Portmeirion profi ts
strong for fi rst half
Portmeirion Group is pleased to announce that the fi rst six months of the year has seen a strong performance in line with market expectations and despite diffi cult worldwide economic conditions.
Revenues of £21 million ensured the company are up by 24% on the comparative period in 2009. Dick Steele, Non-executive Chairman, commented: “We are delighted with our results, particularly as they have been achieved in a challenging fi nancial climate. Last year’s acquisition of Spode and Royal Worcester has accelerated our growth but all our brands have contributed to these excellent fi gures. The performance of the fi rst six months lays good foundations for the full year, and we are confi dent of the Group’s ongoing prospects.”
It is understood just over half of this increase comes from the Spode and Royal Worcester brands with the balance coming from Portmeirion and Pimpernel. Portmeirion and Pimpernel performed exceptionally well in South Korea and Canada and all the Group’s brands did well in the key US market, providing almost a third of the increase in revenue.
Domestic sales have also improved year on year and the indications are that this trend is set to continue for the next six months. Michael Haynes, Group Sales & Marketing
Director, Portmeirion Group commented: “Our commitment to design, customer service and the strength and relevance of all our brands in both domestic and international markets have been key to these excellent results.
“Portmeirion’s 50th anniversary range, the continuing success of the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection, the timeless popularity of Botanic Garden alongside Pimpernel’s resurgence have all played a signifi cant role. As have Spode and Royal Worcester
through the re-introduction of designs such as Blue Italian, Blue Room and Christmas tree, the launch Aiden Bryne for Spode’s Asymmetry and an additional boost through Royal Worcester’s Evesham Gold, Classic White and Worcester Herbs to name but a few – and last but not least, our most recent introduction of two dozen different gift boxed fi ne bone china mugs. All in all, a great fi rst half which generates confi dence for the second.”
Nambé
Announces Dinnerware
Partnership with Gibson
In an effort to expand its presence in the dinnerware category, Nambé, the highly recognized and rapidly growing design brand known for bringing museum- quality pieces to the table, announces a dinnerware licensing partnership with US tabletop brand Gibson Overseas, Inc. Effective March 2011, Gibson will handle manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and sales for all Nambé dinnerware. “We feel that there are multiple benefi ts to this license,” explains Robert Varakian, President and CEO of Nambé. “It will allow us at Nambé to continue to increase our focus and expansion of our core product categories, as well as experience expansion of the branded dinnerware under Gibson’s guidance and experience in that product category. We feel the strength of the Nambé brand umbrella will continue to grow and are exploring other opportunities for additional product categories that could be appropriate for the Nambé brand.”
Gibson will continue to bring the high
standards of quality and design Nambé is known for. As part of a seamless transition, the existing dinnerware patterns will continue to be shipped in the same packaging and under the same brand. Additionally, Gibson will develop new patterns and an expanded accessories program. “We are delighted with this opportunity,” adds Sal Gabbay, President at Gibson. “We are committed to embracing the valued brand equity and the essence of Nambé and are determined to meet and exceed customer expectation.”
New Typhoon
showroom Rayware are pleased to announce the opening on the new Typhoon showroom, following the brands buyout earlier this year in May. Displaying items from the 2010 catalogue, the stylish new showroom will allow customers to explore the full range of innovative items that Typhoon are best known for in a relaxed sales environment. The Typhoon are is brand new and adds to Rayware’s existing base in Liverpool, UK and welcome visitors to be able to view their now extended offering.
Mottahedeh appoints new Brand Director for Sales & Marketing
Mottahedeh, renowned for their superb high fi red porcelains in historical patterns, museum reproductions and prestigious licensing agreements has appointed Lyle Stevens to the new position of Brand Director for Sales & Marketing. Ms. Stevens brings to this new position a wealth of experience in the tabletop industry. She also possesses expertise in brand and product development. Wendy Kvalheim, CEO of Mottahedeh adds, “We are immensely proud of what Mottahedeh stands for as a company and of what we have achieved in our 80 plus year history, and we continue to bring fresh new designs to each bi- annual market. We have always made the fi nest products and we are well known as a leader in design. Now, Lyle is here to help realize our goal of bringing our concepts to a new generation of devoted Mottahedeh collectors.”
People News
Peter Tipthorp –
A Thank You Following the obituary for former Tableware International Editor Peter Tipthorp in our last issue, Peter’s family would like to pass on the following: “Wendy Tipthorp and family would like to thank Tableware International for the wonderful Tribute to Peter and the notices written by his friends. Also the outpouring of response to the Tribute was very heart warming. Thank you everyone.”
TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 7
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