The aisles of Spring Fair (NEC Birmingham, February 6-9) are buzzing with upbeat retailers including cookshops and housewares stockists that are thrilled to be back at the show. Attractions include Curated Meetings and the Inspiring Retail Stage, as well as plenty of new kitchen and dining products. HousewaresNews.net presents a few of the highlights in photos.
Ulster Weavers is launching its new branding and contemporary kitchen linens (pictured above) as well as linen cloths, which hark back to heritage products for sustainable cleaning methods that appeal to today’s eco-conscious consumers. The company is also showcasing its sustainability plans, which include bringing more manufacturing back to Northern Ireland.
The Hairy Bikers are helping ESG to launch a wide range of new products, including bakeware (pictured above), kitchenware gifts, SDAs, oven-to-tableware, entertaining essentials, and cookware, including the Naked range (featuring a Pre-seasoned Pure Carbon Steel Wok) which the Bikers predict will be a bestseller.
“We’ve never been so busy on a show stand and never written so many orders at a show, including lots of new accounts,” states Kevin McKay, md of Captivate Brands. The company is launching 600 new products at the show, including its eye-catching collaboration with designer and influencer Eleanor Bowmer and Captivate’s new sustainable range (shown above), which is proving to be the “star of the show,” says Kevin.
DMD is celebrating its 60th anniversary with founder and chairman David Cowan at the show and a host of new product launches. Nearing his 90th birthday, David has been an integral part of the housewares industry for many decades and remembers the show (in Blackpool) that preceded Spring Fair in Birmingham.
A trailblazer in sustainable alternatives, If You Care is delighted to reveal its new Unbleached Waxed Paper (pictured above). The product has taken seven years having “gone back to the drawing board” after its original formulation – using sunflower oil – started to break down too soon. The formulation now uses carnauba wax, which encourages tree growth and means the product can be home composted after it has served its purpose.
“Our reusable silicone straws can be used for hot and cold drinks and are made here in the UK,” enthuses Charlotte Walsh, founder of The Silicone Straw Company, part of Spring Fair’s Sustainability Trail. The straws can also be taken out and about easily when curled up in their pocket size tins.
Last year’s acquisition of Duralex by International Cookware (Pyrex’s parent company) means that the iconic French glassware brand has returned to many UK retailers. “Coloured glassware is coming into its own,” notes International Cookware’s marketing manager Alexandra Blyth. “Marine is inspired by the Riviera, while Amber and Grey complement each other perfectly, and we will be introducing Sapphire, which gives a stunning pop of colour. Duralex provides a little affordable luxury for everyday use and entertaining.”
Retailer feedback at Spring Fair is brimming with positivity, confirms Jenny Handley, head of marketing at T&G. “Retailers are happy to engage and see and hold products. We’ve opened a lot of new accounts as well as re-opening returning ones.” She adds: “We’re very happy to be located next to Summerhouse, with many gift, lifestyle and interior shops noticing us. Our new look stand is attracting lots of compliments.”
A myriad of new products on RKW’s stand include Smeg Cookware (made in Italy), Precision Plus Bakeware and Laura Ashley SDAs in a new pattern, China Rose. The collection is set to expand into more kitchen appliances, including a stick blender, slow cooker and stand mixer.
Cheese, friendships, and sharing are the perfect ingredients that are putting fondues back on the table, according to Paul Marchant, key account manager for Kuhn Rikon. “People have missed holidays and apres ski and are compensating with shared experiences at home,” he observes. Kuhn Rikon’s range includes unique clay fondues that are induction compatible, meaning cheese can be melted prior to putting the fondue on its burner for the tabletop theatre and sharing experience.
With a background in fashion designer Cat Nguyen-Walker of The DRH Collection is translating catwalk trends onto glassware. Spring Fair launches include Bloom, a floral design in vibrant pink, and sumptuous gold and black Cubic glasses, which have a dramatic 3D effect.
* Spring Fair continues until tomorrow (Wednesday February 9), with Hall 8 hosting the majority of housewares, kitchen and dining exhibitors (notable exceptions include Ulster Weavers in Hall 6). Ultimate Products and EPE Group (whose brands include Gastroback) are among many more highlights of Hall 8. Click HERE to register.
Top: The Ulster Weavers team beside new kitchen textiles at Spring Fair.
