For Immediate Release
SPODE AND WALLACE EXPAND CHRISTMAS TREE® PATTERN FOR HOLIDAY
New York, NY (April 16, 2004) - Last year The Porcelain and Fine China Company, Limited (Spode) formed a strategic partnership with Wallace International Silversmiths, Inc. to license the renowned Spode Christmas Tree® pattern in conjunction with its 65th Anniversary. Wallace designed, manufactured and marketed Spode Christmas Tree® flatware, but for Holiday 2004 will expand its product offering with serving pieces and cutlery.
The Spode Christmas Tree® pattern has been a part of American holidays for over 65 years, finding its way into millions of homes. New introductions include a two piece dessert set, two piece salad serving set, and gravy ladle as well as four spreaders and steak knives - four to a set. All of Spode products feature the Spode Christmas Tree® pattern on the handle.
The 18/10 stainless steel flatware will continue to be offered in either a 20-piece set comprised of four five-piece place settings or a 45-piece set with eight five-piece place settings and a five-piece hostess set. The five-piece hostess set will also still be available separately. The place settings include a salad fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, place spoon and teaspoon. The five-piece hostess set is comprised of a pierced tablespoon, tablespoon, cold meat fork, butter knife and sugar spoon.
About Spode
In a world of change, Spode China has maintained a consistent profile as a primary contributor and innovator in the ceramics industry with products exemplifying a rare harmony between design ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The company's founder, Josiah Spode, is credited with discovering and defining two seminal production processes during the 18th century, which continue to propel the company's impact far beyond the life of the simple man who loved experimenting with pottery. From a factory that has stood in England at Stoke on Trent since the 1770, Spode himself innovated a process for blue underglaze transfer printing from copper plates onto earthenware in 1785 -- and it was his creation of bone china in 1790 that changed the industry forever.
In 1938 Spode, England's legendary china company, debuted its American Christmas Tree pattern, which became an instant classic. Since then Spode's Christmas Tree dinnerware has graced many of the finest, most festive, holiday tabletops across the country and the world. Since its humble beginnings 65 years ago Christmas Tree has spawned countless collectors, fans, and enthusiasts. Collections often become treasured family heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next.
About Wallace
Wallace is a subsidiary of Syratech Corporation. Founded in 1986, Syratech Corporation (http://www.Syratech.com) designs, manufactures, markets, imports and distributes many of the leading brands in home fashion, including Wallace Silversmiths®, Towle Silversmiths®, International Silver Company®, Melannco International®, Rochard® and Silvestri®.
Since 1835 Wallace has been a leading manufacturer of exquisite sterling silver and fine stainless steel. The quality of craftsmanship of Wallace has long been recognized by the consumer as a preeminent name in the silver industry.
The company's tabletop, giftware and seasonal products include sterling silver, silver-plated and stainless steel flatware, hollowware, seasonal decorative items, glassware, picture frames, photo albums and porcelain. Giftware items include coffee and tea services, goblets, pitchers, candlesticks and candelabras, glassware, collectables and other decorative items.
