Whirlpool India: A Strategic Tug-of-War Amid Global Appliance Shifts

Investor AB, the powerful Swedish holding company behind Electrolux and other industrial giants, is backing EQT in a potential takeover of Whirlpool India. While EQT remains the only serious bidder, Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer is asking $550–600 million for a 31% stake—an amount that led Bain Capital to walk away.

Despite interest, Whirlpool India faces stiff competition from Chinese and Japanese-Korean brands and lacks presence in premium segments. Tariff protections haven’t delivered results, adding pressure to the deal.

Electrolux may not be changing hands just yet—but the appliance sector is clearly heating up.

Midea Showcases AI-Driven, Energy-Efficient Future at IFA 2025

At IFA 2025 in Berlin, Midea Group is making a bold statement: Europe is at the heart of its future. With a sprawling booth and a lineup tailored to regional tastes, the Chinese home appliance giant is spotlighting its shift toward European localization, powered by artificial intelligence and energy efficiency.

Under the theme “Master Your Home,” Midea unveiled five product suites — including SMART MASTER and ECOMASTER — designed to meet European needs for compact living, sustainability, and premium design. SMART MASTER uses machine learning to adapt appliances to user habits, while ECOMASTER promises up to 30% energy savings via cloud-based analytics and the Midea SmartHome app.

Newly integrated brands like Germany’s Küppersbusch and TEKA, and the U.S.-based Eureka, reinforce Midea’s strategy of blending global innovation with local trust. Flagship products include the SPACE MASTER Refrigerator, the multifunctional One Oven, and the Raynor Heater built for Nordic winters.

Beyond products, Midea is investing in R&D centers in Germany and Italy, expanding logistics hubs, and enhancing digital platforms like iBOS and Midea Club to boost efficiency across 18 European markets.

With 38 global R&D centers and over 90,000 patents, Midea’s “Global Breakthroughs Strategy” aims to build resilience and stay close to consumers. As Fu from Midea puts it, “Challenges are opportunities — and localization is our strength.”

Beko introduces its next generation of appliances driving energy savings and environmental responsibility

As the industry gathers for IFA Berlin, the world’s biggest home and consumer technology event, companies are showcasing their latest innovations to meet evolving consumer needs. Beko, a global leader in home appliances, is highlighting its portfolio of energy-efficient products that combine cutting-edge technology with intuitive functionality, while prioritising reliability and durability for everyday use.

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Ariston VitalCare
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Beko SensorAdapt
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Grundig SafeCook

Beko’s technology portfolio features state-of-the-art refrigeration, drying, dishwashing, and cooking solutions – all equipped with intelligent technologies that elevate performance, sustainability, and user experience.

Refrigerators with Innovative Freshness Technologies

New refrigeration innovations set a benchmark for freshness, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. The 60 cm combi No Frost refrigerator offers a spacious 415-liter capacity with an A energy class rating and operates at a whisper-quiet 29 dBA. For compact living spaces, the 54 cm built-in refrigerator delivers 270 liters of storage with a B energy class efficiency and equally low noise levels. Both models integrate the company’s advanced freshness systems:

  • FreshLock™ cooling technology extends the freshness of selected foods by up to 30% through optimized humidity and even airflow.1
  • ProFresh* technology preserves freshness up to four times longer for specific food types, ensuring optimal taste and nutrition.2
  • VitalCare™ three-tone lighting preserves antioxidants in fruits and vegetables for up to seven days, supporting healthier nutrition.3

Smart, Energy-Saving Dishwashing

The latest dishwasher innovations feature the PowerIntense4 spray arm system, delivering up to five times better cleaning performance on even the hardest-to-reach areas versus previous models. The SensorAdapt5 AI-sensing technology detects the load size and soil level to automatically optimize water, energy, and cycle time—reducing energy and water use by up to 50% and halving cleaning time.

Additional highlights include:

  • A flexible third rack offering increased loading versatility, with SpaceClean 3rd Rack accommodating taller items such as mugs and glasses up to 13 cm.
  • The PowerClean Pro system enhances lower rack capacity by 30% and delivers 60% more powerful water jets to tackle tough dirt.6
  • The energy-efficient heat pump system delivers high performance while exceeding energy class A efficiency standards by 50%.7
  • TargetDry smart drying technology applies heat only where needed on dishes, speeding drying times and reducing energy consumption by up to 25%.8

Innovative Cooking Solutions for Modern Homes

Across the brand family, Beko expands its cooking appliance range with a new slim induction hob featuring cutting-edge smart sensors:

  • SafeCook Sensor instantly detects cooking temperatures to safely end cooking and prevent overheating.
  • ReadytoCook Sensor alerts users when the desired temperature is reached and keeps it stable for perfect cooking results.

Also featured are advanced ovens designed for versatility and precision:

  • The compact built-in oven combines traditional oven capabilities with microwave speed, delivering 3-level cooking that conserves energy and time without compromising results.
  • The built-in steam oven utilizes SteamSense+, a food sensing probe, and active steam control to automatically adjust humidity and temperature, ensuring delicious cooking every time.

Cookware that talks. Hobs that listen.

At IFA Berlin, Miele introduced Miele M Sense — a patented system that brings intelligence directly to the cookware and the hob.

We’ve all been there: just a moment’s distraction, the phone rings or the doorbell chimes, and suddenly the milk or pasta water has boiled over or the steak is burnt. With M Sense, we’ve got you covered. ✔️

With up to three integrated sensors, M Sense monitors the cooking process in real time. The hob responds by adjusting the power level automatically. Control happens where it matters most: directly on the cookware, via a sleek touch interface.

For everyday cooking, this means fewer interruptions, greater consistency and the quiet confidence that everything is under control. Whether you’re refining a recipe or sharing a meal with loved ones, Miele M Sense lets you focus on what truly matters.

Fresco and E.G.O.-Group are showcasing their first induction

At IFA Berlin! Fresco and E.G.O.-Group are showcasing their first induction demonstration appliance, combining E.G.O’s 100 years of technological expertise in the appliance industry with Fresco’s cross-brand smart kitchen platform. Simplifying cooking, producing better results, and paving the way for the modern kitchen command hub.

Meet the Midea Chill Master: The Smart Fridge That’s Redefining Convenience

Say goodbye to juggling cups and awkward angles—Midea’s latest innovation, the Chill Master smart refrigerator, introduces the industry’s first-ever hands-free ice-and-water dispenser. It’s not just smart—it’s refreshingly intuitive.

🚰 A 4-in-1 Dispenser That Does It All

At the heart of the Chill Master is its game-changing 4-in-1 dispenser, offering:
– Cubed ice 
– Crushed ice 
– Chilled water 
– A perfectly blended ice-and-water mix 

With dual taps and a hands-free base, you simply select your option, place your glass or pitcher on the platform, and press the button—no need to hold your container while it fills. The dispenser accommodates vessels up to 25.4 cm tall, which means even your oversized Starbucks Venti or a family-sized pitcher fits with ease.

🧊 Smart Storage That Adapts to You

Inside, the Chill Master is just as clever. It features the Infinite Shelf, a retractable, repositionable surface that adjusts with a single press—ideal for storing tall bottles, layered leftovers, or party platters. And thanks to SlimFoam insulation, the fridge maximizes internal space without bulky doors, giving you more room to chill without compromising on style.

V-ZUG professional pizza

Enjoy restaurant-quality pizza in just four minutes with our V-ZUG Combair V6000 P. With intense heat of up to 350 °C and precise air distribution, our new Professional Pizza function ensures crispy bases, light crusts and melted mozzarella.

Combined with our new Pizza Set, you can create your own pizzaiolo moment at home. The Pizza Set includes a baking tray that fits in all our V-ZUG Combair ovens and a beautifully crafted wooden serving peel in oak or walnut.

Discover the new Professional Pizza function and the Pizza Set – a Swiss engineered solution for making top-quality pizza at home:

Whirlpool Accuses Samsung and LG of Dodging Tariffs via Transfer Pricing

Whirlpool has filed a complaint with U.S. authorities, alleging that Samsung and LG’s American subsidiaries manipulated internal “transfer pricing” to lower tariffs on imported appliances. By undervaluing goods shipped from overseas units, Whirlpool claims the companies reduced their tax burden unfairly.

The complaint was submitted to the White House and U.S. Customs in August, reigniting tensions in a market where Samsung and LG now hold a combined 36% share, compared to Whirlpool’s 20%.

Both Korean firms deny wrongdoing, citing compliance with U.S. tax laws and highlighting their investments in domestic manufacturing.

Whirlpool’s move could influence future tariff policies and intensify scrutiny of multinational pricing strategies.

The Miele Steam Drawer celebrates world premiere at IFA

Miele new Steam Drawer is a compact powerhouse of culinary versatility. Unveiled for the first time at IFA Berlin, this 14 cm high drawer redefines what’s possible in a classic 60 cm kitchen niche. Paired with a 45 cm oven with microwave, it creates a 3-in-1 solution for baking, reheating, and steam cooking.

The benefit: Several dishes can be prepared at the same time using different cooking methods. While a joint of meat is roasting in the oven, vegetables and potatoes are steam cooking in the Steam Drawer beneath. All to perfection.

– Powered by Miele’s proven DualSteam technology – for perfect results,   whether crisp vegetables or tender meat
– Over 100 automatic programmes, automatic Menu cooking and Sous-Vide for maximum comfort for everyday use and discerning gourmets
– Uses 30% less energy than a regular Steam oven
– Ideal for compact kitchens and gourmet ambitions alike

Whether you’re preparing vegetables, fish, meat, rice, or reheating small portions – the Steam Drawer delivers perfect results with minimal space and maximum flexibility.

Candy multi wash is a winner

The Candy Multi Wash has won the IFA 2025 Reviewed Award! 🎉 Candy Multi Wash is the most WOW machine you’ve ever seen — featuring three independent drums that let you wash different clothes at the same time, each with its own cycle, temperature, and duration. And with an A-20% energy rating, it’s as efficient as it is innovative.