As we near the end of another year, Housewaresnews.net takes a look back at the highs and lows of the housewares industry in 2024.
JANUARY
2024 kicked off in a cautious manner, as BIRA warned of a difficult year ahead for indies. There were, however, some positive reports over Christmas, as Next increased its profit guidance again following a strong December.
Good Housekeeping also announced a new Good Housekeeping Institute Performance + Energy Efficiency Accreditation for appliances.
FEBRUARY
Ambiente 2024 set records with a 10% increase in exhibitors and around 140,000 visitors from over 170 countries in attendance. Show season continued as organisers were ‘blown away’ by the energy, passion and community at Spring Fair.
Later in the month, Andrew Gossage was named as the new ceo of Ultimate Products, as Simon Showman moved to a new role as cco.
Sadly, we said goodbye to TV chef and personality, Dave Myers.
MARCH
Tefal teamed up with Jamie Oliver to launch an air fryer TV series in March. Elsewhere, the shows continued with a warm welcome for The Inspired Home Show’s new format and Divertimenti was honoured as a Global Innovation Award winner.
APRIL
BHETA celebrated a campaign victory as the Royal Mail stood down over its proposal to cease sending bladed items. While Daniel Hadley was named as the new md of Smeg, taking over from Mike Giddings.
Easter gave a boost to housewares sales in BRC figures. But not all news was so positive, as Duralex was placed into receivership. Housewares brand, Judge celebrated its 125th anniversary.
MAY
Groupe Seb and Meyer announced the formation of the Cookware Alliance (CSA) to foster robust policy discussions and enhance public understanding of the safety of cookware. Christine Adshead was appointed as the new non-executive chair of Ultimate Products, while ProCook announced that Meg Lustman was its new non-executive director.
Peugeot Saveurs appointed Eddingtons as distributor to independents in the UK & Eire.
JUNE
BHETA’s Exclusively show saw a 5% growth in visitor numbers, adding to the 10% jump in 2023. The show also bought a host of exciting product news including Lifetime Brands’ partnership with Jamie Oliver, Tramontina’s new porcelain range and Burton McCall’s new partnership with GreenPan, as well as a new era of growth for DK Household Brands.
Meanwhile the Euro football championship bought a welcome boost to retail.
JULY
Emma Bridgewater posted a £1.4m loss during the year ending April 2023. Studio Ramsay Global acquired a stake in kitchenware brand, HexClad, while Steelite acquired Utopia Tableware. John Lewis announced plans to expand its home offering.
AUGUST
SharkNinja reported a sales increase of 37.9% in Q2. In retail, Woodbridge Kitchen Company celebrated its 40th anniversary along with the first anniversary of its sister store, the Aldeburgh Kitchen Company, while Blue Diamond acquired Frosts and The Range outlined plans for Wilko 2.0.
SEPTEMBER
DK Household Brands named Tom Hamer as its new md, as Ultimate Products named two new non-exec directors and the International Housewares Association appointed five new board members.
Faceklmann Brands acquired UK-based value home and kitchen product supplier, Apollo Housewares. And John Lewis reinstated its infamous Never Knowingly Undersold promise.
In show news, Brand Licensing Europe broke records, while IFA Berlin attracted an 18% increase in visitors. Sadly, Tupperware voluntarily signed for bankruptcy.
OCTOBER
The winners of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024 were announced at a lavish ceremony at The Royal Lancaster London.
Dunelm announced plans for its first ever London store and ProCook plans 10 new stores and Smeg opened a pop-up store at Bluewater Shopping Centre and Harrods was named as a Global Honoree for gia Top Window Awards.
NOVEMBER
Robert Welch successfully resolved several IP matters with major UK kitchen knife brands.
RKW signed distribution partnership with Pasabahce glassware and launched its Tower Good Food collection. OXO extended its John Lewis activation following a successful launch in Oxford Street and Salter enjoyed a successful Good Food Show. STAUB partnered with Buster+Punch for a cookware launch and Morleys stores announced a new chief exec, taking over in January 2025.
DECEMBER
Argos sold six air fryers a minute over Black Friday weekend. Harrods opened a pop-up with Stanley and Dobbies confirmed 12 store closures.
The Progressive Housewares and HousewaresNews.net team would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
