Farberware Bakeware

Trend Talk

23.05.11

Cookware today is better made and better designed, and a better value than in years past, says Hugh Rushing, executive director of the Cookware Manufacturers Association (CMA), a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, Ala. Since its creation in 1922, the CMA has worked to establish manufacturing standards and now offers a seal of approval for cookware that meets its guidelines.

"The value proposition for the dollar spent is incredible," Rushing says.

In recent years, manufacturers have faced "price compression" from foreign companies, which has "forced everyone to produce a better product," he continues.

There also has been a lot of consolidation. Today, manufacturers such as Groupe SEB and Meyer Corp. have multiple brands, Rushing notes. Group SEB brands include All-Clad, AirBake, T-Fal, Imusa, Marinex, Mirro and Wearever, while Meyer Corp.'s brands include Rachael Ray, Paula Dean, Farberware, Analon and Circulon.

The cookware industry grows by 2 to 3 percent annually, Rushing says, adding "New household formation drives demand; the economy is another part. The more they cook, the more they need cookware."

Source: Gourmet Retailer