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The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA) and the European Association for Cookware, Cutlery and Housewares Industries (FEC) have announced a global partnership to promote industry standards and innovation in the cookware and bakeware industry. Together, the two organizations will represent manufacturers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, working to maintain high standards of engineering and consumer safety for cookware and bakeware products globally. “We are excited to partner with the FEC to bring our organizations’ combined expertise and resources to the global cookware and bakeware industry,” said Fran Groesbeck, CBA’s Managing Director. “By working together, we can better serve our members and promote innovation and safety across the industry.” The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA is a vital housewares trade association, delivering critical industry resources as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety. You can learn more about the CBA at www.cookwareandbakeware.org. The European Association for Cookware, Cutlery and Housewares Industries (FEC) is an association of European manufacturers and well-established brands of cookware, cutlery, and other housewares products. FEC promotes the interests of its members by participating in many events and discussions to better the industry. The organization is dedicated to promoting the interests of its members and ensuring that the industry remains competitive and innovative. You can learn more about FEC at https://fecassociation.eu/. CBA and FEC participate in many events and discussions to better the industry, including the next roundtable hosted by the International Housewares Association (IHA) online roundtable on July 26th. The roundtable will bring the latest news on PFAS legislation across the US and an update on the EU. By partnering, the two organizations aim to promote a more collaborative and innovative approach to the cookware and bakeware industry globally. Media Contact: Gayla ScrivenerPR Support TeamThe Cookware & Bakeware Alliancesupport@cookware.org

The CBA is delighted to announce the addition of Mark Eichorn from The Oneida Group and Phil Barberi from Meyer Corporation US to its esteemed board of directors.

Host, Fran Groesbeck has a conversation with David Trigiani, Managing Director of Ekco Brands LLC, who shares his insights on introducing a new brand to the US market. David talks about the challenges of entering a new market and the importance of understanding consumer needs and building a strong brand identity. Ekco Brands is the United States marketing arm of Vasconia Brands of Mexico City, Mexico. Vasconia Brands is the leading manufacturer and distributor of cookware and non-electric food prep items in Mexico and broader Latin America. Vasconia features vertical integration and has a factory capacity to make over 150,000 pans per day, making us one of the largest manufacturers of cookware in North America. The Vasconia brand has been in the market in Mexico for over 100 years and carries very high, top-of-mind brand awareness. The Ekco brand has been in the market for over 70 years in Mexico and is one of the largest cookware brands in Mexico today. They manufacture aluminum nonstick (both roller and spray coated), uncoated aluminum, stovetop pressure cookers, enamel on steel, and even disposable aluminum foil pans. In the USA, Ekco leverages its well-known brands for the Hispanic market as well as having numerous supply chain advantages. Conversation Highlights: Connect with Ecko Brands LLC:

Bradley Beach, NJ, Release: May 31, 2023. For Immediate Release. The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA) announced its new strategic plan during its Spring Member Meeting in April. The plan outlines the organization’s mission to promote product and consumer safety, provide critical industry resources, and have focused leadership efforts for its members and the industry at large. With a history of over 100 years, the CBA’s vision is to catalyze a growing, diverse, and dynamic membership. The new strategic plan’s focus is to ensure the growth and strength of the membership, create high-impact services, demonstrate the industry’s leadership, deliver powerful communications and partnerships, and maintain organizational and administrative excellence. “Our new strategic plan is built on four key pillars: Engineering, Engagement, Education, and Expertise,” said Fran Groesbeck, Managing Director of CBA. “These pillars are at the core of all that they do and create the benefits that serve our members and the industry.” Summary of CBA Strategic Plan Goals Grow membership and maximize member commitment as well as engagement. Create and deliver services and programs with high value to industry and CBA members. Take action and deliver resources to impact the industry and demonstrate value to members. Deliver communication and marketing tools that are coordinated and structured to target both members and prospects. Ensure leadership, capabilities, and capacity in the organization to successfully deliver mission, vision, and goals. Upon plan approval, the implementation of the plan has begun. The CBA is excited to continue building industry excellence through our engineering, engagement, education, and expertise. For more information on the CBA and to learn more about membership, please visit their website at www.cookwareandbakeware.org. About the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA): The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA is a vital housewares trade association, delivering critical industry resources as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety. They are recognized as a leader in developing and communicating product safety standards and innovative solutions for the cooking and baking industry. You can learn more about the CBA at www.cookwareandbakeware.org.

Mike Otterman, the CEO of Lodge Cast Iron and host Fran Groesbeck discussed the history of Lodge Cast Iron and their contributions to the industry, such as adding seasoning to cast iron cookware. Since 2019, Mike Otterman has served as CEO & President of Lodge Cast Iron. Mike has over 25 years of experience in the Housewares and Outdoor industries. Together with a strong leadership team and the support of Lodge shareholders and employees, he has helped continue the company’s proud legacy, culture, and category leadership. Otterman spoke about Lodge’s commitment to their employees and the community, including the National Cornbread Festival and the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron. As a board member of the CBA, Otterman highlighted the benefits of membership, including networking and the opportunity to push forward engineering standards. The podcast episode also touched on the CBA’s update of their strategic plan and the importance of honoring tradition while also moving forward. Lodge Cast Iron has been making heirloom-quality cookware and accessories since 1896. They operate two foundries and a distribution center in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, their home since the very beginning. Backed by over 125 years of experience, each piece of Lodge cookware is crafted for durability and versatility. Today, you can find Lodge products in leading retailers around the world or directly through their website and four retail locations. The episode also touched on the CBA’s update of their strategic plan and the importance of honoring tradition while also moving forward. Connect with Lodge Cast Iron:

As a member of the CBA, you may be wondering if attending a member meeting is worth your time and resources. The answer is yes! Attending a member meeting can provide numerous benefits, from networking opportunities to gaining valuable insights into the organization’s operations. Networking Opportunities One of the most significant benefits of attending a member meeting is the opportunity to network with other members. Member meetings provide an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with other members, learn about their experiences, and share your own. Building relationships with other members can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and create opportunities for future collaborations. Gaining Insights Another benefit of attending a member meeting is the opportunity to gain insights into the organization’s operations. By attending meetings, you can learn about the organization’s goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving them. You can also learn about the challenges the organization is facing and how it plans to address them. This information can be valuable for understanding the organization’s direction and for making informed decisions as a member. Professional Development The CBA member meetings offer professional development opportunities, such as workshops, training sessions, and keynote speeches. These opportunities can help you develop new skills, gain knowledge about industry trends, and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. Additionally, attending professional development sessions can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your profession and to your organization. Conclusion Attending a CBA member meeting can provide numerous benefits, from networking opportunities to professional development. By participating in these events, you can gain valuable insights into the organization’s operations, build relationships with other members, and develop new skills. As a member, it’s important to take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, and attending member meetings is an excellent way to do just that.

Bradley Beach, NJ, Release: March 22, 2023. For Immediate Release. The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA) is pleased to announce its 101st Annual Spring Member Meeting, which will take place from April 26-28, 2023, in Providence, RI. Founded in 1922, the CBA is dedicated to protecting US consumers and has been providing meaningful information and solutions to the industry for over 100 years. The 2023 April meeting will mark another significant milestone in the organization’s history, and members will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually. The event will feature a keynote speaker, Dyfed “Fred” Richards, Founder of The Hive Principle, who will take attendees on a journey into human-based design through the lens of brand-specific and category histories. Richards will also explore semiotic design codes that inspire our daily lives, the pitfalls of the design industry, and best-in-class brand examples. The presentation promises to be both fun and engaging, with Richards providing tips, tricks, and world-class design principles that will inspire designers to take brands and businesses into a positive future. Attendees can expect a fast-paced and often humorous experience, with exciting audience participation exercises. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions with the Engineering Standards Committee. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the latest industry standards and practices. Additionally, the meeting will feature updates on PFAS and sustainability, which are crucial topics in the cookware and bakeware industry. Members will also have the chance to connect with each other during the “Meet the Members” segments throughout the event. These segments create a relaxed and collaborative environment where members can exchange ideas and share their experiences. The CBA is excited to welcome members to this milestone event in Providence, RI, and looks forward to providing meaningful insights and solutions to the cookware and bakeware industry. If members are unable to meet in person, their ticket purchase includes virtual access. Companies that are interested in becoming a member of CBA can purchase a virtual ticket to the event. By doing so, they will have the opportunity to network with other companies in the same industry, learn about the latest trends and innovations, and gain insights from industry experts. Joining CBA as a member also provides companies with access to exclusive resources and benefits, such as research reports, webinars, and training programs. Becoming a member of CBA is a great way for companies to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their industry and to connect with like-minded professionals who share their passion for innovation and growth. For more information on the 101st Annual Spring Member Meeting, please visit the CBA website. About the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA): The CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA’s mission is to inform and promote the industry to its members, its customers, and the general public. At the core of fulfilling their mission, the CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware & Bakeware are the result of extraordinary voluntary collaboration among member companies in the US and Canada. The standards exist to promote the welfare of the cookware and bakeware industry and improve its service to the public. The Standards are continually updated to reflect changes in materials and technology. You can learn more about the CBA at www.cookwareandbakeware.org. Contact: Fran GroesbeckManaging DirectorThe Cookware & Bakeware Allianceinfo@cookware.org

The CBA booth at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago from March 4-7, 2023 served as the hub for member connections and a resource for those interested in membership. Managing Director Fran Groesbeck and Administrative Assistant Lakelyn Braddy organized the first-ever CBA-sponsored trade show booth for the Alliance and coordinated efforts to be available for questions. Board members also participated by taking shifts to man the booth. Approximately 50% of CBA Membership had their own company booths at the show. The following companies participated: The CBA facilitated a panel discussion about PFAS legislation and how it’s affecting the cookware and bakeware industry. Tobias Gerfin, Federation of European Manufacturers of Cookware and Cultery’s (FEC) President, and Tom Lee, Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP joined CBA’s Fran Groesbeck to provide an overview of PFAS chemicals used to make a wide range of housewares products. They discussed new legislation requirements related to PFAS and how to adapt. CBA’s participation in the show was featured in Home Page News and Home Furnishing News. Fran commented, “This was such an amazing event. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support from the IHA and the amazing generosity of our board members. I especially thank FEC and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP for their expertise and contributions to PFAS conversations.” CBA Photo Gallery of 2023 Inspired Home Show

In this Stronger Together episode of What’s Cooking with the CBA, we highlight SGS Testing Labs. Host Fran Groesbeck is joined by Melanie Schubert, Senior Technical Manager, Piyush Shah, Lab Manager, and Scott Nesson, Director of Sales and Business Development, for a conversation that celebrates SGS Testing Labs’ membership, contributions to the industry and community, and dedication to creating safe consumer products. SGS has a long and rich history, dating back to 1878 when it started as an inspection house for grain on docks in rural France. The company’s original goal was to protect buyers and sellers as they shipped goods globally, which required a “trust but verify” approach. In 1919, SGS adopted its full name, Society General de Surveillance, though it is now known globally as simply SGS. Today, inspections remain one of the company’s core businesses, along with multiple other sectors. Specifically, SGS started in food contact and physical mechanical testing as it relates to CBA members. SGS has 2,400 offices and labs worldwide, providing 140 years of innovative support to its clients. While they offer comprehensive services for various industries, they have 30 labs globally that specialize in food contact testing. It is possible that CBA members may not require their food contact testing services, as they may be involved in producing products other than cookware or food. They are dedicated to providing services for all industries. Their 30 food contact labs are located across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, allowing them to reach and assist clients worldwide. SGS offers a range of inspections, including pre-production, production, final random, and loading inspections. Their approach is based on “trust but verify.” While not everyone requires every type of inspection, the most common are final random and loading inspections. However, clients who need pre-production or production inspections, are happy to offer those services as well. These are particularly useful in cases where there is a new production line or an issue is found during the final random inspection and a further investigation into the production cycle is needed. When discussing inspections and audit services, the first thing that comes to mind is the need for them in today’s market. Many manufacturers are either seeking new manufacturing options or moving to new markets for manufacturing. Consequently, SGS offers various services such as factory audits, pre-audits, quality management service audits, and factory assessments, which can be tailored to its client’s comfort level with the manufacturer they’re doing business with. For instance, if a client has always done business in China and is now expanding into India, they would want to ensure that the new factory can produce what they require. SGS offers inspections in addition to factory assessments, audits, and quality management service audits to help with this. SGS takes great pride in its contributions to the community. They provide opportunities for its employees around the world to volunteer their time in local communities. Many of its employees have worked in food banks, participated in community clean-up efforts, and volunteered in other capacities. In addition to their community work, they also assist the CBA community in improving their products and performance through their two performance labs. To this end, they have even set up two robots that clients can engage for fit-for-life type testing. Connect with SGS Testing Labs:

Press Release:Bradley Beach, NJ, Release: February 22, 2023. For Immediate Release. The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance (CBA) today announced they will be facilitating the panel discussion about PFAS legislation and how it’s affecting the cookware and bakeware industry at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago. Fran Groesbeck, CBA’s Managing Director, Tobias Gerfin, FEC’s President, and Tom Lee, Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP make up the panel as they will ****provide an overview of PFAS chemicals used to make a wide range of housewares products, and what those across the industry need to know about new legislation requirements related to PFAS and how to adapt. “There are so many misconceptions related to PFAS by the general public. It’s up to us, industry members, to educate and have a voice in how the regulatory bodies address PFAS concerns in a responsible and educated way,” says Groesbeck. “That’s why the CBA’s strategic plan includes an intentional effort to provide education about this important issue to members and consumers.” The panel discussion will be on March 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Central Time), in Lakeside Center Lobby E350 in the Innovation Theater. The CBA will also be available during the show at their booth located in the South Hall of McCormick Place, Booth number S3230 in the cookware and bakeware section. CBA board members and headquarters staff will be answering questions about membership and the resources CBA provides to the industry. More information about PFAS education is available to the public on the Good Science page of the CBA website. Member-exclusive, PFAS legislation tracker tools, are found in the Industry News section of the member portal. The CBA is accepting new general, supplier, associate, and industry relation members To learn more about becoming a member of the CBA and to apply, visit JoinCBA.org. About the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA): The CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA’s mission is to inform and promote the industry to its members, its customers, and the general public. At the core of fulfilling their mission, the CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware & Bakeware are the result of extraordinary voluntary collaboration among member companies in the US and Canada. The standards exist to promote the welfare of the cookware and bakeware industry and improve its service to the public. The Standards are continually updated to reflect changes in materials and technology. You can learn more about the CBA at www.cookwareandbakeware.org. Contact: Fran GroesbeckManaging DirectorThe Cookware & Bakeware Allianceinfo@cookware.org

Bill and Nancy McHenry from Widgeteer join host, Fran Groesbeck, in this edition of What’s Cooking with the CBA. They discuss the challenges and rewards are operating as a family business, the development of their product lines, and how their involvement in industry organizations has helped them grow their company. The founders of Widgeteer believe that some of the most important moments in life take place around dinner tables. With that in mind, their mission is to help make your family meals become family memories. Widgeteer Inc. is an American company that shops home products from around the world. Their team visits trade shows in the U.S., Europe, and Asia to find the newest and most interesting items. They look for products that are the most useful, clever, stylish, and high-quality. Bill McHenry is an innovative leader in the world of sales and marketing with over 25 years of extensive corporate and entrepreneurial experience. As a creative and energetic problem solver, Bill has helped launch a number of exciting new products and companies, building them from the ground up including Widgeteer. As the founder and President of Widgeteer, Bill uses his comprehensive industry experience to bring innovative European housewares brands to North America. As the company has grown, he has been able to grow the logistics part of the business creating a bridge between international factories and retailers in North America. Throughout his noteworthy career, Bill has served in key capacities for a number of varied and high-profile companies including Carnation, a division of Nestle Corporation, 3M and North American Philips in upper executive positions in sales, marketing and business development sectors. Bill is a graduate of Alma College and served as President of the Alumni Board from 2016-2018. His commitment to the students and College earned him the recognition as Advisory board Ambassador of the year in 2016 and the Smith Distinguished service award in 2020. Bill is very active in his community and serves on the CASA board of McHenry County, the National Board for Gift of Adoption and Rotarian for Crystal Lake. Nancy McHenry joined Widgeteer in 2020 as Executive Vice President. She is responsible for Widgeteer’s operating performance and achieving its financial goals. She draws on her 36-year hospitality background with Marriott International where she was a Sales, Marketing and Operations Executive. Nancy’s strengths include driving sales and profit, change management, creating high-performance teams and exceeding goals across multiple markets, countries and cultures. Connect with Widgeteer:

The CMA Engineering Standards have been a long-standing guide for so many manufacturers and developers for generations. The latest version (September 2021) includes several important updates from new content to significant visual esthetic enhancements.