The recently rebranded Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA), formerly the Cookware Manufacturers Association, has created new industry relations membership open to retailers.
The alliance historically has only been open to manufacturers and marketers of cookware, bakeware and other kitchenware.
The new retailer membership level was initiated by a CBA task force as part of the expanding scope and service of the not-for-profit alliance as it enters its 100th year, said Fran Groesbeck, CBA managing director.
“With the support and involvement of retailers, the alliance will expand with new information and be enhanced by new and important industry perspective,” Groesbeck said. “They will also become an important part of our engineering standards development for the industry. From the idea to the selling floor, our membership levels now represent all in our industry.”
CBA also announced the formation of a “Standards of Excellence” program that certifies its manufacturing members have met the alliance’s engineering standards.
Once the application and verifying test information is received and confirmed by CBA, eligible manufacturers can use the CBA Standards of Excellence seal marketing and support materials, Groesbeck said. The CBA will promote these items on our social and digital marketing efforts, including a brand finder in development for release later this year, she added.
The CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware & Bakeware, the result of collaboration among member companies in the U.S. and Canada, were developed to promote the welfare of the cookware and bakeware industries and improve their service to the public. The standards are continually updated to reflect changes in materials and technology.
The CBA also launched a new industry news series for members to update members on issues and information impacting their businesses
“The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance is growing and evolving,” Groesbeck said. “We are focused on honoring our past as an association built on integrity, with a focus on consumer safety. By creating new programs for our members and expanding the Alliance, we honor our past by building out the future.”
