Five top kitchenware trends are evident across housewares products at the online International Sourcing Show (ISS), which starts on Wednesday (March 17). The virtual trade show is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and features housewares, electricals, home textiles, furnishings and gifts among high-quality lifestyle products and solutions under four key themes — Smart Home, Smart Play, Smart Style, and Smart Tech.
The HKTDC research team highlights the following as its five hottest kitchenware trends in 2021:
Smart designs: An example of smart innovation is the KIGI food storage container. Supported by its KIGI mobile app, users can keep track of the food conditions and receive shelf life reminders as well as recipe suggestions based on their current stock of food. Other hi‑tech gadgets include kitchen scales that can be connected to an iPad app that provides cake-making instructions.
Eco‑conscious: Consumer demand for environmentally friendly products combined with manufacturers’ cost savings from the use of green materials and packaging are boosting choice. Reusable food wrap is gradually taking over from plastic wrap, and options are multiplying for reusable straws, for example in stainless steel and bamboo.
Mini designs: Demographic changes including shrinking household sizes have led to a shift towards space‑saving electronic appliances and kitchenware. Manufacturers have been increasing their production of slimmer and smaller appliances, for example: single cup coffee makers, mini smoothie blenders and pint‑size stand mixers. Foldable lunch boxes and water bottles (that are easy to store or carry in handbags) are also trending.
Natural materials: Minimalist trends have taken root in the housewares sector as consumers appreciate the natural aesthetics of products such as bamboo kitchen tools, copper kitchen accessories and cooking knives with handles made from reclaimed hardwood. Harmonious colours and natural patterns (for example, in marble and stone) are favoured, especially among millennials.
Simple and healthy lifestyles: Examples for this trend include air fryers for fast, healthier alternatives to fried food; cookware and kitchenware with non‑stick surfaces that are easy to clean; and steamers and pans, which require less oil for cooking. Salad choppers and juicers, plus hydration‑related products (water bottles, infusion and filtration products) are abundant as consumers seek health and wellness.
* The ISS 2021 highlights include a Japanese Pavilion, with housewares among its 70 exhibitors, plus an expansive Korean Pavilion, featuring home cleaning, baking and storage.
* Visit https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/ to register or find out more about the HK ISS.
* For more news on the show, see housewaresnews.net/hong-kongs-source-of-home-inspiration/
Top: The HKTDC research team has identified five top kitchenware trends including natural materials and space saving, smaller designs.
