Swiss kitchen brand Kuhn Rikon will now be supplied by Albi in Australia after taking over distribution from VGM International.
The new addition to Albi’s portfolio was launched at the Melbourne Reed Gift Fair with a video display, catalogue and special deal to encourage retailers to take the brand on board. The launch offer is a bonus 36 piece Colori pairing knives set valued at $163.44 with a minimum $1,000 order of Kuhn Rikon products.
Kelly Tunbridge, Albi kitchenware buyer and brand manager, says the acquisition enhances the company’s kitchenware offering.
“It filled a gap for gadgets/tools and knives that was missing from our assortment and in doing so, it complements our business philosophy of becoming a ‘one stop’ shop for our customers,” she says.
“Rather than develop our own new brand, we thought it better to partner with an expert brand with an excellent reputation and have them focus on the development. That allows Albi to focus on distribution and brand development which is our expertise.”
New Kuhn Rikon products to be unveiled at the gift fair include polka dot and animal print non-stick knives, tomato knife, dual knife sharpener and an updated version of the original Swiss peeler.
Albi is looking forward to the August trade fair and releasing new products alongside Kuhn Rikon as well as new initiatives to help retailers during tough trading times.
“Albi has just achieved another successful year of growth,” Tunbridge explains. “We continue to adjust to the difficulties facing the Australian market and know there is more ahead. We believe it is more important than ever in such an environment to stay innovative and introduce new and exciting ranges, and not cut back. This is what you will see in August as a total business. We have introduced more than 1,000 skus to help give our retailers the best chance in enticing consumers into their stores and keep their business strong and profitable.”
