News
Industry Leaders Sign on for Gourmet
Housewares Show
Show organizers are touting the 150 high-end product suppliers
lined up to participate in the summer 2011 debut of the Gourmet
Housewares Show at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).
The Gourmet Housewares Show runs Sunday, Aug. 14, through
Thursday, Aug. 18, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention
Center.
To date, more than 100 companies have indicated their interest in
participating in the summer 2011 launch, including a number of
leading gourmet product suppliers, such as bambu, Bella Cucina,
DKB/Zyliss, Harold Imports, JK Adams, Joseph Joseph, Lush Life,
Picnic at Ascot, Tea Forte, William Bounds and Wilshire Industries,
already exhibiting at NYIGF, as well as early commitments from
key newcomers to the New York market:
• Atelier du Vin (wine ware and accessories from France)
• Cult Design (multifunctional, design-focused kitchen
accessories from Sweden)
• Dreamfarm (original designs in utensils and accessories
from Australia)
• Gourmac (utensils, bakeware, dinnerware, gadgets
and recipes)
• Kahla (porcelain tableware from Germany)
• Mepra (high-design flatware, kitchen accessories and
tabletop from Italy)
• Nespresso (coffee and espresso machines)
• Sowden (soft brew coffee pot from Italy)
• Victorinox Swiss Army (cutlery)
• Waechtersbach (European-manufactured ceramic tableware
and accessories)
• Zak (high-design seasonal housewares and tabletop)
“Not only will the Gourmet Housewares Show introduce a number
of well-established gourmet product suppliers to the New York
market, it also will coalesce relevant resources from other NYIGF
divisions,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior
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Hilty to Retire From 7 W New York
Su Hilty, VP of marketing at 7 W 34th Street, is retiring
next month after a 40-year marketing career. Starting
at Bloomingdale’s, she gained proficiency in product
launches, divisional and program startups, and eventually moved on to Gucci to set up its wholesale operation
in the United States. After nine years in sales and marketing at Liz Claiborne Accessories, the home and gift
industry beckoned, and Hilty joined 225 Fifth Avenue as
VP of marketing. When the building was sold in 2004,
Hilty was recruited by MMPI to bring her expertise to
7 W New York, where she has worked closely with the
MMPI team for more than six years to establish 7 W as
the destination marketplace for the gift, home, tabletop
the
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www.gourmetbusiness.com
and textiles industries.
“After a varied and rewarding career, and finally achieving MMPI’s highest honor –
the coveted Marty Award – last year, I felt the timing was right for the next step,”
said Hilty. “This is never an easy decision, but while I may be resigning from 7 W,
my love for and connection with the home and gift industries will continue, along
with the visits I plan to make with friends and family, and the many places still to
see and experience. “
As a start, Hilty will continue to be involved with the IFDA (International Furnishings & Design Association), where she is past president for the New York Chapter.
She is also committed to the Home Products Advisory board of FIT, The Fashion
Group International (FGI), Gift for Life (GFL), the alumnae chapter of Alpha Chi
Omega (her sorority), as well as the Global Give Back Circle (GGBC). An active
member of the social media community, she will be able to connect with her work
friends and colleagues through LinkedIn and Facebook.
Jessica Kreider will assume many of Hilty’s responsibilities and will work closely
with Nancy Michael, MMPI’s new senior marketing and strategy director for the
gift and home décor industry.
“We reluctantly accept Su’s resignation knowing 7 W and MMPI will not be the
same without her efforts and dedication. We were lucky to have Su lead the
marketing charge when we launched 7 W, and she has continued to support our
customers and team with best in class marketing,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice
president, MMPI. “While we will miss her personally and professionally, Hilty’s
decision to start this new chapter in her life will allow her to pursue her passion
for travel, as well as expand her involvement with charity organizations and other
volunteer associations. She is truly a valued resource and we intend to continue
to tap into her talents whenever possible.”
A farewell reception is being planned with details to follow.