal for keeping the kitchen clean and tidy. Designs include Retro Dahlia, Retro Daisy, Madison Purple and Retro Leaf. Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: www.saltercookshop.com

This versatile new salad bowl and tray combo was amongst a host of innovative new launches presented on the Mastrad stand at Ambiente. Perfect for al-fresco dining and making the most of summer living it features a large, 5L bowl which is great for salads, pastas, fruit etc and includes a lid, with handles, that doubles as a tray. The set comes complete with a co-ordinated sauce/dressing jug, which can be hooked over the rim of the bowl for convenience. Mastrad Tel: 07739 754803 E-mail: ageddes@mastrad.fr Web: www.mastrad.fr

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What’s Cooking?

For men in the kitchen? In the run-up to Father’s Day, PH asks four independent retailers for several bestselling gifts (or self purchases) for men who enjoy cooking or entertaining, Claire-Louise Crane, director, Loose’s Cookshop, Norwich Specialist two-storey cookshop in a historic site located in a quiet courtyard in the heart of Norwich.

Wüsthof Classic 20cm Cook’s Knife from Haus Wüsthof Pull-Through Knife Sharpener from Haus Ticket to our in house Knife Skills Events from Loose’s Mercara Black Stripe Apron from Sterck La Cafetière Six-Cup Espresso Pots from Creative Tops Cole & Mason King Baseball Bat Pepper Mill from DKB

Once they hold a quality knife, men can’t resist buying one. And every kitchen needs one! This is great value and a perfect add on to a Wüsthof knife sale. This is an ideal gift for a man who is keen to handle his knives like a professional chef. This is a larger size and more interesting than a butcher’s stripe. Men can make a big deal out of a cup of coffee! This is a fun but practical gift. The largest mill we stock.

Left: Size matters, and the Cole & Mason King Baseball Pepper Mill from DKB is no exception - a ‘real man’s tool’!

Right: Not your run of the mill pinny with a greater fit, and more masculine design, the Mercara Black Stripe Apron will get the thumbs up!

Sue Edwards, owner, The Kitchen Cupboard, Ledbury A small specialist cookshop (which is 30 this year) in a market town containing a large number of independent retailers.

Signature Knives from Robert Welch Designs Ceramic Coated 14” Woks from Dexam

Quality well balanced knives with comfortable handles. Men prefer larger knives. The ceramic non-stick takes the high temperature better. When men take over in the kitchen, it is often to cook a stir-fry.

Traditional Banneton Bread Proving Baskets from Eddingtons Mighty Mug from Dexam La Cafetière Stovetop Espresso Makers from Creative Tops Game Pie Moulds from Alan Silverwood

Bread making is very popular, especially with men, who always insist on the right equipment for the job. These remain popular and men love to work out why they don’t knock over. For easy to make, strong coffee – these seem to be popular with men who like a strong caffeine fix first thing. These traditional style moulds are perfect for any game pie and men like the good quality and design. Left: The right equipment is a prerequisite, particularly when attempting bread making. Eddington’s Banneton Bread Proving Baskets allow no room for excuses.

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Right: The Mighty Mug from Dexam provides a sturdy vessle to hold all your drinks - the perfect gift for the man in your life.

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What’s Cooking? Stewart Munroe, owner, Marchmont Hardware, Edinburgh Cookshop, hardware and giftware shop based in the busy residential area of Marchmont.

Dreamfarm Kitchen Tools and Gadgets from Forma House Stanley Vacuum Flasks from Burton McCall

This is a range of kitchen tools and gadgets where traditional designs have been modernised and made more practical, and men just love fiddling with them. These vacuum flasks, hip flasks and outdoor food boxes are a classic range of merchandise that has not changed over the years and is a must for the outdoor man.

Paella Pan Stovetop and Butane/ Propane Gas An essential cooking appliance for the male entertainer - this can be used both indoors and outdoors to compliment the barbecue. Fuel Models from PHA KitchEssentials Dartington glasses are always a popular choice, with plenty of styles to select from for a Glassware from Dartington Crystal much-appreciated gift.

Sparq Whiskey Rocks from Forma house

These are made from recycled soapstone and are part of a wide range of products with many different uses. Whiskey rocks are popular as they cool the drink without diluting it and are available in different shapes and sizes. All the T&G range is popular but the wooden

Wooden Pepper Mills from T&G

pepper mills seem to catch the most attention. Right: Just the thing to rustle up a party size paella – from PHA KitchEssentials. Left: For the serious Whiskey drinker, make room for these Sparq Whiskey Rocks from Forma House - the perfection solution to ice-cubes diluting your favourite tipple!

Tom Martin, assistant manager, Kitchens, Bath Situated in the heart of the city, with three floors, Kitchens’ Bath store opened in 1979 and is a popular store for locals and tourists.

Sage by Heston Blumenthal Barista Express from Sage Zwilling Miyabi Knives from Zwilling J A Henckels Heston Blumenthal Dual Platform Precision Kitchen Scale from Salter LotusGrill Barbecue Grills from LotusGrill International Toughened Non-stick Frypans from Le Creuset Magmix Nespresso Inissia with Aeroccino from Nespresso

This has a ‘techie’ appeal with features such as the pressure gauge. In brushed stainless steel, it is a ‘boys’ toy’ that looks the part. These are really beautiful knives as well as really functional – something that men are happy to pay extra for. Again, the technical aspect of this kitchen scale is appealing, with the ability to be extra precise. What man doesn’t like to barbecue? You can bring this grill inside when it starts raining, so you don’t have to be barbecuing outside on your own! Good quality (which people are happy to spend extra on) – these frypans are perfect for the Sunday fry-up for the wife’s breakfast in bed! Men often like good quality coffee, and we have a great offer on at the moment. Left: Good coffee is a must and with the Magimix Nespresso Inissia, you can’t go wrong! Men will love to show off this contemporary statement piece - functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Right: These Miyabi Knives from Zwilling are the ultimate aspirational kitchen product.

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ONE POT

SAUCE / SOUP

STEAM

Healthy, homemade meals, made much easier with Kenwood

It’s time to say goodbye to the ready meals, and hello to tastier and healthier meals with the kCook – a cooking food processor and steamer that chops, stirs and cooks your dinner for you. The Kenwood kCook provides ‘one pot’ cooking, allowing flavoursome casseroles, fresh soups and various sauces to be prepared at the touch of a few buttons. It will even steam your vegetables and fish in the inclusive basket for an even healthier family meal. With the choice of two bowl tools, ingredients can be chopped to the desired texture before switching to the stirring tool to ensure the dish is cooked evenly.

Contact your local Sales Manager for more information

Tel: +44 239 239 2392 kenwoodworld.com/uk Kenwood Ltd, New Lane, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2NH

CREATE

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Featured are the New CrushGrind® Sola Spice Mills from T&G. These mills contain the superior CrushGrind® ceramic mechanism, which effortlessly grinds not only salt and pepper but also using the same grinder, whole dried herbs and spices, perfect for blending your own spices. The ceramic mechanism/grinder is fully adjustable with over 12 settings to grind from fine to coarse grain. In addition these mills are without spindle, making them easy to fill. T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: tg-woodware.com

Rustle up a delicious Sunday breakfast for dad this Father’s Day and have a well-deserved family feast with Farmers Market. Serve golden buttered toast, a perfectly cooked full English and warm mugs of tea with these rustic pieces. This breakfast table collection brings the simplicity of the countryside to your home, for a break from hustle and bustle and a relaxed start to the day. Crafted in ivory stoneware in charming shapes, Farmers Market is embossed with traditional farmyard designs. Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com

Strong, versatile, durable, and able to withstand the most tremendous heat, cast iron cookware has an understandable desirability. Sizzling at high temperatures, tremendous thermal retention, and even heat distribution are the stand out characteristics of these pans. The New Judge Cast iron Skillet and Grill pan have hidden health benefits too – with your well-seasoned pan you will require less oil, it offers a chemical-free alternative to non-stick, and surprisingly, the pans can imbue your food with a small amount of iron, which is beneficial to health, but won’t detriment the flavour of your food. Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: customerservice@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

What’s cooking

for Men in the Kitchen

With its weighty feel and striking design the Monza corkscrew is the ultimate boys toy for those wishing to indulge their love of gadgets and wine! Its double lever action enables corks to be pulled out effortlessly and completely vertically so there is no breakage or damage to corks. It also features an integral foil cutter and bottle opener. Monza, along with a wider, comprehensive collection of corkscrews and wine accessories from Pulltex, is available from Falcon Products following the company’s recent distribution agreement. Falcon Products Tel: 01706 224790

As the global juicing trend continues, Kenwood launches it new innovation this May – PureJuice Pro, a new sleek and stylish slow press juicer that offers consumers an effortless way to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The perfect kitchen gadget for men interested in health and fitness, PureJuice Pro uses its slow press technology to unlock the maximum amount of goodness from fruit and vegetables, with a high extraction rate of 84% (25% more than standard juicers), leaving the user with nutrient-rich, 100% natural juice. Kenwood Tel: 0239 239 2392 Web: www.kenwoodworld.com/uk

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What’s cooking

for Men in the Kitchen

Kitchen Craft’s latest brand Fred, offers as much fun as you can handle, overflowing with an exciting collection of fresh, funny and clever design-led gifts centred on Kitchen, Kids, Party and Home. Practical, comical and perfect for the man about the kitchen, the Obsessive Chef Chopping board features detailed measurements on the cutting surface so he can indulge that common manly trait of having a passion for precision! Mangoes will measure up, carrots with make the cut and avocados will be accurate not obsession but perfection! Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk/fred

Crafted in 3.0mm pressed aluminium and finished with a striking, gloss black exterior the Gusto Black Diamond from Pyrex is a high quality lightweight solution. Ready to take on any challenge, the products boast a specially designed ‘Y’ shaped handle for better weight distribution during cooking, while the glistening non-stick, Diamond effect coating offers ultimate resistance and durability – as well as fast, even heat distribution when used with any hob excluding induction. The addition of a ceramic coated base, which is resistant to heat and scratches, ensures that the Gusto Black Diamond products provide a dazzling range for your stock list. Pyrex Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com Web: www.pyrexuk.com

Perfect for the chefs of the house, Sabatier provides exceptional quality for dads who love to experiment in the kitchen and only want the very best tools to work with. Renowned for traditional French craftsmanship and passionate attention to detail, Sabatier is a premium brand used by professional chefs around the globe with a heritage dating back to the 1800s. The collection includes expertly-crafted knives, stunning knife blocks, useful kitchen tools and new induction cookware additions. Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207710 Web: www.creative-tops.com

Salter’s latest innovative offering is the Digital Air Fryer. Use little or no oil as your food cooks with hot air circulation. The 3.2 L capacity means you can cook for the whole family. With a removable, non-stick coated cooking basked, digital LCD display and 30 min timer, a healthy lifestyle has never been easier - the healthier alternative to low fat cooking. Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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De’Longhi has launched its flagship Prima Donna Elite: the world’s first fully automatic bean to cup coffee machine with connected technology. De'Longhi has mastered the art of coffee preparation with its unique Italian know-how for artisan coffee, to bring Barista quality to the home like never experienced or tasted before. Customers can select fine coffees beans from around the world and now, with Elite and the Smart Coffee app, tailor and setup personal profiles that guarantee their perfect coffee, fresh from bean to cup. De’Longhi Tel: 0239 239 2392 Web: www.delonghi.co.uk

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International retailer focus

The gia gold

The gia programme is an Olympian style event for retailers from around the globe. Five retailers – including the UK’s Lords – scored ‘gold’ when they were announced as global honorees during the recent International Home+ Housewares Show. PH takes a world tour of the gia honoree shops that are shining examples of housewares retailing in 2016.

Inset: Sleek and airy: an Interior view of Illums Bolighus. Bottom left: Exterior of Denmark’s Illums Bolighus.

Minimalism and design Denmark’s Illums Bolighus This department store was founded in 1925 and continues to be a leading centre for lifestyle and interior design, presenting both Danish and international innovation in a visionary and inspirational shopping environment. In addition to the central Copenhagen store (featured), there are six other shops in Scandinavia. Illums Bolighus is inspired by Scandinavian minimalism in its presentation, inviting customers ‘into a universe of quality not quantity.’ The store avoids the display of logos besides its own, and noise is ‘natural’ (ie there is no music system). The retailer has a strong visual merchandising team (and encourages design student placements). The VM team develops 10 annual themes (used in all stores) that are reflected in window displays, colour schemes and in-store display (past themes include sea and sky, candy, façade, dots and pearls). The retailer shoots all of its photos, used for advertising and in its catalogue (rather than using images from suppliers), in keeping with its trademark style. Illums Bolighus also keeps customers up to date with offers and events via its bi-monthly e-newsletter.

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International retailer focus Right: Household accessories and tableware at Lakehouse, Canada. Inset below: Kitchenware at Lakehouse, Canada.

Living the dream Canada’s Lakehouse

Changing lifestyles Malaysia: The Kitchen Shop Established in 2008, The Kitchen Shop now has 11 outlets in Malaysia’s high-end shopping malls, including Kuala Lumpa, Penang and Sabah. The retailer is the country’s first specialist housewares shop, providing wider depth of stock (from food preparation, cooking, dining and leisure to home furnishing) than department stores. The Kitchen Shop also strives to provide quality goods at affordable prices and sources directly from manufacturers where possible to keep costs down (particularly with Malaysia’s high import duty). Stores feature “Try-to-Believe” tables so that shoppers can experience products (such as oil dispensers and

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mills) before they decide to buy, and a Healthy Corner to share information and recipes on healthier lifestyle options, as well as eco alternatives to traditional cooking practice. Display areas include a mini garden (with ‘grass’, picnic table, ‘tree’ and ‘flower’ containers) to showcase BBQ products. Kitchen Shop also engages with customers with its free cooking classes, and offers appointments for training on purchased products. It also has a ‘cosy café’ with free coffee and tea, encouraging customers to sit and chat about cooking. Its ecommerce site offers free delivery in Malaysia for purchases above RM50 (approximately $12). Staff welfare is also a priority with a ‘Best Performance Store’ award and a motivational incentive package, while long-serving members of staffs are

Lakehouse was opened in December 2011 by husband and wife team Ben and Sue Boschman. Housed in what was once a bank in the centre of the small city of Kelowna, the home store addresses the needs of the numerous upmarket residences in and around the Lake Okanagan region of British Columbia. With a slogan, ‘Live.Cook.Play’, the shop’s name reflects the relaxed outdoor lakeside living that attracts tourists and residents. Fostering a sense of discovery and exploration, the 4,200 sq ft store delights shoppers with its imaginative lifestyle settings and ‘hot spots’ that highlight promotions and new stock. Its windows (along two busy roads) include eight window ‘vignettes’ that can be shopped from inside the store. The store’s ambience is enhanced by kitchen demonstrations, subtle fragrances and a mid-tempo music playlist of over 1,500 songs from piano jazz to Brazilian Bossa Nova. Lakehouse hosts book signings, guest chef demos and cooking classes, promoted by social media and its ‘opted in’ eNewsletter. Customers who opt in to the Lakehouse database collect points (generated at 5% of regular priced purchases) that can be redeemed on purchases. The store also offers interior design services (with an in-store consultation area and opportunities for site visits). Customers can browse the Lakehouse website at an in-store computer station (while staff are equipped with an iPad on the shop floor to assist shoppers). Lakehouse encourages tourists and visitors from the bigger cities to revisit via its website, with a “sophisticated” level of integration of its channels, according to owners, Ben and Sue.

rewarded with an overseas trip. However, Kitchen Shop is providing more than good service. Despite the fact that it is common to have a maid at home, the retailer is encouraging more Malaysians to enjoy cooking and eating together with family and friends, turning the whole process from buying the right products to sharing dishes into a positive experience and lifestyle choice. Below: A view of The Kitchen Shop, Malaysia.

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International retailer focus

Fun in the kitchen The Netherlands’ K’OOK Established by two friends in 2005, K’OOK has moved three times in the town of Wormerveer, growing from 35 sq mtrs to its present 180 sq mtrs. It provides a bright, uncluttered environment where shoppers can ‘browse and feel cared for’ by an enthusiastic team. K’OOK does not use any supplier display fixtures but uses its own bespoke interior design (black steel in combination with white timber and walls and a concrete floor) for ‘an industrial atmosphere’, with spotlights and hanging lamps. A new kitchen counter area is used for demonstrating and sampling (with a regular event every Saturday) as well as for workshops for up to 10 people. In the front of the shop, K’OOK’s coffee bar serves slow coffee, and is on view through the ‘big living shop window’ (encouraging passers-by to come inside). There is also a presentation table near the entrance to highlight new ideas and promotions. The back of the store features ‘The Filling Station’ where customers can fill up on food products, including the store’s popular olive oil and coffee (passing other products en route). With a distinctive logo (worn by staff on t-shirts), K’OOK produces its own postcards and bags. It sends out at least two social media posts a week, and 4,500 customers receive its monthly newsletter, while regular customers enjoy discounts via a loyalty card. The retailer has also encouraged food bloggers to engage with its products with a recent in-store event using OXO tools. For the past two years, the K’OOK team has organised the local Food Festival on the River Zaan (which welcomed 12,000 visitors in 2015) and also hosts an annual Italian weekend (with four days of Italian food, drink and workshops inside the store, including wine tasting with a sommelier from Umbria). The retailer also searches out unique lines at international fairs.

Inset: Industrial style - K’OOK.

Clicks ahead and chic sleep The gia gala at the IH+HS also saw the presentation of the Martin M Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising to Karaca Home of Turkey (for its stunning displays of household textiles) and the new gia Digital Commerce Award for Excellence in Online Retailing. The latter was awarded to Cooking The Kitchen Company of Spain. With three stores, in Barcelona and Madrid, Cooking - The Kitchen Company boasts a unique retail space for kitchen products in Spain. Its user friendly website at www.cookingtkc.com includes product demonstration videos to educate and inspire consumers. * The gia programme was created in 2000 by the IHA and IH+HS to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing. There are now nearly 350 gia retail award winners, from over 40 countries on six continents. Winners are evaluated on their overall mission statement, vision and strategy; store design and layout; visual merchandising, displays and window displays; marketing, advertising and promotions; customer service and staff training and overall innovation. * The fabulous line up of 25 national gia winners for 2015-2016 can be seen at www.housewares.org/gia. These includes Ireland’s JB Hope – an Amish influenced, Irish-American General Store in Cavan, which celebrates slower methods of food and drink preparation (no products with plugs!) The shop is situated in an old pub, with its wooden bar adding to the visual appeal and serving as a gathering point for customers to stop and talk. France’s stylish La Tresorerie in Paris is another ‘must see’ within easy visiting distance of the UK. South America’s winners include the bright Bojanini Art Gallery of Columbia and Brazil’s home specialst, Etna. The US is represented by Whisk (a hub for cooks, with its busy programme of classes) plus gift and lifestyle store, Leon and Lulu. Meanwhile, Eastern highlights include La Cucina Felice in Japan, while the Middle East winner is the 90 store Home Centre. Above right: Turkey’s Karaca Home. Right: Laundry at Lords, St Johns Wood.

Lighting up locally The UK’s Lords Lords impressed the gia jury with its attention to local details in its six shops, which are benefitting from recent re-branding. The retailer embraces distinctive and imaginative display for all of its products – from its bestselling range of light bulbs and cleaning materials to high end glassware and electricals. Lords also put UK retailing on the world map with its impressive personal service (including free home delivery of shopping from its stores) and its care and training of staff, who are typically employed from the local area, understanding the needs of the community they are serving. (See news).

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Market focus

Home entertaining is embracing the elements – whether it is dining al fresco or gracing the indoor table with natural materials. Consumers are also welcoming opportunities for communal dishes. PH raises a glass in order to explore trends and developments in the home entertaining and party sector.

Left: Mikasa Cocoon bowls from Creative Tops – the demand for bowls is rising with the increase in casual dining styles.

Elemental entertaining ining experiences are becoming increasingly more relaxed, allowing us more time to enjoy socialising and sharing with friends,” notes Aimee Hodgkins, design director for Creative Tops. As a result, Aimee reflects on “an increase in demand for more casual tabletop pieces, such as bowls, platters and tapas-style dip dishes.” At Falcon Products, md Gary Downham concurs that, “the process of sharing is very much a trend at the moment with everything from shared tabletop dining such as fondues, raclettes and tapas to guests and family actually all getting involved in the food prep process, something often associated with traditional European/Mediterranean culture.” He continues: “Embracing this ‘sharing’ trend

“D

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perfectly, our vast pasta and Italian offering has enjoyed growing success with both the Marcato and the We Love Pasta brands, which, between them offer a host of pasta prep items that make it easy and fun for everyone to get involved from pasta making to pasta forming, cooking and serving.” Falcon also introduced Sytch Farm Studios at Spring Fair, with its collection of UK handmade ceramics and wooden boards (including tapas and dipping sets), which also provide a talking point at parties as each unique piece is made from clay from Cornwall or sustainably sourced wood from Shropshire. Kitchen Craft’s marketing controller, Claire Budgen also highlights the trend for rustic and organic looking table settings,

incorporating natural wood platters and exemplified by the company’s expanding Artesa range. Claire notes that this follows on from the popularity of buying artisan food from farm shops and local markets and a desire to present such foodie finds in simple and authentic styles, also inspired by presentation at restaurants. While nature graces the indoor table, it will also be championed by more consumers keen to host their social gathering outside this year. Key events this summer will boast outdoor soirees, notes David Atkinson, md of Navigate (see breakout). According to Sara Pimbley, marketing manager for Portmeirion Group: “The outdoor living trend is huge at the moment.” She points out that those who

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Market focus

Above: A party sized fondue (pictured in action), party sized raclettes and cheese boards were among the products launched into the UK market at Spring Fair by cheese specialists, Boska, enabling consumers to embrace opportunities to socialise and share cheese with their friends and family.

Street party and Olympics fever

Navigate’s md, David Atkinson highlights the influence of this summer’s key events on party and entertaining trends and the company’s product development, stating: ”We are anticipating that al fresco partying and entertaining will be bigger than ever this year. Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebrations will be one of the highlights of want to dine outside 2016 with lots of festivities taking place around the country. The British public are always Inset: Atlantic from Navigate with their friends “don’t keen to get together, particularly to celebrate royal events – it’s a great community includes bowls, pitchers, have to compromise tumblers and wine glasses, activity bringing people together in a way that nothing else really does. And we do with a hand-made artisan look. street parties and picnics extremely well in this country. with good looking June is probably going to be the biggest month for royal festivities, with official tableware” thanks to celebrations taking place on Saturday June 11, culminating in a huge picnic/street party organised in The Mall on Sunday June 12. The Patron’s Lunch is a new “melamine that ticketed event for 10,000 guests but the event organisers anticipate this will be looks as good inside as replicated with street parties and picnics up and down the country and across the Commonwealth. out.” She highlights the To reflect 2016’s events, we wanted to create a new range with a classic, Group’s new Sophie timeless look, but add a contemporary twist. The look of the new Atlantic range Conran and Botanical also taps into the current popularity of designs with a more artisan handpainted/hand-finished look. The wide stripes, particularly evident on our Atlantic Garden melamine tableware, are a hand-painted effect creating a striking ‘watercolour’ look. Our collections (the latter aim with the new ceramic-style Atlantic Artisan collection was to create a highquality melamine that feels like earthenware, but is virtually unbreakable. The has an authentic looking deep turquoise of the design along with irregular shapes and a crackle-glaze creamy white tone). finish is very reminiscent of the traditional southern European ceramics. Of course, the other huge outdoor event of 2016 will be the Summer Olympics Making it easy to in Rio (from August 5-21). We wanted to design a colourful, vibrant outdoor transfer useful pieces collection to reflect one of the world’s greatest sporting events and the country it from indoors or outdoors is a priority for will be hosted by. We decided to base the design for our Ipanema range of outdoor living and picnic accessories on Brazil’s amazing tropical flora and fauna, and the finished collection means the Tomorrow’s World brand from that even the dullest of British summers will definitely look a bit brighter!

International Innovation Company, notes marketing manager, Julieanne Boyce. She highlights the company’s bread and dip platter, cooler carafe with a lid and chopping board with an integral drawer for utensils. Charles Viancin’s growing range of silicone lids, glass covers, coasters, glass markers and bottle stops also reflects demand for outdoor solutions, providing

the means to keep food and drink covered (protected from bugs and the elements) in vibrant and co-ordinated style, highlights the company’s Peter Battersby. So with burgeoning choices in indoor/outdoor tableware and accessories, it would seem that Brits just need added sunshine!

Below: Perfect for Prosecco Tradestock’s new stemless Bubble Flute.

What’s your tipple? PH looks at current and possible drinks trends Launching the innovative Coravin wine tool at Spring Fair – which encourages consumers to drink wine by the glass - Maarten Dekker, vice president and general manager of Coravin Europe, says the device opens up a new world of “wine parties”. Guests can try multiple varieties rather than be constrained by their hosts’ selection of red or white. Maarten states: “I like to put eight to 10 bottles on the table to encourage diverse possibilities.” The Coravin wine tool pierces a cork and then replaces any wine poured with inert argon gas, meaning that the remainder of the bottle will keep for days, weeks and even years to come (see news story). Maarten speculates that a wine party could also involve sampling multiple wines from across a region. Meanwhile, David Holmes of The DRH Collection reflects on the current popularity of gin, noting that: “The classic gin glass would be a high ball, accommodating loads of ice, but the trend is now towards a burgundy style glass – with a bowl shape and shorter stem - for gin and tonic, gin cocktails as well as for mojitos.” DRH will launch its own new burgundy style glass later in the year. David also reports: “There is significant demand for subtle coloured glasses.” Keith Nye, md of Tradestock recognises: “a noticeable increase in some of our trend driven ranges which add a special touch to parties and entertaining.” He continues: “Bubbly, particularly Prosecco, is enjoying massive popularity as the drink of the moment, and keeping abreast of this trend we have just introduced two new flutes from Durobor with points of difference ensuring that fizz can be sipped in style! For example, the Royal Trumpet Flute fills right down to the base.”

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Entertaining &

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Pictured are the New Charles Viancin Daisy Drinks Covers: made from 100% BPA free, food grade silicone. These new decorative lids will ensure an air and liquid tight seal, which will prevent spills when transporting drinks, and keep bugs out when using outdoors. These new drinks covers will keep hot drinks hotter for longer and cold drinks cool. Reusable time and time again, these drinks covers are food safe, microwave safe, freezer safe and dishwasher safe. Available in yellow, aqua, pink or white. Charles Viancin Web: www.charlesviancin.com/en

The Giles & Posner Popcorn Maker pops hot, tasty popcorn with hot air in approximately three minutes - a perfect treat for birthday parties, movie nights in, or just a fun treat. A healthier option for the popcorn lover, popcorn is made by the circulations of hot air, eliminating the need to use butter or oil. With its retro red design it will look great in any home. Giles & Posner Tel: 0161 934 2268 Web: www.gilesandposner.com

Whether indoors or out, an intimate gathering or a full-blown party, Artesà ensures good times and will create a memorable experience for guests to cherish. The latest additions to the collection add a new dimension with a delightful range of ceramics - fine white porcelain with deep sea-blue contrasts and ragged print motifs across a varied selection of serving items, as well as a collection of elegant glass serveware and tabletop accessories featuring emotive etched lettering. Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

After-dinner cheese and wine has never been more popular and Gourmet Cheese ensures hosts effortlessly provide this key part of the dining experience. The collection has a sophisticated charm, crafted in ivory and black with cheese motifs, as well as pieces styled with classic French and Swiss stamps. Adding a dash of luxury to cheeseboards, beautifully crafted Gourmet Cheese accessories are perfect for discerning cheese lovers. Pieces include cheese bakers for serving deliciously melted cheeses, wooden boards and vintage plates. Creative Tops Tel: 01536 207756 Web: www.creative-tops.com

There’s a timeless quality to both wood and slate; they come from the earth, exuding a natural beauty. For its latest range of serveware, Judge has brought these two organic materials together in a collection that is as effortlessly practical as it is appealing. Comprising eight charmingly rendered pieces – five platters, a lazy Susan, a cheeseboard with cloche and a cheeseboard and knife set – the Judge Slate assortment has been created to encourage sharing. Created with care from age-old materials, the new Judge Slate Serveware collection will last a lifetime. Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: customerservice@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

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World renowned for its high quality and exquisite designs in party products, Giles & Posner’s exciting new Flip-over Makers feature an innovative rotating design, which allows for a more even bake. The range includes the Flip-over Waffle Maker, Doughnut Maker and Cake Pop Maker, each of which rotates 180 degrees for an even distribution of batter and a thorough bake on both sides. For great fun with the whole family, just bake, decorate and enjoy. Giles & Posner Tel: 0161 934 2268 Web: www.gilesandposner.com

Entertaining &

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Enjoy summer in style with the new range of Epicurean Picnic Hampers from Eddingtons. The picnic hampers are available in two sizes, 14 pieces for two people, 24 pieces for four people and a variety of styles including loop handle, semi-circular and traditional. These stylish hampers include a wipe clean cooler compartment that will keep all its contents perfectly chilled. Each two-person set contains cutlery, a waiter’s friend corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers, side plates and non-breakable acrylic wine glasses. The fourperson set contains additional cutlery, plates and glassware. Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

There are three two-burner stoves in new Primus CampFire range, each one tested rigorously before leaving the Primus factory. The ONJA (pictured) is a show-stopper stove that has been crafted from a unique blend of stainless steel, oak, brass, cloth and leather. Compact and portable (with an integrated strap) the ONJA is easy to assemble and pack away, yet suitable for large pots for cooking up culinary delights outdoors. All the stoves run off easy-to-buy self-sealing LP gas cartridges so there’s no need to purchase expensive and heavy refillable gas cylinders. Primus Tel: 02392 528711 E-mail: Sales@rosker.co.uk Web: www.primus.eu

The sophistication of Luxe Lounge from Bar Craft, the art deco inspired cocktail collection, offers something special and adds an inspired element to parties and gettogethers. The latest introduction to the range – shimmering copper cocktail kit, offers a truly distinctive touch with a beautiful selection of items ranging from Moscow Mule mugs and a wine cooler, to cocktail shakers, muddler and other accessories. Many items are beautifully packaged in full colour gift boxes so also make inspirational gifts to bring along for the host. Kitchen Craft Tel: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk

Tradestock’s latest glassware introductions allow you to entertain in style and impress guests with some distinctive and stylish items from its own iStyle My Home brand, along with several brands it distribute in the UK – Durobor and LAV. Several new flutes from Durobor address the current trend for fizz, especially prosecco and the new Fjord beer glass, shown here, is perfect for serving all types of beers and lagers, especially with the growing popularity in craft beers. Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@tradestockltd.co.uk Web: www.tradestockltd.co.uk

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The new Kenwood kCook Multi allows consumers to chop, stir and cook dishes in the same 2.6 litre capacity bowl, with six functional pre-set programmes. The kCook Multi has a cooking time of up to eight hours and comes with a unique two-disc attachment and 360 degree rotating arm that allows consumers to chop and slice ingredients before cooking or finely slice ingredients directly into the dish as it cooks. All parts are dishwasher safe and a specially developed recipe app is available, providing over 200 recipe ideas, all of which can be made using the kCook Multi. Kenwood Tel: 0239 2392392 Web: www.kenwoodworld.com/uk

Entertaining &

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De’Longhi’s Autentica Cappuccino bean-to-cup machine is the ultimate party-piece for a coffee connoisseur, with a unique Doppio+ function for a double shot espresso and an extra energy boost. Serving the best-tasting coffee using fresh milk and fresh beans, the exclusive De’Longhi “LatteCrema” System ensures the machine delivers the perfect milky drink. With a personalised coffee function to choose from a short to long coffee, strong to extra mild aroma, and a temperature from warm to piping hot, the Autentica Cappuccino will deliver the perfect coffee every time. De’Longhi Tel: 0239 239 2392 Web: www.delonghi.co.uk

Pictured is Epicurean’s stylish range of Copper Hammered Barware. The showpiece is the Elegant Champagne/Wine cooler which holds six bottles. The range is made from stainless steel and features a striking copper textured ‘hammered’ finish. Also available in the range is an ice bucket with tongs, cocktail shaker and serving tray. Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Whether setting a holiday table for a family of all ages or an alfresco dinner for two, Corelle® dinnerware has your entertaining needs covered. Only Corelle dinnerware is made from Vitrelle® glass, a unique three-layer glass that makes it highly chip and break resistant, yet lightweight and stackable to fit easily into cupboards after your guests have departed. Available in round and square shapes and in over 50 different patterns, you’ll find the one (or more) design to meet the right occasion. Corelle – irresistibly resistant. World Kitchen Tel: 07769 150 889 (Michael Smith) Web: www.corelle.com The Summerhouse™ ‘Atlantic’ range is a fresh and striking new edition to the classic coastal look. Featuring its signature hand drawn stripe design, the extensive range of outdoor living and picnicking solutions have been fused with a range of watercolour tableware, recycled glass effect drinkware and ceramic-style melamine to create a mix and match eclectic look. Navigate Tel: 01279 653249 E-mail: sales@navigate.ltd.uk Web: www.navigate.ltd.co.uk

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Cookware coatings are toughening up, and ranges are embracing ever-widening horizons of cooking styles. PH sets its sights on the hob and oven to look at the latest cookware developments and trends.

Inset: New Circulon Ultimum marks 30 years of the groundbreaking brand (see News).

Feeling the heat The tough stuff Revelations at the recent Spring Fair included the two new Circulon ranges from Meyer Group – introduced to coincide with the brand’s 30th anniversary (see News) and indicative of improved capabilities for superior non-stick cookware. Circulon’s new Ultimum incorporates the Ultra total nonstick system “for better food release, which means quick and healthy cooking and no need for extra oil as food will not stick,” highlights Meyer’s Sabrina Boukhiba. TVS also introduced show-stopping collections at Spring Fair, typically combining striking looks with increasingly durable non-stick options. For example, Gea “has seven layers of coating reinforced with mineral particles and benefits from a stainless steel base for perfect heat

Above: Sleek lines – Liquida is one of TVS’ designer ranges.

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distribution, resistance to thermal shock and optimal time to heat up for energy saving,” states TVS’ Satish Jethwa. The Solida Induction collection boasts “400% higher scratch resistance due to its titanium coating,” Satish adds, while ultra shiny Deco (by Harry&Camila) is one example of TVS’ high performance designer ranges. Satish reflects: “Your cookware is part of the overall look of your kitchen and a long term investment.” Another Spring Fair launch, Stellar Rocktanium from Horwoods provides another example of durable coated (and tougher looking) cookware. Horwood’s James Robinson states the range “appeals to consumers who have been put off by traditional, disposable non-stick and want to buy to last – this looks and feels

different, and includes a heatproof coating on the side.” At RKW, buying director, Steve Galbraith attributes the popularity of Tower’s top selling “revolutionary” Cerastone cookware to its durability, along with the trend for healthy cooking, with less oil required, and desire for convenient easy cleaning. He states: “The unique Cerastone coating is made up of four variants of stone deployed in six layers, lifting food from the cooking surface and offering best-in-class non-stick properties, for virtually oil free cooking.” Steve also reveals that this success has led to the development of Tower’s forthcoming Granitex range “which features a similarly multi-layered construction that is ten times stronger than standard non-stick coatings.” Meanwhile, Pyrex has differentiated its new non-stick cookware with a touch of sparkle in its three-layered Gusto Black Diamond coating. The cookware also addresses ergonomics, with a “Y-shaped handle, which is more comfortable to carry,” notes Pyrex’s marketing manager, Alexandra Blyth. The latest developments in ceramic coated cookware were showcased on GreenPan’s stand at Ambiente. The brand has seen 40% growth worldwide over the past year, states ceo Wim de Vierman, who acknowledges the brand’s increasing

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Market focus Left: Grill pan from GreenPan – for UK launch this summer.

Potted action: cookware news in brief • In 2015 the ‘pots and pans’ cookware category saw 8.5% value growth versus 2014, reports Emily Vallis, account manager at GfK. • Glass cookware is seeing a renaissance, acknowledges Alex Blyth, marketing manager for Pyrex UK, with its “clean cooking” and multifunctional appeal. • Microwave cookware innovation includes Tomorrow’s Kitchen kidney shape bowls from International Innovation Company. “You can fit two in the microwave, and there is a simple push-button steam release valve to release steam from the sides,” explains IIC’s Julieanne Boyce. • Consumer education through “clear and eye-catching packaging, relevant POS and other marketing material” is high on the agenda for Meyer Group, with recent launches including Prestige Duraforge (with its 3D stainless steel base) and Pop (colour coded for easy identification of the benefits for specific food cooking), confirms Meyer’s Sabrina Boukhiba. • A trend for different textures in kitchenware is addressed by BergHOFF’s Ron range, which mixes cast iron with smooth ash wood handles, with ceramic inserts (such as a steamer and multi-purpose bain marie or bowl). • Tefal has sold 23 million non-stick pans during the last six years (on average, one has been bought by every UK household), confirms Groupe SEB’s Stefan Kaczmarczyk. He observes that consumers are applying “more adventurous cooking techniques, such as browning or sealing in a frying pan and then cooking in an oven, or steaming on a frying pan using a steamer,” hence the popularity of the Tefal Ingenio range with its removable handle system and steaming accessory.

No hot spots Edward Margett, md of Kuhn Rikon UK notes rising interest in Swiss-made products, citing the company’s Montreux stainless steel with its unique base technology. The range’s designer, Nicole Wyss explains: “the Superthermic encapsulated base utilises Swiss wave technology distributes heat quickly and evenly,” and, “The Swiss Cross embossed on the side handles and lid handles are the classic Swiss mark of quality.”

appeal as an alternative to cookware coatings that contains PFASs (substitutes for PFOAs). Wim reflects that GreenPan is now “in its fifth generation of ceramic and is constantly improving.” The brand’s new Thermolon Infinity Professional coating (to be launched in the UK later this year) is reinforced with diamonds and forthcoming ranges will benefit from new Scratch Guard technology (providing a reinforced surface under the ceramic nonstick). Wim adds that GreenPan is innovating “beyond ceramic,” highlighting: “We introduced Magneto induction technology two years ago, providing an alternative to an impact bonded base, and ensuring even heat distribution.” The brand is now launching a new website to show features and benefits. Below: Sizzling: Mastrad’s stainless steel plancher.

Below: Montreux from Kuhn Rikon: “The polished finish of the handles contrast with the satin finished bodies for a beautiful and contemporary look,” says designer, Nicole Wyss.

Fry style for worldly cooks As Stefan Kaczmarczyk, marketing manager for Groupe SEB UK acknowledges, international cooking such as Oriental and Asian styles have become “very mainstream”. Hence the success of Tefal’s Madras Collection (Chapati pan and Khadai) – a new extra large Khadai will join the range this year. Meanwhile, new additions to KitchenAid’s cookware portfolio include a wok and steamer insert, and Dexam has teamed up with charismatic chef, Jeremy Pang from the School of Wok for its new range, taking the name of the culinary school. Dexam’s marketing manager, Caroline Holford describes Jeremy as “a passionate educator who is motivated by an enthusiasm for teaching, and for making Chinese cookery both simple and fun at his cookery school.” Jeremy worked with the Dexam team to “ensure that every detail met his exacting standards for excellence,” including a round-bottomed carbon steel wok that is “the authentic choice for cooking in the traditional style, as the round bottom facilitates movement, making it a breeze to toss and move about all the particles of food,” states Caroline. With vibrant packaging, the range appeals to a younger generation of cooks (the ‘Millenials’), and includes “hints and tips to help with the bits that people most often get wrong, such as having the wok too cold, or not seasoning it properly,” while accompanying textiles reflect Jeremy’s humour with slogans such as “I believe I can Fry” and “Be a Wok Star”. At Mastrad, Andrew Geddes highlights the company’s new planchers, which are ideal for increasingly popular Japanese style teppanyaki griddle cooking. He explains: “You can heat the plancher on the hob, barbecue or in the oven and bring it to the table to cook, which is both sociable and healthy.” With the spotlight on Rio for the Olympics this summer, Le Creuset’s latest PR activity embraces Brazilian cooking, including its casseroles and grilled food. The brand’s new large 28cm Toughened Non-Stick casserole is “perfect for entertaining,’ notes head of marketing, Neil Macintosh, while the brand’s new Signature grillit and frypans (with wooden handles) are ideal for “taking the barbecue indoors,” notes Neil. With increasing numbers of Brazilian restaurants as well as street food vendors in the UK, Michelin-starred, Brazilian-born chef, Marcello Tully (head chef at Kinloch Lodge, Skye) is quoted in Le Creuset’s Living magazine: “Brazil is all about fun, samba and party.” He continues: “Give it another five or 10 years and I don't see why Brazilian food couldn’t be as popular as Indian food is in the UK now.”

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Cookware The latest range from Russell Hobbs is the new 3-Piece Stone Pan Set. The ceramic, non-stick coating means you use less oil when cooking allowing for healthier eating! The speckled grey interior provides a stylish look and will stand out on any oven top. Russell Hobbs Tel: 0161 934 2283 Web: homewares.russellhobbs.com

GreenPan™ is the original ceramic non-stick brand on the market and launches its 5th generation of Thermolon™ coating later this year, as well as a new cookware range. Pictured is Rome, a collection of frypans launched in 2015 which is suitable for all hobs including induction with heavy gauge aluminium body, lifetime guarantee, Thermolon™ Marathon ceramic nonstick coating and stay-cool bakelite handles with stainless steel insert. The initial range is 20cm, 24cm & 28cm frypan, available in grey and cream. GreenPan Tel: 01483 255842 Web: www.greenpan.co.uk

With a wide flat base and tall sloping sides, Stellar’s new range of chef ’s pans is made up to a high spec, heavy duty 18/10 stainless steel, which can take on the roles of a saucepan, frying pan and wok, performing each task with equal proficiency. There is no non-stick or ceramic interior, to worry about getting scratched. Suitable for use on all hob types and oven safe up to 210°C, each Stellar Chef ’s pan provides real versatility of function. Dishwasher safe, they’re easy to clean, and as they nest inside one another, they’re easy to store. Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk

Made for 18/10 stainless steel the Balancia plancha from Mastrad has an extra flat 8mm thick triple layer stainless steel and aluminium base, providing even heat distribution, and features a groove around the edge for gathering excess cooking juices. It is suitable for all stove types, as well as for use in the oven, on the barbeque and for sizzle serving at the table. A non-stick version is also available and both are compatible with the Balancia removable handle system. Mastrad Tel: 07739 754803 E-mail: ageddes@mastrad.fr Web: www.mastrad.fr

Thanks to its excellent thermal shock resistance compared with soda lime options, Pyrex borosilicate glass products are ideal for everything from batch cooking freezing, reheating and even dishwasher safe. Pyrex has proven that the boro ingredients are really the best choice for busy British kitchens. With a 10-year guarantee available across the borosilicate glass range, retailers and customers alike can feel confident to build up a collection of Pyrex products, knowing that they will be part of their kitchen toolkit for many years to come. Pyrex Tel: 01564 786 030 E-mail: contact.pyrexuk@intl-cookware.com Web: www.pyrexuk.com

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products Whether you’ve got the whole day for slow cooking, or just a few minutes to use the pressure cooker, the Fast Slow Cooker Pro™ will maximise flavour from your food. Not only is it a pressure cooker and slow cooker in one, it can even sauté, steam and reduce, with pre-set functions to make lamb shanks that fall off the bone, casseroles and pulled pork full of intense flavour, and the creamiest risottos and desserts imaginable. It also features an automatic steam function, and the six-litre capacity is perfect for entertaining. Sage Appliances Tel: 0808 178 1650 E-mail: customerservice@sageappliances.co.uk

Lesser & Pavey is delighted to present a quality range of chinaware to help celebrate the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II birthday on the 21st April with the official street parties and celebrations during June. The range consists of fine china mug individually gift boxed with photographic imagery; mug and coast gift set; a pair of fine china mugs; fine china cup and saucer to follow the trend for a return to tea parties and fine chinaware; celebration plates in two sizes and six coaster set. Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 E-mail: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

The new Coolmovers collection, Sail Away, is designed to help you chill and unwind. Inspired by classic aquatic shades with a burst of sunshine yellow, the range lifts off shelf, appealing to both male and female genders with its comprehensive collection of outdoor essentials including brand new ceramic look melamine dinnerware in a rustic, crackle glaze design, through to on trend recycled look acrylic drinkware, serveware and accessories. Kitchen Craft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

From cooling racks to saucepan stands, wire ware brings a timeless quality to the kitchen, and with 12 new items being added to its already impressive range, Judge Cookware is becoming your one-stop wire ware shop! Each item is made from high quality strong gauge chrome, making it robust and enduring – with a 25 year lifetime guarantee – and they’re all light weight and easy to clean. Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: customerservice@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk

New for spring is the featured popular vintage enamel look “Pride of Place” which has an exciting new direction – white and grey ceramics, a pure and sophisticated look, elegant and quite timeless creating a versatile collection perfect for modern living. The new range includes tea, coffee, sugar jars, utensils jar, butter dish, spoon rests and bag tidy. This range designed by T&G has been made to look like old enamelware but has all the advantages of ceramics. These new items look gorgeous accessorised with T&G’s “Loaf & Larder” raw oak boards. T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

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The new Boss to Go from Sage, with huge attention to detail and superior design will make your smoothies, faster better and smoother this year. A unique Smooth Edge Tumbler means great smoothies whether you’re at home or on the go. Other features include a powerful 1,000 watt motor and high velocity ProKinetix® blade meaning results are 42% finer than many other blenders. Sage Appliances Tel: 0808 178 1650 E-mail: customerservice@sageappliances.co.uk

PHA is delighted to have taken on the UK exclusive distribution rights for the CellarDine brand. Best sellers include the Rouge 02 wine breather, Zap Cap bottle openers, ChillCore 3/1 system, Therm au Rouge red wine sleeve and Intelligent Ice. PHA will be offering customers exclusive ‘starter pack’ promotions together with a stylish display stand which incorporates all the key lines. PHA KitchEssentials Tel: 0151 6512265 E-mail: sales@phassocs.co.uk

new

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Western House introduces a new product for 2016, from the Luigi Bormioli range comes Michelangelo Stemless Wine. Produced in Sparkx® ultra clear eco-friendly glass. Why not make an alternative statement with this new addition. Western House Tel: 01256 462341 E-mail: sales@western-house.com Web: www.western-house.com

Part of the luxurious High Fashion range, the Viners Baroque cutlery set (featured), exudes endearing charisma. Made from the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel with detailed filigree decoration on the front and the back of each piece, this 16 piece set will make a show-stopping statement on your table. Presented in an eye-catching flock inlay gift box, the hardwearing, rust-resistant cutlery comes with a 50-year guarantee. Rayware Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk Web: www.viners.co.uk As a preview to its Spring/Summer 2016 new releases of Kitchen Textiles, Ladelle introduces Porton (pictured) - a striking design, featuring bold stripes and sharp detailing. This 100% cotton stylish woven design includes pot holder, oven mitt, apron and kitchen towel. Ladelle Tel: 020 3755 3135 E-mail: Customerservice.uk@ladelle.com Web: www.ladelle.com

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SORT AND GO.

Brabantia (UK) Limited Blackfriars Road Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 4SB

Tel. 01275 810600 Fax 01275 810191 Email sales.uk@brabantia.com

www.brabantia.com

www.tradesales.brabantia.com

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