![]() |
|
Product Magazines: Product Trends |
|
Have you even been looking forward to juicy steaks for dinner only to find that you've forgotten to take the meat out of the freezer to defrost? You no longer need to ruin a good steak by defrosting it in the microwave or put up with dripping meat on the draining board. A Hong Kong company is offering a product which may provide the solution to this problem.
The aptly named Magic Defrosting Tray can save a lot time and effort when it comes to food preparation. It will defrost frozen food in a matter of minutes, completely naturally. It's made from a super-conductive metal alloy that works by absorbing natural heat energy in the air and transferring it directly to the food. There's no electricity or batteries involved -- the alloy simply speeds up the natural defrosting process, making it the safest natural way to thaw food out.
The tray has been laboratory-tested for safety by Inchcape Testing Service, an independent lab. It uses no microwaves, chemicals or trays and is not hot to the touch. Food retains its natural flavour and juices, unlike the drying effect of microwave cooking, so it not only saves time in the kitchen, but it doesn't affect the taste of the finished product. This method of defrosting is hygienic too. Because meat isn't left lying around at room temperature for hours, bacteria don't have a chance to grow.
The company behind the magic is Luen Tai (Group) Enterprise Co, which has been marketing the tray predominately in Asia, but has plans for further expansion into the global market. "The product will be sent to Australia and Europe," says sales executive Molly Wong of the company's future plans for the product.
The price is US$3.3 FOB Hong Kong and the minimum order is 1,000. Delivery to Singapore takes two weeks from placement of order.
Sleek, light and easy to clean, the Magic Defrosting Tray could be a chef's best friend in the kitchen, and because it requires no power or accessories, it is ideal for camping and barbecues.
Written by Carol Holmes
The latest Uni Stapler model looks just like any other stapler. A gentle press on the side of the staple container box, however, allows the whole section to rotate a full 360, receiving that it is not like the others.
Because the stapler is not confined to movement in one direction, the user can staple what would originally be "unstaple-able". According to George Lai, sales manager of Surplus Ind Co, the 360 Resolving Stapler is able to get at tough areas.
"Usually, when you staple paper, you can do so only in one direction. The Revolving Stapler will allow you to get to the middle part of a book, for example, With a normal stapler, this cannot be done," says Lai.
Lai adds that the product is not unique, but it is rare. "This is not a brand new function. However, not many people are producing staplers like this."
The Revolving Stapler is a new product for the company, which has been in business for more than one year but only started specializing in stationery at the end of 1994. Lai adds that Surplus deals in other staplers, too. "But the 360 Revolving Stapler is special."
Designed in 1994, the 360 Revolving Stapler has been exported since January of this year. Lai explains that so far, Canada and Singapore have been the main markets for this product, although Surplus has begun to target Europe as well.
The Revolving Stapler, which can also be used in the conventional manner, can accommodate up to 20 sheets in its standard position and, at a 90 angle, it will staple 8 sheets together. To load the stapler (it takes 50 No. 10 staples), the frame and base must opened together.
The model is available in a variety of colours, including blue, pink, black and grey, but Lai adds that choice of colour depends on the specifications of the customer.
The 360 Revolving Stapler is manufactured in China with materials sourced from the US (plastic), Japan, (plastic and metal) and China (small parts). The price per individual stapler is under US$1 FOB Hong Kong.
Written by Karen Roberts
Don't worry about losing your cool with the Mira Cooler baseball cap. As the temperature soars, this cap stays refreshingly cold all day. The secret of this ingenious cap is polymer crystals that absorb water and hold it at a constant temperature. When the cap is soaked in cool water, it puffs slightly as the crystals draw in water. It remains cool for up to two days. This is ideal headgear for playing summer sports, working in the heat or soothing a migraine. And on cold winter days chase away the chills by warming the Mira Cooler in the microwave first.
The Mira Cooler is fun and lively and comes in variety of shapes, patterns and colours. As well as the classic baseball cap, keep your cool in a bandanna, headband or triangle hat.
The Mira Cooler was conceived by Well Trade (HK) Resources Ltd. It is made in China and has been on the market since mid-1993. "Our main markets are the USA and Europe," explains company director Anthony Kwan. "But the Asian market is also strong, particularly Korea." Kwan hopes to be marketing the product in Hong Kong by the end of 1995.
On request Well Trade can provide a catalogue that explains all the designs and colours and, depending on availability, a sample can be delivered within a week. The Mira Cooler carries the brand name Wellen, but Well Trade will print a company logo for an additional charge if provided with the artwork.
The FOB Hong Kong price is US$1.80 for the baseball cap, US$1.20 for deluxe headband, US$0.90 for the bandanna and US$1.30 for the triangle hat, which can also be worn as a head scarf. The bandanna and head band come in cartons of 500 weighing 11kg, the baseball caps come in 19.5kg cartons of 240 and the triangle hats come in 13kg cartons of 240. the minimum order is US$6000 and delivery takes 45-60 days after receipt of deposit.
The Mira Cooler has passed US quality standards. It's a fashion accessory that has a very practical use - headgear that really allows a user to chill out.
Written by Carol Holmes
| Subscription Form | More Publications |
| tdctrade.com | Web Directory | My Virtual Office | Business News | |
| About TDC | Feedback | Help | |
|
|
Copyright (c) 2000 Hong Kong Trade Development Council. All rights reserved. |