By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Classy homewear chain Crate & Barrel is releasing a new kitchen collection with chef, host, and cookbook author Eric Adjepong.
The collection, brokered by Beanstalk, was inspired by Eric’s Ghanaian roots and New York City hometown aesthetic, bringing his passion for cooking and entertaining to customers’ homes. With over 60 pieces of cookware, glassware, serveware and décor, the collection features traditions common to West African culture and a flare only found in the Big Apple.
“The expertise Crate & Barrel brings to the table is unmatched, so I couldn’t imagine a better partner to seamlessly bring the sky-high vision for my first kitchen collection to life,” said Eric Adjepong. “The food, clothing and jewelry that influenced this collection bring important parts of my past to people’s kitchens and living rooms to make cooking and entertaining pieces as functional art.”
Host of Alex Vs America and Wildcard Kitchen on Food Network, Adjepong is a rising star among celebrity chefs. A first-generation Ghanaian-American, Adjepong was born and raised in New York City and became known for introducing West African cuisine to the mainstream culinary conversation. He cooked in several Michelin-starred restaurants before taking his talents to Top Chef. He was a finalist on season 16, and competed on Top Chef All-Stars. Now, you can catch him across Food Network, with appearances on Selena + Chef, Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games, Supermarket Stakeout, Tournament of Champions, and more.
Adjepong has also seen a lot of success in the licensing sphere with his partners at Beanstalk, which have launched collaborations with brands such as AYO Foods, Bowery, and Tanqueray.
From the Ghanaian-made market tote to the Didi Ketoa appetizer plates, the new line brings Crate & Barrel’s elevated yet functional design to both everyday life and special gatherings. Inspired by West African beads, the Didi Ketoa plates are an example of how Adjepong’s history influences the collection. Reminiscent of an art installation, one of Chef Eric’s favorite pieces is the Sobolo glass punch bowl with a green marble base and Akan-inspired Nkwanta Hammered Brass Punch Ladle. The bowl makes any drink station the center point for welcoming family and friends.
“This collection features modern techniques, bold color and West African design influences that celebrate chef Eric’s Ghanaian and multicultural NYC roots, and the passion we share at Crate & Barrel for setting unique and soulful tables for people to gather and host,” said Sebastian Brauer, Senior Vice President of Product Design, Crate & Barrel. “I love items like the Kuruwa colorful glassware that highlights artisanal craft paired with modern form.”
Beanstalk is the exclusive licensing agent for Chef Eric Adjepong, and is involved in launching a number of successful collaborations. Beanstalk is among the largest licensing agencies in the world, typically working with top brands and multinational corporations. However, in a recent interview, Beanstalk CEO Allison Ames said she and her team were inspired by the talented chef’s work when he starred on Top Chef, as the first to bring West African cuisine to the program.
“Chef Eric has been a trailblazer in popularizing the African diaspora in thoughtful and artful ways as one of the first chefs to feature West African ingredients and techniques on television,” Ames said. “This collection is both a tribute and beautiful expression of his roots and will further his passions for using the power of food and entertaining to bring people together and embrace new cultures.
“In our many years of working with retailers, this has been the finest example of shared values, creativity and a commitment to authentic storytelling between Eric and the incredible team at Crate & Barrel,” she added. “It was truly created with passion and love by everyone. We are beyond thrilled to see this stunning collection come to life.”
Eric Adjepong for Crate & Barrel’s exclusive collaboration will be available in-stores and online at Crate & Barrel beginning March 21. You can shop the full collection at crateandbarrel.com/chef-eric-adjepong.
“We help customers build intentional homes, with the kitchen at the heart of the home, so our collection with Chef Eric weaves this purpose into everyday cooking and entertaining,” said Alicia Waters, Brand President, Crate & Barrel. “Kitchen collaborations that tell a story, like Eric’s, allow our customers to fill their home with meaningful items.”
For anyone interested in exploring licensing opportunities with Chef Eric Adjepong, the business contact at Beanstalk is Todd Kaufman, who can be contacted by email at todd.kaufman@beanstalk.com.
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