Innovation
in Bloom
We’ve hit a
range of trade
shows since
2012 rang
in – 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 Ambiente (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 Chicago; 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 innovations. 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!
Michelle Moran
Executive Editor, Gourmet Business
mmoran@gourmetbusiness.com
