Ice buckets

	KND offers this stainless steel model, which boasts a double-wall, vacuum construction.

Makers are utilizing double-wall constructions and various surface treatments to enhance product capability and appeal.

Suppliers of ice buckets in China are improving product designs under efforts to remain competitive.

Emphasizing performance, makers are incorporating airtight lids in many of their latest releases. This component slows the melting of ice by helping to keep cold in and heat out.

Temperature retention is enhanced further through the use of double-wall structures. Aside from providing insulation, the same technology employed in vacuum flasks prevents moisture from wetting the table.

Increasing convenience, suppliers are equipping buckets with handles. Designs can also come with accessories such as tongs, scoops and drainers, most of which are dishwasher-safe.

Additionally, upgrades are being geared toward greater visual appeal. This is mainly achieved through various surface treatments and finishes, including sandblasting and metal plating. Patterns can also be applied via laser engraving, silk-screening or heat transfer.

Taking aesthetics a level higher, some makers are sheathing products with synthetic leather. These mostly come in neon and pastel shades, targeting the young adults market.

Novelty models are likewise being released. In fact, one company featured in this report offers designs with handles shaped like a dragon’s head.

	PP ice buckets from Shenzhen Lincond come in a range of colors.

While China suppliers offer ice buckets in a range of materials, the majority of the companies interviewed utilize stainless steel.

Nanlong Group Co. Ltd employs the 18/8 grade for its FDA-approved vacuum models. Said to be more durable than plastic and glass versions, products in this alloy resist chloride pitting, crevice corrosion and cracking.

Releases from ISO 9001:2000-certified KND Industries Co. Ltd are made of the same easy-to-clean material. Aside from offering longer service life, such designs are 100 percent recyclable.

Shantou Cadi Trading Co. Ltd uses 304 stainless steel. The alloy has good forming and welding properties, resists most oxidizing acids and withstands ordinary rusting.

Adding zest to the line, the company also offers ABS, acrylic and PS ice buckets. Models can be sent to third-party organizations such as SGS and Intertek to ensure product safety.

Besides 304 stainless steel, Shenzhen Lincond Industrial Co. Ltd utilizes other metal variants. One of the company’s brass releases features handles resembling a dragon’s head. The bucket’s exterior is silver- or gold-plated for increased durability.

PP, acrylic and PC designs are available as well. These can have colorful or transparent bodies. Some are covered in synthetic leather for greater visual appeal.

Materials are mostly purchased in Guangdong province, which boasts a robust steel industry. Shantou Cadi also imports components from Japan and South Korea.

Ice bucket suppliers in China are primarily located in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces. The majority of makers offer the product as a secondary line. As such, only a few companies carry out all manufacturing processes in-house. Printing and surface treatments are usually done by local specialists.

The industry is driven by contract work. Most of the suppliers interviewed, in fact, cater only to OEM and ODM clients. Europe and North America are the main markets.

For instance, all shipments from Nanlong are buyer-specified designs. Customers include France’s Auchan and Tchibo of Germany.

Similarly, Shantou Cadi exports its entire output under OEM and ODM. Lipton and Heineken are among the major clients.

Other manufacturers have in-house brands but these constitute a small portion of orders.

Ten percent of KND’s shipments are under OBM, while the rest are created according to buyers’ specifications. The company has done contract work for Wal-Mart and Target.

Rising production expenditure is the main difficulty suppliers are faced with. In the past 12 months, the cost of stainless steel and plastic escalated by 30 and 20 percent, respectively. Compounding the situation is the strengthening yuan against the US dollar.

To shore up margins, makers continue to raise prices. Some companies are also quoting in more stable currencies.