Appliances
Global Innovation Awards Product Design Finalists Named
The 70 finalists in the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design have been announced by the International Housewares Association. Global honorees in each of the 14 categories will be announced during the invitation-only gia dinner Sunday, March 17 during The Inspired Home Show 2024, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts and news media. The finalists and global honorees will be on display in an exhibit in the Hall of Global Innovation in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the North Building as well as in the New Product Showcases located in the Buyers Club in the North and South halls. The Inspired Home Show opens at 8:30 a.m. on March 17 and runs through 5:30 p.m. March 19.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists for an IHA Global Innovation Award for Excellence in Product Design,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “Product innovation is the engine that keeps the home + housewares industry vibrant and profitable. It is our pleasure to honor the brands and designers that continue to push the envelope and delight both buyers and consumers.”
The gia product design finalists are:
Bath + Personal Care
Company — Product
Dorai Home Inc. — Large Bath Stone Mat
Everplush – Tricol Clean — Farberware by Everplush Bath Towel
madesmart — madesmart Expandable In-Drawer Dental Tray
Sanimaid ApS — Stockholm Toilet Brush
Shenzhen Shuye Technology Co.,Ltd. — Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush
Cleaning
Cuisinel — Cuisinel Cast Iron Scrubber Set
FreeForm Brush Inc. dba FreeForm — FreeForm 360
Gleener Inc. — GLEENER Swift Battery-Free Fabric Shaver
Plaspak Plastik ve Ambalaj Sanayi ve Ticaret AS — Super Easy Shiny Surfaces Cleaning Set
Sanimaid ApS — Stainremover-XL Starter Set
Cook + Bakeware
AeroPress Inc. — AeroPress Clear Coffee Press with Flow Control Filter Cap
Brod & Taylor — Baking Shell
Joseph Joseph Inc. — Space 10 Piece Cookware Set
Ooni Limited — Ooni Product
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC — TUCCI by GreenPan
Home Décor + Gifts
Cricut — Cricut Mug Press – Heat Press for Mugs
Evriholder Products, LLC — Cocktail Smoker
Nwtn Home — Roseland Set
Umbra LLC — Cubiko Wall Planter
Umbra LLC — Ferris Jewelry Organizer
Home Organization + Storage
Delta Cycle Corp. — Pivot Bike Storage Rack
Evriholder Products, LLC — Telescopic Over-The-Sink Drying Rack
Joseph Joseph Inc. — Tota 90L Laundry Separation Basket
Polder Products, LLC — Harmony Dish Rack
YouCopia — StoraRoll 3-in-1 Wrap Dispenser
Household + Home Electrics
Cricut — Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine
Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Co., Inc. — Metro Vac Cordless Hand Vac
Mila — Mila Air 3
New Dawn Innovations: VQ Halo – Portable Bluetooth Speaker & Lantern
Zafferano America — PushUp Pro
Kitchen Electrics
FinaMill Co. — FinaPod GT
JURA Inc. — JURA J8 Twin Diamond Black
Midea — Two Zone Air Fryer
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC — GreenPan Elite Convection Air Fry Oven
The Legacy Companies — Omega Effortless Batch Juicer
Kitchen Hand Tools + Cutlery
DKB Household USA Corp. — Zyliss Gourmet Drum Grater
Dreamfarm — Lockorns
Dreamfarm — Ozest
That Inventions — Corkie
Welcome Industries — Visual Measuring Spoons
Kitchenware
Dreamfarm — Corpeel
KitchInventions — ICEBREAKER Nordic POP 2.0
madesmart — Madesmart “Everything Over the Sink Station
Progressive International Corp. — Cookie ProKeeper+
Swish Rocks — Swish Rocks
Luggage, Travel Goods + Accessories
Drinkmate Inc. — Drinkmate Spritzer
Gleener Inc. — GLEENER S’wet Wet/Dry Bag
Moso Natural — Moso Natural Travel-Size Scent-Free Odor Eliminating Spray
NewAir LLC — Newair 25 Qt. Jobsite Cooler Car Refrigerator Battery Powered 18/20V
Talus – High Road Organizers — Luggage Cup Holder
Pet Products
Dexas International, Ltd. — MudBuster Unleashed!
Paikka — PAIKKA Glow Leash and Collar Bundle
Paikka — PAIKKA Raincoat 2.0
Paikka — PAIKKA Seawool Shirt
Prevue Pet Products, Inc. — Prevue Pet Products Comfy Chicken Hideaway
Smart Home Products
BLOK — BLOK Smart Cutting Board
Chefman — CHEF iQ Smart Thermometer (3-probe set)
ChefsTemp — ProTemp Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer
Ember Technologies, Inc. — Ember – Tumbler, 16 oz – Black
Tramontina USA, Inc. — Tramontina Guru
Sustainable Products
Electrodomesticos Jata, S.A. — EMULSIONIZER, The Zero Waste Kitchen Secret Hero
Full Circle — Clean Ocean – Palm Brush
Klean Kanteen — Rise 36 oz. Tumbler with Lid and Straw
The Peacock Vacuum Bottle Co., Ltd. — Cooler Bucket
Volume Brands Int’l. — Glad Link & Sort Recycling Station
Tabletop
Asobu — Asobu Bestie Bottle – Penguin
Asobu — Asobu Duplex Tumbler
Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC — Leopold Vienna Otto
LARQ, Inc. — LARQ Bottle PureVis 2
Prepara — Prepara Tacopillar Taco holder
The judging panel for the annual IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) included housewares buyers from retailers including Ace Hardware, Artichoke, The Cook’s Warehouse, Dillards, Divertimenti, Dreamscape, Event Network, HTI Buying Group, In the Kitchen, Lekka Retail Concepts, Leon & Lulu, Meijer, National Building Museum, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Pampered Chef, Quality Products, Sign of the Bear, Toque Blanche and Volume Studios. Other judges included consumer editors, bloggers and many distinguished industry designers.
View the finalists in each category at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/awards/gia-product/. The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register. To search for new products that will be at the Show visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
THOR Kitchen to Unveil X-Series at KBIS
THOR Kitchen, renowned for its commitment to affordable luxury in kitchen appliances, is set to make history once again at the 60th Annual KBIS Show in Las Vegas from Feb. 27 to March 1. For the first time, THOR Kitchen will introduce the X-Series, a collection of built-in panel-ready products that elevate the brand’s offerings to the higher echelons of the luxury kitchen appliance market while maintaining the affordability it is known for.
The THOR Kitchen X-Series boasts opulent and high-performing ranges, featuring powerful burners with precious metal finishes, designed to meet the discerning tastes of the luxury kitchen connoisseur. This new suite also includes built-in vent hoods and panel-ready refrigeration, providing designers with a comprehensive solution for creating exquisite and customized kitchen spaces.
“THOR Kitchen takes pride in spearheading the evolution of affordable luxury in kitchen appliances. The introduction of the X-Series at KBIS 2024 is a testament to THOR Kitchen’s relentless pursuit of excellence, providing designer’s and consumers with a sophisticated yet accessible catalog of options for crafting their dream kitchens. We’re here to redefine industry standards, offering innovation, quality, and affordability in every product we unveil,” said Timothy Lee, senior marketing manager.
This pivotal year offers designers the opportunity to explore the brand’s unique “Good, Better, and Best” pricing strategy. The A-Series kitchen suite caters to the good, or entry-level price point, while the new T-Series introduces tilt panel ranges at the best-selling mid-tier price point. The H and L Series ranges continue to offer excellence in the mid-tier, and the groundbreaking X-Series now stands as THOR Kitchen’s flagship at the high-end price point, providing designers and customers with an unparalleled selection.
THOR Kitchen has a rich history of challenging industry norms, having disrupted the luxury appliance market years ago by introducing a full suite of commercial stainless steel kitchen appliances at an unprecedented $5,500. In 2024, the brand continues its expansion into both lower and higher price points, catering to a broader clientele with diverse needs.
As part of the KBIS experience, THOR Kitchen invites attendees to witness cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Bradley Miller chefbradmiller.com, Brand Ambassador, host of Food Network’s Food Truck Nation, and co-owner of the Inn of the Seventh Ray Restaurant in Los Angeles. With a record-breaking year in 2023, THOR Kitchen promises a breathtaking showcase, now spanning two stories at Booth W1665.
Industry leaders are encouraged to stop by the booth to explore innovative products, gain insights into the brand’s expansion, and discover the groundbreaking THOR Kitchen Affiliate Program. This incentive program allows sellers to earn commissions for their sales, and further details will be unveiled during the show.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness THOR Kitchen’s evolution at KBIS 2024 – Booth W1665. For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact Michele Kautz at michele.kautz@gwa-inc.com or 570-772-1669.
About THOR Kitchen: THOR Kitchen is a leading provider of high-quality kitchen appliances, committed to delivering affordable luxury to homeowners and designers alike. With a history of innovation and industry disruption, THOR Kitchen continues to redefine expectations in the kitchen appliance market. For more information, visit www.thorkitchen.com.
For more news of interest to the kitchen appliances industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Herrington Takes Over as Midea America President
Midea, a global leader in home appliances, has appointed John Herrington as the president of Midea America, succeeding Kurt Jovais, who is set to transition into a significant global role within the organization.
Herrington, a distinguished executive in the home appliance and electronics industry, brings a notable record of revitalizing and transforming world-class brands. He has held senior leadership roles with LG, Sharp and Samsung and been instrumental in the growth of these brands. His expertise in driving product innovation, building premium brands and achieving market leadership.
Herrington is well-known for his strategic approach to identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities and for leading teams to deliver innovative products and impactful marketing campaigns.
“I am honored to join Midea America at this pivotal time,” Harrington said. “Midea is making significant investments in product development, people and innovation and is uniquely positioned for expansion. I look forward to working with the talented team to build the brand and our customer relationships to drive continued growth for the company.”
Jovais, has been promoted to the role of global director of product management and special assistant to the president of Midea International, where he will lead global initiatives to improve product innovation and go-to-market worldwide. Jovais became president of Midea America in 2017 and oversaw its growth in the United States from a niche business to a multi-billion-dollar presence across Home Comfort, Major Appliance and Small Domestic categories.
“I am very proud of where we have taken Midea America so far, but there is still so much more growth to go after,” said Jovais. “John will be a great asset for Midea America to help unlock all our potential.”
Herrington took the reins on Jan. 4. Jovais will help with the transition through the middle of February.
“Kurt has a unique combination of experiences and successes that will have a tremendous impact in his new role at a global level,” said Lewis Fu, president of the Americas Region. “John joining Midea America will further our mission to become one of the top players in the appliance and home comfort categories in the U.S. market. We are very confident in a bright future for Midea in the U.S. and around the world.”
For more information, please visit Midea.com.
Midea America Corp. is a subsidiary within Midea Group, a publicly listed, Fortune 500 company and the world’s leading manufacturer of home appliances. With more than 166,000 employees and a presence in over 195 countries, including in the United States, its products touch the lives of millions of people and families through air treatment, refrigeration, laundry, small and large kitchen appliances, water appliances, and floor care.
For more news of interest to the home appliances industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
GE Appliances, Kroger Team on Appliance Updates
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is proud to announce its latest feature for select WiFi connected wall ovens and ranges in collaboration with Kroger, a leading U.S. retailer. The appliance updates brings culinary creativity and convenience to the kitchen, offering a new way to discover recipes, shop for ingredients, and cook.
“Kroger’s technology-driven approach to creating convenient and seamless shopping experiences for its customers aligns with our vision to support our consumers throughout the meal preparation process,” said Viren Shah, chief digital officer at GE Appliances. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Kroger and use our combined expertise in the food ecosystem to deliver experiences and features that truly resonate with consumers.”
With this update, over 150,000 consumers with select GE Profile, CAFÉ and Monogram wall ovens and slide-in ranges can now enjoy seasonal culinary inspiration directly from their appliance’s LCD screen. The touchscreen on the appliance will showcase a rotating selection of recipes from Kroger and other strategic consumer packaged goods partners including King Arthur Baking, tempting users with seasonal mouthwatering options.
The recipes even direct consumers to precision cooking modes that can help improve the cooking results of the recipe. From convenient meals like Rotisserie Chicken Oven Tacos and Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, to crowd-pleasing holiday dishes such as Apple Spinach Pork Loin and Savory Bread Pudding Casserole, there’s something for everyone. And just in time for the holiday baking season, are recipes for King Arthur’s Giant Cinnamon Roll and Spiced Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Middles.
If a recipe captures their attention, users can click to view the list of ingredients and instructions. One more touch will add all the necessary ingredients to their Kroger Family of Companies cart. A simple QR code scan will guide owners to link their Kroger account the first time they use the feature. Here is a video that walks through the new features.
“Our goal is to make cooking an easy and enjoyable experience for our consumers,” said Shawn Stover, vice president of SmartHome and Energy Solutions at GE Appliances. “By bringing inspiration to people’s fingertips, combining that with precision cooking modes and easy ordering of ingredients, we aim to expand their cooking confidence, help reduce food waste and create a seamless cooking journey.
“The combination of our innovative hardware, over-the-air updatable software, WiFi capabilities, and cloud-based infrastructure allows us to deliver appliances with superior craftsmanship while fostering an ever-expanding ecosystem of partnerships committed to enhancing life at home.”
This feature is another meaningful step in GE Appliances’ journey to make cooking at home easy and enjoyable. Earlier this year, the company introduced Flavorly AI powered by Google Cloud’s generative AI platform, Vertex AI. The feature is available via GE Appliances’ SmartHQ consumer app and offers consumers the ability to generate custom recipes based on the ingredients available in their kitchen. Consumers can simply select a recipe category and type of cuisine, then input available ingredients, and include any dietary preferences. They will receive tailored recipes with ingredients, instructions, and even photos.
For more information of interest to the kitchen appliances industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Bunafr Showcases Home Coffee Bean Roaster at CES 2024
Bunafr, a leader in innovative home coffee experiences, is excited to announce its participation in CES 2024, the world’s gathering place for consumer technologies. Connecting coffee lovers through an end-to-end experience powered by intelligent roasting, Bunafr will showcase its groundbreaking smoke-free home coffee bean roaster in Eureka Park at Booth #61042, the hub of next-generation innovations and startups at CES.
Bunafr’s participation in CES 2024 marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize home coffee roasting. The company’s flagship roaster is the first of its kind, and offers a unique blend of luxury and technology, allowing coffee enthusiasts to roast green coffee beans in the comfort of their homes.
The Bunafr roaster is not just a machine; it’s an experience. It offers a fully automated, smoke-free roasting system, featuring advanced technology such as First Crack Detection, Multiple Bean Temperature Sensors, Climate Control, and Real Time Roast Control Technology. With built-in roast levels ranging from light to dark all the way down to French, individuals can achieve a personalized and professional level of roasting with ease and precision, promising an unparalleled coffee experience.
The company’s business model focuses on connecting farmers with consumers, enhancing the freshness of coffee and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional roasting and the roasted coffee supply chain.
“We’re thrilled to join CES 2024, where we’ll reveal our intelligent home coffee roaster to an audience passionate about the latest in consumer tech,” said Anjani Annumalla, founder and CEO of Bunafr. “Our participation in this prestigious event is a testament to our commitment to bringing the future of home coffee roasting to consumers worldwide. We look forward to sharing our passion for coffee and technology with the global CES audience.”
Bunafr invites attendees to visit their booth in Eureka Park to experience the future of coffee roasting. The team will be conducting live demonstrations, offering tastings, and sharing insights into the technology and sustainability efforts behind their product.
For more information about Bunafr please visit www.bunafr.com, stop by Eureka Park Booth #61042, or schedule an on-site meeting by contacting Bunafr media contacts.
On a mission to drive macro-level change without compromising personalized preference, Bunafr is revolutionizing the coffee supply chain from farmer to consumer. Bunafr is empowering a new era of coffee with its vision that high-quality coffee should be accessible to all, which means the beans they source meet a minimum quality rating of 85+ on the Cup of Excellence scale. Committed to responsible business practices, Bunafr takes an environment and farmer-first approach, in turn, setting the bar higher than ever for every individual cup of coffee brewed.
Merging decades of specialty coffee experience with advanced technology, the art and integrity of brewing starts with roasting. With Bunafr, individuals can roast coffee beans to perfection using Bunafr’s smokeless and fully automated home roaster, offering consumers a first-of-its-kind experience from a one-of-a-kind product. Bunafr’s commitment to a ‘coffee science first and objectivity’ philosophy rigor ensures that every Bunafr product not only delivers exceptional quality but also stays at the forefront of coffee innovation.
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