The 2010 International Home + Housewares Show was held on March 14-March 16 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Vendors from around the world converged to showcase a variety of items for the home. Several themes emerged from the show including a renewed focused on BPA-free plastics that can accomodate hot and cold beverages, and the use of renewable and recyclable materials such as bamboo. The use of color particularly in bakeware and small electrics provide unique opportunities for accents of color in a kitchen or dining area. Pantone highlighted the 2010 color of the year Turqouise and featured a color display that reinforced that retailers who choose pops of bold colors along with strong neutrals like gray, brown, white and black will catch the eye of the consumer this year. The predominant small electrics were electric and variable tempertature kettles which appeal to consumers interested in lowering energy costs and adjusting between coffees and the exploding tea market. Coffee remains king however as several companies presented single-serve models ideal for a coffee drinker on the go or one who wishes to provide easy coffee entertaining in the home. Many models were displayed including a handheld espresso maker to a luxurious fully automatic machine by one of Italy's venerated manufacturers along with updated lines from existing brands. Popular beverage options clearly focused on juicers including one incorporating the use of different technologies including low-speed extraction. For the tabletop, many ceramics are going lightweight and are more colorful and customized with colors such as red and purple dominating the landscape. Frypans have also become new canvases for color and design alternatives in the kitchen. New covers and a line of cold forged aluminum cookware provides an alternative to traditional cast iron. Reusable totes, carriers, bags and shoppers continue to remain popular with grocery consumers. Manufacturers are using neoprene and other lightweight materials such as nylon are providing attractive alternatives to canvas and cotton bags. Storage solutions including multi-function collapsable containers, modular systems, flexible lids and interchangable tops address the variety of needs for today's consumer. Accessories will include more safety features, collapsable components for easier storage and pops of color. Indoor and outdoor grilling continues to sizzle and many new options including grills, accessories, marinades, rubs and sauces are poised for significant growth. For more updates on these great products follow Cook Like Jackie or e-mail us at http://www.cooklikejackie.com/.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
2010 International Home + Housewares Show Highlights
The 2010 International Home + Housewares Show was held on March 14-March 16 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Vendors from around the world converged to showcase a variety of items for the home. Several themes emerged from the show including a renewed focused on BPA-free plastics that can accomodate hot and cold beverages, and the use of renewable and recyclable materials such as bamboo. The use of color particularly in bakeware and small electrics provide unique opportunities for accents of color in a kitchen or dining area. Pantone highlighted the 2010 color of the year Turqouise and featured a color display that reinforced that retailers who choose pops of bold colors along with strong neutrals like gray, brown, white and black will catch the eye of the consumer this year. The predominant small electrics were electric and variable tempertature kettles which appeal to consumers interested in lowering energy costs and adjusting between coffees and the exploding tea market. Coffee remains king however as several companies presented single-serve models ideal for a coffee drinker on the go or one who wishes to provide easy coffee entertaining in the home. Many models were displayed including a handheld espresso maker to a luxurious fully automatic machine by one of Italy's venerated manufacturers along with updated lines from existing brands. Popular beverage options clearly focused on juicers including one incorporating the use of different technologies including low-speed extraction. For the tabletop, many ceramics are going lightweight and are more colorful and customized with colors such as red and purple dominating the landscape. Frypans have also become new canvases for color and design alternatives in the kitchen. New covers and a line of cold forged aluminum cookware provides an alternative to traditional cast iron. Reusable totes, carriers, bags and shoppers continue to remain popular with grocery consumers. Manufacturers are using neoprene and other lightweight materials such as nylon are providing attractive alternatives to canvas and cotton bags. Storage solutions including multi-function collapsable containers, modular systems, flexible lids and interchangable tops address the variety of needs for today's consumer. Accessories will include more safety features, collapsable components for easier storage and pops of color. Indoor and outdoor grilling continues to sizzle and many new options including grills, accessories, marinades, rubs and sauces are poised for significant growth. For more updates on these great products follow Cook Like Jackie or e-mail us at http://www.cooklikejackie.com/.
