The Companion Group serves up pizzacraft

Offers a complete artisan pizza line

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/3/2011 4:47:50 PM

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The Companion Group now offers pizzacraft, featuring an extensive line of artisan quality pizza stones, tools and accessories for crafting and baking pizzas at home in the oven or on the grill.

"A recent family trip to Italy inspired me to produce the same style of artisan pizza I tasted in Rome, at home on my grill (and in my oven)," said Chuck Adams, CEO of The Companion Group. "With pizzacraft, we're offering retailers the opportunity to take advantage of an amazing pizza story, especially during the fourth quarter."

Retailers were able to preview the pizzacraft line this summer during shows in Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Seattle. "Make room for your new pizza section!" said Bobbi Pauline, director of independent sales for The Companion Group.

"Pizza, especially artisan pizza, is hot right now," said Sharon Woulf Fleming, national sales manager at The Companion Group. "No other manufacturer is offering the same variety and complete selection of product as pizzacraft. We've got beautiful packaging that both retailers and consumers will respond to, especially during the fourth quarter holiday gift-giving season."

The Companion Group, whose primary business is barbecue tools and accessories, made the move into the pizza category as part of a strategy to enhance off-season sales. The pizzacraft line was designed to become the most complete selection of pizza tools and accessories available to retailers.

The line includes:

+ Pizza stones of various shape, size and materials (both ceramic and cordierite)
+ Pizza pans for baking and serving
+ Pizza racks, cutters and peels
+ Dough preparation accessories and calzone presses

The Companion Group plans to expand the line with a number of new products in early 2012.

For more information, visit companion-group.com.