T&G WOODWARE - 2021 GOTY ENRANTS
Product Description
This year we have entered our 'Cottage Garden' range inspired by traditional British blooms and our respect and need to save native flowers and insects to bring some colour and cheer to the kitchen. The collection includes decorative ceramics and beautifully laser engraved FSC® certified natural beech wood. A naturally beautiful and sustainable gift.
We have also entered our 'Tip Top' salt, pepper and spice mills full of design, quality and function which contain the superior CrushGrind® mechanism.
Tell us about your business
T&G was established in 1975 and our mission is to design, produce and responsibly source, exceptional quality kitchenware and gift products that withstand the demands of real life. 2020 marks a milestone for us, our 45th birthday and what a journey it's been. Starting out as a woodware company, we have transformed into a lifestyle brand with quality and beautiful design at the heart of everything we do.
What can you tell us about your entered products?
We have entered our popular 'Cottage Garden' range inspired by traditional British blooms and our respect and need to save native flowers and insects and bring some colour and cheer to the kitchen. The range consists of ceramic kitchen storage and FSC certified natural beech wood serving boards and utensils that have fine lasered detailing for that extra special touch. The range is not only naturally beautiful but is also sustainable.
We have also entered our 'Tip Top' salt, pepper and spice mills in stainless steel, black and Deco gold. These mills are full of design, quality and function and contain the award winning CrushGrind® mechanism. These mills allow you to effortlessly grind not only salt and pepper but also, using the same grinder, whole dried herbs and spices. These mills also come with lifetime mechanism guarantee.
Why did you choose to enter Gift of the Year 2021 and has the competition helped boost your brand in the past?
Yes, we do, we enter Gift of the Year every year. Over the years we have had products shortlisted and we have won in a variety of categories. We won in 2019 with our ‘Ocean’ range that supports www.plasticoceansuk. It is great when this happens as it gives us as a company recognition for the design and development, we have put into our products. We are a family owned British company, so it means the world to us when our brand and products are awarded.
Has your business been affected by Covid-19?
Things have obviously been very difficult during the lockdown with many of our customers having to close and many of our manufacturers struggling with production. It’s something we could never have planned for and I think we were in shock for a few days seeing everything shut down. It has also had a huge impact on new product launches - we will have a small offering next year which we are hugely excited about, but it has been a challenge! We miss talking to our customers at trade shows and taking the opportunity to see them in person. With lots of our colleagues working from home, it’s also more difficult as a creative business to share ideas and have the usual evolution of projects but like everyone we are learning to adapt and push on in spite of these challenging times.
What changes have you made as a result?
The obvious changes are things we’ve done to protect our workforce and customers, our offices now feel very different and quiet. We have created some small videos to share with customers and are keeping in touch via social media and of course we now have regular teams meetings, which have been great for creativity and inspiration, not the same as being in person but the next best thing!
What other products have you brought to market for 2020, can you share them here?
We launched the successful 'Deco' range, a 1920's inspired range of sophisticated serving, sharing and dining pieces with sharply defined lines and geometric art deco style, making the perfect gifts as each piece adds a touch of glamour, something we all need right now!
Where can your products be purchased?
Our products can be purchased from independent cook and gift shops, garden centres, online retailers and department stores across the UK, worldwide through our export department and our website www.tg-woodware.com