For Immediate Release

North Branford, Connecticut, October 13, 1999 - Professional Cutlery Direct, based in North Branford, has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation by Inc. magazine, which today released its annual ranking of the Inc. 500, the comprehensive guide to America's fastest-growing private companies.

The Inc. 500, published on October 15th, is an exclusive report on the companies and CEOs who are changing the face of American business. Noteworthy alumni include such household corporate names as Microsoft, Timberland, Dominos Pizza and Patagonia.

Professional Cutlery Direct (PCD) is number 131 on this year's list. PCD, which was founded in 1993 by Terri S. Alpert with start-up capital of $8000, sells an incredible selection of fine culinary tools to professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. They are known for their product expertise and exceptional service. The majority of their sales are generated by their catalog (1999 circulation = 5 million) and their website www.cutlery.com.

Ms. Alpert credits the success of the company to four key factors. "First, is our willingness to listen to our customers and the marketplace. Second, is attention to detail. To survive in the catalog business you must be very analytical. Next, is our ability to leverage technology. We have built our own software from the ground up in order to provide better service than almost any other catalog company. Most important, are our people. We have a wonderful staff, now more than 40 strong. Each person's dedication has been terrific and everyone pulls together as a team. Together, we have a lot of fun."

PCD is one of only 8 Connecticut companies to be selected for the Inc. 500. California tops the list with 75 companies. To be eligible for the Inc. 500, companies have to be independent and privately held through 1998, have at least $200,000 in sales in the base year, 1994, and their 1998 sales must have exceeded their 1997 sales. The ranking is based on the percentage increase in sales from 1994 through 1998. Inc.verified all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accounts and by conducting interviews with company officials. PCD's sales growth from 1994 through 1998 was 1710%.

Chefs can place orders or request a free Professional Cutlery Direct catalog by phone at 1-877-MY-KNIFE, or via the Internet (www.cutlery.com) All products are backed by a 100% guarantee of satisfaction and return policy.

Professional Cutlery Direct (www.cutlery.com) is a primary source for the finest selection of the chef's essential tools including knives, cookware, furniture, and accessories. The company's chef, Will Cook, tests and trains all staff on products offered in the catalog. Founded in 1993, PCD achieved sales of $9 million in 1999, up from $5 million in 1998.

To arrange an interview or to receive digital photography, please contact: Michele FitzGerald at 203-871-1000 ext. 245 e-mail michelef@cutlery.com