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A new distribution company has secured a deal to introduce a major European cookware brand to the UK for the first time.
Sean Burns, who previously worked with Russell Hobbs for nine years – the last three as cookware divisional manager, set up Funky Brands just two weeks ago. Now, the Cheshire-based company has been appointed exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland of cookware from the giant Spanish manufacturer Fagor.
Fagor is Europe’s fifth largest producer of major domestic appliances, and has had a presence in that market in the UK for over 20 years.
However, Burns told HousewaresLive.net: “It’s the first time they’ll have sold cookware in the UK. Having established their brand in the European cookware market Fagor have identified the UK and Irish market as a key area for growth.”
He added that Fagor was “a huge brand with massive brand potential”.
The company has 16 production plants in Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Morocco and China, and 17 subsidiaries around the world, and its products are marketed in over 100 countries. It has total sales of 13.9m Euros, of which cookware and small appliances contribute around 6%.
The Fagor cookware products include 18/10 stainless cookware sets, professional-style woks, a stainless steel casserole pot and a 10-cup hob-top coffee maker. Manufactured in Spain and China, they are aimed at the middle to upper market.
Burns said he would initially be targeting independents with the cookware, and then hoping to sell into department stores.
As for Funky Brands, Burns added that he intended to take on distributorships in both the cookware and electrical markets.
