Haier & Candy launch new dishwasher

Introducing the new generation of dishwashers featuring our two hero products: Candy Rapido’ and Haier I-Pro Shine Series 6.

The Haier I-Pro Shine Series 6 enhance the dishwashing experience by reaching up to A-30 energy class declaration and delivering 60% better cleaning performance.

The Candy Rapido’ is the fastest and most spacious dishwasher on the market, offering a wide range of rapid cycles to suit every need. It is more sustainable than ever, with an A energy class declaration.

Both dishwasher series are equipped with the #hOn app-enabled features that maximize energy savings while delivering a superior cleaning experience and minimizing environmental impact.

Midea Group take over Teka Group

After the conclusion of a competitive sales process, our shareholder HERITAGE B has reached an agreement to divest Teka Group to Midea Group, including all operations related to appliances and sinks and the group’s three brands: Teka, Küppersbusch and Intra.   Becoming part of Midea Group will increase our capabilities in different strategic and operational areas, enhancing our competitiveness in an increasingly complex and dynamic market. This transaction will undoubtedly enable us to strengthen our competitive position, opening a new era for Teka Group whilst safeguarding our legacy with over 100 years of history.   Founded in 1968, Midea is a listed technology group with more than 190,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Foshan, Guangdong province (China), the Asian group closed 2023 with a turnover of 48 billion euros. Midea’s business activities include household appliances, air conditioning products, services and components for industry, robotics and automation.   The deal is subject to the required approvals by relevant regulators. The closing of the transaction is expected in the coming months.   Teka Group closed 2023 with c.€600m of gross sales and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7%, a particularly positive and resilient profit performance despite post-Covid market adjustments, and supply chain issues, amongst others

Vestel Ranks Among Turkey’s Top Three Most Valuable Brands

Vestel, a significant home appliance manufacturer operating in Turkey, has once again demonstrated its growing market influence by securing a spot among the top three in the Brand Finance study titled ‘Turkey’s Most Valuable Brands’. According to the 2023 results, the company has achieved a brand value of $917 million.

Duygu Badem Uylukcuoglu, the General Manager of Marketing at Vestel, highlighted the company’s pride in its export success, with products reaching 163 countries worldwide. The firm is focused on enhancing user experience through innovative designs and technologies, aligning with its vision to be a global technology company. Uylukcuoglu expressed, “Our experience-focused approach, the sports sponsorships we are proud to pioneer in Turkey, and our corporate social responsibility efforts work towards a more equitable future.”

LG Electronics Unveils STEM Refrigerators with Direct Water Line for Ice and Purification

LG Electronics is introducing a new refrigerator brand called STEM that directly connects to a water line to produce purified water and ice. The company plans to expand the STEM lineup to more than half of its premium French-door refrigerator models and position it as a driving force for its appliance subscription service.

The STEM refrigerators address user complaints associated with traditional ice makers that require manual water refilling and cleaning of the water tank. By directly channeling water through a dedicated line, STEM enhances hygiene while offering options like craft ice, cube ice, mini cubes, and crushed ice.

The brand name, derived from the word “stem” representing how plants transport water and nutrients, symbolizes the delivery of clean water and ice through the direct water line. STEM models come in two variants: with and without a water dispenser Equipped with an AI Energy-Saving Care system, the refrigerators learn usage patterns and maintain consistent temperatures by adjusting to concentrated cooling modes during peak usage times, such as mornings when doors are frequently opened.

Through the LG ThinQ app, an Energy Saving Mode powered by AI will be added later this year, further exemplifying LG’s commitment to upgradeable appliances.

The UV Nano feature automatically disinfects the water dispenser nozzle with UV LED lights every hour for 10 minutes. A three-stage purification filter reduces nine types of heavy metals and fine particles while removing bacteria like E. coli and viruses that can cause food poisoning, such as norovirus.LG Electronics plans to expand the STEM lineup to more than half of its premium French-door refrigerator models. The company aims to accelerate its appliance subscription service using STEM as a key offering. Subscribers will receive periodic visits from care managers who will clean the refrigerator, perform maintenance checks, and replace consumables like filters. Complimentary repairs are covered throughout the subscription period, or customers can opt to purchase the product outright and subscribe only to the care service.

Currently, LG Electronics offers subscription plans for 21 product categories, including water purifiers, refrigerators, ice and water dispensers, kimchi refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, washer-dryer combos, and TVs.

Robert Brandon new CEO of Berbel Ablufttechnik

Starting from June’s conclusion, Berbel Ablufttechnik, a renowned German manufacturer of extractor hoods, will welcome a fresh executive: Robert Brandon. With a rich history of leadership spanning 16 years as the CEO for the Vaillant Group in the Netherlands and Belgium, Brandon brings a wealth of experience to the table. This transition has been officially announced by the company. Patrick Jung, who has served as the interim CEO for the past year, will be stepping down from his role. Berbel Ablufttechnik, which employs a workforce of 250, is an integral part of the Swiss-based Wesco group.

Robert Brandon, poised to take on the role of CEO at Berbel Ablufttechnik GmbH, acknowledges the significant responsibilities and prospects that await. “Berbel has carved out a niche as a leading provider of high-end extractor hoods. It is my ambition to not only uphold but to elevate our status in the market and to broaden our reach, both domestically and on the global stage,” he articulated.

Xiaomi unveils new ultra-thin Mijia Smart Washer Dryer 10kg

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Smart Washer Dryer 10kg (Ultra-thin, Fully Embedded) in China. As its name suggests, the model is relatively slim at just 570 mm (~22.5 inches) wide, ideal for smaller laundry rooms or kitchens.

The Mijia Smart Washer Dryer offers 25 cycles, including an Essence Quick Wash, completed in 36 minutes. The washer has HyperOS for smart home linkage and can be controlled via the Mijia app or with Xiao AI voice commands. Detergent can be automatically dispensed based on the weight of the washing, or manually set using the color touch control panel, or remotely via the app. Plus, you can trigger OTA updates via the app. The machine has a 525 mm (~20.7 inch) drum powered by a direct drive motor with a 1:1 washing ratio and is said to remove 99.99% of bacteria. For drying, sensors control the temperature precisely and stop the cycle when the clothes are dry.

You can now buy the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Washer Dryer 10kg (Ultra-thin, Fully Embedded) in China for the discounted price of 2,299 yuan (~$325). When this pre-sale period ends on June 30th, the price is expected to increase to 2,499 yuan (~$350). It is unlikely that the model will reach regions like Europe in the near future.