Progressive Electrical 2017

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May/June 2017

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INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW

ASCENT SERIES ™

The new Ascent Series from Vitamix® is modern and stylish, but it’s more than just a pretty face.

With built-in timers, intuitive controls, and a family of SELF-DETECT™ containers, these high-performance blenders are designed to choreograph all the life that happens in your kitchen, and make every meal applause-worthy.

VISIT STAND EE08 AT EXCLUSIVELY ELECTRICAL ON 13 & 14 JUNE FOR A PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION.

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Editor’s comment

Current affairs L

ooking at the five years from 2010-2015, SDA sales in the UK rocketed up to EUR 3 billion, increasing the UK’s market share by 2.5%. Hence the UK experienced the fastest growth in sales of small electrical appliances in Europe – and apparently keeping our floors spotless is a priority - according to a report recently published by Ambiente’s organiser, Messe Frankfurt (Consumer Expenditure in Europe - a study comparing European markets).

When it comes to comparing sectors (according to the report), Austrians devote 27% of their volume of SDA spending on coffee and tea machines, Germany 20% and Italy 16.3%. The UK has plenty of room for growth here with just 9% of our SDA spending on coffee and tea making appliances. However, when it comes to keeping our floors clean, we appear to be positively gleaming and dust-free! The British spent EUR 666 million on electrical floorcare in 2015 (the Germans topped that at EUR 932 million, and the French were behind at EUR 556 million).

Putting figures aside, there appears to be a growing trend for improving our home environments, for example through cooling products (see Amanda Reed’s expert comment on page 21, and Full Beam pages 10-11, as well as new launches from the likes of NSAuk and Pik-a-Pak at Exclusively Housewares). It is also fascinating to hear what various leading retailers put into the spotlight when quizzed for their current ‘hero’ products and trends (see Retailer perspectives, pages 19-21).

This issue also explores some of the ways new technology is enhancing our homes and lifestyles (pages 22-23). And, of course, Tomorrow’s Kitchen is a new feature at Exclusively Electrical (June 13-14 at Islington’s Business Design Centre – see news and our preview pages from 15-17). With a packed seminar and demonstration programme, as well as a host of innovative new products, the show is a ‘don’t miss’ event!

The Progressive Electrical team looks forward to seeing you there, but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy this edition, along with the Training Source Book, which is bursting with sales and training tips on various SDA categories (and accompanies our sister publication, Progressive Housewares, is distributed in every bag at the Exclusively shows and can be viewed in our digital archive at www.progressivehousewares.co.uk). Happy selling and SDA product hunting!

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Contents 5-8 9

News Including events at Exclusively Electrical.

Gfk insights Helen Warner reports on the SKA market.

10-11

Face to face: Beam Group PE talks to Beam’s Matt Innes.

15-17

Exclusively Electrical preview What's going to be hot at the June show?

19-21

Retailer perspectives PE asks what trends and developments are helping SDA sales.

22-23

Technology focus New possibilities, including ‘smart’ SDAs from Chicago’s IH+HS.

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Above: PE’s Jo Howard beside KitchenAid’s giant stand mixer at Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) earlier this year. The KitchenAid stand at the forthcoming Exclusively Electrical will feature the Limited Edition Black Tie 4.8L Stand Mixer and the freestanding Iconic Fridge, among other new products.

05 Cover Story The original Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is loved by professional chefs and home cooks for its iconic design, versatility and durability.

The additional attachments turn this mixing wizard into a multifunctional culinary necessity. There’s an attachment for every job from slicing, dicing, spiralizing, rolling pasta to squeezing juice. The latest accessory is the ‘Vegetable Sheeter’ which slices sheets of courgette or aubergine for pasta-free lasagnes, vegetable wraps and antipasti. www.kitchenaid.co.uk Beam Group | T: 01954 231616

The Progressive Electricals team: Jo Howard (editor), Patrick Wade (advertisement director), Emma Cain (product page editor), Mark Grayson (creative director), Jakki Brown (editor in chief) and Warren Lomax (publishing director). www.max-publishing.co.uk

May/June 2017

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Progressive Electrical NEWS

Food for thought at Exclusively

Marriage of urban and retro Tefal has once again partnered with the internationally acclaimed design studio, Seymourpowell, - this time to launch the Tefal Avanti Classic Breakfast range. Dominik Pytel, marketing director proudly declares that the range is “designed in the UK for the UK.” He continues: “Open kitchens by their very nature lead to a greater importance of aesthetical products. Equally important is the quality of materials used, and stainless steel is more and more preferred by the UK consumer.” Dominik also highlight other design trends: “Mixing styles between retro accents and urban slightly industrial.”

Haden gets stamp of approval The Haden Chester Kettle and Champion 6 in 1 Food Processor (from Sabichi, exhibiting in Exclusively Electrical’s sister show, Exclusively Housewares) have both gained accreditation from the Good Housekeeping institute. Each product has been rigorously tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute and evaluated on performance, design, ease of use and clarity of instructions.

Inset: The Melitta Barista TS with touch and slide controls and a new ‘intenseAroma’ feature which can be selected for intensive tasting coffee.

Smell the coffee at Exclusively Melitta UK invites Exclusively Electrical visitors to taste the results of its bestselling bean to cup machine the Melitta Barista TS and enter a competition to win one of the premium machines.

Melitta recently launched its Melitta Companion App with “interesting tips and tricks on everything to do with coffee pleasure, extensive tutorials, useful service features and more,” states David Price, national account manager.

Lisa’s entrepreneurship applauded Gourmet Gadgety’s Lisa Scott is a finalist for the First Women Entrepreneur of the Year category in the 2017 First Women Awards.

The awards dinner will take place on June 29 at London’s Hilton Bankside Hotel, London hosted by Real Business and supported by the CBI. Lisa notes: “The quantity of high calibre nominations that were received were phenomenal so I am delighted to have finalised, putting Gourmet Gadgetry in the spotlight!”

Her fellow four finalists span various industries (June Medical, Kafoodle, Little Dish and Techsixtyfour). Last year’s winner was Clare Johnston, ceo and founder of the Up Group.

Visitors to the third edition of Exclusively Electrical (June 13-14 London’s Business Design Centre) will be treated to a range of insightful presentations, action-packed product demonstrations and see the showcase for over 45 brands.

Right: A demonstration by Vitamix at last year’s Exclusively Electrical.

New exhibitors to the show, which runs alongside long established Exclusively Housewares, include Melitta, Pik-A-Pak Home Electrical, Smeg and Vybra Solutions, as well as a host of returning exhibitors, such as Dualit, Jura, KitchenAid, Magimix and Sage. New feature, Tomorrow’s Kitchen will be the focus for trend merchandising displays, the demo kitchen (with events on Tuesday June 13) and the seminar theatre (with a programme for Wednesday June 14).

In a presentation called Tomorrow’s Kitchen, Scarlet Opus’ lead futurist, Victoria Redshaw will consider how consumers’ evolving relationship with technology will make life easier and give culinary confidence to unskilled home cooks! Victoria’s insights will reflect work the consultancy undertakes for one of the UK's leading housebuilders, looking at how current technological advances will affect future house design.

Meanwhile, Scarlet Opus’ trend translator, Phil Pond will explain three key consumer design trends for 2018, how they translate into SDAs and housewares, and how they can inspire merchandising. The trend forecasting company is also conducting its popular guided ‘trend tours’ sponsored by trade association, BHETA, while Scarlet Opus’ ‘On trend’ SDAs will be highlighted on exhibitors’ stands.

Exclusively’s seminar programme (hosted by BHETA’s housewares director, Will Jones) also features Steve Collinge, managing director of Insight Retail Group. Steve will consider emerging technologies, while Anthony Williams, business group director at GfK will be asking: ‘What’s the reality for smart homes?’ His presentation ‘Gadgets versus Gimmicks’ will ask, for example, “In the future, will fridges really order your food?” or “Will coffeemakers talk to your thermostat to find out if you’d most want a frappe or a latte?”

Visitors are advised to take their seats early to ensure their place at the seminars. For details see www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

What’s in the mix at Tomorrow’s Kitchen?

Below: Paella and mezze platter made with Gourmet Gadgetry’s Pizza Oven and Multi-Grill. Gourmet Gadgetry is exhibiting in Exclusively Electrical’s sister show, Exclusively Housewares.

The line-up of product demonstrations in Tomorrow’s Kitchen | at Exclusively Electrical includes Dualit (10.45am), Blendtec (12.30pm), Sistema (with how to get the best out of your microwave at 1.30pm), Gourmet Gadgetry’s Pizza Oven and Multi-Grill (2pm), Vitamix’s new Ascent machine (2.30pm) and NuWave Cookware (3pm).

Gourmet Gadgetry’s Lisa Scott (see linked story) will be demonstrating the versatility of the brand’s Pizza Oven and Multi-Grill. She explains: “As you can cook just about anything from a full English breakfast to a steak or paella followed by crepes for dessert, as well as perfectly crispy pizza of course, the Pizza Oven and Multi-Grill certainly earns its space on the countertop (including small kitchens and studios). And as it has trendily stylish retro looks, it never needs to be hidden away in a cupboard." Lisa plans to create “The new foodie trend Cloud Egg,” and if time will rustle up “Unicorn Candy Floss Prosecco.”

Meanwhile, Vitamix’s Ascent demonstration will show the new series’ capacity for high performance blending with wireless capabilities and an easy-to-use interface, as well as its various capacity accessories (including those for grinding grains, herbs and spices), and a refreshed brand identity.

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Progressive Electrical NEWS Below: As a fan of home cooking, Fearne Cotton (pictured) was delighted to team up with Swan.

The rise of sous vide

Swan links up with Fearne Electrical appliance and housewares brand, Swan has announced its collaboration with the popular presenter, DJ, cook book author and designer, Fearne Cotton for a colourful new range to be revealed at Exclusively Housewares (June 13-14). Products (available from September) include the Fearne By Swan Stand Mixer, Food Processor, 3 in 1 Stick Blender, Hand Mixer, Kettle and Toaster.

Paul Simpson, sales director at Swan says, “We are elated to be working with Fearne.

Incredibly creative, enthusiastic and passionate, Fearne has such a well-established eye for design, as well as detail.” As a keen baker, with Swan’s Retro appliances at home, Fearne admits to have “jumped at the chance” to work with the brand. She describes her range as “retro and beautiful,” with “colours that will match into your preferred colour scheme, whether it's the peacock or lilac for a pop of colour, or the honey or truffle that'll blend into a more neutral kitchen.”

Fearne also emphasises the importance of solid functionality, stating: “As well as making appliances and cookware that was attractive, it was of paramount importance that this range worked well for people that really love to cook and bake a lot.” She elaborates: “Food processors that are powerful and effective, stand mixers that can help with bread, cakes and pastries and kettles and toasters that will be efficient and also last for a long time. This is what Swan does best, so I was excited to explore this venture from day one. “ When asked for her favourite from the range so far, Fearne admits: “I love making cakes more than anything as my kids love to get involved too. The stand mixer is so brilliant for this and helps get the smoothest mixture in the quickest amount of time.”

Electrolux’s recent acquisition of US precision cooker maker Anova (for $115 million) is expected to provide a boost to the growing trend for sous vide cooking and smart home devices. Anova’s Precision Cooker Nano (pictured) recently won the Smart Home category of the IHA Gobal Innovation Awards during Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS).

Meanwhile, Sansaire also showcased sous vide cooking tools at the IH+HS. Johanna Hobgood, ceo explained: “The wifi-enabled Sansaire Delta transforms your ordinary pots into quiet, precise, and elegant cooking devices, and you can use the Sansaire app to interact with the device and discover new recipes, or utilise the touch screen interface to set the temperature, time, and settings.” * Stasher, the plastic-free, self-sealing, reusable cooking bag, has announced a new partnership with Anova. * For more on sous vide cooking, see Full Beam, pages 10-11.

Below: Storebound designer, Betania Garcia holds the ‘fashionable’ sandwich press by Dash at the IH+HS.

It’s kitchen couture Showstoppers in the Wired+Well small electricals hall of Chicago’s IH+H included Kitchen Couture by Dash from Storebound. The NYbased company has designed a toasted sandwich maker that is “inspired by luxury fashion handbags,” notes designer Betania Garcia.

Dash also introduced its Rapid Cold Brew System, making cold brew coffee in just six minutes. For more from the IH+HS see ‘Switching on to new possibilities’ pages 22-23.

Below: The new Coca-Cola retro style kettle popcorn unit from SMART.

As cool as Coca-Cola

Above: Simon Boyd, show director for Exclusively Electrical and Exclusively Housewares (sponsor of the Plugged-In Award) presents the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2016 Plugged-In trophy to Mark Adams, Sage’s sales and marketing director.

Which appliance will triumph?

The prestigious Excellence in Housewares Awards 2017 judging panel (comprising nearly 30 retail buyers) is waiting in anticipation to judge the leading industry awards’ seven product categories, including its Plugged-In Award for small domestic appliances.

2017 is the 18th Excellence in Housewares Awards, organised by PE’s sister publication, Progressive Housewares, in conjunction with bira Cookshop & Housewares. Friday June 16 is the closing dates to enter outstanding SDAs into this year’s awards (when product samples and entry forms need to have reached Progressive Housewares’ hq). The criteria is: ‘All products which have an electrical plug and whose use is concerned with the processing of food/drink or the carrying out of household tasks and were launched at UK retail or modified between June 2016 and June 2017.’

Finalists will be showcased in Progressive Housewares’ July/August edition, with the winner announced at a glamorous ‘Oscars’ style ceremony on October 4 at the Royal Lancaster London. This year’s chic theme for the Awards night is Vintage Paris.

Last year’s Plugged-In Award trophy winner was the Fast Slow Pro from Sage.

SMART Worldwide is launching a retro styled Coca-Cola themed range of electricals including a mini hot air popcorn maker, kettle popcorn maker, fridge, hot dog toaster, frozen treat maker and snow cone maker.

SMART’s chairman, Dr Samir Attia describes the Nostalgic Electrics series as “a cool retro range that shouts class and quality with a co-brand of the most iconic name in the world,” adding, “Coca-Cola and SMART are in a league of their own.”

Samir continues: “Coca-Cola executives loved our designs and asked us to produce a Coca-Cola range in the Coca-Cola red. CocaCola is an international brand and it works very well with the colours and designs of SMART Retro range.”

The range’s frozen beverage maker creates slush drinks, snow cones, margaritas and daiquiris, with two ice-shaving options for finer or coarser ice. Meanwhile, for snacks to accompany an ice- cold Coke, the Hot Dog Roller from Nostalgia Electrics cooks up to eight regular-sized hot dogs, with a canopy top that doubles as a bun warmer.

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Progressive Electrical NEWS

Below: Investing in repairs - a former factory in the East of France is dedicated to storing and delivering Groupe SEBS’s spare parts in Europe. Half of the stock stored there has been produced 12-15 years in advance of the need, for products that are no longer manufactured.

Coffee and kettle repair?

BBC Radio 4’s Costing the Earth programme on May 3 featured consumers and companies that are ‘fighting back’ against product obsolescence, including the growing networks of ‘Repair Cafés’. In a BBC news story earlier this year, technology journalist David McClelland explained: “Repair Cafés help build life-skills and, as they are often organised by local residents and volunteers, community values too.” He added that "very little beats the sense of satisfaction of fixing something yourself.”

Bringing back the repair culture

Inset: An example of Smeg’s striking Sicily is my Love SDA range.

Smeg’s Sicilian celebration Smeg reinforced its position as a fashion icon for the home when it recently unveiled its second collaboration with fashion powerhouse, Dolce&Gabbana.

The brands have created a striking collection of small domestic appliances, entitled ‘Sicily is my Love’. The series (including kettles, toasters, juicers, blenders, coffee machines and stand mixers) celebrates Sicilian art and heritage and was launched in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan. Earlier this year, Smeg and Dolce&Gabbana also joined forces to create the ‘Frigorifero d’Arte’ refrigerator, with a collection of hand painted fridges that are original artworks.

Designed by Dolce&Gabbana (based in Sicily), each new small appliance has a unique pattern, decorated with Sicilian motifs, including citrus fruit, prickly pears and cherries. These are framed in traditional triangular Sicilian decorations known as ‘crocchi’. They are all finished with the hallmark ‘Made in Italy.’ The SDAs will be available prior to Christmas in outlets including Smeg’s ‘shop in shop’ in Harrods and new flagship store, due to open in London’s Regent Street in July.

Meanwhile, Smeg UK’s brand manager, John Davies reports on the growth of Smeg’s range of retro styled SDAs: “Smeg is becoming an SDA brand in its own right, not just an MDA brand that sells SDAs.” The core range, as well as a new hand blender and white kettle and toaster, will be on show at Exclusively Electrical, “with a whole back wall of colour and curves,” and demonstrations of Smeg coffee makers and juicers, reports John.

The curvaceous shapes of Smeg’s SDAs are the result of four years in design, notes John, who also observes: “We expected people to buy the same colours but a good chunk of consumers like to mix and match.”

With the social benefits of repairing electrical goods such as kettles and toasters in the media spotlight recently (see linked story), Groupe SEB is helping to champion the concept of repair with its recent UK introduction of a 10 Year Repairability programme. The manufacturer (whose brands include Tefal, Rowenta, Moulinex and Krups) promises easy repair for 95% of its product range for 10 years or more.

There are already seven repairs centres in the UK, as well as 14 specialised drop-off points, plus further drop-off points available in major retailers such as the Currys via its Knowhow desk. If products are within guarantee, repairs are free, while repair costs are favourable compared to replacements, with a 30% price reduction for replacement parts since 2012.

Alain Pautrot, Groupe SEB VP consumer satisfaction reflects that: “Ensuring that our products have a long lifespan has been a part of our corporate vision for years.” Since 2008, the company has been testing new products during the research and development stage to ensure they qualify for the 10 Year Repairability programme, with redesign done if necessary.

Stuart McKay, CSS manager for Groupe SEB reiterates: “We have always repaired our products and unlike competitors see this as a way to help our consumers and brand supporters. He also recognises a shift in consumers’ perception of repairing electrical goods: “The UK did traditionally have a good level of awareness of the practicality of repairing goods pre-1995 but it has been very poor in the last 20 years, with the throw away and replacement attitude in the market place.” He continues: “In the last five years we have seen improved engagement with repair as consumers want to minimise the total cost of ownership and maintain the products they have grown familiar with. Following positive comments from our customers, we decided we should raise the awareness of the facilities we provide as standard and make commitments to improve the longevity of our products.”

This year has seen Groupe SEB’s introduction of its Repair logo on product packaging and point of sale, as well as detailed consumer information on its websites.

Come and visit us at Exclusively y Housewares 2017.

Stand number EH2 H280.

sales@gourmetgadgetry y.com www.gourmetgadgetry y.com

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GfK Insights

Helen Warner

Pot luck Online sales are growing and multi-cookers are a bright spark in a challenging year for SDAs, as GfK’s Helen Warner reports.

F

or numerous years small kitchen appliances represented a consistent and thriving marketplace with value sales improving by over £250million over a five year period to 2015.

Following fewer sales in 2016, the sector has continued to fall over the first part of 2017, with value sales dropping in each of the first four months this year. It seems as though, for the time being, the market is in need of new innovations to help kickstart a return to growth.

The decline of hero markets has been one of the stand out stories in SKAs. Product such as single serve coffee machines, kitchen machines and liquidisers, all big winners over the past few years, are now struggling. These declines have had a sizeable impact on two of the largest kitchen markets – hot beverage makers and food preparation.

Food preparation remains the largest segment of small kitchen appliances, with just under a quarter of value sales, and is made up of a series of products from premium kitchen machines to food processers, choppers and hand blenders. Sales for almost all of these types are down on the year with choppers the one exception, up 13% thanks to spiralisers. However it is liquidisers which are having the greatest impact on the sector. Supported by the wider consumer trend towards healthy living, sales surged over recent years, adding a further £100million to the category between 2012-2016. A hefty 27% decline in value this year however has left a mark on the overall food preparation sector, which has seen its share of the total kitchen market tumble.

Hot beverage makers have also dropped over the past year with value sales down 6% and unit sales even further down at -10%. Over two thirds of the total market’s value still comes from single serve machines, which use capsules from a unique supplier.

Quick and easy to use, they are a firm consumer favourite – but saturation levels are seemingly being reached with unit sales dipping for the first time this year. In addition to this, average prices have free fallen over the last 18 months (now £60), with many different options available below £40 within the key November/December period. Consumers are able to snap these coffee machines up for a bargain. While this fall back looks set to stay for the foreseeable future, the truth is the categories’ performance will hinge around the crucial promotional months at the end of the year.

That’s not to say that the picture in small kitchen

appliances is entirely negative.

Electrical cooking pots have enjoyed value growth of 16% across the year, thanks largely to the rise in multi cookers.

Spurred on by an influx in new product releases, they have been this year’s winners – and one of the only small kitchen products to see unit sales rise.

Elsewhere, online sales are booming. Unit sales are up 7% on the year with one in five small kitchen appliances now purchased online. While value sales improved only marginally on the year, their share leapt from 24% last year to nearly a third over the

Above: Multi-cooker illustration: Kenwood kCook.

Below: Infographic from GfK.

past twelve months. This improvement has been seen across almost all product types, even the more slow moving, commoditised appliances like kettles and toasters are enjoying double-digit growth through internet sales. As the wider small kitchen market wanes, the sustained growth of online sales will be fundamental to future prospects.

While these sales are helping to limit the downturn, new product innovations hold the key to a return to growth. Typically a major part of small appliances, new product types have historically lifted the category before the ’next big thing’ comes to market to spur on growth. Spiralisers and soup makers are some of the latest additions but have not enjoyed the same levels of growth enjoyed by some previous kitchen gadgets. Much will depend on new releases likely to come with multi-functional use and bringing added convenience – to determine whether the category can finish the year on a more positive note.

Source: GfK Point of Sales Tracking, GB market: All data relates to the 12 months to April 2017 unless otherwise stated.

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Face to face

Right: With precise temperature control – the Bonavita Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle – for single serve pour over coffee, or steeping leaf tea.

Addressing year round sales and encouraging bricks and mortar SDA stockists to sell the experience (not just the product), PE spoke to Matt Innes, general manager of Beam Group to find how the SDA distribution company is evolving to meet lifestyle trends.

Full Beam M

att describes an excellent past year for Beam, with an expanding portfolio and staff team, while recognising both challenges and opportunities in SDA retailing, and the need to constantly evolve. “Sales of premium kitchen electricals are concentrated towards the end of the year, so we have looked at areas that have a spring or summer focus. These include non-SDA brands and, exclusive SDA distributorship of Airfree air purification and De’Longhi’s Pinguino portable air conditioners (see breakouts).

Moreover, Beam’s evolution as “a company that does much more than distribute products” is also about raising customer and consumer awareness of trends and developments.

Take coffee, for example - one notable area of growth and interest in the kitchen, although Matt notes that the UK’s coffee culture “is still ten years behind Australia.” Beam now has exclusive distributorship of US coffee brewing specialist brand, Bonavita. “It’s a great opportunity as 85% of the coffee we drink in the UK is a long coffee,” Matt

Beam: the lowdown

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Matt Innes joined Beam Group from his previous role at Cuisinart (distributed by Beam) as sales and marketing director nearly five years ago and has since taken the reins from one of the founders, David Speet. Matt notes: “We continue to be privately owned and autonomous, but we can invest when we see fit.”

Current developments include Beam’s new trade website that is underway to help stockists, for example by having access to stock availability and place direct despatch orders to consumers even at the weekend. “With continued growth it’s inevitable we will need to expand, something we are working on just now,” says Matt.

Brands from Beam with stands at Exclusively Electrical (June 13-14 Islington’s Business Design Centre) include KitchenAid, Magimix (enjoying a re-energised interest in food processors), Dualit, Sage and, for the first time, Bonavita. The KitchenAid stand will “have a new look, focusing on a smaller number of products.”

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Face to face

Benefits of better air The market for portable air conditioning has “gone up by 30% over the past couple of years, while air conditioning is increasingly a lifestyle choice in homes as it becomes more common in offices and public places,” Matt observes. Beam has taken on exclusive distribution of De’Longhi’s Pinguino systems (which have both aesthetic and technical advantages, such as assessing humidity levels) and the innovative Airfree air purification brand.

Matt sees huge potential for growth in air purification, particularly given the Airfree method of eliminating impurities without the use of filters that need to be taken out (releasing pollutants). Instead, microorganisms are destroyed at a high temperature via a ceramic core inside the unit. Matt reports: “More and more people in the UK suffer from respiratory issues and blame the outside, not realising that the highest concentration of biological air pollutants are inside.” He also emphasises that the unit is silent, when “most people put air purifiers in their bedrooms.”

However, there are notable benefits for introducing Airfree purifiers into kitchens, as the brand has demonstrated with bowls of strawberries at Ambiente and Chicago’s International Home +

states. He continues: “The proof is in the tasting of coffee made with Bonavita’s Brewer or with the manual pour-over method using the brand’s Gooseneck kettle.” Matt observes: “People need to know that the Brewer is not the same as the filter machine their nan used to have, but has a shower head system for the maximum extraction of flavour from ground coffee.

Likewise consumers need to understand that the Gooseneck Kettle is designed to control manual pour over.”

Hence there are gains to be made from offering consumers in-store coffee tastings of the brewed coffee.

Another new introduction from Beam will also benefit from being used in stores, with results on hand to sample.

Matt is particularly proud to be partnering with Grant Creative Cuisine, which makes its Sous Vide Primo and compact Uno sous vide controller in Cambridge, not far from Beam’s HQ. With over 60 years experience making pharmaceutical water baths, the company was contacted by the Fat Duck to develop bespoke sous vide for Heston Blumenthal’s kitchens. Since then it has focused on creating a domestic version of a standalone sous vide water bath, as well as buying the start-up company that invented the Uno Sous Vide Controller. The latter enables sous vide cooking in a consumer’s existing analogue rice or slow cooker.

“The technique of sous vide is more accessible and

Housewares Show. “In an environment without Airfree, strawberries go mouldy, whereas with Airfree, the fruit can stay mould-free for 10 days,” notes Matt. Besides this, the popularity of steam cleaners “has meant there is in more moisture trapped in and around the kitchen, creating mould spores where we can’t necessarily see or reach them.”

popular than ever, with equipment becoming more affordable and some supermarkets now even selling sous vide ‘ready to cook’ packaged meals,” Matt observes.

“This method of cooking is so easy and simple and yet the results are like nothing else,” he enthuses, adding, “It is also timely as people are focusing more on healthy living and lifestyle, and sous vide cooking seals in more natural flavours and nutrients than most traditional methods.”

Moreover, the technique makes gourmet cooking affordable by effortlessly transforming cheaper cuts of meat and fish into premium results. Matt concludes: “Every credible cookshop should be selling this, and have one cooking in store – you have to taste the food to believe how good it is!”

Sage is also raising awareness of sous vide cooking with its Precision Poacher (to sous vide smaller portions, a well as steam and poach, or scramble eggs). The brand (which scooped the Excellence in Housewares Awards’ Plugged In Award last year with its Fast Slow Pro) is also creating new excitement with recent launches, including the Smart Oven (addressing compact living), Nespresso Creatista with its fully automatic steam wand (for the hordes of milk loving coffee drinkers in the UK), and the Smoking Gun (battery operated). Matt says of the latter: “Smoking is a growing category in terms of bbq, brisket and pulled pork. Adding cold smoke to all sorts of food such as cheddar cheese, ham, chicken or popcorn as well as cocktails adds to the taste and aroma, but also the theatre of food and drink presentation.” After all, who wouldn't want some extra-sensory drama?

Above: An Airfree unit in situ.

Left: Matt Innes with some of the brands distributed by Beam.

Below left: Primo Sous Vide from Creative Cuisine by Grant. The water bath can stay on for up to four days.

More to plugging in Beam recently took on exclusive UK distributorship for New Zealand manufacturer, Innova’s Click Clack (food storage) and Strahl (the premium alternative to glassware, whose customers include Buckingham Palace), expanding its non-SDA portfolio (which includes KitchenAid kitchenware).

“We have researched categories that have huge immediate opportunities and potential for growth,” says Matt.

Meanwhile, Matt urges independent electrical retailers: “There are huge benefits for those that take kitchen electricals seriously, with good presentation – not just putting a kettle on a fridge – as well as accessorising with some other kitchenware.”

Matt acknowledges: “A major UK electrical retailer realised it could not sell small kitchen electricals without other kitchen product.”

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Visitors to Exclusively Electrical will see the UK debut of the new Vitamix® Ascent™ Series blender range and experience the company’s impactful refreshed branding as well. Redefining the form and function of highperformance blending, the all-new Ascent Series combines sleek design and precision engineering with wireless capabilities and an easy-to-use interface for the most advanced blending experience for home chefs. The Ascent Series blenders will come in a variety of high-end finishes – including metallic finish options on some models – and will be available from September 2017 at selected Vitamix retailers.

Vitamix Web: www.vitamix.co.uk Stand EE08

With a 300-watt motor offering five speeds, plus a Turbo, the new Twin Blade Stand Mixer from Judge certainly makes light work of baking preparation. The rotating bowl, an adjustable tilting head, and the ability to detach the mixer for jobs that require greater precision will allow you to drastically reduce the time and effort involved in a multitude of tasks. The mixer comes complete with beaters and dough hooks and ensures a rapid and thorough blending and aerating of ingredients.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.judgecookware.co.uk Stand EH100

The 3kw 1.7 litre capacity Chester kettle (pictured) has a super rapid boil. The 360º base allows for both left and right handed use. Also, the handy cup measure on the water window helps you save energy with precise filling. The 6 in 1 Champion food processor has six attachments allowing you to chop, slice, grate, shred, knead and blend ingredients to create any recipe! With its powerful 500 wattage power, it manages to get through of foods quickly and efficiently. All Haden products have a two-year guarantee.

Sabichi Tel: 0208 7997445 Web: www.sabichi.co.uk Stand EH214

The EasyTop Timer (featured) impresses with its practical timer feature and stylish stainless steel finish. Coffee can be freshly brewed at a time you set allow yourself to be woken up in the morning by the seductive aroma of fresh coffee or be reminded to take a coffee break in the afternoon. Visit the stand for the chance to win a Melitta Coffee machine.

Melitta Tel: 01733 260905 E-mail: customerservice.M-UK@melitta.de Web: www.melitta.co.uk Stand EE28

As a barista, this high-quality Bean to cup coffee machine knows which order the ingredients for 21 coffee specialities should flow into your cup, according to the original recipes. And always with the correct type of coffee bean, thanks to the ‘Automatic Bean Select’ Visit the stand for the chance to win one!

Melitta Tel: 01733 260905 E-mail: customerservice.M-UK@melitta.de Web: www.melitta.co.uk Stand EE28

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The very latest in cooling technology and versatility with stunning features and design - this elegant Rechargeable Column Fan is ideal for any location.

It combines stylish good looks with exceptional cooling performance, quiet operation and is packed with useful features. The DC motor ensures the latest energy saving efficiencies ~ significantly reducing running costs compared to traditional fans. Remove the cord and move around to use where required. Programmable Timer, air flow modes and air speeds controlled by swirl dial. Features aroma box for oils.

NSA UK Tel: 01483-527799 Email: leigh@nsauk.com Web: www.nsauk.com/electrical/ Stand EE60

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Perfect frothed milk in an instant! Compact design and heavenly creamy frothed milk! If it is either an excellent coffee with a velvety crema or a delicious latte topped with light and airy milk foam that you want Melitta’s Solo & Perfect Milk will bring it to you in an instant. Visit the stand for the chance to win one!

Melitta Tel: 01733 260905 E-mail: customerservice.M-UK@melitta.de Web: www.melitta.co.uk Stand EE28

The 3kw 1.7 litre capacity Chester kettle has a super rapid boil. The 360º base allows for both left and right handed use. Also, the handy cup measure on the water window helps you save energy with precise filling. The 6 in 1 Champion food processor has six attachments allowing you to chop, slice, grate, shred, knead and blend ingredients to create any recipe! With its powerful 500 wattage power, it manages to get through of foods quickly and efficiently. All Haden products have a two-year guarantee.

Sabichi Tel: 0208 7997445 Web: www.sabichi.co.uk Stand EH214

See us at Exclusively Electrical Stand EE4 46 13th–14 4th June 2017, Business Dessign Centre.

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Create an authentic Italian style pizza in less than 15 minutes with this Retro Diner Pizza Oven & MultiGrill from Gourmet Gadgetry. With intense heat applied from the upper and lower baking plates, each pizza will have a perfectly golden finish with a delicious fully cooked centre. Create crepes, cook full breakfasts and burgers in this one clever machine. This machine doubles as a pizza oven or multi grill, has premium non-stick baking plates, various temperature settings and recipe ideas are included. Nostalgic 1950’s diner themed design with stylish metallic red finish.

Gourmet Gadgetry Tel: 01322 901025 Web: www.gourmetgadgetry.com Stand EH280

For over 250 years, Salter has been proud to create and manufacture great products to enhance your lifestyle. Salter’s floorcare products are no exception, providing the perfect solution for floor-toceiling cleaning. Whether you choose from the convenient cordless range or opt for something more traditional, their floorcare products offer powerful suction, allowing you to regain control of your home. Salter have used their expertise to bring you the very best cleaning products to help make life just that little bit easier.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

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The new Slow Juicer from Stellar (pictured) employs a cold-press technique, gently pressing fruits, vegetables and herbs so that juice is extracted with minimum oxidation. Using stainless steel micro filters, the Stellar Slow Juicer ensures that drinks are perfectly smooth, while providing superior juice extraction when compared to traditional centrifugal juicers. It has a powerful, yet quiet, motor capable of 18Nm of torque and with a smart drip-prevention cap and separate jug for dry pulp. The device itself has been designed for easy cleaning and a bespoke scrubbing brush has been provided for any tough adhesions.

Horwood Tel: 0117 940 0000 E-mail: sales@horwood.co.uk Web: www.stellarcookware.co.uk Stand EH100

Create a variety of delicious snacks with extra tasty fillings with this fantastic Salter 3 in 1 Snack Maker. It comes with extra large interchangeable top and bottom waffle, doughnut and sandwich grill plates, which allow for larger, deeper, well-filled snacks. The non-stick cooking plates release the snacks without tearing or crumbling, making cleaning easy with no scrubbing. The snack maker is easy to use with power on and ready indicator lights with automatic temperature control. With 900W power, you can make waffles, doughnuts, and toasted sandwiches in just minutes – perfect for a quick lunch or a fast snack whenever you need one. Follow the recipes included, serve your toasted sandwich with a side salad, or enjoy your waffles and doughnuts with ice cream.

Salter Tel: 0161 934 2283 E-mail: sales@upgs.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com Stand EH267

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Introducing the latest edition to Tower is the on-trend Rose Gold Kitchen collection. This sleek, bold, contemporary design from the iconic British label consists of both housewares and small domestic appliances in solid black with hints of silver and rose gold accents, perfect for the modern kitchen. Come and be the first to preview the new collection at the Exclusively Trade Show. For sales enquiries relating to the Tower Cerastone range of electrical, visit: RKW E-mail sales@rkwltd.com Web: www.rkwltd.com Stand EE10

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Premium Brand Management & Distribution Beam Ad with Print Marks - FINAL.indd 1 18_Progressive Electricals 2017.indd 1

Beam Group Unit 20, Buckingway Business Park, Swavesey, Cambridge CB24 4AE Tel: 01954 231 616 Fax: 01954 230 376 Email: sales@beamgroup.co.uk www.beamgroup.co.uk

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Retail perspectives

Healthy living, precision-cooking techniques, pour over coffee and ‘free range’ cleaning could all be boosting sales and interest in SDAs. PE asked a variety of retailers for their expert views on trends as well as bestsellers for 2017.

Helpers and heroes Exacting standards ZOE GARTON, JUNIOR BUYER, SMALL ELECTRICAL, JOHN LEWIS

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“The most recent development and trend that is gaining momentum is precision cooking. The consumer becomes the chef allowing for a 'sous vide' steak, perfect poached eggs and the creamiest soup. This trends spans many appliances but steamers and multifunctional food processors are the appliance of choice.”

HERO? “There isn't one 'hero' product for me for 2017 but the Smeg SDA range with its differentiated design features have captured the attention of the consumer and sales continue to gain momentum each week. The breakfast range is particularly strong with design being an important factor when considering what appliances to put on the worktop at home.”

PH quizzed various different stockists of small domestic appliances, asking: TREND OR DEVELOPMENT What is the biggest recent development or trend that's helping sales of small electrical appliances?

HERO What is your 'hero' SDA for 2017 (so far, or anticipated for sales for the rest of the year), and why?

Above: Smeg Two Slice Toaster in Chrome (as mentioned by Amanda at Leekes) – the appeal of the retro range is highlighted by several retailers.

Right: John Lewis Leeds.

HELEN CUBITT, SUPERVISOR, COOKSHOP, TABLETOP AND SMALL ELECTRICALS, BAKERS AND LARNERS OF HOLT

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“Healthy living, as conveniently as possible. We had the Tower Extreme Pro Multiblender in at the tail-end of the NutriBullet craze and it has been fantastic for us ever since. It has a powerful motor at a ‘value for money’ price. Customers can extract all the nutrients from fruit easily and quickly, as well as being abel to make their own hummous, blend homemade soups and so on.”

HERO? “For me, this is the same as it has been for years – the Gtech SW02 Cordless Power Floor Sweeper. This is – and has always been- a major seller for us. It is small and light, and you can use it up and down stairs. Customers have often bought them for caravans and then wanted one for the home when they realise how well they clean. We have one on the shopfloor for people to try, as well as for staff to use if they see some mud on the floor. We have many elderly customers who like it, but we also find that children like it to – it is safe and easy to use, and good to get them cleaning their rooms. Even with a recent price increase, the Gtech SW02 still sells like hotcakes!

Inset: Health fix – the top selling Tower Extreme Pro Multiblender – power and affordability – as highlighted by award winning independent department store, Bakers and Larners of Holt (pictured left).

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Retail perspectives

Entertaining fun and fashion DAVID CONDUIT, BUYER, HARTS OF STUR

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“We're seeing strong growth in niche products; novelty electricals such as candy floss makers, snow cone makers etc - nice gift lines that are functional as well. On core electricals, such as kettles and toasters, the most successful developments are around trend colours, as more consumers change their SDAs more frequently to match current colour fashions.”

HERO?

Top: Expert milk preparation with the Nespresso Creatista

by Sage.

Top right: Fenwick Colchester whose top floor houses Cookshop and Small Electricals.

Right: Stacking up to be a ‘must have’ gift- the new Bacon Express from SMART. bottom right: A view of some Harts of Stur’s SDAs in its Sturminster Newton shop. The retailer scooped the Excellence in Housewares Awards Excellence in Direct Retailing Award last year.

Wired (or not) for sound in the kitchen DEAN HAWES, BUYER, FENWICK COLCHESTER

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“We have introduced some kitchen-based audio products that have taken me by surprise - digital radios and wireless speakers including brands such as Roberts and Steepletone. These were excellent over the gifting period but have continued to gain sales this year.”

HERO? “ So far the new Nespresso Creatista by Sage has sold very well, given that it is the highest priced machine we have seen from Nespresso. But the machine offers stylish looks and milk frothing technology you only see on Sage machines that are priced over £1000. It allows the consumer to be more in control of making their perfect coffee giving controls on temperature, volume and milk consistency, which we have not seen on any previous Nespresso Machine.”

“We have introduced some kitchen-based audio products that have taken me by surprise.”

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“There are two that we're excited about at the moment. Smeg Retro styled kitchen SDAs are proving an instant hit, with both colour and design appealing to our customers. Secondly, although it is not due to hit our store until August, is the Bacon Express from SMART. We think this is going to be THE men’s Christmas gift this year.”

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Retail perspectives

Crafting coffee KAYLEIGH MEACHEM, BUYER, DEBENHAMS

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“The biggest trend we are seeing in small electricals currently is the importance of premium coffee. It’s all about craft and cold brew right now with customers looking to recreate quality coffee in home.

There’s a focus on how we brew our coffee - is it siphon? Or pour over? How do we grind our beans?

Consumers are educating themselves on the types of flavours and the body, depth and strength of coffee they like and provenance is more important than ever. Cold Brew is attracting a younger target market and it is bringing new customers into the category. It may be small right now but it is growing, and fast! “

A lab-style brew - coffee developments While Kayleigh at Debenhams recognises consumers’ increasing interest in coffee brewing methods, new introductions to the global housewares market include Bodum’s launch of an electrical version of its Pebo (formerly Santos) Vacuum Coffee Maker (pictured) at Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show in March.

Appreciated by many aficionados, vacuum (or siphon) coffee makers use a constant heat source to create a vacuum in one chamber by forcing water up into another chamber, where the coffee grounds are steeped, and then allows the beverage to drain back down into the bottom chamber. Bodum USA’s Daniel Kvist explains: “The extraction of oils from the beans makes the coffee smooth, and no aroma escapes – the coffee circles round the jug like a whirlpool.” He adds: “It looks like something in a lab, and certainly catches consumers’ attention!”

Above: An example of coffee making developments (from Bodum at the IH+HS).

Top left: View of Debenhams Oxford Street.

Keeping cool AMANDA REED, BUYING CONTROLLER, LEEKES

TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“We are seeing an increasing tendency for consumers to buy small domestic appliances online. Besides this, the resurgence of chrome as a fashion trend is boosting sales of particular products.

Interestingly, when it comes to higher price points, we are far more likely to sell coordinating kettles and toasters together, as a considered purchase. At the lower to mid price point, it tends to be one or the other as it is replacement purchase.

We are also seeing the uplift in demand for coffee related appliances as the West and Midlands catch on to the shift to real coffee making.

Looking forward, early indicators are that cooling is a trend for this summer, driven by the technology that is available to heat and cool in the same appliance, such as the Dyson Pure.”

HERO?

Above: In keeping with the tone of the industrial style kitchen trend – the slate grey Haden Perth range from Sabichi.

Above left: Leekes’ Bilston branch.

“Relating to the above, the chrome Smeg kettle and toaster is an SDA hero for Leekes so far this year, while a ‘go to’ for our mid season sales is the Haden Perth kettle from Sabichi. In coffee, it is the Nespresso Creatista by Sage.”

Freedom for a clean sweep PAUL RYDER, ASSISTANT BUYER, ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT, BENTALLS, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES TREND OR DEVELOPMENT?

“To me the most interesting development is the apparent move in the cleaning category from corded to cordless cleaners driven by Dyson. These are fantastic machines which make the house cleaning chore much more bearable!

Other than that, we are desperate for some more innovation in SDA as it has been a struggle to match sales from trends over past years.”

HERO? “It is hard to look past Smeg for this one! The brand’s beautiful retro style kettles and toasters have really taken off this year and I imagine they will continue to do so next year too. We have a wonderful display of these in store and located in a position that immediately catches your eye as you come down the escalator into our department.”

Above: Dyson V8 Cordfree Stick Vacuum Cleaner in action Far left: View of Bentalls.

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Technology focus

Switching on to new possibilities This year’s Exclusively Electrical and Exclusively Housewares (June 13-14 – see news) introduce Tomorrow’s Kitchen, putting the spotlight on emerging trends and futuristic gadgetry. Meanwhile the recent International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) in Chicago presented a Smart Pavilion, focusing on new connected housewares. PE asks how technical aspects of new appliances can enhance today’s lifestyles.

Right: Cider making using Alchema, a new smart appliance displayed at the IH+HS.

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Green light

Home brew to perfection

With the harmonious effects of greenery in the home highlighted by trend forecasters, Scarlet Opus as well as the Pantone Institute’s Colour of the Year for 2017, Chicago’s IH+HS was a showcase for various smart devices that enable consumers to grow their own produce in their own kitchens. For example, SproutsIO (pictured above) is a smart microgarden that is soil free, and uses the latest hydroponic and aeroponic technology to create an efficient growing environment that can also be monitored and maintained via an app. The brand offers various plants (from broccoli to basil) to start consumers’ indoor herb and vegetable patch.

Meanwhile, the AeroGarden Bounty Elite Wifi was a runner-up in the Smart Home Products category of the IHA Global Innovation Awards for Product Design during the IH+HS.

A desire to make customised cider was the inspiration behind the Alchema smart home cider making system that turns fresh fruit into cider, mead or wine – one of the exhibits in Chicago’s IH+HS Smart Pavilion. Noting the popularity of microbrewery, Alchema’s co-founder and ceo, Oscar Chang told PH: “Some people don't like the bitterness or sweetness of shop bought cider.” He also observers that, “The homebrewing industry has

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Technology focus

Sweet dreams - from Terraillon Exhibiting within Exclusively Electrical’s sister show, Exclusively Housewares, Terraillon will launch Homni – a plugged-in device to aid optimum sleep, and looks forward to introducing NutriSmart, the world’s first connected kitchen scale with embedded SCiO spectroscopy technology (for insights such as the type, maturity and origin for any kind of food weighed as well as nutritional value) in the UK next year.”

Trade and brand marketing manager for Terraillon UK, Linda Phoutthasak comments: “Terraillon’s experience in digital measurement technology has enabled us to constantly innovate and create our new connected ecosystem of products, which have a place in all parts of the house, from kitchens to bathrooms. This is why we’re extremely excited about the launch of Homni, which will strengthen Terraillon’s ecosystem, as sleep is a core component of wellbeing and weight management.”

Linda reflects on the evolution of the connected home: ”With widespread high-speed broadband internet connections in the home and the explosive number of connected health applications being available, combined with a real need for convenience, consumers now have the opportunity to enhance their wellbeing in the comfort of their home.” She elaborates: “This includes using remote monitoring technology to get conditions diagnosed online, having personal training at home with a virtual trainer via live or on-demand video or tracking and quantifying health and wellbeing through the use of connected bathroom scales, fitness trackers and kitchen scales. Indeed, the connected home is a highly exciting prospect, and retailers as well as consumers are rapidly adapting to this new trend. Possibly by 2020, we will start to see a real takeover and consistent implementation of more and more smart home devices across the UK.” Linda explains how Homni can help users to create the conditions for a good night’s sleep: “Thanks to its four sensors, this intelligent lamp promotes healthy sleep with adapted light cycles and ambient sounds to help users wake up and fall asleep gently. Connected to the new Terraillon dedicated app, Homni analyses the temperature, light, humidity and noise levels in the room to provide users with tips to achieve a good sleep quality and understand disturbances at night." The package also comes with “Dot, a button-shaped sensor which is placed under the user’s pillow to automatically and accurately analyse sleep cycles and duration; and Rest-On, a sensor in a form of a belt, which analyses heart and respiratory rates.”

experienced 30% growth in the US, worth around $1billion.” The Alchema app takes any guesswork out of the brewing process: users select a recipe, add the appropriate ingredients and wait around one week. The appliance incorporates a medical grade UVC LED light to sanitise the container and monitors the fermentation process. The cider maker is designed for international markets as it connects to a plug socket via a USB adapter, and Oscar foresees the growth of the recipeswapping Alchema global community.

Also at the IH+HS, Picobrew demonstrated how its automated, IoT (Internet of Things) beer-brewing appliance that can brew five litres of craft beer in about two hours and has a grain-to-glass serving time of seven to 10 days. PicoPak ingredient packs (which are compostable) contain the fresh hops and grains needed to brew fresh, professional quality craft beers. Having partnered with over 150 craft brewers to date, Picobrew claims you can create some of your favourite beers at home, and invites enthusiasts to use its ‘freestyle tool’ to muster up personal craft recipes.

Developments in smart tea and coffee brewing were also in evidence at the IH+HS, including Gourmia’s Electric Square Tea Maker and Behmor’s Connected Coffee Maker. The latter has “automatic altitude correction as water's boiling point is effected with one degree,” says founder, Joe Behm. His connected brewer is integrated with Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service and offers the Amazon Dash Replenishment Scheme. In the interests of better coffee for the future, Joe has also set a programme to link coffee bean farmers to the end result, for example “so that producers in Guatemala can taste the coffee made from their own beans.”

• To listen to the IH+HS’ discussion on the Smart Home’s impact on the Housewares Industry (including the challenge of fragmentation of apps or platforms, and approaches to marketing the benefits of smart devices) go to www.housewares.org/edication/presentationswebinars • For more on exhibitors at Chicago’s IH+HS (March 10-13 2018) see www.housewares.org/housewaresconnect365

Above: Warm glow from Homni by Terraillon, which will be showcased at Exclusively Housewares.

One small step for mankind’s coffee?

American inventor, Jacob Svec’s passion for coffee and science has led to his creation of the Perk (now ready for production thanks to Jacob’s successful Kickstarter campaign and recent tour of specialist coffee houses across the US). Jakub previously worked in the fields of nanotechnology and microlithography and has applied his expertise in precision technology to the creation of a new “precision coffee brewing experience.”

Jacob describes Perk as “an innovative, fully-automated coffee machine that simulates the pour-over method currently preferred by specialty coffee shops.” His personal interest in flight and space provided inspiration for his product development.

Jacob told PH: “As a former commercial pilot, I became interested in studying aeronautical engineering for low gravity environments. Some time into this, I was reading about astronaut diets and thought about what a coffee machine would look like. The first prototype I built eventually turned into Perk." He admits that thinking about the parameters of low gravity “gave me an opportunity to think about the problem in a completely new way, and when we are talking about a category of machines that have been being designed since the late 1800's, it is not easy to come up with something completely new!”

Jacob explains: “The patent-pending technology makes it possible to control temperature control and extraction uniformity without agitating each cup constantly by hand.

Effectively, this simple, lightweight machine replicates the motions of a trained barista, with push-button convenience.”

Above: Pour over coffee loving inventor, Jacob Svec with his Perk machine in his home lab in the US. It has already received high praise, including that of author and coffee expert, Scott Rao who is quoted:” I have never seen a coffee machine this capable for less than $10,000.”

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