Epoca International LLC: Company Profile

Background

Epoca International LLC, established in 1991 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a prominent designer and distributor of consumer houseware products. The company is dedicated to building strong consumer brands and driving innovation within the marketplace. Its portfolio includes brands such as Ecolution Cookware, Primula Beverage Products, and Cooking Light home goods, along with various private label offerings. Epoca's products are available in over 20,000 locations across 18 countries, both at major retailers and online. The company has been recognized for its innovative and environmentally focused designs, receiving accolades like the 2013 and 2016 Good Design Awards from the Chicago Athenaeum and the 2017 Red Dot Award for Product Design.

Key Strategic Focus

Epoca International emphasizes bringing brands to life through product development, focusing on data-driven decisions and consumer trends to create innovative housewares. The company collaborates with influential media brands to translate their brand language into unique product lines. Notable partnerships include:

• Tasty: Developed an exclusive line of kitchenware that brings the fun and accessibility of Tasty’s viral recipe videos into Walmart stores.

• Cooking Light: Transformed the healthy living and recipe magazine into safe, healthy kitchenware to help consumers make low-calorie recipes at home.

• Goodful: Created a kitchenware line that aligns with Goodful’s mission for wellness and mindfulness, assisting consumers in leading healthier lifestyles.

• Country Living: Inspired by traditional comfort food favorites and modern farmhouse flavors, this line of kitchenware caters to tastes for every season.

Epoca's in-house data team, named Crystal Ball, analyzes various data sources to inform product development and capture upcoming trends. The company also engages with licensing partners to gather audience input on desired products, ensuring authenticity and relevance in their offerings.

Financials and Funding

Epoca International's estimated annual revenue is approximately $75 million, with an estimated revenue per employee of $815,217. The company employs around 92 individuals and has experienced a 10% growth in employee count over the past year. As a privately held company, specific details regarding funding history and utilization of capital are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Epoca International distinguishes itself through its proprietary data analytics tool, Crystal Ball, which aids in making informed buying decisions and staying ahead of market trends. This tool enables the company to:

1. Data Analysis: The in-house data team mines and utilizes data from various sources to inform product development and capture upcoming trends.

2. Consumer Engagement: Collaborates with licensing partners to gather audience input on desired products, ensuring authenticity and relevance.

3. Design and Prototyping: The in-house design team creates innovative products that address kitchen challenges while staying true to each brand's identity.

4. Quality Assurance: Implements rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure reliable, high-quality products that meet performance standards.

An example of this innovation is the Ecolution Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper, which has become a top-selling popcorn maker on Amazon with over 40,000 positive reviews and multiple design awards.

Leadership Team

Epoca International's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to strategic growth and innovation:

• Brian Melzer: Chief Executive Officer

• Barbara Pizzella: Executive Vice President

• John "Bud" Haley: Senior Vice President of Sales

• Joshua Melzer: Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications

• Melinda Earley: Vice President of Finance

Leadership Changes

In February 2022, Epoca International promoted Barbara Pizzella from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President and John "Bud" Haley from Vice President of National Sales to Senior Vice President of Sales.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The housewares industry is characterized by continuous innovation and a focus on consumer trends. Epoca International operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

Competitor Analysis

• Escali: Estimated revenue of $10 million.

• Groupe SEB: Estimated revenue of $1 billion.

• Newell Brands: Estimated revenue of $1 billion.

• Jarden Corporation: Estimated revenue of $1 billion.

• KitchenAid: Estimated revenue of $1 billion.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Epoca International has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

• BuzzFeed's Tasty: Developed an exclusive line of kitchenware available in Walmart stores, bringing Tasty’s viral recipe videos to consumers.

• Cooking Light: Created a line of kitchenware that aligns with the magazine's focus on healthy living and recipes.

• Goodful: Launched a kitchenware line that supports Goodful’s mission for wellness and mindfulness.

• Country Living: Inspired by traditional comfort food and modern farmhouse flavors, this line caters to seasonal tastes.

Operational Insights

Epoca International's strategic considerations include:

• Retailer Relationships: Strong partnerships with major retailers facilitate widespread product distribution.

• Operational Excellence: Commitment to high standards in manufacturing and quality control ensures product reliability.

• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to the evolving, digitally influenced marketplace allows the company to meet changing consumer needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Epoca International's strategic roadmap focuses on:

• Product Innovation: Continuing to develop innovative products that address consumer needs and align with brand identities.

• Market Expansion: Exploring new markets and distribution channels to increase global reach.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging the Crystal Ball analytics tool to stay ahead of market trends and consumer preferences.

• Sustainability: Emphasizing environmentally friendly designs and practices to meet consumer demand for sustainable products.

Contact Information

• Website: epoca.com

• LinkedIn: Epoca International LLC

• Facebook: Primula Products

• Instagram: @primulaproducts