The Nanterre Commercial Court has selected the Cafom Group as the buyer of the brands belonging to the Brandt Group. The deal, valued at €18.6 million, covers four well-known appliance brands—Brandt, Sauter, De Dietrich, and Vedette—along with their associated patents and existing inventory.
Following the acquisition, Cafom has already restarted distribution of these brands in both the French and international markets. The group has also outlined plans to progressively reindustrialize production, with a clear intention to maintain manufacturing activities in France 🇫🇷.
To support this strategy, Cafom has partnered with Arpa, an Alsatian company specializing in cooking appliances. Arpa will notably take charge of induction cooktop production and is expected to create over 50 jobs in the short term, rising to around 130 positions in the longer term as part of a new oven production and assembly line.
At the same time, EverEver, a start-up based in Brittany that had previously submitted its own bid for the brands, has been approached to help develop a new range of washing machines scheduled for launch in the coming months.
Cafom says the project represents a major step in strengthening the French appliance industry.
“We are proud to launch this ambitious project, which will create jobs in France, preserve national industrial heritage, and protect the purchasing power of French consumers,” the group stated. “This initiative also reinforces our position as a leading player in the distribution of home furnishings and household equipment.”
Through this acquisition and its industrial partnerships, Cafom aims to revitalize historic French appliance brands while rebuilding local manufacturing capacity—a move that could bring both economic and industrial benefits in the years ahead.
Hoover reintroduced to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Tempo and Techtronic Industries (TTi) have entered a new distribution partnership that will see Hoover whitegoods reintroduced to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Under the agreement, a refreshed Hoover range of major domestic appliances—including laundry, refrigeration and dishwashing—will roll out later this year. The move marks a significant expansion opportunity for the brand, which carries more than a century of heritage in home appliances.
By leveraging Tempo’s established market presence and TTi’s distribution strength, Hoover is set to broaden its footprint across the region and become accessible to a wider base of customers.
Morphy Richards Celebrates 90 Years of Innovation at AWE 2026
Under the theme “Time Forged, Vision Forward,” Morphy Richards marked its 90th anniversary at AWE 2026 with major product debuts and an AWE Innovation Award for the Kitchen Master 2‑in‑1 Mixing Fryer.
The brand showcased three flagship launches:
– the Fully Automatic Coffee Machine with hot‑and‑cold dual extraction,
– the InfuseChill Flavoured Ice Maker, introducing customizable multi‑flavour ice,
– and the Fully Automatic High‑Speed Blender, offering one‑touch heating, blending, dispensing, and sanitizing.
The award‑winning Kitchen Master impressed with its spatial‑folding design, integrating mixing and frying into a compact, streamlined workflow tailored for modern, space‑conscious kitchens.
Celebrating nine decades of engineering heritage and global growth, Morphy Richards reaffirmed its commitment to More Stylish, Higher Quality, Smarter innovation—continuing to shape the future of everyday living.
AWE2026 Sets New Global Benchmark as AI-Powered Smart Living Takes Center Stage
The Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2026 (AWE2026) wrapped up after four high‑energy days, uniting more than 1,200 global brands and innovators to showcase the next era of AI‑driven smart living. Early data from AWE confirms a 30%+ surge in attendance year-on-year, cementing its position as the world’s largest consumer technology exhibition.
This year’s main venue—the Shanghai New International Expo Centre—spanned over 140,000 square meters, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors into immersive, hands-on demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone offered streamlined access for international attendees, with pre-registration and visa‑free entry enabling a smooth arrival-to-show experience.
AI Takes the Spotlight: “Smart AI, Smarter Future”
Under the theme “Smart AI, Smarter Future,” AWE2026 highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of modern living—from home appliances and robotics to mobile computing and energy ecosystems.
Two brands dominated the show floor:
Haier: AI Eye 2.0 and L4 Intelligent Appliances
Haier unveiled its upgraded AI Eye 2.0 system and introduced the Seeker series of L4-level intelligent appliances. The lineup includes three categories of home service robots designed for:
– Cleaning
– Companionship
– Domestic assistance
Haier’s expansive booth—exceeding 10,000 square meters—positioned the brand as a leader in AI‑native home ecosystems.
Dreame: A Full-Stack Smart Living Ecosystem
Dreame matched Haier with an equally massive exhibition, presenting a cross‑category ecosystem spanning:
– Smart home appliances
– Smartphones
– Vehicles
– Aerospace exploration
– Energy management
– Computing power
Flagship debuts included:
– A clothes‑folding robot
– The self‑developed “Chixiao 01” mobile processor
– The Nebula NEXT 01X platform
Smart Home Evolution: From Passive to Proactive
Major brands—Haier, Huawei, Hisense, Siemens, Panasonic, and others—showcased deeply integrated AI solutions that move appliances beyond simple automation. The shift is clear: devices are becoming active participants in home management, capable of anticipating needs and delivering personalized services.
Home Robotics Steal the Show
One of the strongest trends at AWE2026 was the rapid rise of home service robotics. Companies including Haier, Hisense, TCL, Fotile, Roborock, MOVA, Ecovacs, and Dreame unveiled next‑generation concepts such as:
– Companion robots
– Fully robotic kitchens
– Wheeled cleaning robots
– Flying cleaning devices
These innovations signal a future where hands‑free living becomes the norm, not the exception
Panasonic’s First Rice Cooker: The Small Innovation That Changed Home Cooking
When Panasonic launched its first automatic electric rice cooker in 1956, it quietly reshaped everyday life. By pairing a heating element with a thermostat, the company turned a time‑intensive task into a hands‑off routine—so successfully that 1957 became Japan’s “rice cooker boom.”
Through the early 1960s, Panasonic kept refining the design with keep‑warm modes and timers, features that soon became essential in households across Japan.
These early steps reveal a pattern that still defines the brand today: innovation built not on flashy breakthroughs, but on steady, thoughtful improvements that make daily living easier
Midea’s new laundry solutions
Midea’s new laundry solutions aim to elevate washing and drying performance while reducing energy consumption.
The New 205 Series: Innovation at the Core
The 205 Series introduces several advanced technologies:
– Storm Wash: an extra‑large drum with five dynamic water flows that mimic hand‑washing
– Power Guard: boosts washing intensity without heating water, enabling up to 80% energy savings
– Energy Class A performance
These innovations ensure powerful cleaning with minimal environmental impact.
Next‑Generation Dryers
The new dryers feature:
– Advanced sensors that monitor drying progress in real time
– Optimized cycles for maximum fabric care
– Consistent, high‑quality results across all load types
Together, the new washers and dryers deliver a complete, efficient laundry experience
Midea also introduced two new refrigeration series
Midea also introduced two new refrigeration series—Eco Master and Chill Master—each addressing different consumer priorities.
Eco Master: Intelligent Energy Management
The Eco Master series integrates AI‑driven systems to optimize efficiency:
– AI EcoMaster: schedules energy‑intensive tasks at optimal times
– AI SilentSense: identifies quieter operating periods
– A‑class energy rating and ultra‑quiet performance
This line is ideal for consumers seeking sustainability without sacrificing convenience.
Chill Master: Maximum Capacity and Everyday Practicality
With capacities reaching 700 liters, Chill Master focuses on space and usability. Key features include:
– Auto Ice Maker producing up to 1.2 kg of ice daily, with 1.8 kg storage
– Infinite Shelf & Infinite Door Bin systems for flexible interior organization
Chill Master is built for large households and those who value adaptable storage.
Midea/Teka built-in launch
At the European Trade Conference in Venice, Midea showcased one of its most ambitious product portfolios to date, reinforcing its strategic push into the European market. The brand introduced major innovations across built‑in appliances, refrigeration, laundry care, and small domestic appliances—each designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and industry professionals.
Built‑In Appliances: Three New Series for Every Kitchen Style
Midea’s built‑in category takes a significant leap forward with the launch of three new lines—Eleva, Ispira, and Essenza—each tailored to a different market segment.
Eleva: Premium Performance Meets Contemporary Design
Positioned at the top of the range, the Eleva series blends advanced technology with refined aesthetics. Key features include:
– TasteXpress®: a high‑temperature grill system for fast, crispy results
– XpressControl™: precise temperature management down to 30°C
– Control On‑the‑Go: remote operation via the SmartHome app
– Modern design with touch UI and a side knob for intuitive control
Eleva is engineered for consumers who want both high‑end performance and a sleek, modern look.
Ispira: Versatility and High Performance
The Ispira line focuses on flexibility and speed, making it ideal for dynamic, everyday cooking. Highlights include:
– XpressFry™: a 360° hot‑air system for crispier textures
– XpressCook: up to 2500 W of power to cut cooking times
– Dedicated pizza function for expanded culinary possibilities
Ispira is designed for households that value performance without compromising versatility.
Essenza: Accessible Quality
For a more budget‑friendly segment, Essenza delivers solid performance with:
– XL cavity capacity for larger dishes
– Even‑Pro Technology ensuring uniform heat distribution
Essenza offers reliable functionality at an accessible price point.
Gas ranges sold at US retailers are being recalled
Electrolux Group is recalling more than 174,000 Frigidaire gas ranges due to an oven-related issue that poses a burn hazard to users.
The recall affects about 169,500 units sold in the U.S. and 5,300 in Canada, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
New standard in luxury appliances arrives in Milan.
Fulgor Milano is set to make waves at Salone del Mobile 2026, unveiling its latest collection that masterfully blends precision Italian engineering with timeless, refined design.
This sophisticated lineup represents the pinnacle of performance, cutting-edge innovation, and contemporary living—poised to redefine the modern luxury kitchen.
Visitors can experience the new collection firsthand at:
📍 Hall 02 | Stand A24
🗓 21–26 April 2026
Fiera Milano Rho, Milan
As one of the world’s premier events for design and furnishing, this year’s Salone del Mobile (running April 21-26) features over 1,900 exhibitors across massive sold-out space, with special focus on EuroCucina and kitchen technology—making it the perfect stage for Fulgor Milano’s elevated white goods offerings.
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