IHA chatted with Daniel Seehoff, CEO and Gary Seehoff, Chairman and co-founders of Sophistiplate, a fresh new company that offers sophisticated disposable paper tableware products for home entertaining. Sophistiplate will exhibit at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design alongside other designs and trend leaders.
In 2016, Sophistiplate was founded by combining the passions of trained chef and avid foodie Daniel Seehoff and housewares industry veteran Gary Seehoff, a passionate innovator, product designer and entrepreneur. Both father and son, building upon their experience in the housewares industry, recognized the need to create elegant, sophisticated, creative, but fun disposable paper tableware to respond to the national trend toward home entertaining and creative culinary dishes. Consumers want beautiful on all levels—food, music, friends and tableware—to create the perfect party but without the hassle of major cleanup. Convenient, easy, yet sophisticated—that defines Sophistiplate!
Was there a pivotal event or product that propelled the early success of your business?
The uniqueness of the range. Our shapes are patented and many of our sizes are unique, for example our Petalo (scalloped) Chargers, Deep and Appetizer bowls. We launched in October 2016, and we will introduce our line at our first International Home + Housewares Show in booth N8437.
Where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
In Italy and throughout Europe, where the range and designers have a proven track record.
How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
We talk to our customers and consumers and listen carefully to what they want.
How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
In our case it’s pretty much a no-brainer – Women who love food and entertaining, aged 35 to 65.
How do you use social media?
We collaborate and partner with several bloggers and influencers who curate and set beautiful tablescapes using our gorgeous disposable plates.
Where are your products manufactured?
Italy
How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
Design and innovation are paramount.
Thank you Gary and Daniel for giving us a glimpse into your exciting new company. Wishing you a successful introduction at your first Show in booth N8437!
See more Sophistiplate table settings at www.Sophistiplate.com
Discover Design is the premier destination at the International Home + Housewares Show for trend spotters who make design their priority. Nearly 200 design leaders will present their products in all Show categories to delight retailers looking for the unique at the Discover Design Expo located at the front of the North Building.
Anchored by renowned brands such as Alessi, Blomus and Charles Viancin, Discover Design welcomes new exhibitors, such as notNeutral, Luckies of London, and S’well Bottle, and introduces 10 emerging companies at the Design Debut incubator. Additional fresh offerings from veteran design-focused exhibitors such as Kikkerland, Zoku and Magisso will also inspire your choices for the coming year. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors.
