RVAgourmet

RVAGourmet – 2013 Housewares Show Review – Part II

rvamarketingandmedia — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:31:57 +0000

This year’s International Home and Housewares Show presented many great products and one of my favorite small electrics at the show was the Hurom Slow Juicer/Smoothie machine which introduces one of the most outstanding hybrid machines on display (other brands have tried these types of items in the marketplace with mixed results). Instead of embarking on a new smoothie machine, the company took advantage of the two chute design and added a shut off valve switch to allow for mixing of fruits and veggies along with yogurts, milk or cream right inside of the machine. This will not likely appeal to those of us who like to incorporate crushed ice into our smoothies, but may appeal to consumers who wish to enter the juicing realm, but who like the variety the machine has to offer.

Reusable Recyclables were present in many areas as products such as food and beverage containers are continuing to be introduced as BPA-free with the added attraction of including recycled plastics. Of note are Aladdin’s adult lunch kits and beverage containers and beautiful colorful bags, bento boxes, and lunch box kits that can accomodate multi-layer salads, hot and cold foods, condiments and beverages. These are the new trendy must haves as more people attuned to tighter budgets have now started to bring lunch to work each day.

Learn more about the standout products at the housewares show in our next posting!

RVAGourmet – 2013 Housewares Show Review Part I

rvamarketingandmedia — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:19:33 +0000

One of the highlights of my blogging life is visiting the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. The annual show provides a preview of some of the top launches for the year along with an opportunity to see innovative prototypes, color forecasts and celebrity chefs! This year’s show while continuing to be grand, did in my opinion have less high-end budget busting offerings and more products in lower price points from most of the major housewares vendors. This is undoubtedly a sign of the slowing economic times and reflections of fickle consumerism that challenges our desire to purchase things that we both need and want without having buyer’s remorse later on.

Noticable trends included the expansion of design and texture, most evident in the finishes on some items, the integration of texture into glass items as well as a departure from one color palettes to blended pieces and those with animal prints. Of note, Kuhn Rikon has introduced a line of their popular colori knives in popular prints such as leopard and zebra while Kitchen Aid is also featuring a line of animal print stand mixers.

Although the Pantone color of the year for 2013 was Emerald Green, a jewel tone, we noticed a continued push towards bright color coordination, pops of color or stark black/white palettes that would appeal to both the colorist and the more conservative.

Learn more about trends we spotted in Part II of our preview coming soon!

RVAGourmet – Food Fights – Four Loko May Bring Significant Labeling Changes to Beverage Industry

rvamarketingandmedia — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:12:17 +0000

Diageo has hailed a ruling by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as a significant step toward the company’s goal of providing serving information on its beverage alcohol labels. The ruling, issued yesterday, was made in regard to flavored malt brand Four Loko. The FTC is requiring Four Loko to seek approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) for labeling that informs consumers when containers of its products hold more than two servings of alcohol. The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has been a supporter of serving fact labeling over the years but spirits labeling has not changed much in the nearly eight decades since Prohibition. In its ruling, the FTC provided a sample 2-inch by 1.25-inch “Alcohol Facts” label, including information such as container size, alcohol-by-volume, servings per container, serving size and the U.S. dietary guideline defining one serving as “0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.” Four Loko producer Phusion Projects LLC has 90 days to provide the Alcohol Facts label on its products that are over 20 ounces, upon receipt of TTB approval. The FTC said its ruling “settled charges against (Phusion) for falsely claiming that a 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko contains the alcohol equivalent of one or two regular 12-ounce beers, and that a consumer could drink one entire can safely on a single occasion.” After a warning from the FDA on alcoholic energy drinks in 2010, Phusion voluntarily reformulated Four Loko to remove caffeine, guarana and taurine from its recipe, but stuck with its large-size can format

RVAGourmet Tastes of the Town – Yellow Umbrella Relocates Into Classier, More Spacious Digs

rvamarketingandmedia — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 23:16:07 +0000

Click to view slideshow.

One of the great highlights of my gourmet food shopping travels in Richmond is a periodic stop at Yellow Umbrella Seafood (5603 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA). Known primarily for fresh fish, prepared foods and a small selection of wine, desserts, breads, cheeses and meats along with outstanding customer service, the shop has become a Richmond staple with a loyal band of customers. The shop’s shunning of social media in favor of word of mouth (I coincidentally found the place initially through Yelp), has meant managable growth and a very intimate shopping experience. I heard a few months ago that the shop was to relocate to a larger space, and opened on February 6th. Today I had the pleasure of visiting the new digs. I instantly felt like I was transported to Chelsea, the famous neighborhood in New York City, and having recently visited the city where the likes of Eataly have changed the gourmet shopping landscape (creating a very European shopping experience full of high-end items that encourage my inner food snob and busting my budgets with the occasional hefty price tag), I can attest to the fact that I am instantly in love with the new space for a number of reasons. The first is that the design is classic and minimal and just plain beautiful. There is a much larger selection of fresh produce, and an extensive fresh meat case which offers grass-fed options and various meats sold by the pound from delicious 24 month aged prosciutto to sausages to all cuts of steaks. There are expanded prepared food offerings and even a very nice wine wall (a refrigerated case also contains several whites and even bottles of Veuve Cliquot). There is also a small cheese section where when I did not find the parmesan I was looking for, I was treated to them going to slice a piece just for me. The case also features brands I love such as Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery. I later learned that this was a part of the Cellar to Table in-house shop which serves as a perfect addition to Yellow Umbrella with a seamless approach to selection and service. Collectively, the transformation is a gourmet one-stop-shop. Upgrades to the technology include iPad register stations and a website (www.yellowumbrellarva.com) but still no official Facebook or Twitter accounts. The shop has anchored itself to stay relevant for many generations to come.

RVAGourmet – Food Fights – OXO and Quirky Battle Over Dust Pan Design

rvamarketingandmedia — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:48:49 +0000

It seems that many industrial design companies are now looking to strenghthen their intellectual property stances as the economy continues to peter along and competition for housewares dollars increases. Who knew that the latest accusation of consumer products design hijacking would come from consumer products company Quirky who has accused OXO and their design partner, Smart Design, of appropriating a feature from a product called the Broom Groomer, which was submitted to their community in 2009 by an independent inventor and launched in 2010. Their product includes “rubber ‘teeth’ on the back of the dustpan [that] … quickly and easily comb out dust bunnies.” With the OXO Upright Dust Pan, which includes a handle, the company maintains that it is not an infringement on Quirky’s product, but rather an adaptation of an over 100 year old idea, which was protected by a valid patent until the late 1930s. What is most surprising is that the public spat has taken a life of its own, with a prominently displayed banner, picketing in the streets of New York and an active social media campaign on both sides. OXO has gone so far as to highlight several items it feels that Quirky infringed upon including its Adjustable Hand Rake, Flip-in Hamper, Whisk Broom and a Compact Dustpan. We will keep an eye on this issue and we hope that the “dust” settles soon!

In 2013, Gourmets Can Enjoy Seeds, Cheese and More!

rvamarketingandmedia — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:27:33 +0000

Just like fashion, each new year ushers in new flavors to awaken our palettes and bring a new focus to tasting trends. The Fancy Food Show has become a mecca for bringing together some of the most innovative food products that will appear on store shelves and grace magazine pages for days to come. This year, expect more botanical focused products (which may be an extension of the every growing juicing trend) that blend fruits and vegetables in nontraditional ways. Ever tried Blood Orange Chili Juice? I haven’t either, but as a fan of both the blood orange and chilis it sounds like a leap I would be willing to take thanks to Wild Poppy Juice Company. Infused and organic oils will continue to increase market share as standby olive and vegetable oils are making way for more flavorful organic oils including those produced by one of my favorite lines La Tourangelle which has many oils I use including their Avocado, Sunflower, Grapeseed, Coconut and Black Truffle. Also look for more herb and spice infused oils and more seed oils including those from cherries and tomatoes. On the cheese scene expect a rebound for blue cheeses including an innovative Smoked Sterling Bleu Goat Cheese that is sure to please. Last year it seemed like there was no end to the presence of the Blood Orange and this year the BO will be bumped by many Banana flavored treats. Which flavors are you looking forward to trying?

RVAGourmet – Kitchens with Class – Le Creuset Adds Mellow Yellows to Collection

rvamarketingandmedia — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:28:05 +0000

Le Creuset Soleil sold exclusively at Sur La Table.

After successfully launching a number of targeted color exclusives at some of the nation’s top retailers including Bloomingdales (Truffle), Sur La Table (Indigo), Crate and Barrel (Spinach, Ink) and Williams-Sonoma (Aubergine, Ocean) and a very successful launch of Marseille Blue, the new year brought great news for fans of yellow. Le Creuset has launched two distinct yellow colors, Soleil at Sur La Table and Quince at Williams-Sonoma to bring great mellow yellows to the landscape. Williams-Sonoma previously sold Dijon (which is available at www.lecreuset.com at the Le Creuset Factory Store at the Prime Outlets in Williamsburg) which was an homage to the famous mustard made famous by the French and blended bright yellow with a subtle hint of brown. Soliel and Quince take a softer approach and there is already much to be excited about in both lines. Williams-Sonoma will not officially ship Quince to their stores until January 25th, but have already offered internet pre-sales. Find them at Sur La Table at The Shops at Stony Point or Williams-Sonoma at Short Pump Town Center. What are some of your favorite Le Creuset colors?

Le Creuset Quince sold exclusively at Williams-Sonoma

RVAGourmet – Milk Frothers Heating Up the Holidays

rvamarketingandmedia — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:11:02 +0000

The froth wars are once again heating up as the market for milk frothers continues to expand each holiday season. Milk has become one of the most significant beverages in the gourmet food market as the expansion of specialty coffees, chai teas and other dairy-based drinks have surged in popularity. For milk drinkers, steamed and frothed milk can be a welcome addition to coffees, teas and hot cocoas and there are many options now to choose from. It seems like each year, a new milk frother hits the market and this year is no exception. Joining the ranks of the Nespresso Aerocino, the Breville Milk Cafe and the Capresso Froth Pro (a unit I own and recommend) which debuted a couple of years ago, Capresso has now added yet another machine to its line. The Capresso froth TEC ^™ is reportedly the largest capacity automatic milk frother on the market, frothing up to 10 ounces of milk and steaming up to 16 ounces, for a wide variety of hot or cold beverages or even food preparation techniques. Frothed milk takes center stage as a beverage category of its own as people discover the many tasty possibilities for hot and cold frothed milk, along with the convenience of the state-of-the-art automatic frothers in the Capresso line. The froth TEC ^™ Capresso froth TEC(TM). (PRNewsFoto/Capresso)

" data-medium-file="http://rvagourmet.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/da23257.jpg?w=202" data-large-file="http://rvagourmet.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/da23257.jpg?w=357" width="101" height="150" src="http://rvagourmet.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/da23257.jpg?w=101&h=150" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Capresso FrothTEC" />

features an innovative, patent-pending froth enhancer for thick, creamy, smoothly textured froth and foam at the touch of a button. Three illuminated operating buttons make for easy functioning: just choose the hot, warm or cold temperature setting, and then whip up frothed milk for delicious cappuccinos, tasty spiced pumpkin lattes, rich peppermint hot chocolates, mochas, and cold coffee or fruit flavored milk drinks in just minutes. It is also perfect for frothing non-dairy milks including soy, almond, rice, coconut and more. The froth TEC™ is ideal for frothing and heating milk to make creamy mashed potatoes or even custards. The unit contains a SCHOTT Duran glass milk pitcher with a stay cool handle and a brushed stainless steel exterior that makes it an attractive addition to the countertop. The unit comes with two disks, one for frothing and one for heating milk, which are easily stored in the integrated storage drawer. The Capresso froth TEC ^™ is sold at amazon.com and capresso.com for $99.99.

RVAGourmet – Cookware Wars Heat Up as Williams-Sonoma Launches Stainless Line

rvamarketingandmedia — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:50:30 +0000

Williams-Sonoma Thermoclad

It appears that more attempts to tackle the dominance of All-Clad stainless steel cookware (a favorite of RVAGourmet) has surfaced, this time at Williams-Sonoma. In what would appear to be a competitive nod to Sur La Table which introduced a very beautiful line of cookware a few years ago (some of which you can even find at Home Goods), Williams-Sonoma just launched its own “Thermoclad” cookware with massive signage throughout many of its stores. The line which boasts several features including ergonomic handles (which do not mesh well with mine unfortunately), double-walled lids, rolled edges, large loop handles and an aluminum core was a surprising addition added just in time for the holidays. The company had reportedly been in talks with Scan Pan to jointly produce a line of cookware, and after that deal did not proceed, has now launched with a 10-piece set that retails for $799.95. I did notice that the weight is slightly less than the Sur La Table and the All-Clad stainless, and the line also includes several clunky accessories including a three-wisk set of oversized pieces. Time will tell if this line makes a dent in the market!

RVA Gourmet – Starbucks Verismo Enters Crowded High-End Coffee Markett

rvamarketingandmedia — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:59:44 +0000

Starbucks® Verismo™ sold exclusively at Sur La Table stores

New housewares launches have certainly sent a message loud and clear, and that is that coffee is king. With the recent launch this year of Breville’s You Brew system with the clear carafe and of the even less expensive starter Nespresso U, it comes as no surprise that this fall another coffee contender has entered the ring. The Verismo^™ System by Starbucks is now available at Sur La Table stores (including our nearest store in Stony Point Fashion Park). The system will be available in piano black in the retailer’s 100 stores nationwide and in two additional colors, Champagne and Burgundy, online at www.surlatable.com. The brewer which retails for US $199.95 rounds out Sur La Table’s already robust offering of at-home coffee brewing systems and will use special capsules to make lattes, cappucinos and espressos, has a removable water tray and the conveniences of a touch button system. In addition, Sur La Table will be the exclusive retailer of Starbucks^® Pike Place^® Roast*, the Medium Roast blend brewed daily in Starbucks cafes. The blend is a celebration of the retailers’ joint heritage – both got their start in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Both the brewing system and the exclusive blend will be available online today and in stores by September 24, 2012.