Twin Tributes for Zojirushi at the Housewares Design Awards

GARDENA, Calif., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Zojirushi, Japan's premiere appliance manufacturer, received top honors at this year's Housewares Design Awards. The RIZO(R) Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer (NS-XAC05) from Zojirushi America garnered the top spot in the category for Cooking Electrics. The RIZO was also awarded one of three top honors, receiving the "Best of the Best" bronze award for best product design of all entrants.

The fifth annual Housewares Design Awards, held in New York on February 6, were presented by HomeWorld Business (R) and are considered the highest accolades in the housewares industry. Products were chosen for design innovation, functionality and visual appeal, representing the best designed new products over thirteen categories.

Finalists were chosen by an independent body of judges comprised of retailers, practicing designers and press journalists, who assessed superior design, appearance, function and originality in making their decisions. Performance, ergonomics, safety, innovative technology as well as market response were among other attributes considered.

"We are thrilled to receive this honor," said Kaz Suzuki, President of Zojirushi America. "The RIZO is an attractive and resourceful product that has been a breakthrough for Zojirushi in this market. Our success in North America is a confirmation of the company's vision and dedication, in introducing exceptional products with a wide appeal."

Designed by the internationally celebrated artist, Toshiyuki Kita, and engineered by Japan's most respected name in kitchen electrics, the RIZO brings style and science together to make rice cooking effortless and enjoyable. The RIZO provides the best in technology and simplicity, with a modest array of three one-touch cook settings that include steam cook, rice (sushi) and risotto. Designed to look futuristic, like a robot, the 3-Cup cooker is offered in polished stainless steel, white and yellow.

Zojirushi was established in 1918 as a producer of hand-blown vacuum bottles and has been a world leader in thermal products ever since. The Zojirushi line has been expanded to include a wide range of stainless steel vacuum bottles, rice cookers, breadmakers, Air Pot(R) beverage dispensers, thermal serving carafes, specialty cookware, small electrics, restaurant equipment, and other products. Today, the Zojirushi corporate logo is a symbol recognized worldwide for innovative, highly durable products that are designed to make indoor and outdoor living a more convenient and pleasurable experience.