April 2012 Issue

Happy Anniversary, Gourmet Business!

It’s hard to believe that we recently passed our two-year anniversary of the start of this publication. We published our first issue on the Web just months before the iPad was scheduled for release for the first time. We were convinced that this small Internet appliance was going to be a big part of many people’s lives, and it sure has turned out that way.

Our publication was purpose-built to display optimally on the iPad as well as the Web. Judging from the number of downloads of our Gourmet Biz App on the Apple App Store, we have a number of iPad junkies out there like ourselves who have discovered just how good we look and how easy it is to follow along with us. I must admit the biggest surprise for me was the number of people who have also found our dedicated iPhone App and Android App, and use them on a regular basis. It’s good to see that people are freeing themselves from their computers.

We are delighted to be at the forefront of the digital media revolution, and proud that our unique approach has had a positive impact on the marketplace we know and love. I would like to thank our amazing team of talented individuals that has made our publication a success. I also want to welcome three new team members: Brian Igoe, Joanne Friedrick and Jennifer White Karp, who will help to fuel our continued growth and uphold our dedication to excellence.

It was great to see so many of the retailers in our audience in person at the Gourmet Business Pavilion at the International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) last month. We appreciate your positive feedback, and enjoyed sharing some of our knowledge and expertise with you. Our olive oil tasting and seminar seemed to turn a lot of people on to the nuances found in oils produced in different parts of the world. The Seasons of Gourmet display sparked merchandising ideas for many retailers, who seemed to also pick up on some of the unique items we brought to the show. Our specialty food sampling area was a big hit, too, with many retailers delighted to have access to these exciting products in small quantities under one roof for the first time via our distributor partner Associated Buyers.

As I walked the aisles of the IH+HS, I noticed a positive trend that we had already recognized at the Fall Tabletop Market: the expanded use of color. We are not seeing the muted colors and acres of stainless steel that we might have seen some years back. We are seeing, instead, bright colors that will add joy, happiness and cheer to kitchens across America. This expanded use of color comes to us by way of silicone. There was creative use of silicone in many of the housewares items I saw that not only added a touch of color, but also brought new functionality to the products. I also saw some amazing instances of wood and steel joined together to create a look that was natural, decorative and unique.

And do keep the tweets coming. If you’re not already doing it, follow me on twitter @gbpublisher.