ANAHEIM, Calif.–Oggi Corp. has entered the pet market with a collection of air-tight Pet Treat canisters.  The nine skus include assorted designs on the company’s popular Jumbo stainless steel, acrylic and ceramic canisters. Each comes with a clamp-tight clasp and air-tight silicone gasket to seal in freshness.

AT THE SHOW—It’s all sizzle and style in Chicago, as the International Home + Housewares Show opens today.

More than 60,000 attendees are expected at this year’s show — which represents a five percent jump in overall attendance as well as a five percent increase in buyer attendance — and the exhibition floor is sold out, according to the International Housewares Association. Five hundred new companies are exhibiting here.

AVENEL, N.J.–Mobile technology company Mizco has partnered with Travelocity to debut a line of travel accessories at next month’s International Home + Housewares Show, some of which will include the travel company’s familiar gnome mascot. The initial group of more than 25 new items will include luggage straps, micro-bead travel pillows, Roaming Gnome rubber luggage tags, carry-on travel pouches, and USB cables. The line will add more items later this year.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The International Housewares Association has broadened its Web site to include new features revolving around social media.

CHICAGO–The James Dyson Foundation has begun its search for the most ingenious inventions by international engineering students to compete for the 2010 James Dyson Award.
Named after the celebrated inventor and founder of the company that bears his name, the Dyson Foundation conducts this competition every year. Last year’s winner was Automist, a kitchen-sink attachment that detects and extinguishes fires with a fine water mist. Other past winners include guide-dog GPS systems, flat-folding plugs and a paper cast that can be used in disaster relief.

RYE, N.Y.--Jarden reported net income of $1.2 million, reversing a net loss of $170 million from the fourth quarter of one year ago.
The bottom-line results included a non-cash impairment charge of $22.9 million for the 2009 fourth quarter, compared to a similar charge of $283 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Without these charges, Jarden’s fourth-quarter 2009 net income was $68.5 million, up 9.3 percent from last year’s profit minus the charge.

SEATTLE--Dinnerware company sengWare has named Jeff Starliper as vice president of sales and marketing, focusing on expansion of the company’s sales efforts and strategic marketing program development.
He was formerly the vice president of sales and marketing of Rachael Ray branded kitchen cutlery.
With Starliper’s appointment, national manufacturers’ representative firm Morgan & Sampson USA has signed on to represent sengWare to targeted accounts nationally.

NEW YORK–Bed Bath & Beyond will start selling a line of Real Simple household products starting in March, according to press reports.
Real Simple products at Bed Bath & Beyond will include storage bins and closet organizers.
Target already sells home-office branded products named after the women’s magazine.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine and former presidential candidate, will speak at the annual Industry Breakfast of the International Housewares Association during the International Home & Housewares Show next month.
Forbes, who has won awards for the accuracy of his economic predictions, will give his take on the future of the U.S. economy at the breakfast, which begins at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16, in the South Building, Level 1, room S100/Grand Ballroom of McCormick Place.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–Bissell has launched the redesign of its company Web site at bissell.com.
The site now includes new features such as “Find Your Perfect Match,” which groups products by consumers’ cleaning and lifestyle needs. It also allows consumers to search for products based on features through “refine filters,” or boxes that consumers can check on the page. Another new offering is a “You Might Also Like,” section.

QUEBEC, Canada–Celebrating 25 years in business, Starfrit will launch an anniversary program for the U.S. market, and the March International Home + Housewares Show will be the focal point, with a special appearance by Iron Chef Cat Cora at its booth.

DALLAS–Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group has joined forces with cookware producer Le Creuset to create a Premier Store Program exclusive to Gourmet Catalog Members.
The Premier Program allows qualifying Gourmet Catalog Store Members to take advantage of a wealth of benefits, discounts, exclusive products and special opportunities. In addition, Premier Program Stores will receive special recognition on Le Creuset’s online store locator and are awarded a plaque and window sticker identifying them as participants.

SAN FRANCISCO—Howard Lester, the long-time head of Williams-Sonoma who took a minor kitchenware store and built into the home industry’s largest lifestyle retailer, is retiring.
Lester will be replaced as CEO by his number two executive Laura Alber, the current president. Adrian Bellamy, currently the board’s lead independent director, will become non-executive chairman and Lester will become chairman emeritus through December 2012.

SAN FRANCISCO—Howard Lester, the long-time head of Williams-Sonoma who took a minor kitchenware store and built into the home industry’s largest lifestyle retailer, is retiring.
Lester will be replaced as CEO by his number two executive Laura Alber, the current president. Adrian Bellamy, currently the board’s lead independent director, will become non-executive chairman and Lester will become chairman emeritus through December 2012.

NEW CASTLE, Del.—Two France-based companies, Arcuisine and Duralex International, will exhibit at the International Home & Housewares Show in March.
For Arcuisine, which manufactures glass bakeware, it will be the first time the company has exhibited at the housewares show. Duralex is returning to the show after an absence of many years, the company said in a statement. Arcuisine’s show space will be in the South building of McCormick Place, booth 856, while Duralex will be in booth 858 of the same building.

LAS VEGAS–LG Electronics and Viking Range have formed an alliance whereby LG appliances will be carried by Viking’s U.S. distributors.

ECULLY CEDEX, France.–Groupe SEB reported its sales for 2009 totalling $4,489 million, or a decline of 1.6 percent, and a slight increase at constant exchange rates.
Its North American business, which includes the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fell 11.4 percent in current exchange rates, or 12.6 in constant exchange rates, for 2009 sales of $493 million. It said that the end of 2009, and December in particular, saw a “sharp upswing in business in several of the group’s major markets,” according to a release, after a “lackluster” third quarter.

TUALATIN, Ore.–KAI USA has reorganized its management positions in sales, marketing and product development, naming Kurt Zanner vice president of sales and marketing and Marc Wade vice president of product administration, two new positions. In addition, Dominique Dobson has become marketing coordinator.
Zanner will oversee sales, marketing and customer relations for KAI’s housewares division, while Wade will be responsible for product administration, including new product development with KAI factories, for the housewares division.

VALLEJO, Calif.–Anolon Ultra Clad cookware will be seen and used throughout the six-episode series “Worst Cooks in America,” which premiered Jan. 3 on the Food Network.
The show revolves around 12 bad cooks competing to win a grand prize of $25,000 as chefs Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan put the contestants through culinary boot camp.

MINNEAPOLIS–Target will launch an exclusive line of cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools with chef and Food Network host Giada De Laurentiis later this month.
Meanwhile, Target has purchased the Smith & Hawken brand for an undisclosed sum from Smith & Hawken Ltd., a subsidiary of The Scotts Co. The retailer has offered Smith & Hawken for Target-branded outdoor furniture, gardening and decor exclusively at its stores and on its Web site, target.com, since 2006.

EL PASO, Texas–Net income for Helen of Troy’s third fiscal quarter jumped 67 percent to $24.7 million.

DALLAS–Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group is expanding its membership ranks to include storage vendors.
“Storage is a natural category for kitchenware stores due to the complimentary role it plays in food prep and its positive effect on kitchen organization,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of Gourmet Catalog. ”In conjunction with a desire to provide the best in customer service, Member Stores always are ready to take on categories that make life easier for their customers.”

NEW YORK–Mermaid Blue is the latest limited edition color palette available from trash bin and accessory manufacturer Vipp.
The company said it was inspired by the home of the Little Mermaid—the sea. Items in the three new color nuances will be available at retail next month.
Vipp’s product line includes pedal bins and bath accessories and towels.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–Bissell has launched the third annual Most Valuable Pet Contest, in which consumers can enter their pets in a search for America’s most photogenic pet.
Entries can be received from now through March 25 on the company’s Web site, bissell.com.

NEW YORK -- Ken Coleman, a long-time member of the housewares industry, passed away on Dec. 24 following a long illness. He was 86.

During the course of his career, Coleman worked on both the retail and vendor sides of the business, starting off at Neisner's Brothers, before joining Mirro. His last position in the business was as a sales representative in the New York area where he worked with many retailers, including Lechters and Caldor.

Coleman was also a decorated soldier during World War II, receiving three Purple Hearts and 14 battle ribbons.

LIMA, Ohio–Gerald O’Connor, founder and president emeritus of Range Kleen Mfg., passed away Dec. 11 in his home in Ocala, Fla. He was 85 years old.
O’Connor founded the company in 1971 here, taking his range parts start up to the retail aftermarket to build a leading brand of range accessories sold to retailers nationwide. The company now also offers cookware, bakeware, and other kitchen and cleaning products. O’Connor retired from the business in 2003.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–Whirlpool has formed an alliance with Beazer Homes USA by which the company will be the exclusive supplier of energy-and water-efficient appliances to the home builder.
Under the terms of the agreement, Beazer Homes will include Energy Star-qualified Whirlpool dishwashers in all of its homes. Also, home buyers will be able to choose other appliances under the Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands.
Beazer Homes operates in 16 states, building homes that are offered at various price points.

COPENHAGEN–The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has issued a white paper detailing guidelines to encourage the use of smart grid-enabled home appliances, to coincide with the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place here.
Titled “The Home Appliance Industry’s Principles & Requirements for Achieving a Widely Accepted Smart Grid,” the publication sets out three requirements for a smart grid:

CLEVELAND–Saeco USA has released an application for iPhones geared toward coffee equipment.
The application connects iPhone users directly with Saeco products. It offers high-quality images of Saeco’s full product line of coffee machines, and enables consumers to view full product descriptions and to use the “buy now” feature to make a purchase through the corporate Web store. The application is available for download for the iPhone or iPod Touch at no cost at the Apple App store, Saeco said in a statement.

TOLEDO, Ohio–Mark Feldstein & Associates will offer a series of Peanuts wall and alarm clocks, celebrating the comic strip’s 60th anniversary next year.
The clocks will feature Peanuts characters Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus on colorful clock dials. The clocks will play a variety of Peanuts melodies at the top of each hour.

NEW YORK-In honor of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, home furnishings company Lazy Susan will donate 20 percent of all online purchases to Gift for Life to support the non-profit organization DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. In addition, throughout the holiday season, Lazy Susan will give 20 percent of online purchases of select items to Gift for Life.

CANNON FALLS, Minn.–Independent retailers are invited to submit entries to Midwest-CBK’s third-annual Show Us Your Sparkle in-store retail holiday display contest, which has a deadline of Friday, Dec. 4.
“Now in our third year of hosting this popular retail awards program, Midwest-CBK is sponsoring the 2009 Show Us Your Sparkle contest to celebrate, recognize and share the creative display and event ideas that are helping to drive traffic and sales for the independent retail business,” said Frederic Contino, president.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The International Housewares Association has introduced a social-media plan designed to connect industry professionals and consumers with the International Home & Housewares Show.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Cookware company Berndes USA has partnered up with Range Kleen Mfg., which will take on the sales, marketing and shipping of Berndes products out of its headquarters in Lima, Ohio, as of Dec. 21.
Armando Vallejo, president of Berndes USA, will have the same role in this new partnership, though he said he plans on moving to a smaller office here, where his company was based. Berndes USA has a larger office and warehouse currently, and will not renew its lease when it runs out at the end of the year.

NEW YORK-Haan has unveiled its new HD-50 duo Steam Sweeper & Sanitizer, which combines a floor sweeper with a steam sanitizer.
The company formally presented the new product at an event here yesterday. With its combination of a sweeper and a steamer, the item eliminates the need to use a broom or vacuum before steam-cleaning the floor. It is designed with an agitator brush that revolves at 2,500 revolutions per minute, and with an automatic height-adjustment technology that enables it to be used on hard floors or any pile carpet or rug.

SANTERAMO IN COLLE, Italy—Vittorio Notarpietro has been named chief financial officer of The Natuzzi Group, succeeding Mariano Domingo, who has left the company.
Notarpietro joined the company in September as deputy chief financial officer, after having served as chief executive officer of the Malo Spa and vice president of IT Holding, both of which are Italy-based fashion-products companies. Notarpietro worked for Natuzzi from 1991 to 1998 as financial and investor-relations director.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio–BargainsDealsAndCloseouts.com debuts online today, offering merchandise such as housewares, clothing, electronics and more.
The Web site has an “Indiana Jones style warehouse” setting and spokesperson Jeff Weyrauch “puts a funny spin on products in the spirit of Saturday Night Live,” according to a release from the company.
Shipping and handling is free for most items, and most of the merchandise will ship in less than 24 hours, the company said.

CLEVELAND–Vita-Mix has debuted PITCH ME!, a nationwide contest that is collecting videos from consumers to find a new spokesperson to demonstrate the Vita-Mix blender on television.
Consumers have been invited to submit their videos of Vita-Mix demonstrations until Dec. 31 to VitamixTV.com. The winner will receive $10,000 and the possibility of appearing in future Vita-Mix TV advertisements. Contestants will be judged based on artistic merits, selling skills including on-camera persuasiveness and entertainment value, according to a Vita-Mix statement.

CARLSBAD, Calif.–Known for its Vinturi brand of wine aerators, Exica Inc. has changed its corporate name to Vinturi, to reflect the brand’s success.
“When we started this business, Vinturi was just an idea—now it’s a growing brand franchise with new products adding a multiplier effect,” said Rio Sabadicci, founder and chief executive officer. “So our corporate name should be the brand name that’s now widely associated with better tasting wine.”

STOCKHOLM, Sweden–Net income for Electrolux in the third quarter reached $223.9 million, up 93 percent from the third quarter of 2008.
“Cost savings, maintained prices and lower costs for raw materials contributed strongly to the improvement in income,” the company said in a statement. Net sales dropped 3 percent in the quarter to $3.8 billion. However, Electrolux did benefit from previous price increases, lower costs for raw materials and “low levels of marketing investments,” the company said.

MILWAUKEE–Prolitec has unveiled the Air/Q Adjustable Room Air Freshener, a miniaturized version of its commercial room-scenting product designed specifically for home use.
The Air/Q is a 5-inch cube whose system can be adjusted for any size room and homeowner preference for the strength of the scent. Its technology continuously removes odors while maintaining a consistent level of scent. The product comes with a full lineup of Prolitec commercial scents including Clear Sky, Lemon Verbena, Rose and Peony, and Mojito.

SEATTLE-Michael Purcell has been named national sales manager at Chef’n. With 15 years of housewares experience, he previously served the last three and a half years as the company’s sales manager. In his new role, he will have responsibility for overall domestic sales, key accounts and some product development. Before joining the company, Purcell was a regional sales manager at Zak Designs.
Taking on the role of sales manager is Heather Swerk, who was most recently at Newell Rubbermaid as an account manager.

SECAUCUS, N.J.-Panasonic said 104 of its home-appliance and personal-care products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Included in this designation are the company’s 2009 line of eight steam/dry irons; 35 microwave ovens, automatic bread maker, six rice cookers and the complete line of thermo pots; shavers including the 4-Blade Multi-Flexible Active Head men’s wet/dry shavers and the ES-GA21-S Nanotech shaver; the ES-WD51-P Epiglide epilator; and the EW-DJ10-A Oral Irrigator.

KEWASKUM, Wis.–U.S. cookware manufacturer Regal Ware launched its own retail stimulus plan for the fall, offering consumers who purchase at least $400 of its Marcus tri-ply stainless steel cookware a portable induction cooktop, a bonus worth $275. Regal Ware is sourcing the induction cooktop for this limited-time offer.
The Marcus line was developed by Regal Ware, in partnership with chef Marcus Samuelsson.

NEW YORK—KitchenAid is partnering with “Cooking with Nonna,” an online Italian cooking show, to give away KitchenAid-branded small appliances beginning this week.
Extending through Sunday, Dec. 27, the initiative will offer 10 appliances to “Cooking with Nonna” Web site members, who may enter the promotion by signing up at cookingwithnonna.com and by inviting others to join the site. The giveaways include KitchenAid hand mixers, bakeware, immersion blenders, food processors, a 90th anniversary stand mixer and others.

NEW YORK—Braun has joined with actress Emmanuelle Chriqui on a marketing campaign to promote its bodycruZer body groomer.

PARIS, France–Wine connoisseurs with iPhones can test their wine knowledge with a new iPhone application from wine accessories company L’Atelier du Vin. The newly released Wine Quiz application can be downloaded by iPhone users and has 198 questions and answers on wine.

KEWASKUM, Wis.–Regal Ware’s Kitchen Fair brand will star in its own segment on the Discovery Channel’s new show, Factory Made, on Friday. It’s scheduled to air during one of the two shows to be broadcast that evening, at 8 and 8:30 p.m.
The Discovery Channel team visited the factory in June to film the start-to-finish production of Kitchen Fair cast aluminum cookware at the company’s facility here. Part of the filming focused on the foundry where aluminum bars are melted in preparation for the casting process.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.–Electrolux has announced that Rickard Hederstierna from the Lund Institute of Technology in Sweden is the global winner of the company’s Design Lab competition.
Hederstierna won for his Cocoon concept, a product that prepares genetically engineered and prepackaged meat and fish dishes. An Electrolux statement said Louis Filosa of Purdue University was the highest ranking American in the competition, finishing in third place for his Renew smart clothing steamer, which “blasts” clothes instantly clean.

GURNEE, Ill.–Hearthware Home Products has named Jennifer Epker Dawes to the newly created position of executive chef.
Dawes, a chef who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has been in the food industry for 22 years, has assumed responsibility over the testing and development of recipes for Hearthware Home’s NuWave Pro Infrared Oven. She will also appear in online instructional video segments, demonstrating the recipes that use the NuWave Pro. She reports to Jay S. Moon, Hearthware Home’s president, and Gene H. Kim, vice president.

WATERBURY, Vt.–Keurig has debuted the Cafe Escapes collection of lattes and hot cocoas as part of the K-Cup collection of hot beverages.

CHICAGO–In what represents an unprecedented joint effort in the housewares industry, the International Housewares Association and George Little Management are surveying vendors on industry shows.
Although neither party wanted to speculate, it is GLM’s Gourmet Housewares Show that is at the center of the survey, as both parties try to determine if there is need for a second show and if so, when and where.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The International Housewares Association has announced the election of four new directors to its board, as well as its first international chairman, Robert Trudeau, chairman of the Canada-based Trudeau Corp.
The new directors are Evan Dash, chief executive officer, Dash Holdings Group, LLC; Kenneth Lefever, president, Wilton Armetale; Michael Magerman, president/chief executive officer, Quickie Mfg. Corp.; and Joseph Mollof, president/chief executive officer, World Kitchen, LLC. They will serve three-year terms that begin on Oct. 1.

DALLAS–The Gourmet Catalog Buying Group has debuted an online catalog option so that visitors can view a member store’s personalized catalog, a replica of the print version but without the mailing costs.

HOUSTON–Consumers wanting a new teakettle have more incentive to buy one in October, thanks to a new trade-in program from housewares company Chantal. Through October, consumers who bring their old teakettles of any brand into a participating retailer or through chantal.com/tradein will get 20 percent off the price of a new Chantal teakettle. The functional teakettles that are traded in will be donated to local charities such as Goodwill for resale, and non-functioning ones will be recycled.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–The patented Crock-Pot brand will launch a new iPhone application this month, which will serve as a resource in meal preparation, and shopping.

BOTANY, Australia–Scott Meyer has been named president of Breville North America.
Meyer will assume charge of the company’s Housewares International operations in the United States and Canada on Sept. 1. He reports directly to the parent company’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Audsley. He replaces Cliff Clive, who has left the company.
Before joining Breville, Meyer was general manager of the faucet division at American Standard. He has also served as the president and chief executive officer of the T-Fal/Wearever unit of Groupe SEB.

NEW YORK–In a recent Consumer Reports article on cookware sets, the Swiss Diamond Reinforced non-stick pans were deemed to be the “best performers overall.” The magazine said it tested 32 models and picked ten for its Select Ratings. The Swiss Diamond pans were not included in that category, the magazine said, because they were priced above the price range being considered.
A total of five sets were ranked CR Best Buys, including products from Earth Pan, Emerilware, Starfrit, GreenPan and Calphalon. Another five were “recommended.”

STERLING, Ill.–Wahl Clipper has launched its Man of the Year contest, in which participants with facial hair can submit photo entries at wahlnation.com.
Voting on the contest will conclude on Dec. 23; finalists will receive an mp4 player, and the winner will receive a 42-inch flat-panel, high-definition television.

CLEVELAND–A Vita-Mix CIA Professional Series blender, an autographed picture of celebrity chef Michael Symon and an autographed menu were auctioned at Share Our Strength’s A Tasteful Pursuit event here.
The picture was from Vita-Mix’s advertising campaign, which shows a number of celebrity chefs posing naked with the Vita-Mix blender. The event took place at Lola, Symon’s restaurant, and included a number of celebrity chefs. The items were auctioned for $20,000, and the event as a whole raised $100,000.

CHICAGO–The Panasonic Pro-Curve electric shaver has been awarded a Quality & Performance Mark from Intertek, a provider of testing and inspection services for products in a range of industries.

WOODRIDGE, Ill.–Wilton Brands has announced that its parent company, Wilton Holdings, and its subsidiaries, have come to an agreement with their largest creditors, JGF Credit, LLC, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in regards to a comprehensive restructuring of Wilton Holdings’ capital structure.
JGF and DB have agreed to stand still with respect to the involuntary petition filed against Wilton Holdings on July 17, 2009, a release said, and at the completion of the financial restructuring of Wilton Holdings they will withdraw their petition.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Lifetime Brands reported a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended June 30, compared to a net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the 2008 quarter, the company said in a release. On a pre-tax basis, the loss for the quarter was $1.0 million for this quarter, and $8.9 million for the same period in 2008.

NEW YORK--Michael Jemal has been named chairman of the board for Haier America, and Shariff Kan has been promoted to president of the company’s newly created White Goods Group.

CINCINNATI--Net sales of Procter & Gamble’s grooming products fell 9 percent in the company’s fiscal year ending June 30, pulled down by what a company statement described as a “sharp decline” in sales of Braun products.
Braun’s sales declined by double digits because of market contractions, trade inventory reductions and the exits of both the U.S. home-appliance and Tassimo coffeemaker businesses. The Braun dropoff offset more positive results from sales of P&G’s Gillette Fusion brand of premium-priced shavers and blades.

NEW YORK--Remington and Brickfish, a marketing firm specializing in social media, have joined forces for the Tools for Celebrity Style program.

LYNDHURST, N.J.–Fagor America has launched whatisinductioncooking.com, a Web site devoted to the facts and benefits of induction cooking.
“There is a tremendous amount of buzz circulating about induction cooking right now,” said Sara De La Hera, vice president, sales and marketing. “However, we found that there were not too many dynamic resources available that illustrate how this technology works. That’s why we created whatisinductioncooking.com.”

NEW YORK–In the 107 year history of J.C. Penney it has done practically everything in retailing ... everything that is except for one thing: have a store in Manhattan.

TORONTO–Kaela Forker Clary has been named vice president of business development for Umbra.
In this newly created position, which Clary will assume on Aug. 4, she will be responsible for product development and the company’s entry into new product categories. She reports directly to Les Mandelbaum, Umbra’s president and co-founder.
Clary’s most recent position was with American Pacific Enterprises, which liquidated last December. Joining the company in 1992, she was named co-chief executive officer with Jeremy Ozorio in January 2008.

KINGSPORT, Tenn.–The Kor One hydration vessel, made with an Eastman Chemical Company copolyester, snagged an award at the 2009 International Plastics Design Competition. Winning the Sustainable Consumer Product Award, the Kor water bottle is made with Eastman Tritan and is manufactured without BPA. The awards are sponsored by the Alliance of Plastics Processors. Another product made with an Eastman Chemical copoylester, the iSecure Syringe from Hospira, also won two awards.

EL PASO, Texas–Helen of Troy’s OXO brand has signed two license agreements with Staples, the office-products retailer, and UCB, a biopharmaceutical company.

NEW YORK—Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has been added to Macy’s Culinary Council, an effort designed to increase traffic into the retailer’s housewares and food departments.
Lagasse joins other celebrity chefs on the council, including Todd English, Tyler Florence, Cat Cora, Rick Bayless, Ming Tsai and Govind Armstrong. Macy’s said its new partnership with Lagasse is its latest venture in bringing expertise in high-quality cookware and food to its shoppers. The retailer also said the Lagasse line of cookware, produced by All-Clad, will be available in its stores this summer.

CLEVELAND—Saeco has entered into a partnership with Easy2 Technologies for the development of product demonstrations for retailer Web sites.
Easy2 specializes in the development and distribution of rich-media interactive contact for the Internet. The firm offers a Make Your Own Demo option that Saeco will be using, which allows companies to create and syndicate product demos to unlimited retailers for a flat monthly fee, and without added costs per click or fees for minutes viewed.

WOODRIDGE, Ill.-Wilton Brands addressed recent reports of its financial situations with a statement saying that it is not in Chapter 11, nor has it or any of the operating companies that market and sell its products been petitioned into Chapter 11. In fact, the company is doing well, even in this economy, it said.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears and Kmart will launch the Country Living home collection in stores and online beginning next month. The collection inspired by Country Living magazine, includes tabletop, home textiles, furniture and decorative items.

NEW CASTLE, Del.–The upcoming film Julie & Julia will include Emile Henry ovenware and tableware and Mauviel 1830 copper pots and pans. The film, which stars Meryl Streep as Julia Child, opens August 7.
Also, Emile Henry has partnered with the California Olive Committee to promote using olives and Emile Henry ovenware and cookware.

NEW YORK–Salton Inc., the entity created by the merger of Salton and Applica last year, is not for sale, according to a statement from Harbinger Capital Partners, the company’s owner.
Harbinger issued the statement yesterday in response to press reports that said the company is on the block. The statement said that “both Salton and Harbinger remain committed to our long-term partnership and to the strategy of positioning the company as a leading marketer and distributor of a broad range of high-quality consumer products.”

GREENEVILLE, Tenn.–Meco Corp., which specializes in folding furniture and outdoor grills, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with 50 products “that reach out to today’s consumer,” according to the company.
The assortment includes decorative folding furniture as well as barbecue grills.
Founded in 1959 as Metals Engineering Co., today Meco features the Samsonite, SuddenComfort, SuddenSolution and Innobella brands in furniture and the Aussie brand of grills. It is now a division of Unaka Corp.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden–Net income for AB Electrolux, the parent company of Electrolux North America, rose 564.6 percent in the second quarter, to $85 million.

SECAUCUS, N.J.–The Culinary Institute of America has formulated gourmet recipes specifically for Panasonic’s line of Inverter microwaves.
The 15 recipes were created by CIA-certified master chefs, and are geared toward helping consumers prepare meals that are both delicious and healthy using the Panasonic product line. The recipes are available on Panasonic’s “virtual test kitchen,” on panasonic.com/inverter, and include step-by-step instruction, nutritional information and three instructional cooking videos.

LOS ANGELES–Pacific Merchants Trading Co. will relaunch the Mason Cash line of kitchenware in the U.S. market.
The Mason Cash collection includes ceramic mixing bowls, pitchers, pudding basins, tea pots and butter dishes. Pacific Merchants has signed an agreement making it the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor of this line. According to a statement from Pacific Merchants, the Mason Cash line will debut in this country in August.

WATERBURY, Vt.–Conair Corp., parent company of Cuisinart, and Keurig have formed a licensing and distribution agreement whereby Conair will develop, market and sell single-cup coffeemakers co-branded under the Cuisinart and Keurig names.
The coffeemakers will be launched in spring 2010, and will be designed to work with Keurig’s patented K-Cup packs of coffees, teas and hot cocoa. Other terms of the agreement were not disclosed, according to a statement from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, parent of Keurig.

MINNEAPOLIS–Beginning this month, Target will provide an exclusive, limited-edition collection of home textiles designed by Dror Benshetrit.
Labeled Dror for Target, the collection will include comforters, quilts, sheets and tapestries in patterns that enable mixing and matching, according to a statement from Target. Also in the line are a group of decorative accessories such as removable wall decals, a clock, lamps, a side table and a nesting bookcase. The collection also includes stationery items such as file folders, a sketchbook and mini-composition books.

LAKEWOOD, N.J.–Harold Imports has added an exclusive U.S. distribution of a silicone collection to its product line, and named a new product development coordinator. The company has entered into an agreement with Lékué of Spain, a silicone bakeware and tool and gadget company, for exclusive distribution in the U.S. For next year’s International Home & Housewares Show, Harold said it would launch more than 30 newly developed products from this company. In addition, Lékué’s packaging for its tools and gadgets will be updated for a better presentation to the U.S.

INDIANAPOLIS–Consumer electronics retailer hhgregg has updated its store-opening plans in connection with its accelerated growth strategy for 2010 and 2011.
The company said it now expects to open between 20 and 22 new stores in the current fiscal year (2010), up from its previous expectation for 16 to 18 new stores. For fiscal 2011, store openings are expected to reach between 40 and 45. Among the new markets hhgregg expects to enter over these two fiscal periods are Tampa, Fla.; Memphis, Tenn.; Richmond, Va.; Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.

ATLANTA–AmericasMart has delved into social networking with the debut of its blog, launched in conjunction with the July Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Found at blog.americasmart.com, the blog will give the industry an inside look at AmericasMart and its markets and give daily updates and breaking news about exhibitors. AmericasMart also wants it to serve as a networking forum for exhibitors, retailers and interior designers.

ATLANTA–Calphalon’s new Unison line of cookware includes two nonstick coatings—called Sear and Slide—suited to each piece’s cooking function.

FRANKFURT, Germany–German show organizer Messe Frankfurt is busy preparing and honing the image of its Tendence show, which takes place July 3-7. Positioning it as the first show in the second half of the year, Nicolette Naumann, vice president of Messe Frankfurt, said the show stands for “seminal design, the latest trends and valuable inspiration for the trade.”

CHICAGO–Respecting generational divides, living within one’s means, the live-in kitchen, the “green” kitchen, the wellness kitchen and cooking for fun are the most important trends in the housewares industry, according to a panel that was conducted during the just-completed International Home & Housewares Show.

CHICAGO–DKB, a division of Swiss-based Diethelm Keller Brands, came to the International Home & Housewares Show with a line of kitchen tools from British chef Jamie Oliver. With the launch of its Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker and Jamie Oliver kitchen tools and gadgets products under the DKB banner planned for the fall, “we’re growing beyond Zyliss,” said Sanjay Choudhuri, chief executive officer, referring to the brand it is known for in the U.S. and the company’s name until January 2008.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–In an effort to expand the tradeshow experience, the Gourmet Housewares Show has launched its Online Catalog Gallery so visitors can browse manufacturers’ product catalogs at its Web site. So far 10 catalogs, from such companies as Breville, Nespresso, Nordic Ware and Scanpan, are already posted, and about 50 more are anticipated.

NEW YORK–New York investment firm Clarion Capital Partners completed its acquisition of Lenox last night. The group of tabletop brands, which includes Lenox, Gorham, Dansk and Department 56, will now operate outside of Chapter 11 bankruptcy as New Lenox. Peter Cameron, the former chief executive officer of Waterford Wedgwood plc, will lead the company as chairman and chief executive officer.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The six most important trends in the consumer marketplace and how they will influence business will be the discussion for “Top Trends for 2010,” an educational seminar on Monday, March 23, during the International Home & Housewares Show. Tom Mirabile, vice president, global trend and design, Lifetime Brands, will present the top trends based on Lifetime’s forecast and analysis of consumer lifestyle trends.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Two executives from NextLife, a marketer of sustainable products and services, will lead a panel on sustainability at the International Home & Housewares Show.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The Gourmet Housewares Show is collaborating with The Gourmet Catalog to produce a full day of programming for Gourmet Catalog members in conjunction with the upcoming show.
The one-day intensive and informative meeting is planned to take place on Friday, August 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, where the Gourmet Housewares Show will follow from August 8 to 10.

TORONTO, Canada–Chef Mario Batali and Cosmoda Corp. have created a line of stylish reusable lunch bags for health-conscious commuters and eco-friendly foodies to tote lunches to work. Including satchels, totes, messenger bags, over-the-shoulder bags, and even a crew tote for airline travel, the line is available in a high-density nylon in such food-related colors as Black Pepper, Espresso, Pesto and Persimmon, as well as brightly textured canvas prints. Retail prices range from $20 to $55.

DORAL, Fla.–George Duran, host of the Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and “The Secret Life Of,” as well as a chef and cookbook author, has joined Imusa’s Culinary All-Star Team, which consists of Latin cookbook authors, reality television stars and other foodies to create recipes, cooking ideas and other content related to Hispanic cuisine.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Jura-Capresso has launched a new “Sip & Save” feature on its Web site, capresso.com, which shows consumers how much they can save by making cappuccinos at home.
Consumers who visit this page enter how many cappuccinos they buy in a year and how much they pay for them. The feature then automatically calculates the money they would save in a year by brewing them at home. It can also figure out how much a consumer could save by brewing crema coffees at home, as opposed to buying them at a cafe.

COMMERCE, Cal.–Through a recent agreement with Jarden Corporation, Gibson will introduce a line of coffee-related products bearing the Mr. Coffee brand name.
The line, which will debut at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago later this month, will include items like coffee presses, latte cups, coffee glasses, milk frothers and more. It will target all retail channels, with a focus on mass merchants, supermarkets and drug stores, where the brand is already a presence on store shelves, according to a Gibson spokesman.

LONDON–The market for male grooming is continuing to grow, but there is plenty of room for it to expand more quickly, according to a report from Datamonitor.

WEST ORANGE, N.J.–The Rowenta brand of garment-care products has been designated the official garment-care line for designer Zac Posen’s fall 2009 collections.
Rowenta has provided garment steamers, pressure irons/steamers and irons for Posen’s House of Z Collection in both the design studio and at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week apparel show in New York City. Posen’s collection consists of woolen tweed jackets and floral silks.

SAN DIEGO–Based on the success of its BeaterBlade+, New Metro Design has appointed Fresco, a division of Jascor Housewares, as its distributor in Canada. “We are very excited to begin working with our new Canadian sales partner Fresco,” said Gary Fallowes, founder, New Metro Design and inventor of the BeaterBlade+. “Fresco’s long-established relationships and expertise working with Canadian retailers interested in innovative, high-quality culinary products will be instrumental in helping us build our brand in Canada.”

NEW YORK–The Sharper Image has signed a licensing agreement with Emson USA, a manufacturer and direct marketer, for a line of small kitchen appliances.
The initial launch of the five-year agreement is the Sharper Image Super Juicer, which is now available at retail and through television. Products under development include blenders, coffeemakers, cookers and other small electrics. These new products are scheduled to appear at specialty stores and department stores this fall.

EL PASO, Texas–Helen of Troy has acquired the global Infusium 23 patented hair-care business from Procter & Gamble.
A Helen of Troy statement did not disclose the purchase price. The Infusium 23 brand includes shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments. In the statement, Gerald Rubin, Helen of Troy’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said the company expects Infusium 23 to generate about $40 million in sales on an annualized basis.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The Gourmet Housewares Show has partnered with Travel Planners to negotiate hotel rates for individuals and groups starting as low as $114 per night for the show, scheduled for August 8 to 10 in San Francisco. Show organizer GLM has set up a Web site, accessed through thegourmetshow.com or directly at myGLMtravel.com, that allows people to make and change their reservations any time.
Other travel benefits include no pre-payment for hotel nights; the ability to update or cancel reservations with no fees or penalties, and immediate confirmations.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Participating in the 2009 International Home + Housewares Show is a cost-effective expenditure according to cleaning and home organization exhibitors quoted in a release from the International Housewares Association, the organizers of the show.
The show, set for March 22-24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will attract more than 20,000 buyers from around the globe.
David Stone, president of Sterilite, believes that it is in tough times like these that both suppliers and retailers should use trade shows to meet their needs of the consumer.

LAKEWOOD, N.J.–HIC—Harold Import Company has reached agreements to distribute select lines of products from Prepara and Casabella.
Prepara products include the herb saver, cookbook holder, trio peeler and garlic crusher. Prepara is co-owned by Pollen Design and Evan Dash.
Casabella creates commodity products including cleaning tools, kitchen and bath accessories, and organizing products. Many of the items have received numerous design awards and industry recognition.

GLENWILLOW, Ohio–Saeco will move its exhibit space at the International Home & Housewares Show next month to the South building, booth number S3072.

NEW YORK–Alessi has hired managers for its two Manhattan stores. Blaine Anderson, an artist who has worked in direction and management at art galleries, has been named manager of Alessi Madison, located at 30 E. 60th Street, and Mark Chung, a culinary school graduate and restaurateur, has been named manager of Alessi Soho, 130 Greene Street.

by Allison Zisko
FRANKFURT, German–Ambiente, one of Europe’s largest trade fairs, will have a new look next year as organizer Messe Frankfurt opens a new hall and redesigns the existing floor plan.
As a result, the tabletop and housewares sections of the fair will no longer be located in Halls 10 and 9, respectively.
The restructuring will enable Messe Frankfurt to give a sharper focus to the individual sections of the show, which are grouped under the categories of “living,” “giving” and “dining.” Tabletop and housewares fall under the “dining” group.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The Gourmet Housewares Show will join forces with the Gourmet Catalog to produce a full day of programming at the show.
Scheduled for Aug. 7, the program involves a one-day meeting that will cover critical business and industry issues, and will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, where the show is scheduled to take place. More than 100 retailer members of the Gourmet Catalog are expected to participate, and will attend the show, which will take place from Aug. 8-11.

FRANKFURT, Germany–Ambiente, one of Europe’s largest trade fairs, began this morning with exhibitors optimistic that despite the gloomy economy there are avenues of opportunity here and business to do.

AUGUSTA, Ga.–Electrolux has joined with television host Kelly Ripa in an online effort to raise money for The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund during Valentine’s Day.

LOS ANGELES–Tulino Design Group has launched a new Web site, tulinodesigngroup.com. TDGI specializes in the housewares packaging industry and has recently expanded into complete identity building and collateral materials for all aspects of advertising and design. The site contains an updated portfolio with user friendly navigation and a clean, fresh look and feel.

NEW YORK–Alberto Alessi is visiting the United States in a media tour that includes stops in New York, Indianapolis and the Detroit area.
Alessi, chief executive officer and director of marketing strategies and design management for the Italian design company, will speak on a number of topics.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–The International Sleep Products Association has called upon the U.S. Senate to include proposals benefiting housing and home furnishings into the economic stimulus package.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–More than 20,000 buyers from around the world are expected to attend the International Home & Housewares Show in March, according to a statement from the International Housewares Association, sponsor of the event.
The attendees will be on hand to take in displays of more than 2,000 suppliers from five continents, and will be “aggressively seeking new opportunities to grow their business in these challenging times,” said Phil Brandl, IHA president. The show will take place March 22-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

NEW YORK–Bodum has expanded its service coverage in Canada, as it has appointed Groupe Marketing and The Carron Company as its representatives in Canada.
“We are very excited about our partnership with these agencies,” said Thomas Perez, president, Bodum. “Together, Gilles Legault of Groupe Marketing and Ron Zalopany of The Carron Company bring more than 60 years of experience to our organization.”

ATLANTA–The drop in consumer spending and the sagging economy resulted in a deep income and sales drop for the fourth quarter for Newell Rubbermaid, the company reported. Net income fell to a negative $256.7 million, or a negative 17.7 percent of sales, for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to the prior year. Consistent with the updated guidance provided by the company, net sales declined 11.6 percent to $1.45 billion in the fourth quarter, compared to $1.64 billion in 2007.

EL PASO, Texas–Bart Plaumann, president of Helen of Troy’s retail personal-care division, has left the company.
Plaumann joined Helen of Troy in February 2007. He was responsible for the operations regarding the company’s retail personal-products, including its brush, comb and accessory division, and reported directly to Gerald Rubin, chairman, president and chief executive officer. Before joining Helen of Troy, Plaumann held executive positions with Jarden Consumer Solutions and The Holmes Group.

SAN FRANCISCO–Greg Waples has been appointed vice president of retail sales for AbsolutelyNew, a consumer-products company that helps inventors bring their product developments, including home furnishings, to market.
Waples is in charge of the company’s day-to-day retail sales operations in this newly created position. He reports to Bill Feroe, the company’s executive vice president, who had been handling these responsibilities prior to Waples’ appointment.

SAN FRANCISCO–Retailer Design Within Reach has launched its newest endeavour DWR: Kitchen, a proprietary system of kitchen cabinets and islands that are both modular and portable. The launch comes only months after the retailer unveiled DWR: Tools for Living housewares collection. The first kitchen installation is on display at the retailer’s 110 Greene St. location in New York.

KEWASKUM, Wis.–Regal Ware has announced that Jim Dorn, who began his career at the cookware company in 1964, has retired from the company as of Jan. 1.
He held a number of sales positions while at Regal Ware, and was most recently vice president for the food-service division, which he took on in 2003. He was also responsible for Regal Ware’s re-entry into the high-end retail market with new collections, such as American Kitchen and Marcus.

CLOSTER, N.J.–The Jura-Capresso ENA 5 automatic coffee center has received the 2008 Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum.
The award honors quality design among home products. Made in Switzerland, the ENA 5 is a slim bean-to-cup coffee center that measures less than 9.5 inches wide, and features advanced technology for making crema coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks, according to a Jura-Capresso statement. The coffee center comes in ristretto black, blossom white or cherry red.

PORT CHESTER, N.Y.–Polder has been honored with a 2008 Good Design award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design for its grocery bag trash can, which allows consumers to reuse plastic bags they have picked up at supermarkets and convenience stores. Built-in handles hold the plastic bag in place, resulting in a trash can that hides any excess bag hanging down outside of the container.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–GLM, owner and manager of Surtex, has opened online registration for the show.
Scheduled for May 17 to 19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, Surtex features exhibitors among vendors of original art and design for home textiles, floor coverings, wallcoverings, apparel, gift products, stationery, housewares and other consumer products. Attendees can register for the show on the surtex.com Web site or by calling (800) 272-SHOW.

FRANKFURT, Germany–Around 4,600 exhibitors from 100 countries have signed up to present their latest product collections for the table, kitchen and household at Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main from Feb. 13 to 17.
A wide variety of shows, exhibitions and presentations will provide orientation and inspiration, according to the show’s organizers.

EL PASO, Texas–Third-quarter net income for Helen of Troy totaled $15.1 million, 34 percent less than the company’s third-quarter result from the prior year.
In a statement issued this morning, the personal-care appliances manufacturer said net earnings suffered from foreign-exchange losses, which reduced the bottom line by $5 million. Gerald Rubin, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said Helen of Troy’s selling, general and administrative expenses also edged up by 0.6 percentage point as a percentage of sales in the quarter.

RYE, N.Y.–Jarden expects its revenue for the fourth quarter to total $1.3 billion, slightly ahead of its previous guidance for the quarter, which it provided in early December.
In a statement issued this morning, the housewares giant said it now expects revenue for all of 2008 to equal $5.35 billion. If these predictions prove true, it would mean that Jarden’s fourth-quarter revenue would have declined by about 13 percent versus the fourth quarter of 2007, while its full-year revenue would have increased by nearly 15 percent over the prior year.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Clorox, Krups, Rowenta and Nestle will be exhibiting at the International Home & Housewares Show in March, all returning after an absence of a number of years.
According to a statement from the International Housewares Association, the show’s sponsor and manager, Clorox will appear at the show’s Clean + Contain Expo, and Nestle will be located at the show’s Gourmet District (GOHO). Krups and Rowenta will exhibit in the space occupied by Groupe SEB, their parent company, along with All-Clad, Emerilware and T-Fal/Wearever, also part of the Groupe SEB family.

CINCINNATI–Procter & Gamble’s Oral-B electric toothbrush brand has allied with the Crest toothpaste brand in an effort to increase donations to Operation Smile, a children’s medical charity.
From now through March, Oral-B and Crest will donate both money and products to the charity, which aids children who suffer from facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates.

By Andrea Lillo
ATLANTA–AmericasMart makes a jump into housewares with the new 2 West building, set to open in January, coinciding with the International Gift and Home Furnishings Market.

ATLANTA–Spectrum Brands, the parent company of Remington personal-care products, has transferred the trading of its common stock from the New York Stock Exchange to the Over the Counter market.
Effective today, according to a Spectrum statement, the company’s common stock will be traded on the OTC market and quoted on the Pink Sheet Electronic Quotation Service under the symbol SPCB. The stock had been traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPC. As of today, the trading of Spectrum’s stock on NYSE has been suspended.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Jura-Capresso has created a special-order program for retailers, permitting them to offer more choices to shoppers without increasing their inventories.
The company provides a binder to retailers containing images and descriptions for 27 Jura-Capresso SKUs, including automatic coffee centers and accessories, espresso machines, coffeemakers, grinders and other kitchen electrics. Retailers that stock some of the products can thus sell all of them. A scannable UPC code is provided for each item, for those retailers that have UPC code scanning capability.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment program has awarded Bissell “Champion” status in the agency’s Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative.

LOS ANGELES–Mastrad has received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the rigid and easy-grasp handles on its Orka silicone bakeware. The handles are designed for the cook to easily move the bakeware from the counter to the stove or oven without wobbles and possible spills.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.–Electrolux Home Care Products has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry.

NEW YORK–The journey of three inner-city students as they train for a cooking championship unfolds in the film “Pressure Cooker,” which can be seen tonight at a special screening at the IFC Center here.
From co-director Jennifer Grausman, the daughter of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) founder Richard Grausman, the documentary follows a team from a Philadelphia high school as they learn culinary skills under the guidance of a passionate yet demanding teacher.

RYE, N.Y.–Jarden said it expects its fourth-quarter revenue to total about $1.3 billion, which would be more than 11 percent below its fourth-quarter revenue of 2007.
If the consumer-products giant’s projection comes to pass, its total revenue for all of 2008 would be about $5.3 billion, or about 14 percent ahead of 2007. In a statement released this morning, Jarden said it also expects 2009 total revenue to exceed $5 billion. Also, recent declines in raw-material commodity costs should improve the company’s margins in the second half of next year.

By Warren Shoulberg
Jeff Portman was talking about AmericasMart’s timing when it comes to expanding the Atlanta Market Center.
“When we expanded the gift market in the early 1990s, we had the savings and loan crisis. When we did the apparel mart expansion, it was when the Internet collapsed.
“Every time we’ve had an expansion, it’s been during some very difficult economic times.”
What Portman, president of the Mart, doesn’t have to say is that each of those expansions has worked out quite well despite the precipitous timing.

SALT LAKE CITY–CirTran Corp. has launched the Evander Holyfield Real Deal Grill, its trademarked indoor-outdoor grill, at select Jewel-Osco and Roundy’s Supermarket locations.
Spokespersons with the two retailers said the grill is debuting this week. Vivien King, spokeswoman for Roundy’s, said the store is launching the grill for a sale price of $59.99; the suggested retail price is $99.99, King said. Miguel Alba, spokesman for Jewel-Osco, said the new product is being offered in 136 of the total 186 Jewel-Osco retail locations.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The Housewares Charity Foundation will honor Timothy Adams, chairman of Macy’s Home Store, and Lyn Kirby, president and chief executive officer of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, at the Housewares Charity Foundation gala on March 23.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Betty Sawicki has been named senior sales and marketing manager for Jura-Capresso.
In this newly created post, Sawicki is in charge of managing and increasing the company’s premium-incentive business. She reports to David Shull, vice president of sales and marketing. Before this appointment, Sawicki was Jura-Capresso’s assistant sales and marketing manager.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Manufacturers of housewares should pay close attention to the benefits and challenges of manufacturing in China, according to author and business journalist Peter Navarro.

TOLEDO, Ohio–Mark Feldstein & Associates has entered into a licensing agreement with Audiovox Corp. to develop wireless outdoor/indoor speakers under the Jensen brand name.

BLAUVELT, N.Y.–Casabella has appointed two new members to its sales team: Mary Ann Lakoseljac as director of sales and Sue Kilarski as West Coast regional sales manager. Both are newly created positions.
Reporting directly to Bruce Kaminstein, president, Lakoseljac will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the sales team as well as manage a number of key accounts. Most recently, she was vice president, FMP, Home Decor division, Lifetime Brands.

READING, Mass.–Keurig has debuted its national holiday advertising campaign with what the company said is an investment of more than $6 million in media.

HOUSTON–Rowenta held its Iron-a-thon yesterday at the Houston Quilt Festival to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
More than 200 people participated, with each contestant donating $5 to enter the competition. Each participant displayed his or her skills at ironing a pink shirt. Also, Rowenta is selling its Pink Iron at the festival, with all of the profits going to the foundation.
This is the third year in which Rowenta has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Last year, the company donated more than $114,000 to the charity.

ATLANTA–Newell Rubbermaid reported income from continuing operations of $55 million for the third quarter, down 68 percent from $169.9 million last year.
Net sales grew 4.3 percent to $1.76 billion for the quarter, compared to $1.69 billion for the same period in 2007. Internal sales growth, which excludes the effect of significant acquisitions, was 0.4 percent. The company’s Home & Family segment saw double-digit growth, and its Rubbermaid Food business high single-digit growth, which were offset by softness in North American Tools & Hardware, Office Products and Decor.

CINCINNATI–Sales volume of Braun-branded products fell by double digits in the first quarter of the fiscal year of Procter & Gamble, the brand’s parent company.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.–Eureka has unveiled its redesigned Web site with features based on consumer input, according to a company statement.

MADISON, Wisc.–Remington has joined forces with supermodel Cindy Crawford, the brand’s spokesperson, to support Together for Kids hospitals, a nationwide network for children’s hospitals.
From now through December, Remington will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its Smooth & Silky Shavers, in specially marked packages, to Together for Kids hospitals. The special packages, which feature Crawford, have already begun to appear on retailers’ shelves.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–Now that the Gourmet Housewares Show has a new place and time, it will unveil a marketing campaign to reflect those and other changes with “eye-catching graphics and tongue-in-cheek copy,” according to a statement from show organizer GLM.
Created by the show’s advertising agency, Eric Mower Associates, the campaign will be seen in advertisements, direct mail, email communications and the show’s Web site, beginning in early November.

VERNON HILLS, Ill.–Focus Products Group has reorganized into four divisions—Focus Bath Group, Focus Kitchen Group, Focus Electrics Group and Focus Foodservice—to deliver a stronger and unified brand experience to both retailers and consumers, said Keith Jaffee, chief executive officer, in a statement.

TOLEDO, Ohio–Mark Feldstein & Associates, which develops products and imports housewares and giftware, has named Michele Burke vice president of sales.
In this position, newly created in response to an increase in business and expansion into different markets, according to the company, Burke will be responsible for maximizing existing accounts and developing new strategic relationships. In addition, Burke, who reports to Mark Feldstein, president, will help develop account management personnel.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Capresso has launched a new Website with an expanded array of videos, images and information.

NEW YORK–Six of the participating companies at a Greener Home event, featuring companies with sustainable products, will be featured on a local newscast here this evening.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Today, Lifetime Brands will open its new Boston facility, which is located just outside the city in Medford, Mass. Measuring slightly over 69,000 square feet, the building will house mostly office space, the company said. This new facility replaces the former Syratech building.

NEW YORK–HoMedics and The Sharper Image have signed a five-year, $540 million license agreement for a line of Sharper Image-branded products in the home-environment, electronics, men’s-personal-care, men’s-gifts, health-and-wellness, weather and concierge categories.
According to a joint statement from the two companies, the agreement positions HoMedics as Sharper Image’s primary strategic licensee, as part of the process of transforming the latter’s business model from that of a retailer to that of a global brand licensor.

WATERBURY, Vt.–Green Mountain Coffee, the parent company of Keurig, has announced the 14 winners of its coffee Haiku contest, where people were asked to submit a poem about coffee in the traditional Haiku poetry format.
“Coffee is inspirational,” said Susan Cote, director of brand marketing, Green Mountain Coffee, in a statement. “We’re happy to celebrate coffee in this way, and put great coffee poetry from our loyal customers in the hands of millions.”

OTTAWA–BergHOFF International, which supports Tree Canada, a charitable organization that promotes trees, has launched its Earthchef line of kitchenware in Canada.
The Earthchef collection incorporates natural ceramic non-stick coatings, renewable resources like bamboo and recyclable packaging, and for every Marquee Tree Canada 11-inch skillet sold, BergHOFF International will sponsor Tree Canada to plant a tree and maintain its care for five years.

DORSET, Vt.–Woodenware company J.K. Adams has been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification.
The FSC is the leading forestry stewardship system in the world with the mission to ensure forestry practices that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically viable.

DORSET, Vt.–Woodenware company J.K. Adams has been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification.
The FSC is the leading forestry stewardship system in the world with the mission to ensure forestry practices that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically viable.

PARSIPPANY, N.J.–Gearing up for the holiday season, cookware manufacturer Swiss Diamond recently unveiled a redesigned Web site.
The new features include information on the technology used to produce the cookware, a PFOA-free statement, a Q&A section and updated graphics.

WASHINGTON–The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has updated the branding of the association, with a redesigned logo and tagline.

NEW YORK–Ronco, the company founded by television pitchman Ron Popeil, celebrated its 50th anniversary with an event at the Institute of Culinary Education here.

ATLANTA–Newell Rubbermaid has completed its $400 million unsecured three-year term loan facility with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, it said in a statement. In addition, it said the loan proceeds will be used to reduce outstanding commercial paper. Newell also announced a one-year extension of its $448 million floating rate note from September 2008 to September 2009.

STAMFORD, Conn.–Philips Norelco has introduced “Body Manalogues,” a series of videos about body grooming, on ShaveEverywhere.com, the company’s Web site for body-grooming products.

FORT WORTH, Texas–Pier 1 will test new product categories this holiday season such as kitchen tools and gadgets, “a natural expansion” to its existing serveware business, Alex Smith, chief executive officer, said during a conference call to review second-quarter results.
The retailer is also capitalizing on new product categories that have been staples at retailers closing stores in this economic climate.

NEW YORK–Leading seed supplier W.A. Burpee has teamed up with Prepara to sell Prepara’s line of hydroponic gardening machines, herb savors and culinary accessories in Burpee’s catalogs. In addition, the Prepara line will also be made available to cross-merchandise into each other’s retail markets and Web sites.

VALLEJO, Calif.–Meyer Corp. U.S. has named Jay Zilinskas as managing director, a new position, from his position as chief merchandising officer.
Reporting to Stanley Cheng, chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Rae, president, Zilinskas now has the responsibility for all sales, marketing and operational departments.
Zilinskas first joined the company in 1996 as a regional sales manager for Meyer Division Sales. He was then appointed national sales manager in 1998 and then vice president in 2000. In 2006, he became chief merchandising officer.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Jeff Siegel, president and chief executive officer of Lifetime Brands, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the International Housewares Association.
In addition, Steven Fraser, chairman and CEO of Wilton Products, and James Joseph, president and CEO of Oneida, have been elected as new directors, with terms beginning on Oct. 1.
Robert Trudeau, chairman of Trudeau, has also been elected vice chairman/chairman elect, and Bruce Kaminstein, president of Casabella Holdings, treasurer of the board.

NEW YORK–Speaking at Lehman Brothers’ Back To School Conference on Thursday, Mark Ketchum, Newell Rubbermaid president and chief executive officer, told listeners the company wants to become brand- and consumer-centric, as well as expand opportunities abroad to become less North American-centric.

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.–Cutlery manufacturer Wüsthof-Trident of America has restructured its management. Scott Severinson, formerly the company’s president, has been appointed chief executive officer, a newly formed position. René Stutz, who joined Wüsthof six months ago as chief administrative officer, is now president.
Severinson joined Wüsthof in 1980 as territory sales manager, was appointed vice president of sales in 1991 and appointed president in 2004.

DIAMOND BAR, Calif.–Luxury kitchen appliance company Dacor has appointed Stephen Joseph as vice president of marketing from his previous position of director of interactive and direct marketing.
In his new role, Joseph will oversee all aspects of managing the marketing department, including advertising, e-marketing, direct marketing, trade relations and field sales support. He has been with the company for nine years, and past positions within Dacor include operations, information technology and service.

BOSTON–Gillette, parent company of Braun, and EA Sports have formed a global partnership to create co-promotional marketing opportunities focused on male consumers.
The agreement will include online initiatives leveraging Gillette products and EA Sports games, which will launch in more than 20 markets in North America, Latin America, Western Europe and Asia. Among these efforts is the Gillette-EA Sports Champions of Gaming, in which gamers from around the world will compete against each other in various EA Sports games for the chance to be global champion of gaming.

WASHINGTON–The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Sears have issued a recall of Kenmore and Kenmore Elite coffeemakers.

DALLAS–The Gourmet Catalog Buying Group has launched a new Web site, aimed to help customers find and visit Gourmet Catalog store locations and Gourmet Catalog members to get program information easily.
A newly designed “To the Trade” section, which used to be called “Members Only,” allows stores and vendors to access such information as pre-printed purchase orders and meeting details at the click of a button. Companies that want to join the buying group will also find all the details on how to do so on the site.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Capresso, the U.S. subsidiary of Switzerland-based Jura AG, has changed its name to Jura-Capresso.
According to a company statement, the new name “reflects the growing importance of Jura-Capresso automatic coffee centers in the company’s line, while containing both of the brand names associated with its high-end coffee equipment for the home.”
The statement added that the company won’t change the branding of its products, including the Jura-Capresso automatic coffee centers and Capresso coffeemakers, espresso machines, grinders and other kitchen electrics.

CLEVELAND–TTI Floor Care North America has chosen The Martin Agency as advertising agency of record for its Hoover floor-care brand.
The Martin Agency thus assumes responsibility for the strategic planning, creative development, and media planning and buying for the brand. The first work from this partnership is slated to makes its appearance in the fourth quarter of 2008. The Martin Agency was picked after a four-month review process that included 15 agencies, according to a TTI statement.

SAN FRANCISCO–Lagostina, the high-end Italian cookware brand in the Groupe SEB portfolio, has made its debut in the U.S market, launching exclusively at Williams-Sonoma with its Melodia line.
Featuring an aluminum core sandwiched between 18/10 stainless steel, this collection has Italian design flare, including rounded shapes and double-loop handles, which are connected to the pots with welding rather than rivets.

NEW CASTLE, Del.–Kitchenware and gadgets manufacturer Cuisipro has launched its Web site, cuisipro.com, to provide consumers with product and retailer information, as well as recipes, cooking tips and other features.
On the site, Cuisipro’s product line is divided into such sections as cooking, serving, baking, essentials and cleaning. In addition, the site is linked to Donvier.com, another Cuisipro brand that offers ice cream and yogurt products.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The International Housewares Association has posted white papers and analyses of the Asian manufacturing market on the IHA University portion of its Web site.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–After a four-year stint in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., the Gourmet Housewares Show will return to its former location, San Francisco, where it first launched in 1977, GLM announced.
In addition, it will also have new timing—in August—to allow independent retailers to buy for the fourth quarter and vendors to preview 2010 collections, a statement said.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–After a four-year stint in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., the Gourmet Housewares Show will return to its former location, San Francisco, where it first launched in 1977, GLM announced.
In addition, it will also have new timing—in August—to allow independent retailers to buy for the fourth quarter and vendors to preview 2010 collections, a statement said.

STERLING, Va.–Kitchenware company Reston Lloyd has launched the Web site for PrepCo, its new housewares brand, at prep-co.com.
The Web site introduces PrepCo to consumers by showing the products available, such as the Bake Porter line of bakeware with covers that can also be used as serving dishes.
In addition, the Web site will include recipes that can be made using the Bake Porter products, as well as monthly cooking and baking tips.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Three different channels of distribution—online, mass and independent—will be represented at the International Housewares Association’s 2008 Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession (CHESS) from Sept. 9 to 10 in Chicago.
Chris Nielsen, vice president, Home and Garden store, Amazon.com; Rod Ghormley, senior vice president and general merchandise manager, home, ShopKo Stores; and Dominic Cimilluca, chief executive officer, Dominic’s Kitchen Store, are scheduled to take part in a panel discussion to discuss how suppliers can best meet the needs of each channel.

WASHINGTON–The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and TTI Floor Care North America have issued a recall of Dirt Devil Turbo Tool/Power Brush attachment tools.
According to a statement from the CPSC, plastic pieces inside the vacuum tool can break apart and be thrown out of the tool, creating a laceration hazard. TTI has received 140 reports of incidents involving the tool, including 12 reports of injuries, the statement said. The attachment was sold as an accessory to several models of the Dirt Devil.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands–Despite an overall net income drop of 54 percent to $1.1 billion, sales at the Consumer Lifestyle group of Royal Philips, which includes the company’s personal-care products segment, rose slightly in the second quarter, to just over $4.4 billion.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–Whirlpool’s Duet Steam washer has won the IDEA Silver Award from the Industrial Design Society of America.

ATLANTA–Newell Rubbermaid has launched a number of strategic initiatives designed to decrease its exposure to commodity markets.
The moves include a restructuring of the company’s product portfolio that will include divesting, downsizing or exiting product categories that account for about $500 million in annual sales. It will also begin “more aggressive pricing,” as it said in a company statement, in the second half of this year. Prices increases in some product categories will be as high as 22 percent, Newell Rubbermaid said.

ATLANTA–Spectrum Brands and Salton have mutually terminated the sale of Spectrum’s global pet-products business to Salton’s subsidiary, Applica Pet Products.

FRANKFURT, Germany–Decorate Life, Messe Frankfurt’s new trade show concept that opened this past Friday, had mixed reviews over the weekend, which were not unexpected by the show’s organizer, Messe Frankfurt, as everyone adjusts to the changes.
Now enveloping the trade show Tendence—which usually took place in August—along with several other trade shows, Decorate Life also started earlier than when Tendence was traditionally held, in July.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.–Eureka has launched a downloadable “Dirt Alert” tool on its Web site, and is offering the tool to consumers when they register their new vacuums online.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y.–WMF/USA and Kaiser Bakeware, both units of WMF Group, have merged, and WMF/USA will now be known as WMF Americas.
According to a WMF statement, the merger “offers the opportunity to leverage the distribution of its combined brand portfolio.” The products include Kaiser bakeware, Alfi thermal carafes, Silit cookware, WMF hotelware and HEPP hotelware.

ATLANTA–The sale of Spectrum Brands’ global pet-supply business to Salton is on hold.

BOULDER, Colo.–AeroGrow International posted a net loss of $9.8 million for its 2008 fiscal year, down from $10.4 million in the prior year, and reported revenues of $38.4 million, nearly three times its prior-year revenues.

WEST BEND, Wis.–The main gallery design for the West Bend Company/Regal Ware Historic Museum will be unveiled by the Washington County Historical Society here this afternoon.
In the works since 2001, the new gallery will include the collection of West Bend Co., which was founded in 1911 and produced such cookware and small appliances as a waterless cooker and a drip coffeemaker for decades. As Regal Ware has been a supporter of the project, Jeffrey Reigle, president and chief executive officer, and James Reigle, chairman of the board, will speak at the event.

EDINA, Minn.–Jens Sorensen, president of Varnamo, Sweden-based Linden International, will head the U.S. division Linden Sweden at the end of the month, following the departure of current president Ingerid Mohn, whose last day is June 27. In addition, Linda Arnesen has been named national sales and marketing manager, a new position, from her position of marketing manager.

NEW YORK–Leonard Rogers, a trade show executive and founder of the Gourmet Housewares Show, died from cancer on May 18. He was 84.
In a long career in trade fair and real estate management, Rogers served as president of National Fairs Inc., a trade show management firm, and as a vice president of George Little Management, which purchased National Fairs in 1986.

STAMFORD, Conn.–Ron Diamond has become the sole president of Conair, taking charge of the company’s entire product line in the wake of the announced retirement of Barry Haber, co-president.
Diamond and Haber had been Conair’s co-presidents since July 2000, with Diamond responsible for the company’s personal care products and Haber overseeing the Cuisinart and Waring brands of small electrics. With this move, Diamond is in charge of the small electrics brands as well as the personal care segment.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–Workshop vacuums, men’s facial-care products and small kitchen electrics topped the list of “giftable” items for Father’s Day and recent graduates, according to research by The NPD Group.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.– Michael Traub will succeed Franz Joseph Bosshard as president and chief executive officer for BSH North America beginning July 1.
Bosshard will move from his current position as president and CEO of BSH North America to manage a new global area called Business Development for BSH Group, starting June 30. He will report directly to Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet, chairman of the board of management and CEO of Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group.

CHICAGO–Gordon Thom, president of Dyson U.S., has left the company.
According to a spokesman for Dyson U.S., Martin McCourt, chief executive officer of Dyson Worldwide, is now handling the responsibilities in this position. The company has also begun a search for Thom’s successor.
Thom joined Dyson in 1998 and established the company’s Japan office in that year. He set up Dyson’s U.S. offices in 2002, and was named president of the U.S. division in 2006.

SUGAR LAND, Texas–Due to the success of its Made in the U.S.A. program, cookware manufacturer Tramontina is expanding its Manitowoc, Wis., facility and will hire about 80 people as it adds a third shift.
“Our ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ initiative is really paying out,” said Antonio Galafassi, president and chief executive officer of Tramontina USA. “Consumers appreciate high-quality, U.S.-made products, plus we have a ‘green’ advantage. Domestic production shortens lead times and minimizes transportation, which reduces fuel consumption and the need for other resources.”

FAIRFIELD, Conn.–General Electric is in the midst of discussions involving a possible sale, spinoff or partnerships for its appliance division.
According to a source close to the situation, discussions about the options for the division have been taking place for some time. Yesterday, newspaper reports surfaced that GE is planning to sell the division, and that the company is working with Goldman Sachs on a possible auction for the unit.

CHICAGO–Greystone Brands has expanded its distribution of Bugatti-branded kitchen electrics to include non-electric kitchen and home accessories.
Along with the brand’s small electrics, Greystone will now offer Bugatti’s lines of tableware, kitchen tools, non-electric coffee and tea products, serving bowls and trays, and cutlery. June is the slated launch date, and the retail channel targets include higher-end department stores, specialty gift stores and housewares retailers.

EL PASO, Texas–Net income for Helen of Troy rose by 22.8 percent for its fiscal year ended Feb. 29.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Lifetime Brands’ tabletop division will make a “dramatic” turnaround this year, according to Jeff Siegel, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

RYE, N.Y.–Jarden Corp. today reported a leap in profits for the first quarter ended March 31 to $4.7 million, up more than three-fold from the $1.4 million during the same period the year before.
That translated to a growth in earnings per share to 6 cents, up three times as much as the 2 cents in the year-ago period.
Although total sales grew more than 48 percent to $1.2 billion, home sales were down. At Jarden, home products are contained in the segment known as Consumer Solutions.

LAS VEGAS–The Gourmet Housewares Show, the National Hardware Show, Global Home Textiles and Global Home Decor all open here today. “Going green” and sustainability is expected to be a big trend for vendors exhibiting at the shows. The events, being held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, run through Thursday, May 8.

CLEVELAND–The Hamilton Beach unit of NACCO Industries reported a net loss of $2.8 million for the first quarter, compared with a net loss of $100,000 for the prior year.
According to a statement from NACCO, the loss resulted from lower sales volumes and increased product costs that were not fully offset by price increases. In addition, Hamilton Beach’s bottom line suffered from increased interest expense, which was primarily due to an increase in borrowings related to a special cash dividend of $110 million paid out in May 2007.

DALLAS–Blaming a “slump in the home furnishings sector,” Tuesday Morning, the large discounter of upscale housewares, today reported a third-quarter loss of $4.7 million, based on a 5.7 percent drop in sales compared with the same period the year before.
For the quarter, which ended March 31, the retailer’s 11 cents loss per diluted share compared with a gain of 3 cents in the year-ago period.
Total sales for the period were $178.4 million, down from $189.15 million a year ago, and comparable-store sales were down 8.2 percent.

RYE, N.Y.–Jarden Corp., manufacturer of the Sunbeam, Oster, Mr. Coffee, Margaritaville and other housewares brands, has been placed on Fortune magazine’s Fortune 500 list of the nation’s largest companies for the first time.
The company will appear at number 492 on the list, which will be published in Fortune’s May 5 issue, moving up from 544 last year. Jarden’s net sales rose 21 percent in 2007, to $4.7 billion.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.–Microplane Kitchen Products has named Micah Jensen international sales manager, a newly formed position. Jensen will report to Joel Arivett, president, sales and marketing, Microplane Kitchen Products, Woodworking and Personal Care divisions.
Prior to joining Microplane, Jensen was vice president of sales and marketing for Solicut America, a high-end cutlery brand. He has also served as national sales manager for both Staub USA and Messermeister.

NEW YORK–Portico Home & Spa has joined forces with model Summer Rayne Oakes to develop a consumer- and brand-awareness campaign for the company’s line of environmentally friendly home furnishings.

NEW YORK–Breville has chosen Merkley & Partners, part of Omnicom Group, as its advertising agency of record.
In a statement from the small-electrics manufacturer, Breville said it saw “a natural fit” between its own high-end line of espresso machines, juicers, blenders and grills with Merkley’s clients. The latter includes Mercedes Benz USA, Arby’s, Pinnacle Foods (parent company of Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Duncan Hines), Ferrero Rocher (parent of Tic Tac) and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

NEW YORK–Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has completed its acquisition of Emeril Lagasse’s media and merchandising business.

NEW YORK–Peter Cameron, who has served as chief executive officer of Waterford Wedgwood for two and a half years and is a director of the company, has stepped down from his position to “pursue his own business interests,” according to a statement from the company. David Sculley, currently a director of Waterford Wedgwood plc and a non-executive chairman of both Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd. and Royal Doulton, Ltd, will become interim chief executive officer until a permanent appointment has been made.

NEW YORK–American Trading House, doing business as ATH Import Co., has moved into suite number 1508 at 230 Fifth Ave. The company manufactures such housewares items as bath and kitchen scales; toilet seats; and stainless-steel, hard-anodized and enamel cast iron cookware under its own brands, including Trimmer, Gourmet Chef and AtHome. It has three joint venture factories in China.
This is the company’s first time in the building, and it shares 1508 with William S. Perper Co.

GLENWILLOW, Ohio–Antoinette Mileti, marketing manager of communications for Saeco USA, is leaving the company.
Mileti is departing the coffeemaker manufacturer to take up studies for a Master of Business Administration degree from John Carroll University. Beginning next week, Saeco will split marketing communications between Laura Hanna, marketing manager for housewares, and Katie McCullough, marketing manager for commercial. Hanna and McCullough report directly to John McCann, president of Saeco USA.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–U.S. sales of small appliances reached $15.7 billion in 2007, 4.6 percent ahead of 2006, according to recently released data from The NPD Group.
The industry achieved this gain despite the fact that the nation is in “a consumer recession,” according to Peter Goldman, NPD’s president of home. “Both housewares and small appliances weathered the downturn pretty well last year,” Goldman said in an interview with HFN. “The overall growth was startling given the credit crunch and the subprime mortgage crisis.”

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.–Eureka has received the 2007 Good Design award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design for its Capture upright vacuum.
The museum grants the Good Design award to new product designs and graphics based on aesthetic criteria that measure innovation, appearance, quality, function and utility, a Eureka statement said.

ATLANTA–Newell Rubbermaid has named Nancy O’Donnell vice president of investor relations.
O’Donnell brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and communications to the company, including 10 years of direct investor relations experience. She served most recently as vice president of investor relations and corporate communications for Spectrum Brands Inc.

AT THE HOUSEWARES SHOW–Even with talk of recession in the news and challenging times for both retailers and manufacturers, people have a positive outlook at the International Home & Housewares Show, which opened here in Chicago yesterday.

CHICAGO–Coinciding with the release of three new gourmet collections featuring clad metal—Anolon Anodized Clad, Anolon Chef Clad and Anolon Ultra Clad—Meyer Corp.’s Anolon cookware brand has launched its latest marketing campaign, “Creating a Delicious Future with Anolon,” at this week’s International Home & Housewares Show.

AT THE HOUSEWARES SHOW–Australia’s Taste, Brazil’s Pepper, France’s Lafayette Maison, Germany’s Schafferer and Mexico’s Casa Palacio were the winners of this year’s Global Innovator Awards (gia), announced last night by program co-sponsors the International Home & Housewares Show and the International Housewares Association. They were selected from among 23 international retailers as having innovation and merchandising excellence at the international retail level.

CHICAGO–Breville will debut its year-long partnership with celebrity chef Curtis Stone at the upcoming International Home & Housewares Show.
Stone, who can be seen on The Learning Channel’s “Take Home Chef” and is the author of “Cooking with Curtis,” will introduce a series of his signature recipes targeted toward aspiring gourmets at Breville’s booth, which is located in the “Wired + Well” section of the show. Stone will perform live cooking demonstrations using Breville products and sign copies of his book.

SILVER SPRING, Md.–Emeril Lagasse is taking his culinary talents to the Discovery Channel, which will debut his new show, “Emeril Green,” on Planet Green, Discovery’s new eco-lifestyle television network that will launch in June. With a focus on organic and locally grown foods, the series is shot exclusively at Whole Foods Market.

ATLANTA—Spectrum Brands, the parent company of the Remington brand of grooming products, has engaged financial advisors to help the company explore options including the possible sale of some of its assets.

CHICAGO–Greystone Brands, a recently formed company that is working to offer housewares under a variety of brands, has reached an exclusive agreement with George Foreman on two product lines, one in the personal care category and the other in cleaning products.
A press statement regarding the new company was sent to HFN from Samantha Dreimann, a former marketing executive with Salton, which markets Foreman-branded products in other categories. She did not return phone calls by press time.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Lifetime Brands has appointed Jeffrey Berman to the newly established position of president, retail direct, where he will be responsible for the operations of the Internet and catalog segments of the company’s direct-to-consumer business.

VALLEJO, Calif.–Meyer Corp. will launch the Paula Deen Signature Collection of cookware, bakeware, kitchenware, cutlery and other accessories at the upcoming International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago.
The cookware line will feature five groups initially: stainless steel with copper, porcelain non-stick, “inside/outside” non-stick, natural cast iron and porcelain enamel cast iron. Other categories include bakeware, stoneware, kitchen prep, teakettles and percolators, and tools and gadgets.

CLEVELAND–Master chefs Victor Gielisse and Ron DeSantis from the Culinary Institute of America will appear at the Vita-Mix booth at the upcoming International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago.

CLEVELAND–Net income for the Hamilton Beach unit of NACCO Industries dropped 17.1 percent for the 2007 fiscal year, as the unit’s sales slipped by 1.1 percent.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The Housewares Charity Foundation has added two honorees to its 11th annual gala: Renee Behnke, president emeritus, Sur La Table, will be honored as Humanitarian of the Year, and Burton Tansky, chairman and chief executive officer, The Neiman Marcus Group, will receive the inaugural Design and Fashion Leadership Award. It previously announced Thierry de LaTour d’Artaise, chairman and chief executive officer, Groupe SEB, will receive the Lifetime Humanitarian Award during the event.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Capresso has enlarged its sales force through internal appointments and new hires, while Jura-Capresso won the Good Design Award for its Impressa J5 espresso machine.

NEW YORK–Martha and Emeril have teamed up. The decorating doyenne has announced the purchase of chef Emeril Lagasse’s television, cookbooks, Internet site, licensed kitchen products and food products for $50 million, which could reach up to $70 million if certain performance targets are realized in 2011 and 2012. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter.

LOS ANGELES–Jarden Consumer Solutions, the housewares unit of Jarden Corp., has named Global Icons as its licensing consultant.
Global Icons specializes in the development and extension of corporate brands and trademarks. Global Icons will work closely with Jarden’s in-house licensing department to ensure that the licensing program stays in line with Jarden’s strategic plan and maintains a unified brand message.

TRIESTE, Italy—Ernesto Illy, who was chairman of Illycaffe from 1963 to 2004, has died. He was 82 years old.

NEW YORK–Honoring design excellence, the Housewares Design Awards ceremony was held here yesterday with a luncheon.
For the first time, Best of the Best prizes were given, in addition to the traditional Best in Category recognition.
Lodge Manufacturing’s 12-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet won the Gold award. Breville’s Die-Cast Hemisphere Blender won the Silver Best of the Best award. The Rizo Micom Rice Cooker from Zojirushi took the Best of the Best bronze award.
Thirteen Best in Category prizes were also awarded.

CHICAGO–A number of dynamics will radically transform the global market for household appliances by 2011, according to a newly released industry study from Euromonitor.

ATLANTA–Net income for Newell Rubbermaid reached $548.8 million last year, up nearly 6 percent from 2006.

ORLANDO, Fla.–With strong growth in all five segments, Tupperware Brands reported a sales climb of 19 percent year over year (11 percent in local currency) to $577 million for the fourth quarter of 2007.
“We are encouraged with the progress we made in the fourth quarter and the full year in further refining and implementing our strategies, which are working and delivering the positive results we expected to support long-term growth,” said Rick Goings, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our sales and profit were both well ahead of our October outlook.”

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.–Wusthof-Trident of America, Inc. has reorganized its top management team. Effective immediately, Scott Severinson, formerly the company’s president, has been promoted to chief executive officer, a newly formed position.
René Stutz, who joined Wüsthof six months ago as chief administrative officer, was named president.

NEW YORK–Umbra has turned to corn and recycled and sustainable materials for its line of garbage cans and other categories in an effort to cut down its effect on the environment, and has plans to incorporate green friendly practices in its packaging.
Working to become more fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible, the company said it will showcase its new line at the upcoming New York International Gift Fair in the Accent in Design section.

BUSAN, Korea–Thermolon Ltd., the company that manufactures non-stick coatings without the chemical PTFE, has announced it has merged with Korean company Shinwoo Trading Co. Both companies will go under the umbrella of Thermolon, a statement said, and be based here, where it will continue to expand its research and development facility. Its commercial and financial offices will be based in Hong Kong.
Christopher Phillips, Thermolon’s chief executive officer, will be CEO of the new company, and CK Park will become president.

CANONSBURG, Pa.–Groupe SEB, the France-based parent of Krups, Rowenta, All-Clad and T-Fal, among other brands, has reconfigured the management of its North American brands.
According to a company statement, the management of Krups will be transferred from Medford, Mass., to here, and will be put under the direction of Christophe de Veyrac, who has become division president for high-end kitchen appliances. De Veyrac retains his existing responsibilities over the All-Clad and Lagostina brands, and the combination with Krups creates a unit that focuses on luxury housewares brands.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Michael Karyo, chief executive officer of SiliconeZone USA, has been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association, on which there are 17 other members. His term begins immediately and ends in September 2010. He is also a member of IHA’s Government Affairs Committee.
Karyo launched SiliconeZone in 2001.

NEW YORK–With the International Home & Housewares Show about two months away, HFN has started collecting new product information and high-resolution images for its editorial show coverage. For those who would like to participate, please send materials to the housewares editorial staff by Friday, Feb. 22. Contact either Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com, or Dave Gill, dgill@hfnmag.com, with any questions.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Capresso has revamped its Web site, capresso.com, with an expanded selection of videos, images and information for coffee aficionados.
The new site helps consumers find retailers that carry Capresso products. It also contains more than 85 short video presentations ranging from product overviews to demonstrations of specific features and techniques, each accompanied by audio commentary. The product pages include information on features, benefits, specifications and photo galleries.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–Seven months after founder Peter Battersby bought housewares company Typhoon back from Mark Holden, Battersby has sold the U.S. division to Simon Kirby and Peter Carter, both formerly of Vacu Vin. The new company, called Typhoon Plus, will remain with its corporate offices here, though its warehouse will move to Haywood, Calif., starting in mid-January. In addition, typhoonus.com will become typhoonplus.com and be an information-only site, which will soon be remodeled.