Doc'Spag: 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!


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.

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


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
http://www.docspag.com

---

---