Each year the International Housewares Association and Riedel Marketing Group partner together and go to the source to find out what is trending up, down and sideways in the housewares industry. IHA brought the HIPsters together in mid-October to learn about housewares trends for the coming year and this is a breakdown of the hot items they discussed. If you missed part 1, be sure you go back – What’s Hot in Housewares 2011 – Part 1.
Can I Offer You a Drink?
Beverages are a hot topic among the HIPster panel this year as consumers look for alternatives to sugary drinks and bottled water. Eco-friendly, reusable water bottles like Hydro Flasks and the stylish Sigg bottles are trending up big time. Families are using more of these alternatives with faucet filters to help save on beverage costs while reducing that carbon footprint. Single serving coffee makers are also pushing bulky espresso/traditional coffee makers out of style as more consumers look for options on the go. Here’s all the beverage products the panel sees trending up:
Cooking-2010 style
The HIPsters agree that grilling, especially with infrared cooking, is definitely trending up. That doesn’t mean that you always need to be outside, though, as plenty of indoor options are popping up in the form of counter top grills and grill pans for the stove. Slow cookers are making a comeback as families search for ways to pre-prepare meals for their busy lifestyles. Multi-function appliances like Panini makers are also on the rise because of the versatility they bring to the kitchen. You won’t find single-use machines like bread makers, juicers or pasta machines on any housewares “Hot” lists. You will, however, see the items listed here:
- Infrared Outdoor grills
- Grill/Smoker combos
- Counter top electric grills like the Cuisinart Griddler
- Multi-function appliances
- Slow Cookers
- Vita-Mix Blenders
- New/redesigned kitchen tools for fruit and veggie prep, i.e. a cherry pitter with a splash guard
- Stainless Steel appliances
Check back soon for more information on housewares trends and what you might see at the 2011 International Home + Housewares Show.
For more info on the HIPsters and RMG go to their website http://www.4rmg.com/home.html.
