Founded in 1998 by two industrial designers (Dan Black and Martin Blum), Black+Blum is based in London and has been designing and selling its own unique range of homeware products internationally for over 25 years.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Since 2019, the company has focused on the food and drink on-the-go category of lunch boxes, water bottles, flasks and travel cups. The brand is now renowned and recognised worldwide for their innovation and quality. It sells to leading retailers in over 60 countries and has co-branded with companies such as Prada, Rapha and Finisterre, and hotels such as the Fife Arms. All the designs are built-to-last, age well and help users reduce food waste and single use packaging. The company is a member of 1% for the Planet where it donates 1% of its annual turnover to sustainable charities with a focus on reducing food waste.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
In 2024 the company is continuing to expand its top selling ‘Multi-Function’ range of microwave safe stainless steel food containers with new sizes and shapes. They have been designed specifically for multifunctionality. Microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven-safe, they’re ideal for meal prep, food storage and eating on-the-go. 100% leak proof and airtight, they give you peace of mind and keep your food fresher for longer.
The company is also launching a fresh take on picnic and camping products.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
The company sells internationally but there is no one water bottle or lunch box that suits all. Different countries have different needs, whether it is a preference for a specific material (i.e. a preference of glass over plastic or steel), or a specific volume. The company now has a range of lunch boxes, flasks, bottles, travel cups, lunch bags and even a recipe book… all aimed at catering for the large and widely diverse needs of its customers.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
The market is continuing to grow and appreciate the environmental (reducing food waste and single-use packaging), health (portion control and following a specific healthy diet) and financial (saving money) benefits that all the products in the range feed into.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
There is a growing market trend for day hikes, camping and vanlife, which the company is now launching specific products for. More people are getting outside and want to invest in their own food and drink on-the-go products to take with them as they start to appreciate all the benefits these bring. The market is resonating with the ‘buy once, buy well’ mantra and want products that are designed to last. All products in the Black+Blum range keep this in mind from the outset, but the company also offers spare parts for all designs, so it possible to repair products rather than replace the whole item should an element break from misuse or an accident.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
Every product in the range is unique to Black+Blum and always has an element of innovation to separate itself and improve on what already exists in the marketplace. There is recent trend in vacuum insulated tumblers, but existing ones on the market are not leak proof and only listed as being spill resistant. The new Insulated Travel Tumbler from Black+Blum is a classic example of offering something with improved functionality, as it is the first to market that is 100% leak proof for hot, or even cold carbonated drinks. It is also lockable, easy to clean and will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
The new designs launching in 2024 have just had their first launch at ISPO Munich and had a great reaction, so expectation for strong sales growth is high.