JMA Debuts Cookaware to U.S. Retailers

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/26/2007 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Retailers considering a coordinated, gourmet-level kitchen textile accessories program responded warmly to the new Cookaware program presented this market by JMA America.

"We showed this collection at Heimtextil, and it has seen a growing distribution now with our European accounts," said Reimund Manneck, executive manager, sales and marketing for the White Plains, N.Y.-based U.S. branch of the well-established Portugal manufacturer. The U.S. office opened less than two years ago and to date has emphasized towels, beach towels, and robes.

Cookaware offers a mix-and-match line of color-coordinated items in 100% cotton, with options in the tea towels including terry and 50% flax models with a range of texture finishes. The collection broadcasts youth, ease, practicality, and personality — attributes that are accentuated not only in product design with stripes, plaids, borders, and Burberry-inspired looks but also in packaging and in freestanding display options.

Each color group embodies eight different bodies from aprons to potholders. Retail prices are under discussion; Manneck said JMA will select a preferred retailer for some type of exclusive in its initial U.S. introduction of Cookaware.