News
the
In
Shun Cutlery has announced celebrity chef Chris Cosentino as the
Shun brand ambassador and spokesperson. Cosentino will educate
consumers about Shun cutlery and cooking delicious, sustainable
foods in both traditional and social
media campaigns, as well as on
blogs, in articles and in special ap-
pearances. He will also collaborate
with Shun designers on product
development.
Cosentino’s food influence is broad.
He is the executive chef and owner
of Incanto, rated three stars by
the San Francisco Chronicle, and
of critically acclaimed Boccalone.
He is known nationally for his role
as a Food Network personality. He
is known internationally as one of
the world’s most sustainable and
eco-friendly chefs. He is featured in the top-selling book, “Coco,”
in which 10 legendary chefs from around the world were asked to
handpick chefs they thought to be the most influential, innovative
and significant. Cosentino was chosen by Fergus Henderson.
A graduate of the Johnson & Wales University, Cosentino is not only
an accomplished chef at his restaurants but he is also a recognized
leader in the sustainable “green” food and offal movements.
“Chris is a perfect fit for us because of his love of food, passion for
innovation and his drive to create the best food anyone could ever
eat,” said Kurt Zanner, director of sales and marketing, housewares
division, Kai USA. “He is not just a celebrity chef, but an authority
on food, and is highly regarded in the culinary world as an authentic chef with high standards. He believes strongly in the need for
people to have quality equipment choices in the kitchen and has
been a big fan of Shun cutlery for years.”
“This partnership has been in the process of being inked for
months,” said Zanner. “We knew he was a logical choice partially
because of his strong family values and belief that cooking and
food bring people together. We are proud to welcome Chris to the
Kai family.”
Gourmet Catalog Boot Camp Gets Retailers Geared Up Kai USA Partners With Chef Chris Cosentino
An army of Gourmet Catalog (GC) store member buyers turned out for the
annual Boot Camp for Retailers meeting held on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at
the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago.
“We were pleased with the uptick in our member attendance during the GC
meeting in Chicago,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of Gourmet
Catalog & Buying Group. “As the economy improves, retailers are more aware
of consumer expectation that they will put their eyes on products and deliver
specific knowledge back to them as store customers.”
The meeting consisted of three Boot Camp Breakout Sessions focusing on
important topics. Prior to the meeting, each member selected a topic, choosing
from the following: Saving Money on Expenses, Shoppertainment, and Staff
Training. “The smaller breakout sessions encourage store members to share
information and learn from each other,” said Johnson.
Following the recap of the breakout sessions, Carol Peyton from Focus Products
Group gave a presentation to members on the new partnership between Chicago
Metallic and Share Our Strength. Peyton outlined the opportunities available to
stores through their support of the Great American Bake Sale. Chicago Metallic
is the official bakeware sponsor for the Share Our Strength Great American
Bake Sale.
At the conclusion of the breakout sessions, Gourmet Catalog store members
traveled to the Chicago-based headquarters of vendor member tag (trade
associates group) for an evening of education, food and fun.
“In addition to learning about architecture and Chicago, one of the best things
we took from the evening was the sense of tag’s great aesthetic and value,”
said Laura Havlek, owner of Sign of the Bear Kitchenware in Sonoma, Calif.
“We were very pleased to host the Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group at our
headquarters,” said tag founder Norman Glassberg. “tag and Gourmet Catalog have very similar stories to tell and common goals going forward. It was
invaluable to be able to get to know each other, and better understand each
other, in such a relaxed and enjoyable setting.”
Celebrating 30 years in 2011, Gourmet Catalog works to ensure the success
of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including
discounts provided by nearly 200 vendor members. For a full list of membership benefits, store owners and vendors can contact Gourmet Catalog & Buying
Group at 214-855-0005 or info@gourmetcatalog.com.
