Aussie startup, Zega Intelligent Cookware, has secured its first retail Distribution Agreement, with one of Italy’s largest homewares retailers, the Kasanova Group. The deal will see Zega’s smart, app-enabled, Australian-designed cookware sold across Kasanova’s 350 Italian retail stores, as well as through their online and television home shopping channels.
Designed by the team behind the Magic Bullet, Zega’s intelligent, walk-away cookware features unique SmartControl technology which allows it to self-cook for hours off the stove, without gas or electricity. Having recently been awarded Best Retail Product Innovation for the Finder Innovation Awards 2021, as well as being named one of 2021’s Best Gadgets by The Australian, the new distribution agreement marks the next phase of the company’s growth as sets to expand into retail stores across Europe.
Zega’s Co-Founder and lead designer, Brendan Dunne, said the dealrepresents a significant milestone for the Zega business.
“This is an exciting step for Zega as it secures our entry into one of the most important kitchenware markets in the world, in partnership with Kasanova Group – one of the most experienced retailers in Italy.
“The first order with Kasanova has already been placed and we’re working hard to get required stock delivered to Italy by November. The timing is fantastic as it ensures Zega is positioned in store to take advantage of the Italian Christmas retail period. We’re excited to be launching in-store retail in such a sophisticated market – and no doubt our learnings in Italy can be applied when we launch with distributors in Australia and the US.”
The Zega app, which currently features 76 delicious and nutritious recipes, is being translated into Italian. The company is also developing additional recipes and videos with Italian MasterChef contestants, to coincide with the Italian launch.
Featuring a patented design and SmartControl technology, Zega Intelligent Cookware heats in minutes and continues to cook safely for hours off the stove.The secret is the double-wall construction that sandwiches a thermodynamic layer of air between two sheets of 18-10 stainless steel. This traps heat and moisture inside the pot like a thermos, so once it’s heated to the right temperature, it cooks for hours off the stove, with no stirring or tending required.
The first retail distribution is a milestone for the Australian startup, which currently retails its products through its own website. To help finance Zega’s expansion into Europe and the production of stock for shipment to Italy, VentureCrowd, Australia’s leading equity crowdfunding platform for alternative assets, has opened a small round of funding. Other Australian retail brands that have used VentureCrowd to raise funding include sugar free beverage company Nexba.
For more information, investors can visit the VentureCrowd website.