Samsung seeks to overcome downturn with energy-efficient home appliances

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Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled the lineup of its new range of energy efficient Bespoke home appliances, in a move to attract Korean consumers and satisfy strict environmental regulations in Europe and elsewhere.

The tech giant said it will improve its profitability this year with upgraded products equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

“What consumers are most interested in recently are energy-related functions. So we will overcome the difficulties this year, through our eco-friendly products,” Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee said at a press conference.

Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President Choi Ick-soo also said that the company’s energy-efficient products have helped generate growth in sales, especially in the European market.

In the aftermath of the global economic recession, Samsung Electronics suffered a 60 billion won ($46 million) operating loss in its home appliance business during the fourth quarter of last year. This was the first time in seven years that the company suffered a quarterly operating loss in its home appliance business.

Although the vice chairman did not specify the timing of the turnaround, he said that the company expects better earnings during the second half of this year.

According to the company, the new Bespoke appliances use 30 percent less energy than first-class energy-efficiency products. In addition, consumers can further reduce the use of energy, thanks to AI technology, which can analyze how consumers use the products.

“Our washing machines can reduce microbeads from clothes by 60 percent,” Han said. “We will reduce the amount more significantly by launching a microbeads filter this year.”

Samsung Electronics emphasized the fact that it made some parts of its refrigerators and other home appliances with reusable plastic. It also noted that the new Bespoke products are equipped with Samsung’s SmartThings function to enhance connectivity between them.

During the press conference, Samsung Electronics reiterated that it will focus on nurturing the robotics business as one of its new growth engines.

“Engineers at Samsung Research plan to develop a Samsung robot platform,” Han said. “We are preparing to launch the EX1 robot this year, and there is the possibility of further development in our robot vacuums.”

His remarks came as Samsung Electronics’ recent acquisition of shares in Rainbow Robotics sparked expectation that the conglomerate may resume large-scale M&As this year. The vice chairman, however, remained cautious about the speculation.

Instead, he confirmed that Samsung Electronics will be more aggressive in using ChatGPT for its home appliance business.

“As more companies are using ChatGPT, I don’t deny the fact that it has become part of the mainstream,” Han said.

Haier open training centre

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Haier has recently inaugurated a training center at Birchwood Park business park in the vicinity of Warrington. Named as the Haier Europe Training Activation Centre, this facility aims to provide the latest product and technology training to Haier’s engineers. The event was graced by the presence of top officials such as Haier Europe UK and RoI Chief Executive David Meyerowitz, General Manager Yan Xiaoming, and representatives from the UK and European branches

LG unveils vision for ThinQ smart home platform

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LG Electronics said Monday it presented a blueprint for ThinQ, a platform brand that connects home appliances and consumer electronics with smart technology for higher efficiency, at the Connectivity Standards Alliance member meeting in Seoul.

Jung Ki-hyun, vice president of LG’s platform business center, attended the four-day event as a keynote speaker and shared the company’s vision for providing more consumer-friendly smart home services.

He outlined three core values of ThinQ: advancement, connectivity and openness.

“LG ThinQ will soon serve as a partner that enhances the lives of our consumers by creating a smart environment — whether that’s at work, home and on vacation — that is tailored to their lifestyles,” Jung said.

ThinQ users can enjoy heightened connectivity for LG home appliances by connecting ThinQ to the Internet of Things and other smart devices that enabled Matter, an Internet Protocol-based communications standard for smart home technologies.

In line with the global trend toward artificial intelligence-based service releases, LG looks to equip AI chatbot services and AI-based voice recognition technology to ThinQ.

It also hopes to propel ThinQ’s open innovation strategy by taking full advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by AI. This includes providing support for virtual assistant software platforms such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which are gaining popularity across diverse consumer demographics.

“We are paving the way for the age of ambient computing. We will continue developing our AI technology and Internet of Things connectivity so our consumers can get the best smart home experience with ThinQ,” Jung said.

The CSA is an organization that drives collaboration in IoT by developing universal open standards that enable the connectivity and interaction of objects. It also specializes in the standardization of a protocol called Matter.

Alongside LG Electronics, this year’s event was attended by 134 members around the globe, including Apple, Amazon and Google.

BSH Egypt factory

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Today BSH celebrates the groundbreaking of their first factory for cookers in Egypt – and on the African continent.
This is an important milestone for growing BSH business in Africa and the region. With range-cookers from this factory, we will improve quality of life at home for consumers in Africa and in the Middle East.

“It is a great pleasure to celebrate at this place, where ancient civilization meets modern manufacturing.” – Rudolf Klötscher, Chief Sales & Service Officer and Head of Region Emerging Markets.

Midea’s Best-Selling Microwave Receives First-Ever Intertek Green Leaf Certification

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The Midea microwave oven MM720C-PM0E00 2AT has recently received the first Green Leaf Certification from Intertek for one of its globally best-selling microwave oven products, as being in accordance with the ISO 14067:2018 standard, which specifies principles and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product (CFP). This is the first Green Leaf Certification Intertek provided for a microwave ovenThe MM720C-PM0E00 2AT, is an eco-friendly microwave oven with outstanding performance. Its capacity of 20L is ideal for small families. The microwave’s 700W power ensures fast and efficient heating, while featuring five power levels and can easily defrost based on the time or weight of the food. With these features and the 360° heating, it can ensure even cooking without cold spots and also prevent overcooking.

“Being awarded the Green Leaf Certification from Intertek is a testament to the Midea’scommitment to environmental protection and sustainability in our products. By taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment, Midea is helping to create a better future for everyone and will continue to work hard to develop products that are both high-quality and eco-friendly.” said Dr. Zhou Fuchang, R&D Director at Midea Microwave & Cleaning Appliances Division.

The Green Leaf Certification is a comprehensive certification program that helps companies validate their environmental claims. It is awarded toproducts that have been independently verified by an accredited laboratory and found to conform to specified existing environmental standards and regulations. The certification allows companies to clearly and accurately communicate their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection to consumers.

Air fryer sales to rocket in Europe and US in 2023

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The global market for air fryers is booming, according to recent research, with sales driven in the UK and Europe primarily by rising energy prices. While US sales have been largely driven by an increasingly health-conscious consumer.
The forecast, carried out by Future Market Insights, predicts that between 2023 and 2033, the global market will grow at a steady CAGR of 7.7% to $1.9 billion (€1.77bn) by 2033. The market is currently worth $896.5 million (€835.65m).

Broken down by region, the US holds the largest market share with absolute market growth at $233.8m. The UK ranks in second place at $89.6m followed by Germany in third position with $71.9m. China and India’s absolute market growth is recorded at $49m and $57.4m, respectively.

India is the fastest growing market, with a CAGR of 8.1% according to FMI. This fast growth rate will be supported by “rapidly growing populations, changing consumer spending patterns, a transition towards urban lifestyles and easier access to major brands”.

Germany, the dominant market in Europe, is likely to hold market share worth $147m in 2023. Its growth is being fuelled by a combination of increased health consciousness, growing online penetration, and discounts by large e-commerce retailers. FMI said that, in addition, the presence of major air fryer brands, Philips, Ninja and Prestige would also positively impact growth.

In terms of opportunities, consumers across the board are likely to opt for premium products, from trusted and well-established brands.

Challenges and restraints to growth will include counterfeit goods and an issue of potential toxic emissions with long-term use.

According to the World Customs Organisation, 7% to 9% of global trade consists of counterfeit products and the issue is especially prevalent in online sales.

In terms of toxic emissions, the FMI said that several manufacturers use plastic, non-stick coatings which can become toxic over time. In addition, it said the high heat can “ruin nutritional profiles”.


Courtesy of GFU
Over 1.5 Million air fryers sold in Germany alone in 2022 says GFU
In other air fryer news, IFA organiser the GFU has reported that for the first time in a single year, more than 1.5 million hot air fryers were sold – an increase of 25%. The increase in sales in 2022 was even 31% to almost €179 million. This is no longer a trend, but has become the standard for many consumers.

“In addition to the selection of the food, the preparation of the food also plays a large part in this. Low-calorie cooking, baking or frying with a hot air fryer, a so-called air fryer, helps,” the company said.

Electrolux says costs cuts on track at North America plants

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Electrolux, Europe’s biggest appliances maker, said on Monday it was on track to slash costs at underperforming plants in North America as part of its ongoing efficiency programme in the region.

“Cost per unit in the Anderson and Springfield factories will significantly improve near-term, reaching competitive cost levels,” the Swedish group said in a statement ahead of presentations to investors later in the day.

“Another key earnings contributor for business area North America is commercial growth in higher value categories, which the investments in new and innovative modular product architectures enable,” it said

Electrolux has invested heavily in its North American plants in recent years, but the pandemic and component shortages have delayed the ramp-up of local production.

The group ahead of the capital markets day in Stockholm reiterated a business and market outlook given in February, and its financial targets.

It last month predicted lower sales volumes in 2023 due to weaker consumer confidence and demand across Europe, North America and Latin America and said it may not be able to fully pass on higher energy and labour costs.

The rival to Whirlpool repeated it had “a clear path to reach” a target that the aftermarket segment will account for 10% of group sales in 2025.

Haier builds 1st plant in Egypt

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China’s home appliance giant Haier held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for its first Egyptian factory, aiming to boost the manufacturing industry and provide local jobs in the North African country.

Haier Egypt Ecological Park, invested by Haier Group’s subsidiary Haier Smart Home with a total of 160 million U.S. dollars, will cover an area of 200,000 square meters in the 10th of Ramadan City of northeastern Sharqia Province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hossam Heiba, the CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones of Egypt, hailed the strong economic ties between Egypt and China, saying that the Egyptian government attaches great importance to the cooperation with China and is ready to attract more Chinese investment, especially in technology and engineering industries as well as home appliances, which will help the Egyptian economy to move up the value chain.

Haier Egypt Ecological Park is an important project as it will facilitate the transfer of home appliance manufacturing technology and create about 2,000 jobs in Egypt, 

Miele UK electric ID Buzz

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Miele UK are delighted to announce that we’re one of the first companies in the UK using the new, all electric ID Buzz of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK in our service fleet!

Having the ID Buzz as part of our award winning service fleet, not only reliably brings our service technicians to our customers, but also supports us in converting our vehicle fleet to renewable energies. This is an important step towards our global goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of our fleet by at least 30%, by 2030.

The first Miele ID Buzz was handed over today at our head office in Abingdon, by Dave Smerling from Volkswagen Group Fleet International, to Miele Service Tech

Morphy Richards launch new products

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Morphy Richards has today unveiled two brand new compact kitchen must-haves, perfect for budding baristas and culinary connoisseurs, with the launch of its Compact Espresso Machine and Compact Blender.Bring the authentic coffee shop experience to the heart of your home with our chic new espresso machine.

Brewing ground coffee to coffee shop quality with a steam wand to create rich, creamy froth for your cappuccino or simple steamed milk for a spot-on flat white, you’ll have complete control to brew the perfect consistency every time and rival your favourite coffee shop beverages.

Blend, chop and mix with the power of a standard size blender, all in a compact design
Start/Stop, Auto Blend and Pulse pre-settings
Swap between 700ml and 500ml cup sizes
Sip or seal lids for drinks on the go or saving your creations for later