Architec Housewares Acquires Madeira Housewares, Starboard Collection

Florida-based Architec Housewares announces two strategic acquisitions—Madeira Housewares and the Starboard Collection—to expand the scope of the 16-year-old company and establish its niche as the company renowned for innovative product development.

Located in Jupiter, Fla., Madeira Housewares specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of plantation teak cutting boards (shown here) utilizing quality raw materials based in Brazil. The company resources exotic wood and crafts it into artistic and fully functional tools for the kitchen. Each product design offers a unique use to help serve or prepare meals with ease. The acquisition also includes the company's popular Mario Batali brand license of premium cutting boards.

"The Madeira company frames our current business really nicely at the premium level as well as with their offerings at grocery," said Jenna Sellers-Miller, president and CEO of Architec Housewares. "We're especially excited to incorporate their products—all sourced from plantation farms that are managed sustainably to plant as they cut; information we plan to share with consumers to help educate them on the importance of sustainable forestry practices."

Located in Vermont, the Starboard Collection features dining-on-the-go serving products with a collection of break-resistant plastic polypropylene products for patio, pool, RV, boating, planes and tailgating. Architec plans to expand the line with the development of acrylic glassware and dining and serving pieces all featuring non-skid, storage friendly, break-resistant qualities.

"We recognize that retailers are currently underserved in this category," said Sellers-Miller. "With the Starboard addition, we'll be able to develop a robust line to address the needs of retailers and the growing chorus of consumers who live their lives on the go."

Established in 2000, Architec Housewares, more than doubled in growth in recent years through a strategy of developing cutting-edge collections featuring eco-smart materials, sophisticated design and innovative solutions to impact the gaps in the housewares retail marketplace. Architec Housewares is a division of Plastec Industries/Alice Ink Inc.