Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2019 24 WPC is applying the same collaboration and commitment to quality that ushered in the widespread adoption of the Qi standard for wireless charging for smartphones and other mobile devices – now part of 4,500 certified products in use today. Current WPC members, including prominent manufacturers, are collaborating to develop the new Ki Cordless Kitchen standard. The draft specification of the Ki Cordless Kitchen standard is currently available for WPC members to support the continued development of the Ki Cordless Kitchen ecosystem. Plese visit www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/kitchen for more information about the new standard. SMEG ACQUIRES LEADING ITALIAN ESPRESSO MACHINE MANUFACTURER, LA PAVONI SMEG, the Italian brand renowned for designing and manufacturing the world's premier kitchen appliances, announces the acquisition of La Pavoni, a historic Italian company known for the production of high-quality domestic and commercial espresso machines. The acquisition will make it possible for the two companies to share their manufacturing know-how and expansive product lines, while pushing forward the all-important "Made in Italy" philosophy which is key to both companies. The achievement is one of many representations of SMEG's ongoing commitment to improving and expanding product lines backed by innovation and superior quality. Founded in 1905, La Pavoni was a pioneer in the commercial espresso machine industry, and over time has become known worldwide as a reliable producer of quality espresso coffee machines, among a wide range of associated products. Similar to SMEG, the brand consistently competes in the high-end market while maintaining superior manufacturing standards and a refined aesthetic. Since 1948, SMEG has been producing beautiful products that combine technology and style for consumers who follow design and its evolution. For SMEG every new product is a handmade special item, born in a design studio where form, ergonomics and function have been carefully studied. With this acquisition, SMEG looks forward to announcing additional product updates. Visit www.smegusa.com for more information on SMEG's existing product line. QUICK SHIP COLLECTION EXPANDS FOR THE 2019 YEAR TO INCLUDE 44 SPANISH TILE COMPANIES Tile of Spain, the international brand representing over 120 ceramic tile manufacturers belonging to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association (ASCER), announces the expansion of the Tile of Spain USA Quick Ship Collection. The updated catalog of Spanish tile now includes 44 ceramic tile companies and over 160 products that are available in the U.S. The Quick Ship Collection reference guide includes a select group of tile products from Spanish manufacturers that are available for immediate purchase in the U.S. and available for delivery within 4-6 weeks. Established in 2013, the collection is updated annually to ensure the most up-to-date information is available to purchasers. "We are excited to expand the Tile of Spain USA Quick Ship Collection for the eighth consecutive year," states Rocamador Rubio, director for Tile of Spain. "The Quick Ship Collection is an amazing resource for discovering the beautiful world of Spanish tile. With so many advancements taking place in the tile industry, the Quick Ship Collection continues to be a great tool for U.S.-based architects, designers, and installers." New Tile of Spain companies added to the Quick Ship Collection for 2019 include Arcana, Ceramica Gomez, Fanal, and Rocersa. These new collections, along with updates from 40 additional ceramic tile companies, are available online at www.tileofspainusa.com/quickship. The Quick Ship Collection's interactive catalog makes it easy to search for Spanish Tile. Users can search by product category or by company name. Each entry includes the series name, a color image, a detailed description of each design, available in sizes and U.S. contact information for purchasing. Tile of Spain companies in the Quick Ship Collection include: • Alttoglass • Arcana • Aparici • Azteca • Azuliber • Azulev • Bellacasa • Bestile • Ceramica Elias • Ceramica Gomez • Ceramica Mayor • Coverlam • Dune • El Molino • Emac • Emotion Ceramics • Equipe • Fanal • Gayafores • Gres Argon • Grespania • Harmony • Halcon • Inalco • Keraben Grupo • Keros • LaPlatera • Land Porcelanico • Museum by Peronda • Oset • Pamesa • Peronda • Porcelanite Dos • Realonda • Roca • Rocersa • Sanchis • Saloni • Small Size • Tau • Todagres • Undefasa • Venis • Vives. Visit www.tileofspainusa.com for more information. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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