Communiqué Anglais - Final.qxp

NO SPOON
just pleasure
No need for a spoon to eat spaghetti from a DOC'spag plate.A mere
twirl of a fork in the centre and the perfect mouthful of
spaghetti is produced without making a mess. The plate is a
simple design creation that adds to the pleasure of eating
spaghetti in this unique way.
The plate was created by Mehdi Derouazi, Frank Martin and David
Pivoda. There are three ranges to choose from:
CLASSIC LINE -
classic ceramic for the dinner party with a ‘twist’
PLASTIC LINE - light weight and ideal for your event
KID’S LINE -
kids will love the Doc’spag plate and parents
even more, no mess to clear up after meal times !
CLASSIC LINE
Dimension : 30 cm
Colors : White, black,red
Material : Ceramic ironstone
Made in Italy
PLASTIC LINE
Allows to eat spaghetti in any position.
Dimension : 25 cm
Colors : White, black,red
Material: Recyclable polystyren
Made in Switzerland
KID’S LINE
Kids can now eat spaghetti without making a mess
Dimension : 25 cm
Colors : White
Material : Recyclable polystyren
Made in Switzerland
HISTORY
The man with the Doc’spag vision was Doctor Martin.
Following a stroke that resulted in his partial paralysis, he came
up with the concept that would allow him to continue to enjoy
eating Spaghetti, one of his favourite foods. Without the use of
his left side the idea would have to allow an individual to
consume pasta with the use of just one hand.
He passed this ingenious concept onto his son Frank to
develop. He and his two partners presented it at an inventors’
competition. It created a real ‘buzz’ amongst professionals in the
hotel and catering industry.
Sensing the potential of the idea, the three friends decided to
take the concept to market under the name Doc’spag in honour
of its inventor Doctor Martin. Doc’spag has a worldwide patent
pending
PRODUCT EVOLUTION
The project began in June 1999.
The plate was launched March 2004.
The three creators designed the plate in a 2D format.
A designer at the Ecole Hotelière of Lausanne (EHL) drew the first prototype.
The drawing of the first prototype was produced at the Ecole Hotelière of
Lausanne (EHL). In accordance with this design the first model was made. A further 14 were required before the team approved the final beautiful design.
An application for an international patent was made for the operational product
with the World Organisation of the intellectual Property (OMPI). Company
lawyers have been hired to protect the copyright.
The factory at Sarreguemines, France, made the first prototype in terra cotta
with a view to finalising the product on an industrial scale.
Sarreguemines Vaisselle produced a second prototype in porcelain with a
larger diameter, adding to its uniqueness.
Research on trends was effected by the creators to give the plate a unique aura.
An industrial designer was approached to design the plate in the two sizes
imagined by the creators.
400 students at the EHL had carried out a qualitative test. Following this test,
further modifications were made with regard to height and the base, thus
reducing the weight by 300 gr. Furthermore the test was positive as 85%
people were convinced by this invention and declared themselves ready to buy
the product.
The plate was entered in various competitions and won several prizes for the
novelty it presented.
The three creators decided to launch the plate on a commercial basis. A sound
business plan permitted them to approach serious investors. A study was
further carried out in Europe, and a marketing and development strategy
appropriate for each country was established.
The study comprised :
-
Sociologic and comportment proper to each country
Organisation of society in tended flows: producer - Doc’spag - distributor
Direct and indirect competition
Definition of marketing mix, price, product, distribution, communication.
PRODUCT EVOLUTION
Doc’spag are currently concentrating on four channels of distribution:
- Shops and department stores
- Hotels and restaurants
- Distributors
- Web sales
The initial objective was to identify high profile retailers and restaurants to help
develop the Doc’spag brand. Our ongoing task is to build up a network of
distributors globally. In addition our products can be purchased through our
website (www.docspag.com).
Following this study and business plan, the three creators searched for a manufacturer. This proved difficult on account of the unique design of the plate. They
visited factories in China, Czech Republic, and France and finally located a
factory in Italy. The substance used in the process of industrial production is
IRONSTONE ceramic.
Another novelty is a plastic version of this plate that gives the possibility to eat
spaghetti without ‘putting knees under the table’. A wedge beneath the plate
allows it to rest on the palm of the hand and is destined for distribution at
market fairs, musical and sports events. The first tests were carried at during the
Davis Cup tennis competition between France and Switzerland, and artistic
events organised by artsens.
An additional version of the Doc’spag plate is designed for children. They can
eat spaghetti independently with little or no mess. This particular production is
Swiss made.
Doc’spag became a limited company on 9th September 2003 and duly
registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Geneva.
DOC’spag product brand and logo are registred.
- Fonctionnality Protection (PCT) - 1999
- Design protection - 2003
- Brand Protection - 2003
FOUNDERS
FOUNDER MEMBERS
The strength of the Doc’spag trio lies in their complementary skills :
David Pivoda is experienced in marketing, communication and design having created
his own agency in 1999. He manages all aspects of the brand, marketing and
Doc’spag communication.
Frank Martin worked five years with Reuters News Agency and manages the
European sales network.
Mehdi Derouazi is a director of a renowned hotel in Geneva, and oversees the administration, finance and operations within the Doc’spag Company.
David Pivoda : Marketing, communication, design / d.pivoda@docspag.com
Frank Martin : Sales, distribution, representation / f.martin@docspag.com
Mehdi Derouazi : Finance, administration, organisation / m.derouazi@docspag.com
DOC’spag SA
Rue Charles Sturm 20
1211 Geneva 1
Switzerland
tél + 41 22 346 67 28
fax + 41 22 346 67 38
info@docspag.com
www.docspag.com
2004 DOC’spag SA DOC’spag product, brand and logo are registred