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BUYERS' GUIDE KITCHEN LIFESTYLE FRIDGES MARKET In line with the global trends towards built-in appliances, built-in refrigerators are also on the rise, accounting for more than a quarter of the market value in the European Union. While key Western European markets are already reaching saturation, Eastern Europe is showing double-digit growth. In 2017, the trend was supported by increased manufacturers’ new launch activity. NOFROST DRIVING GROWTH As nowadays consumers admit to rather have more time than money, convenience of the NoFrost refrigerators comes in handy. These appliances are showing steady growth year-onyear. The trend proves to be true not only for freestanding, but also for built-in. Combi NoFrost fridges, which account for almost a quarter of the total EU market volume, keeps gaining significance. FREESTANDING Jan 15- Dec 15 27 Jan 16- Dec 16 Within this segment, A+++ >200cm height (Stainless Steel and Metal Look front decoration) products are among the fastest growing in Western Europe. Environmentally conscious consumers tend to prefer better energy efficiency ratings, so A+++/A++ keeps gaining popularity. CONTACT Jan 17- Jun 17 +16%* 32 34 BUILT IN/UNDER Jan 15- Dec 15 39 *growth in volume vs Jan-Jun’16 Jan 16- Dec 16 Jan 17- Jun 17 42 44 +12%* A++ A+++ Natalia Andrievskaya Global Director Major Domestic Appliances GfK Retail & Technology Natalia.Andrievskaya@gfk.com STATE OF PLAY Innovation has touched almost every aspect of design in the market for refrigeration, inspiring consumers to trade up for better style, functionality and different formats. Today fridges and freezers come in a range of colours, have a variety of storage solutions, are more energyefficient, keep food fresher for longer and can even be a status symbol – something to impress visitors. Now the market is poised for a revolution in connectivity as smart fridges are becoming available at prices people can afford. Hot topics in refrigeration at IFA will include connected products and the ability to reduce waste by using technology that makes the food last longer. INNOVATIONS TO LOOK FOR AT IFA SMART PRODUCTS The uptake of connected appliances by consumers is likely to be driven around the refrigeration category, which will manage food provisions helping consumers to waste less, as well as eating a wider variety of healthy foods, ordering replacement items and receiving menu suggestions via smartphone technology. The advances that come with meal preparation and food management will result in the technology really serving an important purpose and becoming integral in peoples’ lives. This will also link to other products where the chosen foods and menu require cooking, suggesting programmes to pre-select and preheat, saving time and guiding users through the cooking process. INNOVATING @ IFA GORENJE UNVEILS NATUREFRESH FRIDGE- FREEZERS Gorenje's new NatureFresh built-in fridge-freezers mimic natural conditions by maintaining the photosynthesis process, automatically controlling the humidity levels and providing fresher air. The NatureFresh range feature high energy ratings and a modular flexible design. Other features include CrispZone with VitaLight and SmartHumidity for extended freshness and IonAir with DynamiCooling, which removes unpleasant odours. » HALL 1.1 / Stand 201 FOOD PROVENANCE With more experimental at-home cooking on the rise as well as trends around food provenance and reducing food waste, people are looking for the best ways to keep their produce fresher for longer. Preserving food is important, but so is helping it maintain its texture and flavour. PERSONALISATION Manufacturers are tapping into the growing trend for personalisation, as people are looking for products that suit their specific requirements. Featuring easy-to-use customisable compartments and a cooling system that preserves taste and texture to a new level, is a highly adaptive fridge storage system. Inner-door storage allows consumers to style their fridge just the way they like it, which may include plastic boxes that are helpful for keeping ingredients separate. ENTER THE ANTIOXIDANT ZONE… WITH HAIER F+ The Antioxidant Zone in the New Haier F+ filters out the oxygen in the air to ensure goods such as fruit and vegetables can be protected from its effects. This precisely controlled zone can extend the shelf life of groceries by a staggering eight times - an unrivalled capability according to the manufacturer. Just one of a number of innovations in the F+… » HALL 3.1 / Stand 109 www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Saturday 2 nd & Sunday 3 rd September 2017 41
