CONSUMER LIFESTYLE
CONSUMER LIFESTYLE ...IFA Celebrates 10 Years of Home Appliances IFA 2017 will be the 10th year that manufacturers of major and small domestic appliances have exhibited products at in Berlin. while trends centred around cooking, convenience, energy efficiency, design and connectivity. Looking at the SDA market, Mr Walkenbach said that 14% of the European SDA market, by value, was sold online in the period. In the European market, he added that the product mix improved. Trends centred on wellbeing, floor care, personal care, coffee and, increasingly, connectivity. SMART APPLIANCES GAINING TRACTION The newest appliances are smart and are increasingly becoming a ‘normal’ feature in our homes and, this year in particular, the smart appliance market is what everyone is talking about. From televisions to sound systems, smart heating and security systems, smart kitchen appliances are simply the next step. Consumers are starting to understand the great benefits that connected appliances bring to their everyday lives, not only with regards to economy and resource savings, but also in terms of making their lives simpler. By delegating many tasks and options to the appliance, time and effort is reduced, as well as generating the next level of energy and resource saving. Integrated smart technology will offer a whole new level of advanced benefits and intuitiveness, for an even more effortless cooking experience. Although the ‘smart’ market is still in its infancy, it’s accelerating fast – simply select the type of food you want to cook and the preferred cooking method, such as steam, grill or fry, and the technology takes care of the pan’s temperature and advises you on the right steps to follow, whilst maintaining the exact temperature for faultless resultsThe kitchen is one of the most sociable areas of the home and, with the current popularity of open plan design, consumers are increasingly seeking a stylish and serene finish, free of clutter. Equally, the contemporary consumer is looking for ease of use and flexibility of function that fits neatly into both their kitchen and their lifestyle, opting for built-in, integrated or space-saving appliances to best meet these requirements. Cutting-edge technology, innovative cooking functions and an ultra-modern finish, built-in premium cooking appliances create a futuristic kitchen environment with a minimalist yet sophisticated design. Consumers are opting for designs that incorporate built-in appliances or those which offer a consistent profile, with appliance and kitchen units blended harmoniously to form clean lines across the entire kitchen silhouette. Appliance manufacturers have responded by developing styles and designs that blend impeccably across the kitchen and living area. Style is very important to the consumer, especially as the kitchen is increasingly becoming amalgamated with the living space in countless homes. MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR SELF- CLEANING OVENS One particular technology trending in ovens currently is pyrolytic technology, which is the fastest growing AEG TO CLEAN UP AT IFA AEG will be going back to its roots at IFA 2017 when it launches the RX9 vacuum robot. "AEG invented vacuum robots and launched the first model in the world with the Trilobite in 2001," said Andreas Gelsheimer, Head of Product Management Floorcare at AEG, at the IFA media briefing. Gelsheimer added: "With more than 16 years of experience in robotics, AEG also has a goal in its latest vacuum robot: to relieve people of the housework in everyday life; and to give them more time for beautiful things.” KEY SELLING POINTS Intelligend 3D mapping for perfect navigation Triangular design ideal for targeting dirt and dust in corners Available in 2 colours, Blue Satin or Shale Grey Satin The AEG RX9 includes a suite of technological innovations including 3D Vision, AirExtreme and intelligent 3D Mapping navigation, allowing superior coverage, including in difficult to access places. The triangular TrinityShape, together with a specially developed high-efficiency side brush, enables up to 80 percent more effective cleaning in the corners and along the walls as a round suction robot. » HALL 4.1 / STAND 101 KEY SELLING POINTS Two vacuum cleaners in one Can easily and cleanly remove tangled hair Extra agile turning, extra easy movement SAMSUNG POWERSTICK OFFERS POWERFUL SUCTION Samsung said its POWERstick vacuum delivers extreme suction power that creates three times more powerful suction than conventional models. The company said that EZClean technology lets users easily and hygienically remove any trapped dust or debris, including long hairs. To empty the EZClean dustbin, users simply pull a lever and the EZClean Brush easily pulls out from the drum. An easy handling design enables users to turn around corners and obstacles like furniture. It works as two vacuums in one to clean a variety of areas. As a “stick type” it’s ideal for large floors, but simply by lifting off the detachable handheld, it’s great for cleaning smaller areas, crevices or furniture. A 21.6V lithium-ion removable battery provides longer-lasting power up to 30 minutes, once the battery has been fully charged for three hours. » CITYCUBE Hall B / STAND 101 32
TRENDS IN HOME APPLIANCES technology in the ovens market, with Euromonitor International reporting 35% value growth. Pyrolytic technology ensures simple and impressive cleaning results, at the touch of a button, and is very popular with consumers who are looking to impress guests when entertaining. Due to its incredible ease of use, and time-saving benefits, it is increasingly becoming the must-have technology in the kitchen. No one has time to clean and consumers are looking for appliances that no only take care of the inside but the outside too. CONSUMERS BUYING INTO INDUCTION COOKING Induction cooking continues to be popular this year as the benefits become even clearer to the consumer. As the induction hob generates heat directly within the saucepan, through an oscillating magnetic field, creating heat via electromagnetic energy, only the exact amount of heat and energy required is used with no wastage. Manufacturers are continuing to invest in the development of induction hobs to provide further efficiency and flexibility, heightened and accelerated by the up and coming smart home technology and appliance integration. A smarter and savvier consumer demands more from their appliances as energy bills, more than ever before, place a huge strain on household finances. Appliances which not only provide exceptional results, but also ensure maximum energy efficiency will also be a key market driver for growth. Now is a good time for the retailer to get on board, honing their knowledge and skills, while introducing and engaging their audience with the new technology now available. SDA SALES CONTINUE TO CLIMB Udo Jansen, GfK’s Global Director, Small Domestic Appliances, said that in 2016, the global SDA marked reached US.5 billion, up 5% on sales in 2015. According to GfK data, the two biggest growth territories were Africa and Asia Pacific, up 10% and 8% respectively. Singling out a couple of product categories, Mr Jansen said that strong growth rates in the ALMOST ONE-FIFTH OF MDA REVENUE IS GENERATED THROUGH THE ONLINE CHANNEL www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Monday 28 th September 2017 33
