OXO
DESIGNING A BETTER KITCHEN
OXO was founded by Sam Farber and his son, John Farber, in 1990. Sam Farber got the idea to create more comfortable and safer kitchen utensils after watching his wife struggle to use a basic potato peeler because of arthritis. Farber designed OXO's first product, a more comfortable peeler featuring extra-sharp blades and an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip. In 1990, Farber partnered with the designers at Smart Design to develop and introduce 15 "Good Grips" kitchen utensils, including can openers, measuring cups, and orange zesters. Sam chose the name OXO because it looks the same whether it is viewed upside down, sideways, or backward.
THE ENDURING SUCCESS OF OXO
A major milestone came shortly afterward, in 1992, when OXO was acquired by General Housewares Corporation, allowing the company to expand its product catalog and distribution network. Ownership later transferred to World Kitchen before the brand was purchased by Helen of Troy Limited in June 2004 for $273.2 million, helping expand OXO's product line globally. In 2003, OXO introduced its POP food storage containers, expanding the brand beyond kitchen tools. Over the years, OXO has produced hundreds of products for cooking, food storage, baking, cleaning, organization, and baby feeding. More than three decades after its founding, OXO continues to be recognized for its innovative designs, and its original peeler is even featured in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.
