The Electrolux Group has appointed Bernard Chong to the role of head of region APAC, effective June 1, 2026. He most recently president for Greater China at Dyson
Electrolux appoints head of region for APAC
Euronics Gruppo Nova Granted Court Approval to Begin Preventive Bankruptcy Procedure
Euronics Gruppo Nova has received formal approval from the Court of Rome to initiate a preventive bankruptcy proceeding (concordato preventivo)—a move designed to stabilise the company and support its shareholder Euronics Italia SpA as it works through its current financial crisis.
The court has appointed two professionals, Andrea Abatecola and Marina Scandurra, who will collaborate closely with founder Stefano Caporicci and the company’s management team throughout the process. Their mandate is to guide the restructuring effort, safeguard business continuity, and help the group navigate a path toward recovery.
The decision marks a significant step in the ongoing reorganisation of one of Italy’s most recognised consumer electronics and appliance retail groups. With the support of court‑appointed experts and internal leadership, Euronics Gruppo Nova aims to stabilise operations while preparing a sustainable plan for the future.
WhiteGoodsNow.com will continue to follow developments as the restructuring progresses.
Beko Unveils New Turkish Coffee Machines
Beko introduces two new Turkish coffee machines — the TKM 9961 Z and TKM 8961 Z — blending Bauhaus‑inspired design with authentic, foam‑rich brewing. A modern icon for kitchens that want tradition with a twist.
Kenwood’s MultiPro Go Blend Wins Red Dot Design Award 2026
Kenwood has secured a Red Dot Design Award for the newly launched MultiPro Go Blend, a product that evolves one of the brand’s most successful compact food processors into a more capable, space‑saving Kitchen System.
The MultiPro Go Blend builds on the original MultiPro Go platform by introducing a high‑performance blender attachment, transforming the unit from a simple food processor into a dual‑function solution. Designed with smaller homes, shared living spaces, and storage‑conscious consumers in mind, the system delivers the two tools people use most — a food processor and a blender — without the clutter of rarely used accessories.
For retailers, the award reinforces a growing trend in the compact‑appliance segment: consumers want versatility without footprint, and brands that can deliver focused, high‑value functionality are winning both attention and shelf space.
Guide to Energy-Efficient White Goods
If you’re shopping for new appliances at White Goods Now, you’ve probably noticed those colorful A-to-G stickers and slogans about “Eco-design.” But what do they actually mean for your wallet and your home?
Based on the latest 2025 guidelines from the European Commission, here are the five essential things you need to know about modern, energy-efficient white goods.
1. The “Cheap” Appliance Might Be the Most Expensive
It’s tempting to look only at the price tag, but the true cost of a fridge or washing machine is Price + Lifetime Running Costs. According to EU data, energy-efficient products meet such high standards that they save the average household about €320 per year on energy bills. By choosing a high-rated appliance today, you’re essentially giving yourself an 8% discount on your annual power bill for the next decade.
2. Efficiency Drives Better Performance (Not Just Lower Power)
A common myth is that energy-efficient appliances are “weaker.” In reality, they often perform better because they use smarter technology.
Sensors: Modern dishwashers and washers use sensors to detect how dirty your load is, adjusting water and power levels in real-time.
Standby Modes: By 2030, new regulations on “standby” power will have saved enough electricity to power the entire country of Malta for two years!
3. Innovation is Changing the Tech in Your Laundry Room
Efficiency isn’t just about doing the same thing with less; it’s about doing things differently.
Tumble Dryers: Most new high-efficiency dryers now use Heat Pump technology. These consume about 50% less energy than traditional vented or condenser dryers.
Lighting: If your appliance has internal lighting (like your fridge), it’s almost certainly LED now, which uses 90% less energy than old-school bulbs.
4. It’s About More Than Just Your Bill
While saving money is the primary goal for most of us, these products are also vital for the planet. Even as Europe moves toward renewable energy, the “greenest” kilowatt-hour is the one you never use.
By choosing efficient white goods, you help reduce the strain on the national grid and lower the demand for imported fossil fuels. It’s a win-win for your bank account and the environment.
5. The Labels Are Your Best Friend
The A-to-G energy label is your most powerful tool when shopping. It’s transparent, easy to read, and consistent across all brands.
Check the QR Code: Most modern labels feature a QR code you can scan with your phone to see more detailed specs in the European Product Registry (EPREL).
Look for Longevity: New “Eco-design” rules mean manufacturers must ensure products are easier to repair and that spare parts are available for years, preventing your appliance from ending up in a landfill prematurely.
ASKO Brings “Precision Matters” to Life with Immersive Installation at EuroCucina 2026
ASKO used this year’s EuroCucina to sharpen its design message with a showcase built entirely around its guiding philosophy: “Precision Matters.” The brand delivered this through an immersive, multi‑sensory environment that connected art, engineering, and Scandinavian craftsmanship.
At the centre of the stand was a striking interactive installation developed with Cosmodernism, the art project led by Kamil Czapiga. The piece visualised how pigment responds to controlled heat — a live, evolving demonstration of the accuracy that underpins ASKO’s Celsius oven technology. It offered visitors a rare look at the science behind the brand’s temperature‑led cooking approach.
That theme of meticulous control carried across the wider presentation, including the latest Celsius ovens, the next‑generation Scandinavian Laundry Care 2.0 range, and ASKO’s award‑winning dishwashers and wine climate cabinets. Each product line reinforced the same message: performance shaped by care, and quality defined by detail.
Haier Europe Sets a New Benchmark in Premium Refrigeration With the Horizon Collection
Haier Europe has unveiled the Horizon Collection, a next‑generation refrigeration platform that pushes the boundaries of capacity, food preservation and intelligent kitchen management. Positioned as the company’s new flagship in the multi‑door segment, Horizon reflects Haier’s strategy of pairing high‑end design with advanced AI‑driven functionality.
At the core of the range is NutriBank, a new preservation technology engineered to keep meat and fish fresh for up to seven days while maintaining texture, nutrients and overall quality. For retailers, this positions Horizon squarely in the premium performance tier a space where Haier has been steadily gaining ground across Europe.
The collection also delivers one of the largest internal capacities in its class, combined with top‑tier energy efficiency, reinforcing Haier’s focus on sustainability without compromising storage volume or cooling performance.
Where Horizon moves furthest ahead is in its AI‑powered food management system. Integrated smart cameras and recognition algorithms automatically identify stored items, adjust preservation settings, track expiry dates and help households reduce food waste. This aligns with Haier’s broader vision of a connected, low‑waste kitchen ecosystem, and strengthens the brand’s leadership in smart‑home refrigeration.
With Horizon, Haier Europe is signalling its intent to redefine the premium multi‑door category blending capacity, efficiency and intelligent assistance into a single, future‑facing platform.
Norcool Returns to the UK with Exclusive Distribution by The Corner Fridge Company
The Corner Fridge Company has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Norcool, marking the Scandinavian brand’s official return to the market.
The agreement brings back Norcool’s signature products, including the next‑generation Corner Fridge and the brand’s new cooling drawer systems, both aimed at premium kitchen projects and high‑capacity cooling requirements.
The refreshed range will make its first public appearance at Grand Designs Live 2026 (1–4 May), where visitors can explore the line‑up at Stand M100.
Smeg Introduces the Moonlight Collection: A Soft, Sophisticated New Finish for the Countertop
Smeg has expanded its design palette with Moonlight, a soft, elevated finish that brings warmth, balance, and quiet sophistication to the modern kitchen. The new tone is crafted to sit comfortably across a wide range of interior styles, delivering the brand’s signature retro‑inspired aesthetic in a look that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The Moonlight finish is now available across three core countertop essentials:
– Drip Coffee Maker (DCF02)
– Electric Kettle (KLF03)
– 2‑Slice Toaster (TSF01)
Positioned as a refined alternative within Smeg’s colour portfolio, Moonlight strengthens the brand’s focus on design‑led small domestic appliances and offers retailers a fresh, premium aesthetic for 2026.
Midea’s Strong Q1 Performance Signals Steady Momentum in the White Goods Market
Midea Group has kicked off 2026 with a solid financial performance, reinforcing its position as one of the most influential players in the global white goods and home appliance industry. The company reported first‑quarter sales of 131 billion yuan (€16.36 billion), marking a 2.5% increase from the same period last year. In a market where growth is often incremental and competition is fierce, this uptick is a meaningful indicator of resilience and strategic focus.
Even more telling is Midea’s profitability. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached 12.67 billion yuan (€1.58 billion), a 2% rise from last year’s 12.4 billion yuan. With profit representing 9.6% of revenue, Midea continues to demonstrate strong operational discipline. The company also surpassed a key benchmark: operating profit exceeded 10% of sales, a threshold that many manufacturers in the white goods sector struggle to reach consistently.
What This Means for the White Goods Industry
Midea’s performance offers a snapshot of broader trends shaping the sector:
– Premiumisation is paying off. Consumers continue to gravitate toward higher‑end appliances with smart features, energy efficiency, and improved design. Midea’s investment in innovation appears to be aligning well with this shift.
– Operational efficiency matters more than ever. Margins in white goods are notoriously tight. Midea’s ability to keep operating profit above 10% suggests strong supply chain management and cost control.
– Global demand remains steady. Despite economic fluctuations, the need for essential appliances—refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners—remains stable. Midea’s diversified global footprint helps buffer regional slowdowns.
Why This Quarter Stands Out
While the growth percentages may seem modest, they’re significant in a mature industry where many competitors are flat or declining. Midea’s ability to expand both revenue and profit simultaneously shows that its strategy is working: balancing innovation with efficiency, and global expansion with disciplined execution.
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