Pampered Chef

Introduction

Pampered Chef is a multinational multi-level marketing company that offers a line of kitchen tools, food products, and cookbooks for preparing food in the home. It has a worldwide direct sales force of about 35,000 in addition to 400 corporate staff. The company is currently headquartered in Addison, Illinois and operates in five countries: USA, Germany, Canada, and Austria.

History

Pampered Chef was founded in 1980 by Doris Christopher, a former home economics teacher. She started the company from her home in Chicago, Illinois. Christopher capitalized on the trend of entertaining at home and the growing interest in gourmet cooking. The company expanded to Canada in 1996, the United Kingdom in 1999, and Germany in 2000.

Products

Pampered Chef offers a wide range of products for the kitchen, including bakeware, cutlery, cookware, stoneware, pantry products, and tools for entertaining. The company is perhaps best known for its stoneware, which is made from natural clay and becomes more seasoned with use.

Business Model

Pampered Chef operates on a multi-level marketing model. Independent consultants sell products directly to consumers through home cooking demonstrations known as "cooking shows". Consultants earn a commission on their sales and can also recruit other consultants to work under them, earning a percentage of their sales as well.

Philanthropy

In 2000, Pampered Chef established the Pampered Chef Family Foundation, which supports organizations that fight world hunger and encourage self-sufficiency. The foundation has partnered with organizations such as Feeding America and the American Cancer Society.

Acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway

In 2002, Pampered Chef was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate holding company headed by Warren Buffett. The acquisition has allowed the company to continue its growth and expansion.

Conclusion

Pampered Chef has grown from a small home-based business to a global company with a presence in several countries. Its unique business model and high-quality products have made it a leader in the kitchenware industry. Through its foundation, the company also strives to make a positive impact on society.

See Also

• Multi-level marketing
• Direct selling
• Berkshire Hathaway
• Warren Buffett
• Doris Christopher