Paul Spencer, managing director of Jeray Sales (Original Products) is “very proud” to be an Excellence in Housewares Award Top of the Table finalists in collaboration with the Final Touch brand, for the Final Touch Drink Dispenser. However, Paul reveals that, along with new innovations such as this, nostalgia and humour are also in high demand in the barware sector.
“Whether it’s the kitsch appeal or just the quirkiness of a product and its packaging, we have certainly noticed the interest in our humorous lines like the Bullet or Shark in a Glass. Anywhere in Europe we are being asked about new products to bring a smile back to people, under their masks!” explains Paul. New launches from Jeray include a quirky Vintage Glass Ship in a Bottle, a ‘Chef and Bar Steward’ Man Apron and ‘Man Clean’ hand gel in the style of beer bottles.
Jeray is also re-launching products from its old catalogues, including the Retro Glass Dispenser for Straws, and the Chemistry Set and Dumbbell Beer Glass “to appeal to the brawny and the brainy!”
While humour is in demand as a tonic during the pandemic, Paul notes that nostalgia has been popular for some time. He explains that the company has been “dipping into the back catalogue” for several years “as another generation comes along.”
Paul acknowledges: “Sometimes the renewed popularity is driven by a big brand like a drinks company reviving a spirit; or a TV programme like Mad Men comes along inspiring the retro look, hence our whisky decanters; or it’s just driven by media and general taste, like the popularity of the 70s and 80s fashion which has made our pineapple bucket so popular.”
Jeray Sales (Original Products) was founded by Paul’s father Ray and Uncle Harry in 1952. Ray (now 92) remains very much involved in the business.
* The Final Touch Conundrum Aerator from Jeray Sales – pictured below – has been highly recommended in a wine aerator feature in the November issue of Which? Magazine.
Top: Raising smiles: The Dumbell Beer Glass and Shark in a Glass from Jeray Sales.
