Elica has released its fourth‑quarter and full‑year 2025 results, offering a clear snapshot of a company in the middle of a major strategic shift—from a traditional range‑hood specialist to a broader cooking‑appliance player. The transition is underway, but it’s not without financial friction.
Steady Revenue Growth in a Challenging Market
For the full year 2025, Elica reported revenues of €461 million, a 1.6% increase compared to 2024. The final quarter contributed €111 million, with organic growth of 1.7%, signalling that demand held firm despite a competitive and promotion‑heavy environment.
This growth was supported by:
– Strong promotional activity across key markets
– The rollout of new product lines
– Continued investment in expanding the cooking‑appliance portfolio
Margins Under Pressure as Transformation Continues
While top‑line performance remained positive, profitability took a hit.
Elica’s EBITDA declined from €31 million to €28 million, bringing the margin down to 6%.
The company attributes this margin squeeze to:
– Heavy promotional spending across the sector
– Costs linked to launching new products
– Significant investments required to evolve from range hoods into full cooking solutions
This shift is central to Elica’s long‑term strategy, but the financial impact is clearly visible in the short term.
From Profit to Loss: A Difficult Bottom Line
The most striking figure in the 2025 results is the bottom line.
Elica closed the year with a net loss of nearly €5 million, a sharp reversal from the €2.6 million profit recorded in 2024.
The company remains confident that its transformation will strengthen its competitive position, but 2025 underscores the cost of that evolution.
What This Means for the Appliance Sector
Elica’s results reflect broader trends we’re tracking across the white‑goods industry:
– Brands expanding into full cooking ecosystems
– Higher promotional intensity as competition tightens
– Margin pressure as companies invest in innovation and product diversification
Elica’s pivot toward integrated cooking appliances positions it well for future growth, but 2025 shows that the transition phase will require resilience—and continued investment.
Tag Archives: white goods industry
Groupe Brandt Liquidated After Rescue Plan Fails: A Stark Warning for European Appliance Manufacturing
The curtain has fallen on one of France’s most iconic appliance manufacturers. On Thursday, December 11, the Nanterre Commercial Court ordered the liquidation of Groupe Brandt, marking the end of a months-long effort to save the company through an employee-led cooperative. The decision spells the loss of approximately 700 jobs and halts production of legacy brands including Brandt, De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette.
This outcome underscores a broader and troubling trend: the continued erosion of European-based appliance manufacturing in the face of global competition, financial fragility, and investor hesitancy.
A Last-Ditch Effort That Fell Short
The final hope for Groupe Brandt rested on a bold proposal—a Scop (Société coopérative et participative), or employee cooperative, backed by Groupe Revive and entrepreneur Cédric Meston, co-founder of plant-based food brand HappyVore. The plan aimed to preserve local jobs and maintain production in the historic Loiret and Loir-et-Cher regions by turning employees into co-owners.
Despite strong political and regional support, including €17 million in public funding from the French state, Centre-Val de Loire region, and the city of Orléans, the plan ultimately collapsed. The court deemed the proposal financially unviable, citing a shortfall of €3–8 million that banks refused to cover.
Political Will Meets Financial Reality
The rescue effort drew unprecedented political attention. Industry Minister Sébastien Martin pledged €5 million in state aid, while regional leaders rallied to raise additional funds. Yet, even with this show of unity, the private sector’s reluctance to assume risk proved decisive.
With no viable path to cover the remaining funding gap—and no means to pay salaries beyond December 15—the court had little choice but to proceed with liquidation.
What This Means for the Industry
Groupe Brandt’s collapse is more than a corporate failure—it’s a symbolic blow to the European white goods sector. Once a pillar of French industrial pride, Brandt’s demise highlights the vulnerability of legacy manufacturers in a capital-intensive, globally competitive market.
For industry watchers, the case raises urgent questions:
– Can cooperative ownership models realistically rescue distressed manufacturers?
– What role should public funding play in safeguarding industrial heritage?
– And how can Europe retain its foothold in appliance production amid mounting global pressures?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Brandt story will resonate far beyond France’s borders.
Homa Global Breaks Ground on First Overseas Factory in Thailand
Homa Global has officially begun construction on its first overseas manufacturing base in Chonburi, Thailand. The groundbreaking ceremony on 28 September welcomed top executives and partners, marking a major step in the company’s global expansion.
With an initial investment of RMB 680 million and a total planned investment over RMB 1 billion, the 200,000-square-metre facility will include production lines for refrigerators and freezers, a components centre, offices, and a showroom. Operations are set to begin in 2026, boosting output by 3 million units annually and creating over 3,300 jobs.
CEO Michael Yao stated, “From Zhongshan to Chonburi, from local to global — we have forged our own path.” The smart, digital factory will be fully integrated with Homa’s China headquarters, strengthening supply chains and supporting global growth.
As the world’s largest refrigerator exporter and fourth in global production, Homa continues to lead in cooling innovation, now serving over 130 countrie
Ebac Jubilee washing
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee,Ebac are delighted to launch our Jubilee edition washing machines!
Available on 8kg cold fill models, the designs feature a traditional red, white and blue and stylish platinum-finish Union Jack printed front.
As UK’s only washing machine manufacturer, the printed Jubilee designs not only show our support for Her Majesty The Queen’s historic 70th Jubilee but allow us to bring something new to the ‘white goods’ industry!
WHITEGOODSNOW 