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Gourmet/Housewares
Product Center Inspires, Educates, Entertains This July
Since its debut in January 2009, the Gourmet/Housewares
product center at AmericasMart in Atlanta has continued
to inspire and engage retailers every Market. Its open-air
showroom floor plan surrounding the state-of-the-art demonstration
kitchen has enabled the product center to not only showcase
gourmet product, but also expand the houseware offerings-while
providing unsurpassed education and entertainment.
This
July, retailers will discover a broader and more diverse
collection of high-end house goods and gourmet product-with
the opportunity to shop nearly 200 major lines, including
the two newest additions to the floor, Nordic Ware and Jura
Capresso. Both companies further strengthen the housewares
collection in the product center on Floor 8 in Building
2 WestWing.
Aligning
with the permanent product center is an entire temporary
gourmet product collection on floor 2 in the building, boasting
more than 150 lines. Additionally, the strategic location
of these product centers highlights the cross-merchandising
opportunities with other Gift product centers as well as
the Tabletop and Home entertaining categories.
In addition to the complete story the center tells through
its product and merchandising, it is now also positioned
to tell individual stories. The South Carolina Pavilion,
which opened as part of the permanent showroom floor in
January 2010, spotlights gourmet product from all parts
of South Carolina, highlighting independent companies from
the state.
The
gourmet demonstration kitchen continues to draw massive
crowds with celebrity chefs like Tyler Florence and local
renowned chefs like Kevin Rathbun, Ron Eyester and Scott
Serpas. And, for the first time, the product center will
host an AmericasMart University (AMU) class as part of the
premier educational programming offered exclusively at Market.
Mary Moore, founder and CEO of The Cook's Warehouse, along
with Janis Johnson, president and founder of the Gourmet
Catalog, take to the kitchen stage to detail how to cross-merchandise
and incorporate gourmet products into a gift store, integrating
fresh product with current inventory.
For
more information, visit www.americasmart.com.
NCA
Predicts 2010-2011 Trends
As the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 began last week, the National
Confectionary Association predicted the leading product
trends for 2010/2011. They include:
- Chocolate-Covered
Everything - America's love for chocolate cannot be
stopped as manufacturers look for more and more delicious
treats to cover with chocolate.
- Twisted
Traditions - New twists on classic candies are beloved
by consumers who find comfort in familiar brands but want
to try new and innovative ways to enjoy their favorite
snacks.
- Up
in the Air - Snacking practically takes flight as
aerated confections or lighter than air treats hit the
shelves.
- REAL
Good - Today's consumer focus on natural and wholesome
ingredients has not gone unnoticed by the confectionery
and snack industry. Honey as an ingredient and as a flavor
harkens back to the origins of sweetened confections;
products containing real fruit juice, all natural ingredients
and some addressing other health concerns have also been
introduced.
- The
Galloping Gourmet - Snacks and confections are little
pleasures to be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Companies continue to introduce a variety of gourmet delights.
- Fresh-N-Fruity
- Bursting on the scene with fresh and powerful flavors
are candies and gums in show-stopping varieties.
- Dark
and Dreamy - Dark chocolate has been increasing in
popularity for years and new product introductions have
played a big part in the expansion of the category.
Additional
post-show coverage will be coming soon.
7
W Suite Adds Full Circle Home
Compact Novelties (www.compactnovelties.com),
located in suite 1033 in 7 W New York (www.7wnewyork.com),
has added Full Circle Home (www.fullcirclehome.com)
to its list of represented companies. Full Circle Home,
a company in business for just one year, creates sustainable
cleaning tools that received Design Defined Awards at the
International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago in March.
Visitors to Compact Novelties' 7 W suite can see the award-winning
Reach Bottle brush, Crystal Clear glass cleaner and Come
Clean natural cleaning set.
"These
days it's all about the environment," notes Susan Richman,
president of Compact Novelties. "These helpful household
tools are not only stylish, functional and clever, they're
made of sustainable and renewable resources including bamboo
and cellulose, a plant-based fiber."
Wilton
Brands Inc. Announces Appointment of Mary Cushing Merfeld
as Chief Financial Officer
Wilton Brands Inc. recently announced that Mary Cushing
Merfeld, the Company's President, Operations, has been appointed
as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Merfeld, 48, will continue
as President, Operations, a position she has held since
2007. She succeeds Thomas Kasvin, who is leaving to pursue
other interests. Ms. Merfeld is a 20-year veteran of Wilton,
where she has served in a number of roles including as Chief
Financial Officer of the predecessor to Wilton from 2002
through 2007.
Mr. Levin commented: "I am delighted that Mary is taking
on the position of Chief Financial Officer. I have been
impressed with Mary's capabilities and her dedication to
Wilton. She has been instrumental in Wilton's successes
over the years and I look forward to working with her in
her new role."
Wilton
has the number one position in cake decorating, bakeware
and tea kettles. It offers the industry's most comprehensive
and innovative selection of baking, cake decorating, candy
making, cookie making, wedding and seasonal products
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