With over 350 exhibitors from the gourmet and upscale housewares industry, The Gourmet Housewares Show is the premier marketplace to highlight industry trends. Products on showcase during this year's show will focus on sustainability, which is leading the way in trends for 2008. From materials used in the design of products, to new products that reduce amounts of waste -- "going green" hits the upscale housewares market and upholds the "green standards" set forth by show organizers.

"We are thrilled to highlight those exhibitors that uphold green standards by recognizing them with a 'Green by Design' display during this year's show. Sustainability has become a way of life and we are proud that our industry --particularly this show -- maintains and continues to pave the way with new sustainable products that are diverse, functional, and highly unique," said vice president & show manager, Susan Corwin.

Highlights for this year's show include high-performance kitchen essentials with a fashionable and sustainable flare from MU Kitchen -- product line includes cloth, towel, potholder, mitt, apron and handleslip.

Vita-Mix Corporation expands its presence with the introduction of the upgraded TurboBlend 4500 -- featuring the new BPA-free container made of copolyester, a breakthrough food-preparation material developed by Eastman Chemical Company to meet the growing demands of "green-conscious" consumers.

The leading manufacturer of bamboo products in the United States, TruBamboo LLC, will introduce new kitchen utensils and gadgets not yet available in the marketplace, and plans to expand its product line to bamboo glassware. All cutting boards and products are 100 percent solid bamboo -- and are 100 percent environmentally friendly.

Proteak Renewable Forestry -- targeting eco-conscious consumers -- presents the new line of finely crafted teakwood products, including countertops and more. Proteak appeals to the high-end consumer who appreciates the natural beauty and durability of teak, as well as the company's commitment to environmentally and socially responsible forestry practices.

The Gourmet Housewares Show has long prided itself on appealing to the highly selective and discriminating buyers interested in upscale products for the kitchen and dining room. Industry trends and product introductions during the show will come from a variety of key companies like: UMBRA, Smith Abrasives, Keurig, Kuhn Rikon, Swiss Diamond, Claude Dezorme, William Bounds, Component Design Northwest, and many more.

The show will also feature the return of the popular Gourmet Golds Awards --highlighting the show's best new products in: Cookware/Bakeware; Kitchen Electrics; Gadgets, Cutlery and Accessories; Gourmet Gifts and Specialty Food; and Tabletop and Textiles. In line with the current sustainability trend, the awards will also showcase the new "Green" award, along with a Best in Show Award. 2008 is sure to be a tight race to the finish line.

The 2008 Gourmet Housewares Show is scheduled for May 6-8, 2008, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. -- co-located with GLM's Global Home Textiles and Global Home Décor shows.

For more information, visit www.thegourmetshow.com.