The title of the article I came across a few weeks back caught my attention and I have been thinking about it and am finally ready to respond. It also fits well with another post of mine regarding a similar topic: Authenticity and the Power of Emotions.

Seems that authenticity is a BIG issue at the moment – at least Harvard Business seems to think so. This is definitely a conversation starter . . . Is Outsourcing Killing Authenticity?  I felt compelled to comment myself.   Posted by Julia Kirby on October 22, 2007 10:42 AM Kirby asks the question: Do customers care where brand-name goods are made?  Here is my submission.

Intellectually, I don’t think that outsourcing has anything to do with authenticity but emotionally for me, at least, I know that this is not true. This past summer I bought a beautiful set of knives from the renowned cutlery makers J. A. Henckels who have been in the business for 275 years and founded in Germany. However, my five knives where produced in Spain and the extra six steak knives were from China! (So said the box – as the steak knives themselves said nothing -the others did have Spain printed – guess Spain is respectable.)

When I looked up the label I discovered that I had in fact purchased a product from J. A. Henckels International – founded in 1895. “All J. A. Henckels International products are manufactured worldwide under Henckels quality standards and specifications.” The logo with the two little men (mine had one) is the “Premium Product”. I shouldn’t complain – I got a great buy and excellent knives and I am extremely happy with my purchase. However, I was a little taken back when I first noticed it. Perhaps if they hadn’t mentioned Spain I would never have known. I own another wonderful chopping knife that bears no country on it from J. A. Henckels International and I have been happy with it for many many years.

One of the early comments on the posting says it is really a Public Relations issue – I tend to agree.  The moment I went to Henckels’ site, I saw the difference right away and was satisfied – at least I was when I remembered what I had paid and what good knives cost.  They make it very clear that there are two distinct product lines and both are high quality from a respected company.  They convinced me.