Vita Craft Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cookware manufacturing |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Shawnee, Kansas , United States |
Area served | United States, Asia, Europe |
Key people | Mamoru Imura (CEO of parent company) |
| Products | Multi-layered stainless steel cookware with vapor seal lids |
| Parent | Imura International USA Inc. |
Vita Craft Corporation is a privately held producer of multi-layered stainless steel cookware headquartered in Shawnee, Kansas. Although manufacturing and distribution take place within the United States, roughly 80% of its income is generated from markets in Asia and Europe, with Japan representing the largest share. In these international territories, Vita Craft products are sold primarily through department store outlets, while in the U.S., the company employs a direct selling approach, utilizing door-to-door and event-based sales strategies. The enterprise functions as a subsidiary of Imura International USA Inc., which is managed by CEO Mamoru Imura.
History and focus
Established in 1939 by cookware experts affiliated with Seattle University and University of Wisconsin–Madison, Vita Craft was purchased in 2002 by Mamoru Imura, who also owns its Japanese distribution partner, thereby unifying its global operations under Imura International USA.
The company’s expertise lies in stainless steel cookware incorporating an aluminum core and proprietary "vapor seal" lids designed to facilitate waterless cooking by trapping heat and moisture. This technique lowers cooking temperatures and pressure while better conserving vitamins and minerals. Many of Vita Craft’s offerings contain multiple metal layers to guarantee uniform heat conduction, enhancing their high-quality cooking capabilities.
In 1966, as part of its growth, Vita Craft contributed to relocating a historic jail building dating back to 1843 to Shawnee Town, demonstrating its involvement with the local community.
Lawsuit
In November 2017, Imura International USA Inc., the parent entity of Vita Craft, initiated legal action against Circuitlab Inc., alleging infringement on patents related to cookware equipped with technology that communicates with stoves for automatic temperature regulation. Imura holds four patents covering this innovation.
Bankruptcy
Vita Craft Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 1, 2019, reporting assets up to $7.8 million alongside liabilities totaling $2.7 million. The company’s revenue declined to $3.34 million in 2018 from $5.21 million in 2017, marking a 36% decrease.
See also
- RFIQin, an automated induction cooking technology.