May 27, 2009

Gourmet Housewares Show® Attracts Diversity of Exhibitors

White Plains, NY — The 2009 Gourmet Housewares Show’s® return to San Francisco in a new summer timeframe has generated a great deal of positive feedback from vendors geared up to do business at the August 8-10 Show. A diverse roster of well-known companies and brands is expected to create a valuable marketplace for retailers seeking new fourth quarter product, as well as a head start for planning 2010 assortments.

Every relevant product category in the gourmet kitchenware business will be represented at the 2009 Gourmet Housewares Show. From collections of upscale cookware embodying technology and modern design to premium, luxurious espresso/coffee machines and beyond, high-end designer knives or convenient kitchenware gadgets/accessories, the 2009 Show will provide both product depth and breadth for retailers.

Penny Sikalis, GLM Vice President, attests to the product introductions stating, “Exhibitors are embracing the opportunity to launch new products at the upcoming Show – for 4th quarter and early 2010. They’re eager to meet with their retail customers to deepen relationships and work through specialized programs for maximum sell-through. We’re very excited to be the catalyst for new consumer products catering to the gourmet lifestyle.”

“Shun is very excited to be a part of this year’s Gourmet Housewares Show. With the change in timing for Gourmet, there is now a premier venue at which we can unveil our newest products for 4th quarter. This is such a great way to renew our customers’ enthusiasm before holiday sales,” explains Dominique Dobson, Kai USA/ Shun Cutlery National Demonstrator Coordinator, Housewares Division.

Suzanne Murphy, VP of marketing at Meyer Corporation, U.S. adds, “After many years away from its original home, we are delighted the Show is back in San Francisco. The August timing makes good business sense for our company — it is the ideal time to review plans for new product launches and promotions for Spring 2010 as well as a chance to check in with our customers to make sure we’re all maximizing the opportunities in the upcoming quarter.”

President of Fissler USA, Frances Ro, adds, “As a buyer for a specialty store myself, I’ve always hoped for a late summer or early fall show in the States. We’re a small retailer so we don’t forecast for the holidays in February and March like the bigger companies. We finalize our plans for the holidays in late summer, so this year’s Gourmet Show should not only be a great opportunity for buyers to see the new items, especially for those buyers who didn’t travel to Chicago in March, but also a chance to get all of their holiday assortments finalized. As an exhibitor, we’re optimistic about the August Gourmet Housewares Show because we presented exciting and innovative new products in Spring, but will have actual stock in summer just in time for the Show.”

“Nespresso is excited to be part of the Gourmet Housewares Show again this year,” said Shanin Molinaro, Marketing Director, Nespresso North America. “Even more exciting is that the Show is being held in San Francisco. It really is a privilege for us to showcase our newest espresso machines and Grand Cru coffees in a city that shares our passion for cutting-edge style and premium quality.”

Juanita Coumbias, International Sales and Marketing Director of Atlantic Promotions/ Feature Products says, “We are excited that the Gourmet Show has finally returned to its original home in San Francisco, and are convinced that the new timing will prove fruitful to both vendors and retailers alike. Starfrit’s new products and designs are show-ready and we are eager to meet with our buyers for any last minute fourth quarter needs.

Additional programming and other updates concerning the 2009 Show will be announced shortly. Visit www.thegourmetshow.com for more detailed information.

The Gourmet Housewares Show® is the only industry event to focus on high-end cookware, cutlery, bakeware, small electrics, gadgets, tabletop, kitchen textiles and specialty food. The Show is expected to draw 300 exhibitors and some 4,000 buyers who understand their customers’ love of food and entertaining. The Gourmet Housewares Show is held concurrently with the summer San Francisco International Gift Fair®, owned and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business, which features 800 exhibitors and 11,000 attendees.

The Gourmet Housewares Show is owned and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Marc Delman, sales manager, at GLM, 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604; email: marc_delman@glmshows.com; Tel: (914) 421-3260; Fax: (914) 948-6180. Attendee information is available by contacting GLM’s Customer Service Department at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (914) 421-3206. Additional information and registration is available online at www.thegourmetshow.com.