March 2012 Issue

Innovation in Bloom

We’ve hit a range of trade shows since 2012 ranging from San Francisco to Frankfurt – and I have to say the in- novation from manufacturers has started

this year off on an exciting note.

Now I am looking forward to the International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) this month, it’s gearing up to be an incredible show if the glimpse of product gathered from Ambi- ente (page 12) in Frankfurt is any indication. Three days was nowhere near enough time for me to cover Frankfurt’s massive halls. We discovered fashionable color statements from soft grays to natural shades of eggplant and green grasses. Innovative barware items from Vacu Vin and Schott Zwiesel entertained, while practical solutions from Zyliss, Leifheit and Fissler were just some of the exciting ideas knocking at our imaginations.

This year, we all have some extra time in Chi- cago; the IH+HS has increased its duration, giving us all another day on the show floor.

That extra time can be spent looking for new products to stock your shelves with and satiate the U.S. consumer’s thirst for housewares in- novations. While the economy is still struggling to find its footing, the housewares industry is

experiencing its own recovery with a slow but steady performance increase.

The 2011 IHA State of the Industry Report found that in 2010, the global housewares market showed an increase of 4.7 percent, while the U.S. market increased by 1.5 percent. Another sign that suppliers and retailers are optimistic about 2012 and beyond, 98 percent of available exhibit space for the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show was sold out by early December, says Phil Brandl, IHA’s president. Of the 2,000 show exhibitors, more than 400 new companies will be participating.

The good news for the housewares industry is that consumers who are in a buying mood are purchasing new housewares and home- goods, and are doing home improvement projects again, says A. J. Reidel, senior partner at Reidel Marketing Group. Reidel surveys a group of carefully selected 150 consumers every year to gauge home and housewares buying trends.

So, now that the largest housewares trade show event is on American soil this month, we’re geared up and ready to celebrate. In a couple of weeks, you will discover our special IH+HS issue – an amazing array of product innovation at the show as well as details on our extensive show events at the Gourmet Business booth.

So, stay tuned and get ready to shop.

Cheers!