Vector Marketing History

Vector Marketing Corporation and Vector Marketing Canada are the sole distributors of Cutco Cutlery, a high quality line of kitchen cutlery and accessories. Vector’s sales representatives schedule appointments and introduce prospective customers to Cutco through one-on-one, in-home demonstrations. Cutco products have been sold in just this way for over 55 years, and more than 14 million customers enjoy and use CUTCO in their kitchens every day.

Vector Marketing was founded in 1982, and soon became the most successful independent Cutco distributorship. Recognizing that Vector offered a sales model for growth, Alcas Corporation, Cutco’s parent company purchased Vector Marketing in 1985 and making is the exclusive distributor of Cutco. Vector Marketing continued to build the business throughout the 1980s and 90s, regularly achieving double digit annual sales growth. In 1990, Vector Marketing brought Cutco Cutlery to a new market with its expansion into Canada. With the success of its venture into Canada, Vector decided to increase the market for Cutco Cutlery internationally.

Building on the strength of its domestic business, Vector Marketing entered the Korean market in 1992. With different needs and wants for kitchen cutlery in the Korean market, Vector Marketing shows its strength and professionalism by adapting its sales programs to Korean culture.

In addition to Vector Marketing Corporation, and Cutco Cutlery, Alcas Corporation established Cutco International as its third subsidiary in 1995. Cutco International provides an infrastructure for operational support and leadership for global expansion.

The addition of KA-BAR Knives, Inc. and the expansion into Costa Rica in 1996 proved a difficult challenge to quickly growing Vector Marketing Corporation. With the addition of new knives, techniques, sales reps, and an entirely new market, Vector Marketing ndertakes new strategies that will provide the base for solid growth into the 21st century.

Cutco's celebrates its 50th anniversary in 1999 with the introduction of a flatware line, and a new commitment to corporate social responsibilty through it’s sponsorship of Share our Strength, a leading anti-hunger organization. Together, Vector Marketing and Cutco Cutlery include the sales force in their philanthropic efforts by tying Share of Strength contributions to the sale of specific Cutco products. And, in response to demands from it’s customer base, the company introduces a new 32 –piece Cutco set, the Ultimate 2000, and Cutco Garden tools in 2000.

Cutco, with the support of Vector Marketing, opens its doors to the public in 2001 with the introduction of new Visitors Center located next to its corporate headquarters in Olean New York. The new center showcases the history and progression of Cutco and Vector Marketing along with displays of antique kitchen cutlery, military and pocket knives, as well as historical documents and photos.

Continuing history of innovation, Cutco introduces an ice cream scoop, cheese knife, and bird's beak paring knife in 2002. With its unwavering commitment to quality products, and an unparalleled sales model, Vector Marketing Corporation continues to lead the way in the cutlery industry.