Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Versatility, functionality, ease of use, convenience and aesthetic appeal characterise the US’s three most successful small kitchen appliances.
So writes Peter Goldman, president of the home section of The NPD Group, writing in the latest issue of the International Housewares Association’s Housewares MarketWatch.
The top three products – stand mixers, food processors and electric grills – all respond to consumer demand for the above qualities, he says. Mixers, for instance, run the gamut in colour and finishes while tackling a variety of tasks from grinding to juicing and pasta making.
The food processor category has remained at the top by allowing consumers to prepare more and more complete foods in various forms but in less time and with no mess. These features have made the new generation of processors an “overnight success”, with dollar sales up by over 60% in a year.
The electric grill has seen similar success based, on time efficiency, healthier cooking and many new features such as interchangeable plates that improve versatility.
Housewares MarketWatch also reports falling US sales across all sectors of the fine tabletop industry. Last year, dinnerware, beverageware and flatware were down by 5, 0.4 and 7% respectively, reflecting a consumer preference for more casual tableware at lower prices. On the back of a trend towards more home entertaining, a plethora of entertaining-inspired products is predicted to come to market this year across the casual tabletop categories.
Access Housewares MarketWatch at housewares.org/industry/data/marketwatch.asp. Data on a specific category is available at npd.com.
