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Innovation is a central element of our growth strategy. We need it to differentiate ourselves and
to ensure that our products are as upmarket as possible. By detecting trends, innovation is responsible
for inventing tomorrow’s products. It enriches our categories with the creation of new concepts,
solutions and services to make our everyday lives easier and more pleasant.
THE DYNAMICS
OF ADDED VALUE
A multi-specialist offer
The Group's uniqueness comes from the wide scope of its product offer, which covers all areas
of the household from non-electrical products to small electrical appliances: cookware (frying pans,
saucepans, casseroles, pressure cookers, accessories etc.), kitchen electrics (food and drink preparation,
cooking) and personal and home care (laundry and floors, comfort). This very wide spectrum also covers
various market segments from entry level to premium products. Another of our special features is our
ability to address local markets by adapting our ranges to consumer habits. This approach is a
determining factor of our presence in international markets. It is by placing innovation at the heart of our
business and by developing expertise in various areas that the Group has become the global leader in
small domestic equipment.
A wide field of investigation
Our approach consists of developing core technologies for use in Strategic Business Areas across
the entire Group. This is the role of our 3 innovation centres - Intelligent systems, Energy, Materials - each
of which has its own leading-edge expertise. The resources we devote to innovation are constantly
increasing, regardless of the economic situation, because they play a vital role in determining the Group's
future. That's why in 2011, R&D teams consisted of more than 900 people working with an overall
budget of €74 million, which has been increasing steadily for the past 3 years. Drawing on these
resources, the Group has set out 4 major areas of investigation - preserving health/beauty/well-being; the
20 Business and Sustainable Development Report 2011