Oser Communications Group

BY AMBER GALLEGOS Hammer Stahl offers retailers another choice for stainless steel cookware that is made right here in America. Of course, everyone is familiar with that other brand of stainless steel cookware made in the USA, so Hammer Stahl is differentiating itself by being exclusive to independent retailers. You won't find Hammer Stahl at big box chains, national retailers or sold direct to Amazon. "We're protecting the independent retailers. We feel strongly the independent does a great job educating and connecting with its customers. So, we want to make sure the independent has a product they have a competitive advantage with," says Bobby Griggs, Vice President of Business Development for Hammer Stahl. Hammer Stahl's stainless steel cookware was formally introduced to the retail market this year but has a manufacturing heritage that dates back to 1874. Now, the company is seeking to make a splash among independent retailers by offering exclusivity to them for the range of seven-ply multi- clad pots and pans that are made in Clarksville, Tennessee from Pittsburgh steel. The brand is owned by New Era, which was originally apart of The Vollrath Company. Donald Henn purchased the direct to consumer division of Vollrath in 1982 and then launched New Era as a cookware company manufacturing for in-home direct sales. Hammer Stahl as its own brand was launched in 2009 with cutlery. After the success of the cutlery, Henn and his business partner, Griggs, decided to launch Hammer Stahl Cookware. The cookware's seven-ply design was actually first created in 1987 for New Era's independent sellers, who would go to homes and fairs to sell the pieces. Three years ago, the cookware was on display at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago to see if there was interest among retailers. The products have been available online for two and a half years now, but it was only as of January this year that Hammer Stahl Cookware was officially introduced to the retail market. "Originally, with The Vollrath Company, we used to deliver cookware by horse and buggy," says Griggs. "We see the independent gourmet retailer as that same lineage of American economics. Maybe they're not going from store to store, or from home to home, but what they are doing is engaging the consumer at a very personal level. They're connecting, they're building relationships, they're holding cooking schools and classes, they're educating, and that's why we're really drawn to the independent retailer." The cookware has seven layers, including a top layer of T-304 surgical stainless steel with titanium that is especially corrosive- resistant and is virtually non-porous. Within, there are three layers of aluminum for superior heat conductivity and even distribution. A layer of ferritic steel makes the cookware induction ready. The ergonomic handles are hollow so that they will remain cool to the touch under normal cooking conditions. The lids are heavy gauge and the cookware is dishwasher and oven safe with a lifetime warranty. A variety of sizes of fry pans, sauce pans, and roasters are available. "Its very similar to waterless and greaseless cookware … We can pan sear a chicken breast with little to zero grease or oil because it heats so evenly," says Griggs. "Our performance on top of the stove is going to be exceptional. It heats quickly and is very responsive on the stove top." Hammer Stahl is seeking to appeal to the independent gourmet retailer a couple of different ways. First, there is no minimum opening order, no minimum re-order, and free freight with orders of $750. Point of sales materials and a training program are also available. Aggressive try-me programs have low purchasing quantities so that it's easy for a retailer to start the program, says Griggs. Second, Hammer Stahl is working with well-known consumer publications to launch two aggressive promotions exclusively for the independent retailer. The promotional campaigns are designed to work with the retailer and drive more traffic into the local store. "The idea is to be cutting edge fresh new and bring innovative designs to market. We are committed to being responsive and aggressive for the independents. We are passionate about small business in the United States," says Griggs. "I think the consumer gets a tremendous amount of value, I think the economy gets a value, and vendors like us get value. So I think all three components of the economy win when we can support and empower local commerce. Not to say that big box doesn't matter; it does and there's a really good place for that, but there's a real resurgence in this country about getting back to relationship commerce, and this is our primary focus. " KN GENERAL NEWS 8 KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW n SEPTEMBER 2015 n www.kitchenwarenews.com Hammer Stahl Cookware: Stainless Steel Made in the USA WOODLAND BIRCH 8-QUART SLOW COOKER Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your kitchen, cabin, or recreational vehicle with Nesco's new 8-Quart Slow Cooker featuring the registered Woodland Birch pattern that is rugged enough for a campsite, but pretty enough for a buffet table. The portable, family sized slow cooker will be a hit at any function or venue. With 380 watts of power, its 8-quart oval capacity can accommodate two whole chickens or a large roast. Prepare group sized soups, stews, casseroles, chilis or any one pot meals. The heavy duty ceramic cooking crock is removable and cleans up easily in the sink or dishwasher. The unit includes a high quality tempered glass lid for viewing. The handles and knob are all made of stay-cool materials. Easy to use dial settings include high, low, auto/keep warm and off. The Metal Ware Corporation 920.794.3163 www.nesco.com KEEP COOL AS A CUCUMBER The Zing Anything Slicer attachment is designed to fit any 28-ounce or 16- ounce Citrus Zinger water bottle. You can add thin slices of cucumber to your water for a delicious infusion quickly and easily. Simply press and turn the cucumber against the slicer and enhance your water with a ribbon of cool, refreshing cucumber flavor. Crisp, cool, and pleasantly subtle, cucumber water is the ideal thirst- quencher. Enjoy the natural coolness on a hot summer day, after working out, or drink it with meals as the perfect palate cleanser. Use the Zinger Anything slicer with your classic Citrus Zinger at home or on the go – no knives, no peeling, no mess! Zing Anything 800.573.0052 www.zinganything.com Two New Retail Displays Promote Popular Zoku Slush & Shake Makers To help its retail partners maximize sales on one of its most popular items, Zoku presents colorful new Zoku Slush & Shake Maker floor and countertop displays. The Slush & Shake Maker quickly transforms f resh ingredients into cool, ref reshing slushies, milkshakes, or f rozen alcoholic beverages in about seven minutes, without electricity. The self-contained floor display tells the product story creatively, with 24 Slush & Shake Makers and six "Art of Slush" recipe books by Jennifer Farley, filled with 40 delicious recipes and mouth-watering photos. This f reestanding display is 47 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 13.75 inches deep. Designed to appeal to a wide audience of both kids and adults, the product, display and packaging all reflect the design- driven DNA of the Zoku brand. The compact countertop display unit holds and merchandises 12 Slush & Shake Makers, with three facings showing a delicious slushy concoction. This practical display is 13.5 inches high, 14 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Both displays feature a red, green, and purple color assortment. The Slush & Shake Maker is available in five bright colors: red, orange, blue, green, and purple. All Zoku products are BPA and phthalate f ree. The Zoku Slush & Shake Maker has a suggested retail price of $19.99. The Art of Slush recipe book has suggested retail price of $16.95. The Slush & Shake Maker, Art Of Slush recipe book, and both retail display units are available for immediate shipping. For more information, visit www.zokuhome.com or contact info@zokuhome.com. KN

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