Welbilt UK (Merrychef’s owner)has successfully protected its profit margins through strategic pricing actions and operational efficiencies as uncertainty around US tariffs continues to affect global manufacturers.
The commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer reported strong financial results, supported by robust export sales, manufacturing improvements and targeted price adjustments. With international markets accounting for a significant share of revenue, the company has been closely monitoring potential tariff impacts and implementing measures to mitigate additional costs.
Welbilt said a combination of pricing initiatives, productivity gains and supply chain management helped maintain profitability despite ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
The results highlight how manufacturers are increasingly relying on pricing discipline and operational excellence to navigate an uncertain global trading environment.
Hughes close stores
A UK independent electrical appliances company has confirmed that it will close eight of its stores very soon. Hughes was founded in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 1921 and has 18 stores across the UK, providing customers with electrical appliances and household goods. However, the family business has announced that eight of its branches will be permanently shut down this coming Saturday, June 6.
Sacon
Sacon’s latest gas hob range signals a brand moving confidently into the premium tier — with the right mix of materials, safety, and performance to resonate in high‑demand markets. For retailers and developers looking to differentiate their built‑in cooking offer, Sacon is becoming a name worth watching.
Dreame Takes Global No.1 Spot in Robot Vacuum Sales for Q1 2026
Dreame Technology has secured the No.1 position worldwide in robot vacuum sales and revenue for Q1 2026, according to new data released by the International Data Corporation (IDC).
The report highlights a major milestone for the brand, which now leads the category across 30 countries, achieving over 50% market share in 10 of them. It’s a performance that cements Dreame as one of the most influential players shaping the future of smart home cleaning.
Innovation at Scale
Dreame’s rise has been driven by its continued investment in advanced navigation, suction performance, and automated cleaning stations—features that have rapidly become consumer expectations in the premium robot vacuum segment. The brand’s portfolio has expanded quickly, with strong traction in Europe, Asia, and North America.
A New Benchmark for the Smart Home Sector
The IDC ranking reinforces a broader trend: robot vacuums are no longer niche gadgets but core components of connected home ecosystems. Dreame’s momentum signals increasing consumer appetite for automation, convenience, and AI‑driven home care.
As the smart home market accelerates into 2026, Dreame’s leadership sets a new competitive benchmark—one that other global brands will be watching closely.
Gree
Gree Electric has posted another strong quarter while signalling a clear shift in its leadership model.
The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of 30.8 billion yuan and net profit of 6.082 billion yuan, both new highs. Management credited tighter incentives, a broader product mix and faster commercialisation of low‑carbon technologies.
Notably, CEO Zhang Wei — not chairwoman Dong Mingzhu — led the earnings briefing, reinforcing Gree’s transition toward a younger, more distributed management structure.
Operational highlights included:
- Cooling and laundry appliances up over 20%
- Smart equipment revenue up more than 20%
- Silicon‑carbide chips up 200%
- Liquid‑cooling systems gaining traction with cloud providers
The broader message is strategic: Gree is moving from a founder‑centric model to a coordinated leadership team positioned for its next phase of growth.
Homa Accelerates AI‑Driven OEM Manufacturing
Homa is pushing ahead with a major digital transformation, integrating AI, robotics and full‑process digitalisation across its operations. The company’s No. 9 factory — focused on premium no‑frost refrigeration — now acts as a model for intelligent OEM production, combining automation, AI vision, AGVs and digital‑twin systems to boost efficiency, quality and manufacturing stability.
CEO Michael Yao says industrial intelligence is now central to Homa’s global competitiveness, while Homa Europe GM Federico Rebaudo highlights the growing need for OEM partners who can deliver cost‑effective, high‑quality, digitally enabled production at scale.
Homa’s continued investment in smart manufacturing strengthens its position as a leading global OEM for next‑generation refrigeration.
Bosch & Siemens Coffee Machines Become First to Support Amazon Alexa+
BSH has announced a major smart‑home milestone: Bosch and Siemens fully automatic coffee machines are now the first home appliances in the world optimised for Amazon Alexa+. The integration marks a step-change in connected kitchen convenience, allowing users to control their coffee machine through natural voice commands and personalised routines.
The update forms part of BSH’s wider strategy to elevate everyday appliance interactions through seamless digital ecosystems. With Alexa+ support, consumers can now trigger brews, adjust drink settings, and integrate their machine into multi-device smart‑home scenarios — all without touching a button.
BSH describes this as “just the beginning”, signalling further expansion of voice‑enabled functionality across its appliance portfolio.
China’s production of core white goods is set to fall
China’s White Goods Output Set for 12% Drop in June
China’s production of core white goods is set to fall 11.8% year‑on‑year in June, according to new data from ChinaIOL. Air conditioners show the steepest decline, with scheduled output down 18.9%, signalling a sharper slowdown than earlier in the year. The contraction reflects weaker domestic demand and ongoing inventory pressure across major categories.
Xiaomi Unveils Three‑Drum Smart Washer Designed to End Laundry Sorting
Xiaomi has introduced the Mijia Three‑Zone Washing Machine Pro, a three‑drum smart washer designed to eliminate laundry sorting and run multiple loads at once. The system uses independent water circuits, 95°C hygiene cycles, steam sterilisation, and automatic detergent dosing for each drum Two models are available in China:10 kg version at 3,999 yuan14 kg version at 6,499 yuanA global release has not yet been confirme
Dreame Technology Signs Cristiano Ronaldo as Global Ambassador
Dreame Technology has announced a major global partnership with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a significant step in the brand’s push to elevate its international presence Dreame as it continues expanding beyond its core strengths in premium floor care and smart home appliances. Ronaldo’s worldwide influence and cross‑market appeal position him as a powerful figurehead for Dreame
