By Vicki Matranga
Design Programs Coordinator
Fran Groesbeck is the worldwide retail marketing manager and Suzie Eberhardt is the associate retail marketing manager at Whitford Corporation. Together they educate retailers, importers and others who develop, buy or source nonstick coated products about how Whitford coatings can be applied to their private label and direct sourcing products.
Fran and Suzie, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your work? What fuels your inspiration?
We get to work with wonderful people in a very fun industry. We are inspired by our customers. They ask the best questions!
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?
Global Regulations. There are new regulations being presented and because Whitford is a worldwide company, we must comply with these regulations. We have a global regulatory team at the home office and separate members in our worldwide locations to keep up with this demand.
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
We believe that knowledge is power. The International Home + Housewares Show is a great venue to share the knowledge we have to help educate the audience on a variety of topics that can impact the housewares industry.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
We will be speaking about trends in coatings for cookware, bakeware and small electrics. This is an important topic, because influential trends set the pace for our industry.
Trends in Coatings for Cookware, Bakeware and Small Electrics Products
Innovation Theater
Lakeside Center, Room E350
March 8, Tuesday 9:30 – 10:20 am
You have presented in the Innovation Theater before. What are you looking forward to most from speaking at the Innovation Theater?
We are looking forward to questions from the audience and their response to the current trends we are seeing.
What do you see as the consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
The biggest concern is always the safety and quality of the products. The products must be deemed safe for consumer use and the quality must be represented by the price point; especially for higher priced items. Consumers tend to expect the more expensive items to last longer.
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
Keeping up with the colors trends can be difficult. A trending color in textiles may not be as trendy in cookware, bakeware and/or small electrics. Take pink for instance, it’s huge in textiles, but does the homeowner really want a pink oven?
Thank you, Fran and Suzie, for telling us about your work. Makers and sellers of cookware, bakeware and small electrics products will want to learn about the latest developments at your program on Tuesday, March 8 at 9:30 am in the Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, E350, just a few steps from the Hall of Global Innovation. Attendees will also be able to consult with you in your booth S3125 within the Dine + Decor Expo.
The Nonstick Chicks
Fran Groesbeck – Worldwide Retail Marketing Manager
fgroesbeck@whitfordww.com
732-361-3710
Suzie Eberhardt – Associate Retail Marketing Manager
seberhardt@whitfordww.com
610-286-3564
Whitford Corporation
www.whitfordww.com
