Media Contact:
Mashal Thariani
The Halo Group
mthariani@thehalogroup.com
212-643-9700
2014 Product Trends & Industry Innovations with Josef
Steigmiller, Vice President, Liebherr Refrigeration, The Americas
Q. What are the major trends in
appliances for 2014? Have trends
changed significantly in the past
year?
We are observing that the current trend
of fully customized kitchens that
incorporate a mix of textures and
finishes is becoming extremely popular in home renovations. As appliance
manufactures, it is important to provide consumers with compact, yet efficient,
appliances that will flawlessly fit within their kitchen's design. New technology
and techniques make refrigerators virtually invisible -- a big leap forward in builtin refrigeration. Cabinetry panels discreetly hide these appliances, allowing the
room's style to take center stage. That's why Liebherr’s fully integrated models
are creating a buzz in the design community and on blogs and message
boards across North America. Designers and consumers consistently inquire
about Liebherr's fully integrated products because the models are a perfect fit for
a custom kitchen, accommodating unique and creative approaches to design as
well as the individual needs of the homeowner. In the past, home design was
driven by practicality, but now homeowners want function and design to align –
and it starts in the kitchen.
Q. What kinds of features are most in demand in appliances? What unique
options are consumers looking for?
A greater focus on health and well-being is one lifestyle trend carrying over into
home appliance selection. For example, consumers are looking for refrigerators
that incorporate long-term food storage features. Consumers recognize that
proper food storage can help preserve food quality, including nutrients, flavor and
texture. Additionally, homeowners can make the most of their food dollar by
preventing spoilage and save time spent at the grocery store. Liebherr
acknowledges the importance of fresh food storage and therefore offers features
designed for maximized food preservation. Liebherr's patented BioFresh drawers
provide the ultimate technology for all health-conscious food lovers. Stored at the
ideal temperature and humidity, food in the BioFresh compartments retain their
healthy vitamins, aroma and fresh appearance up to three times longer than in
traditional refrigerators.
Q. How has current technology impacted appliance trends? Is there any
new technology on the market that is having a significant impact on
trends?
There is tremendous pressure upon appliance manufacturers to be first-tomarket with better, faster, more cost-effective and energy efficient products. To
remain competitive and to keep up with changing technologies, manufacturers
must continually upgrade and reinvent their products. Many consumers are
becoming more energy conscious, choosing to invest in ENERGY STAR®
appliances and other energy-efficient devices to cut costs and help the
environment. The refrigerator is the only appliance in the home that runs 24/7.
For this reason, high efficiency is essential for energy savings and the
environment. This is why Liebherr’s variable speed compressors always run at
the perfect speed and utilize soft-start technology. Liebherr is the only
manufacturer in North America to have 100% of its refrigeration ENERGY STAR
rated*. Having one in your kitchen means you’ll reduce your monthly utility bills
and protect the environment.
*Beverage centers, wine appliances and humidors are not eligible for Energy
Star qualification.
Q. Do convenience and efficiency have an impact on appliance trends? If
yes, how so?
Consumers want convenience along with more cost-effective and energy efficient
products. We are seeing that environmentally friendly, energy efficient products
continue to be a top design trend. With the increase in social and environmental
consciousness, many consumers are looking for ways to reduce their impact on
the environment. The rapid growth and widespread support for this green
movement will have a major impact on manufacturers, utility companies and the
environment. A certification mark on your appliance ensures customers that they
are getting a high level of performance, safety and efficiency. Certification and
approval marks guarantee your product’s safety to your channel of distribution
(retailers, wholesalers, etc.) and maximize your product’s potential and access to
the global market.
Q. Are there new appliances in the marketplace that are making an impact?
There are several appliance features that are making an impact in the
marketplace. For example, refrigerators that offer maximized food preservation
are becoming increasingly in demand in the appliance market place. Liebherr
refrigerators feature new technology and incorporate smart features such as:






SuperFrost and SuperCool – automatic quick chill and freeze functions to
seal in nutrients, flavors and textures
Dual refrigeration system, with separate super-efficient variable speed
compressors for the refrigerator and the freezer
BioFresh – Long tem storage up to 3 x longer; helps you save money,
shop less often and reduce waste
Revolutionary new LED light columns and enhanced vegetable drawer
and freezer drawer LED illumination
Icemaker features the most technically advanced water filter for pure
cubes available for household appliances
A Power Cooling system for improved chilling performance; Elegant Glass
Line 6 mm thick shelving that withstands up to 180 lbs
Q. What colors/finishes are designers and clients asking for most? Are
appliances that blend into the cabinetry still in demand? Are there specific
size trends for appliances?
White, off whites, grays and other neutrals continue to be what homeowners
want in cabinetry. Neutral tones are always up to date and classy and well suited
to many kitchens. Mixing elements together and adding touches of color through
accessories end up giving your kitchen the timeless but still current look most of
us probably want. Neutral tones are easy to update with your favorite colors,
fabric patterns or trends so they make great choices for cabinets.
Liebherr has a full line of premium refrigerators to fit any design vision you have
for your kitchen. The freestanding stainless models are sleek centerpieces that
make a definite statement. The built-in models are perfect for designs that call for
units that slide into cabinet surrounds. And the fully-integrated models become
one with your kitchen design, hidden seamlessly behind your custom cabinetry.
Q. Do current economic conditions have an impact on appliance trends? In
what way?
We’ve seen an uptick in the home remodeling industry as consumers are starting
to give in more to their desire to renovate their kitchens. As both the economy
and the housing market have stabilized, in turn so has homeowner improvement
spending. What we've found is that consumer appliance sales are directly related
to consumer confidence numbers (which have seen a direct correlation to home
remodeling). In fact, 2013 saw some of the highest consumer confidence levels
since pre-2007 which in turn has shown an increase in home remodeling.
About Liebherr
Driven by innovation and characterized by sophisticated, elegant design,
Germany-based Liebherr Corporation brings the best of Europe to the
refrigeration category in North America. Consumers can find an authorized
Liebherr retailer by visiting http://www.liebherr-appliances.com and clicking on
the ‘Find A Dealer” tab. Members of the design trade can obtain specs and
product information by clicking on the “Resources” tab.
###