Alfresco Home Debuts New Lump Charcoal and Smoking Chips
On November 25, 2013, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
POTTSTOWN, PA - Alfresco Home, the exclusive North American distributor of the “Fornetto™” Wood-Fired Dual Purpose Oven and Smoker, will soon ship its new Fornetto™ Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal and Fornetto™ European Smoking Chips throughout North America.
Based just outside of Philadelphia, PA, Alfresco Home, a designer and manufacturer of casual furniture, garden accents, and outdoor gourmet products has partnered with Garth Industries and leading manufacturers worldwide to add a full slate of accessories to the recently introduced Fornetto™ Ovens. Adding the premium hardwood lump charcoal and smoking chips expands the accessory product line for the Fornetto™ beyond the high quality tools, ceramic cookware, and melamine dinnerware collections recently established.
“We are very excited about the Fornetto™ product line,” says Joseph Cilio, founder and CEO of Alfresco Home. “It has far surpassed our targets in the first 10 months, and the introduction of the natural lump charcoal and smoking chips reflects our commitment to complete the range of Fornetto accessories as the brand develops for our retail detailers and their consumers.”
The charcoal, made in Paraguay from Quebracho hardwood trees, is created in adobe style brick ovens using traditional methods. The manufacturing meets international certification and environmental standards.
The result is a high quality, 100% natural hardwood charcoal free of chemical additives and debris. The lump charcoal, sold in 20-pound bags, burns clean at high temperatures, does not spark, and emits less smoke than many common hardwoods.
Anthony Cilio, executive vice president, who manages product development at Alfresco Home adds: “When we had the opportunity to source smoking chips from fine European wines and cognac barrels, I was all in! The chip manufacturing process begins once the porous oak wood barrels have completed their last vintage. They are dried using a natural process, which locks in the flavor and aroma without use of any additives. The barrels are then shredded to make the fantastic flavored chips.”
Adding flavor to foods by adding the chips for use with our Fornetto smoker slide ventilation system and smoker box enhances the essence of the foods. The three flavored chips include Muscatel, a delicious wine made from the Muscat grape variety. It is perfect for adding sweetness to poultry and desserts.
Cognac, a fortified wine made from white grape strains grown near the town of Cognac in southwestern France, is a perfect flavor to pair with seafood, meats or vegetables. Lastly, Red Wine chips have a highlighted taste and aroma as the oak barrels have combined with the red wine over time. Red wine chips are especially complementary to meats and pork.
“The beauty of the Fornetto™ lump charcoal and chips is that while they are surely compatible with our Fornetto™ ovens, the marketplace has a broad collection of charcoal fueled grills and smokers that can use these high quality, high flavors of our Fornetto™ branded product,” says Joseph Cilio.
The charcoal and chips will be available to ship throughout North American in December 2013, and distribution points are being set up as well. For additional information, contact Patti Geltman at (610) 705-8808 or email at pg@alfrescohome.com.
