00-00_Trends_PE_GF.qxp_PROGRESSIVE ELECTRICAL 02/08/2021 11:35 Page 1
Right : : Morphy Richards’ Hive black toaster and kettle.
Plug into the top trends
Increased investment in premium products
With a switch to working from home over the past 18 months, small kitchen appliances have never been more design-led or more relevant. From kettles, toasters and juicers to barista style coffee machines and grinders, consumers are becoming more aware, and suppliers more innovative, as Progressive Electrical discovered.
Taking coffee to the next level Below : Melitta Epour Electronic Pour Over Filter Coffee Machine
Right : Heritage kettle and toaster from Haden (part of Sabichi).
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PROGRESSIVE ELECTRICALS
"During the past 18 months of the pandemic, when much of the nation worked from home, we saw a huge spike in sales of affordable filter coffee machines – a trend which is set to continue,” predicts Nigel Morrison, consumer & trade marketing manager at Melitta UK. “Interestingly, as our love affair with great tasting filter coffee continues, there’s another growing trend for consumers to take coffee preparation to the next level – and that’s with pour over filter coffee. In response to this demand, Melitta has recently introduced two premium pour over coffee machines – both of which make coffee as delicious as if it’s been brewed by hand. These elegant, stylish machines have also been designed to aesthetically enhance the kitchen experience.” Highlights Nigel: “As people become more tuned into mindfulness, taking the time to enjoy simple pleasures, such as preparing pour over coffee in an artisan way is very appealing."
Influenced by interior design “With people spending a lot more time at home during the pandemic, consumers have definitely become more conscious of their surroundings,” says Sachin Bagga, director, Sabichi. “Interiors and design are therefore continuing to be a big part of what consumers are investing in and this includes kitchen appliances.”
“Small kitchen appliances, such as kettles and toasters, have always been the workhorses of the kitchen, especially on busy mornings,” comments Debra Beckett, consumer marketing manager for breakfast appliances at Morphy Richards. “And with people spending more time at home during lockdowns, it became more important than ever to have appliances that looked good, but that also fitted their new lifestyle and offered convenient, time saving features.” As Debra explains: “While cafes and coffee shops were closed, and with many people continuing to work from home, sales of tea and coffee have soared. The knock-on effect is that we have seen increased demand for breakfast appliances and a willingness to invest more in premium products, such as very stylish matching kettles and toasters, plus barista style coffee machines, so that consumers can recreate the coffee shop experience at home. We expect the trend to continue as people adapt to new ways of working and don’t necessarily return to offices and workplaces full time.” Debra adds that, of course, colour is always important in the kitchen, pointing out that using timeless, classic neutrals will never be out of fashion. “Opting for black, white and cream appliances can tie in well with overall kitchen colour schemes. And, of course, grey is a key colour for 2021 – reflecting the Pantone Colour of the Year, Ultimate Gray - which symbolises ‘solid and dependable elements’ that ‘stand the test of time’ and reflect ‘composure, steadiness and resilience’ so we see that being a significant trend for this year.”