The UK white goods landscape has been hit by a major tremor this week as BSH (Bosch, Neff, and Siemens) announced its departure from CIH, the powerhouse buying group behind the Euronics brand.
The news comes after months of high-stakes negotiations over new trading terms finally hit a dead end, marking the end of one of the most established partnerships in the independent retail sector.
The Empty Stand at the NEC
The timing of the announcement couldn’t have been more dramatic. The news broke just as CIH members gathered for their annual ‘Showcase’ trade show at the NEC.
Visitors walking the floor were met with a stark visual representation of the fallout: a large, conspicuous empty space where the BSH stand was originally scheduled to be. It serves as a clear sign that talks were likely ongoing until the very final hours before the show’s doors opened on Sunday.
The Deadlines: What Happens Next?
According to BSH, the current framework agreement will officially expire on April 28, 2026. After this date, the company will no longer supply products through the CIH group structure.
For Retailers: To continue selling Bosch, Neff, or Siemens appliances, independent dealers will now need to negotiate direct agreements with BSH.
For Consumers: BSH has moved quickly to reassure the public, confirming it will honour all service and warranty obligations for products already purchased via CIH members.
The “Blame Game”: CIH Responds
In a move to keep members informed, both CIH and BSH dispatched separate letters to dealers last Friday. However, the tone from CIH was one of disappointment and clear finger-pointing.
“We want to be clear that this was a decision taken by BSH,” the CIH letter stated. “At no point has it been CIH’s position to seek their withdrawal from the group. Our focus throughout has been on reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.”
CIH revealed that negotiations had been underway since October 2025. While they remained hopeful for a “positive conclusion,” the group confirmed they had been contingency planning for “all eventualities”—including this total exit.
Why Does This Matter?
This move represents a significant shift in the power dynamic between major manufacturers and independent buying groups. By moving away from the CIH umbrella, BSH is opting for a more direct relationship with retailers, which could change how pricing, stock allocation, and promotions are handled across the UK.
For many independent “bricks and mortar” stores, the coming weeks will be a period of rapid transition as they decide whether to sign direct with the manufacturing giant or pivot their showroom floor space to other brands.
Stay tuned to White Goods Now for further updates on how this split will affect the UK appliance market.
How do you think this shift toward direct manufacturer-to-retailer agreements will impact the variety of brands available on the high street?
Elica Unveils New Induction Line with ID Technology and Matrix UI at Salone del Mobile 2026
Elica used Salone del Mobile 2026 to debut its latest step forward in cooking innovation: a new generation of induction hobs built around the company’s proprietary ID Technology and the fully in‑house‑designed Matrix UI.
The updated platform brings together flexible cooking zones, refined ergonomics and advanced temperature management to deliver a more powerful, more responsive cooking experience. At the centre is the new Matrix UI, a pixel‑based interface that rethinks how users interact with the hob, offering clearer feedback, smoother control and a more intuitive overall workflow.
With this launch, Elica continues to push its design‑led approach to premium cooking solutions, reinforcing its position as one of Italy’s most forward‑thinking appliance manufacturers.
The Liebherr Experience Showroom Elevates Milan Design Week 2026
During Milan Design Week 2026, Liebherr found the perfect stage for its latest refrigeration innovations inside the elegant Hotel Rosa Grand, located at Piazza Fontana 3. Within the Fontana Meeting Room, the German brand unveiled a lineup that pushes the boundaries of premium cooling: XXL built‑in refrigerators, the new FrenchDoor series, the iconic Monolith collection, next‑generation under‑counter models, and refined wine cellars.
A New Chapter for the Monolith Series
The Monolith range continues to embody more than 70 years of Liebherr expertise, blending craftsmanship with striking contemporary design. It stands as a true statement piece—where elegance meets cutting‑edge refrigeration technology.
French Door Innovation, Inside and Out
Liebherr’s new French Door appliances elevate everyday convenience. The patented FlexDoorSystem ensures effortless opening, while the interior reveals thoughtful engineering: crystal‑clear ice from the Water & Ice Center, herbs kept perfectly fresh in the BioFresh Professional drawer, and generous storage for all your essentials.
XXL Built‑In Refrigeration Sets a New Standard
The latest XXL built‑in models—standing 194 cm tall and designed for a 75 cm recess—introduce the largest BioFresh drawer Liebherr has ever created. These appliances combine best‑in‑class energy efficiency with refined design elements such as LightTower illumination and SmartSteel rear panels. The result is a new benchmark for high‑end refrigeration.
Technology That Enhances Everyday Living
Across the lineup, advanced features like VarioTemp, IceMaker, NoFrost, and SmartDevice connectivity bring intelligent convenience into the kitchen, ensuring optimal performance with minimal effort.
Elica Opens EuroCucina 2026 with Strong Institutional Support
Elica kicked off EuroCucina 2026 with heavy footfall and high‑level institutional attention. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the stand on opening day, meeting President Francesco Casoli and the Board before continuing discussions over a private lunch.
The company thanked national Institutions for recognising the strategic importance of the home appliance sector as it navigates major technological and competitive shifts. The visit also underscored the global value of Italian design, innovation, and industrial resilience.
Elica later welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Marche Region President Francesco Acquaroli, and other prominent figures from business and government, reinforcing the brand’s central role in Italy’s manufacturing excellence.
Gtech Founder Nick Grey Steps Down as CEO After 25 Years
Gtech founder Nick Grey is set to step down as chief executive after a 25‑year run leading the Worcester‑based home appliance brand he launched in 2001. Grey will remain with the business in a new role focused on product design, saying his “heart has always been in the studio”.
Managing director Jothie Walford, who has spent nine years at the company, will succeed him as CEO.
Gtech, formally known as Grey Technology, has grown into a leading British innovator in cordless home and garden appliances, with a portfolio spanning vacuum cleaners, floor sweepers, lawn mowers, and grass trimmers.
LG Unveils New Dishwasher Lineup with One‑Hour Wash & Dry at EuroCucina 2026
LG Electronics is set to debut its next‑generation dishwasher lineup at EuroCucina 2026, headlined by a new one‑hour wash‑and‑dry cycle engineered to boost everyday kitchen efficiency without sacrificing cleaning performance.
The platform brings together LG’s core technologies — QuadWash Pro, Dynamic Heat Dry+ and TrueSteam — to deliver stronger soil removal, improved drying and more consistent results across a range of load types.
A key upgrade is AI SenseClean, an intelligent wash system that detects soiling levels and automatically adjusts water pressure, cycle time and temperature for more tailored, resource‑efficient operation.
Developed specifically for European households, the new lineup achieves A‑grade energy efficiency across major models, spanning both premium and high‑volume segments. LG positions the range as a meaningful step forward in performance, sustainability and real‑world usability for the modern European kitchen
Freudenberg Completes Takeover of Nilfisk
Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS) has formally completed its voluntary public takeover of Nilfisk, securing more than 90% of the company’s share capital and voting rights. The milestone positions FHCS as the clear majority shareholder and sets the stage for the next phase of integration.
FHCS has confirmed its intention to initiate a compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares held by minority investors, followed by the delisting of Nilfisk from public trading.
The move brings together two highly complementary forces in the professional cleaning sector, combining FHCS’s global scale and technology portfolio with Nilfisk’s long‑established expertise in commercial and industrial cleaning equipment. The combined group is expected to strengthen innovation capabilities, expand market reach, and accelerate growth across key professional cleaning categories.
MOVA Tech 2026 Launch Event Sets a Confident Tone in Hamburg
MOVA unveiled its 2026 vision in Hamburg with a high‑energy launch event that drew strong interest from press, partners and industry stakeholders. The showcase highlighted the brand’s upcoming innovations across its core categories, including smart cleaning appliances, cordless floorcare, air‑treatment solutions and next‑generation home tech designed for connected living.
The atmosphere was upbeat, with clear enthusiasm around MOVA’s design direction and the technologies set to shape its year ahead. Strong attendance and engaged conversations underscored the brand’s growing momentum across European markets. The MOVA team delivered a polished, well-executed event. Their commitment to immersive experiences and confident brand storytelling continues to set a benchmark for the sector.
Hisense Expands UK Retail Footprint with Dedicated In‑Store Displays at B&Q
Hisense UK is strengthening its position in the UK major domestic appliance market through a new partnership with home improvement giant B&Q, introducing dedicated Hisense product displays across the retailer’s estate.
B&Q first listed Hisense appliances online in late 2025, but this latest phase marks the brand’s move into physical retail. By the end of 2026, Hisense appliances will be available in 64 B&Q stores, giving shoppers hands-on access to the brand’s latest refrigeration, dishwashing, cooking, and laundry innovations.
The new branded displays have been designed to guide customers intuitively through Hisense’s MDA line-up, highlighting key technologies and value propositions at the point of decision. To support the rollout, Hisense has delivered comprehensive product training for B&Q’s design teams, combining webinars with in‑person sessions to ensure staff can confidently match customers with the right appliance for their needs.
For Hisense, the partnership represents a significant milestone in expanding its UK retail presence and bringing its class-leading appliances to a wider audience.
85,000 Homes to Receive Safety Visits Over Tumble Dryer Risk
UK households are being urged to check whether their Haier‑made heat‑pump tumble dryers are affected by a fire‑safety issue. Around 85,000 homes will receive manufacturer visits after last year’s urgent safety notice covering models sold under Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Hoover, Iberna, Lamona and Montpellier.
The OPSS has confirmed a nationwide remedial programme, with manufacturers set to inspect and modify all affected dryers. Consumers are urged to check their model details and contact the brand if unsure.
