STEEL presents new outdoor kitchens

STEEL has delivered a new modular concept that allows customers to fully customise their outdoor kitchen and barbecue set-up.

Shown at Eurocucina for the first time, the STEEL  outdoor kitchen range is available in four pre-designed configurations with the choice of three with the choice of sink and work units, barbecue tops and accessories including a pizza stone.

Gree Electric Appliances: Net Profit Reaches 29.017 CNY Billion in 2023,

Gree Electric Appliances disclosed its annual report for 2023. The report reveals that in 2023, Gree Electric Appliances achieved an operating income of CNY 203.979 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.93%. The net profit attributable to the shareholders of the listed company reached CNY 29.017 billion, marking an 18.41% increase from the previous year Furthermore, during the reporting period, Gree Electric Appliances’ products were sold to more than 190 countries and regions, with overseas business achieving operating income of CNY 24.904 billion, and the proportion of independent brands accounting for nearly 70%, an 8% increase year-on-year.

Midea reports 10 pct revenue increase in Q1

Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group saw its revenue rise 10 percent year on year to 106.5 billion yuan (about 14.99 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2024, the company said on Monday.

It was its highest quarterly revenue since the second quarter of last year, when it raked in 101.2 billion yuan, Midea said in a quarterly report.

The company raked in 9 billion yuan in net profit attributable to shareholders in the January-March period, up 12 percent year on year, it noted.

Midea has been expanding its new overseas channels and markets, and advancing its localized services. In the first quarter of 2024, the company’s overseas e-commerce retail sales increased by approximately 60 percent year on year

Eureka J12 Ultra

Eureka, a pioneer in home cleaning technology for over a century, has announced the European launch of its latest robot vacuum, the Eureka J12 Ultra. Featuring exceptional 5,000Pa suction power, more user-centric cleaning modes, advanced obstacle navigation, and a comprehensive all-in-one docking station, the J12 Ultra aims to be the preferred cleaning product for European households seeking efficient and convenient living.

Deep Cleaning Mode with Frequent Mop Refresh: Addressing a common drawback in robotic mops–mops becoming dirtier with continued use–the J12 Ultra offers an innovative solution. It features three program settings that control the mop’s return to the docking station for rinsing after cleaning areas of 12m², 10m², or 8m². This ensures that every new area is cleaned with a freshly rinsed mop, enhancing the overall cleanliness and efficiency of the cleaning process.

De Dietrich new collection

De Dietrich, a brand under the Brandt Group, has made a triumphant return by unveiling its cutting-edge “Philharmonie” collection. This collection embodies the essence of French craftsmanship, emphasizing design, quality, and performance.

The grand reveal took place in the desecrated chapel of Domaine Reine Margot in Issy les Moulineaux, a unique setting that resonates with the harmony and precision of culinary orchestration. Let’s delve into the details:

Heritage and Innovation:
De Dietrich, founded 340 years ago in 1684 near Strasbourg, has consistently championed innovation while upholding French expertise.
The Brandt Group currently operates two production sites in France—in Orléans and Vendôme—with a production capacity of 600,000 pieces. Their ambitious goal is to surpass one million units within the next 3 years.
Many of their product lines proudly bear the Origine France Garantie certification.
In 2023, their successful model yielded a turnover of €235M, with 25% of sales coming from exports to 15 countries.
The Philharmonie Collection:
This collection extends beyond cooking, signaling De Dietrich’s expansion into new markets.
While they lead in induction technology, they continue to advance in washing and refrigeration.
The collection includes:
Ovens: Redesigned with full-width handles, large TFT displays (some up to 4.3’’), and a central selector for an enhanced user experience.
Notable features: AI Talent Sensor for autonomous cooking without an external probe, over 150 recipes, and professional-grade methods like low-temperature cooking, sous vide, dehydration, air frying, and world recipes.
A wireless, independent probe ensures precise cooking.
Induction Hobs: Sleek surfaces in 65, 80, or 90 cm sizes, equipped with color LCD or TFT screens.
Motion Control technology allows touchless control.
The Ténor inductor delivers a powerful 5500W on a flexible cooking zone.
The AI Talent table provides a guide with 74 programmed recipes based on food types, adjusting power, temperature, and time automatically.
Luxurious Aesthetics:
The Philharmonie range exudes luxury, with meticulously chosen colors and materials.
Five finishes cater to diverse kitchen styles:
Infinite Black
Heritage (pure black with copper accents)
Stellar Stainless Steel (intense black with stainless steel details)
Eternal White (white with stainless steel)
Master Black (deep black with velvety textures).
In summary, De Dietrich’s Philharmonie collection harmonizes innovation, elegance, and culinary precision—a symphony of excellence in the heart of the kitchen.

Groupe SEB shows new products

Groupe Seb needed a spacious Parisian space to present its new 2024 products, as varied as they are surprising for their innovative and eco-responsible character. The main representatives, the product managers of each brand ( Krups , Moulinex , Tefal , Lagostina , Calor , Rowenta , etc.) and the chefs hosted this event highlighting flagship products such as the Cookeo , the Easyfry and the Companion of Moulinex which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. A real success, demonstrating the innovative strength of Groupe Seb.

This goes hand in hand with its good results for the 1st quarter , where sales reached €1,893 million (+7.3%). “The year 2024 is starting in line with our expectations, with robust organic sales growth, once again exceeding 5% this quarter ,” says Stanislas de Gramont , Managing Director. In a recovering consumer environment, the Small Household Equipment market remained resilient, with Consumer Sales outperforming (+5.8%).

Culinary preparation is on the rise

A segment in which strong growth is occurring, Air Fryers have not escaped the iconic Moulinex brand . Through different formats (4.2L; 6.5L; 8.3L), the Easy Fry offers many functions: synchronized cooking which allows you to make several recipes, Easy Fry & Grill technology acting as a fryer and grill and , for the largest format, double cooking. For pizza lovers, the brand presented a device similar to the others, but with a real difference: its pizza format, with wider cooking plates.

On the smart kitchen side, new versions of Cookeo are emerging. The Cookeo 9-in-1 and 10-in-1, with a more modern design and a more pleasant color interface, are equipped with new cooking modes: yogurt, slow cooking, and sous-vide. With, for the latest model, an additional program: “dough rising”. Finally, the Cookeo Mini Eco Design has been designed in a more compact format, with 50% recycled material. In addition, it can save up to 82% energy compared to conventional cooking. Another feat of the group on robots: Moulinex’s I-Coach Touch appears in 2nd position in the ranking established by UFC Que Choisir .

Finally, the 10th anniversary of the Campanion de Moulinex will be marked by a major promotional event. For one month, from May 14 to June 14, consumers will have access to the “buy one, get one free (€1)” offer.

Made in France and relaunch of the Calor brand, for floor maintenance and beauty

Rowenta , the group’s flagship floor care brand, highlighted Made in France and eco -design . Notably through its first X -Force Flex stick vacuum cleaner made in Normandy, which was previously made in China, and the Green Force Cyclonic Max canister vacuum cleaner made from recycled materials.

Finally, the beauty segment revalued the Calor brand, which is making a comeback with the new compact and lightweight Maestria Nano hairdryer , with three temperature levels, and Reverso , a 2-in-1 blow-drying brush.

Samsung: high efficiency and AI in the new washing machines launched in Europe

Samsung’s latest washing machines are truly impressive! Let’s break down the key features that make them stand out:

  1. Acqua Save Technology: This innovative system ensures efficient water usage by conveying soapy water to the clothes through a circulation pump. As a result, laundry gets wet easily, and the detergent penetrates evenly, enhancing wash efficiency. Notably, it uses up to 20% less water compared to traditional washing machines, while maintaining excellent cleaning performance. Additionally, the density of the detergent in the water increases, further improving results and reducing cycle time by up to 25%.
  2. SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy Mode: With this intelligent feature, users can monitor their daily, weekly, and monthly energy consumption. If the energy bill exceeds the user’s goal, SmartThings Energy automatically activates an energy-saving mode. This mode reduces energy consumption by up to 70% compared to hot water washes.
  3. AI Ecobubble and AI Wash:
    • AI Ecobubble: This adapts washing cycles based on the type of fabric recognized. It regulates the amount of bubbles (which effectively dissolve dirt and stains), adjusts wash time, water temperature, and spin speed. The result? Cold-water washes are just as effective as hot-water ones.
    • AI Wash: Delicately and thoroughly treats clothes with less water and detergent. An advanced detection system recognizes fabric weight, softness, and dirt levels. AI Wash dispenses the appropriate amount of water and detergent, continuously adjusting soak, rinse, and spin times for optimal results.
  4. Rapid Ecowash Program: Need a quick cycle? The Rapid Ecowash program completes a wash in just 39 minutes.
  5. Less Microfiber Cycle: Designed to minimize microplastic release during washing. By regulating motor rotation speed and wash intensity, this cycle reduces the amount of microfibers released by up to 54%.
  6. Detergent Scan and Care Label Scan: Users can scan the detergent and wash labels using SmartThings. The washing machine then adds the appropriate amount of detergent and treats clothes correctly based on the information received.

Samsung’s commitment to efficiency, AI, and sustainability truly shines in these cutting-edge washing machines! 🌟👕🧼

Electrolux in crisis?

Electrolux, a multinational company, finds itself in a challenging situation during the first quarter of 2024. Let’s delve into the details:

Financial Losses:
The company reported an operating loss of 720 million crowns for Q1 2024, a significant increase compared to the previous year’s loss of 256 million crowns.
This financial setback was partially offset by a decline in raw material prices.
Reasons Behind the Crisis:
Intense Competition: Electrolux faces fierce competition, particularly from Chinese competitors.
Promotions and Cost Pressure: To remain competitive, the company has had to run continuous promotions. Additionally, families worldwide have shifted toward low-cost products, impacting premium household appliances under the Electrolux brand.
North America’s Struggle:
North America, once a profitable market for Electrolux, now faces challenges.
Despite cost-cutting efforts, thousands of layoffs did not translate into profits due to high price pressure from Asian chains and importers in 2023 and Q1 2024.
Leadership Change:
CEO Jonas Samuelson has resigned, leaving the company.
The new organizational structure aims to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Speculation on Buyers:
Midea and Haier are rumored to be potential buyers for Electrolux.
In summary, Electrolux grapples with financial losses, leadership changes, and a tough market environment. The road ahead involves strategic decisions and adaptation to remain competitive in the global landscape.