IHA speaks with Tracy Miller, president of SANS, LLC, to learn about their latest products for healthy living that will be shown at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design booth N8232.
Tracy, tell us about how your company began.
Time and time again, we found ourselves wasting fruits and vegetables that had gone bad before we had a chance to use them for smoothies, shakes and fresh juices. We solved our own problem by creating SANS in 2016, a collection of products that pumps air out of your favorite drinks to keep them fresher, longer.
Where is your company based? Is your creativity influenced by your local landscape?
We are based in Phoenix, Ariz. With year-round access to nature and outdoor activities/sports we are inspired by healthy living and incorporating this lifestyle into functional everyday products.
Was there a pivotal event or product that propelled the early success of your business?
Our first product, SANS 16-oz. Glass Smoothie and Shake Saving Bottle, was launched with the support of several crowdfunding campaigns in 2016. It was an immediate success, proving there is a large market for this type of technology. Since 2016, we have quickly launched two new products, SANS XL 32-oz. Glass Carafe and SANS Lite 16-oz. Plastic Bottle and continue to develop new items to add to our product line.
When did you begin exhibiting with us?
We first exhibited in March 2016.
Where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Our customers, who continuously share ideas for new products, inspire us. We have loyal, repeat customers and we value their feedback. Our new launches, SANS XL and SANS Lite, are attributed to customer feedback.
How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
When we are working on a new concept we reach out to our customers, retail partners and social media followers for their feedback.
How do new technologies influence your product design? Do you use 3-D printing, Kickstarter or other platforms to develop or launch products?
We launched our product on Kickstarter to confirm there was a market for this technology.
Do you use social media?
Yes, we love interacting with our followers on social media.
Can you give us a preview of what you will be showing in your booth in Discover Design?
We are launching a new watermelon color for the SANS 16-oz. Glass Smoothie and Shake Saving Bottle and the Preserve then Blend Blender, which will include a SANS 16-oz. Lite Bottle + Pump Preserver Lid. A new direction for us is the 8-oz. SANS Baby Food Saver. We developed this after receiving many requests from parents for a solution to keep baby food fresher, longer.
Thank you, Tracy, for describing your mission and your methods for identifying and satisfying consumer needs. We look forward to seeing your latest introductions at your booth N8232.
Discover Design is the premier destination at the International Home + Housewares Show for trend spotters who make design their priority. Retailers looking for the unique will find nearly 200 design leaders at Discover Design located at the front of the North Hall.
Anchored by renowned brands such as Alessi, Cookut, Joseph Joseph and Koziol, Discover Design welcomes new exhibitors, such as Witloft Bv, Ritzenhoff and Sovaro Coolers, and introduces 11 emerging companies in the Design Debut incubator. Additional fresh offerings from veteran design-focused exhibitors such as Kikkerland, French Bull and Magisso will also inspire your choices for the coming year. Find more information on Discover Design exhibitors here.
