-By Kristin V. Montalvo

An increased number of luxury tabletop and home entertaining lines, and some 25 new and returning companies were among the highlights in Tabletop & Housewares at the summer 2008 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), held August 16-21, 2008, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 & 94. In total, some 200 companies showcased a comprehensive collection of products for kitchen and table, including tabletop, glassware, bakeware, kitchen gadgets, cutlery/flatware, kitchen textiles, table linens, barware and wine accessories. The following are a few of our favorite finds at the show:


The stunning Passion collection from Weimar US is handmade in Germany using only the finest German porcelain and 24K gold or platinum with real celadon or cobalt. Available in a total of four versions, including Gold and Platinum with Celadon or Cobalt. Also available are three sizes of very luxurious accent plates. MSRP starts at $275.00 per five-piece place setting. For more information, call 845-783-6323 or visit www.weimarus.com.


The beautifully designed Lattice Collection from Urban Oasis is bound to make any table the center of attention. Features glazed porcelain with raised lattice motif on either the top or underside. MSRP ranges from $18 to $94. For more information, call 212-242-8686 or visit www.urbanoasis.us.


Trendsetting design, vintage shapes and vibrant colors create Pappagallo, a perfect collection for gift-giving. Pappagallo is the star of VIETRI's Timeless Entertaining Lifestyle theme, which celebrates the joy of a couple's first entertaining with true Italian style. MSRP: $34–$234. For more information, call 919-732-5933, ext. 101, or visit www.vietri.com.


With its serrated blade, the Forge de Laguiole Barthelemy Knife from Euroblade cuts even the hardest cheeses without damaging them. And the hollow blade remains perfectly clean when cutting creamy cheese as well. The special shape of the knife, with its olivewood or black horn tip handle, is particularly designed to easily and cleanly cut a complete slice of cheese. Also perfectly adapted for crumbly or softer cheeses such as Boursault, Roquefort or Brillat-Savarin. MSRP: $390–$490. For more information, call 800-706-0183.


The String of Pearls serveware from Mariposa is made from sandcasted recycled aluminum. The elegant collection features Pearled Medium Footed Plate (MSRP: $79.00); Pearled Small Footed Plate (MSRP: $78.00); and Pearled Cheese & Cracker Server with Wood Insert (MSRP: $144.00). For more information, call 800-788-1304 or visit www.mariposa-gift.com.


Handmade in Northern California, the Low Bowl Series from Alex Marshall Studios features porcelain/stoneware composite. Included in the collection: 15" low bowl (pictured in aqua, foreground w/oranges), 12" low bowl (pictured in umber, background) and 9" low bowl (pictured in white, background in umber 12" low bowl). MSRP ranges from $58–$185, depending on size and color. For more information, call 530-824-3800 or visit www.alexmarshallstudios.com.


When it comes to innovations in bamboo, the GreenLite line of cutting boards from Totally Bamboo is leading the way. Traditional hardwood cutting boards must be scrubbed by hand, but GreenLite boards are different. Because they are dishwasher-friendly, they actually help save time and conserve natural resource. The series is also ultra lightweight with a 3/8" thickness resulting in a board that is "light as a feather but tough as nails." This thinner board maintains its superior strength without sacrificing quality or durability. Available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. MSRP ranges from $10–$35. For more information, call 760-471-6600 or visit www.totallybamboo.com.

The Dish
Merchandise Mart Director Carole Dixon to Retire
Carole Dixon, director of Forty One Madison and the New York Merchandise Mart, announced her plans to retire before the end of the year.

"Carole has served the Merchandise Mart and Rudin Management with distinction and flair for almost 30 years," began William Rudin, president of Rudin Management Co., Inc. "In her post as director of Forty One Madison and senior vice president of Rudin Management, she has established the building as a global brand for our company and headquarters to the tableware industry in America. We thank Carole for her loyal years of service and are pleased that she has agreed to be active in the transition period."

Dixon commented: "The Rudin family and company executives have been incredibly supportive of my plans, a decision which did not come easily or in haste. I have had an incredible career with Rudin Management and am proud to have had the opportunity to position the tableware industry in New York. Now, after three decades, I feel it's time to step back and spend more time with my family and grandchildren. I have agreed to stay on until a successor has been retained and through the transition period."

Boston Warehouse Celebrates Grand Opening of New 7 W Showroom
Boston Warehouse held the grand opening of its new showroom (suite 713) in conjunction with New York Gift Week at 7 W New York on August 15, 2008. On display were Animal House, Urban Kitchen, Lush Life and their entire Holiday line as well as the new Everyday & Summer 2009 collection.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer our customers a larger, more comfortable space to visit and view our always-expanding collections at one time," said Dave Lengyel, executive VP of Sales & Marketing at Boston Warehouse. "We think our existing customers and new customers will be quite pleased and surprised by some of the exciting new items they will find on display."


Housewares manufacturer Gibson USA announced two key hires designed to reinforce the company's leadership role in the industry. Veteran housewares executive Jack Kurilla will serve as the company's new director of sales, and retail sourcing specialist Connie Bowman will take over as Gibson's director of product development. With Gibson's 30th anniversary quickly approaching next year, Kurilla's focus will be on increasing Gibson's market share in an industry where vendors are faced with challenges such as retailer consolidation and rapidly rising material costs.


Lee Taitel has joined the Dallas Market Center as executive vice president and chief financial officer. In his position, Taitel will oversee all accounting, finance and purchasing departments for the company and report to Bill Winsor, president and CEO. He comes to Dallas Market Center with an extensive background in accounting, finance and tax accounting.


Jaccard Corporation has rolled out its Lifetime Replacement Guarantee (LRG) on its complete line of Advanced Ceramic knives. Jaccard's research indicates that while most consumers considering the purchase of a ceramic knife understand the compelling benefits over traditional stainless steels blades, they may need some reassurance on the long-term durability of the ceramic material. Jaccard's new LRG program was developed to give consumers a lifetime of confidence in its exciting new blade technology. Harold Import Company (HIC) offers a complete range of the Jaccard Advanced Ceramic knives. The series includes the paring knife, utility knife, slicing knife, chef's knife, bread knife and santoku knife with an MSRP ranging from $49.99 to $149.99. For more information, call 800-526-2163 or visit www.haroldimport.com.


Tabletop Consumers Go Casual
It seems consumers are setting casual rather than formal tables these days. According to The NPD Group's Retail Tracking Service, while the tabletop category as a whole (including flatware, beverageware and dinnerware) seems to be declining/flat, the casual tabletop category seems to be faring a little better than the more formal tabletop segments. For the period of June 2007 to May 2008, casual flatware experienced a 1.0 percent increase in sales, while fine flatware fell flat, with a 12.1 percent decline in sales.

Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Tracking Service

Comments? kmontalvo@gourmetretailer.com