“To stay ahead in this sector, continuous innovation is key,” says Tim Hutchinson, Divisional Manager at Liebherr UK. He speaks to Jack Cheeseman about the company’s strive for a more sustainable future and setting the highest standards in the refrigeration market.
Earlier this year, Liebherr Group reported a record-breaking revenue of €14,042 million for its 2023 financial year, up by €1,453 million on 2022. The German-Swiss manufacturer achieved equally impressive sales in the refrigerator and freezer product segment, backed up by a string of new product launches to keep the momentum going in 2024.
Liebherr took part in the kbb show in Birmingham back in March and the Euronics Showcase in April where it presented new under-counter appliances and BlackSteel finishes, as well as a new selection of freestanding and integrated refrigerators.
In this exclusive interview with ERT, Tim Hutchinson, Divisional Manager at Liebherr UK (left), explains how the company’s aim is to be “best in class” in every aspect and to make a considerable contribution towards economic and ecological sustainability…
“That is why it is important to display our latest innovations at both these shows where we can build relationships and discuss with retailers, face-to-face, the specialist training and support we can offer.”
Q&A
Q: What’s new at Liebherr? Tell us about some of your latest recent key products?
Tim Hutchinson: The first half of 2024 was a positive one for Liebherr, following several new launches and brand initiatives, despite tough trading conditions. Adding to our portfolio of stainless-steel finishes, we recently introduced our new, high-quality BlackSteel interior. Ideal for modern, dark kitchen aesthetics, the new black stainless steel surface features a unique vertical brushed texture and is now available for the back and inner door of the appliance.
We also launched our new generation of under-counter appliances this year; an expanded range of 29 models that are the industry’s first under-counter fridges and freezers with a class ‘C’ energy efficiency rating.
Continuing our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, we also introduced a 10-year guarantee on selected models as testament to our ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction. Too many white goods are of poor quality and end up in landfill after only a few years of use. So our extended guarantee is proof of how we are committed to contributing to a more circular economy. By offering this competitive guarantee, we assure our customers of the reliability and longevity of our products, giving 10 years of peace of mind.
Peak Fully Integrated Refrigerator IRBdI5180
Q: You had a big presence at kbb Birmingham and the Euronics Showcase earlier this year; what are your main reflections from those shows?
TH: kbb Birmingham brought great stand footfall and a strong number of new customers and leads for us. We also relished the chance to reconnect with our existing loyal retailers. The show provided the perfect opportunity to showcase Liebherr’s latest innovations, including our new BlackSteel interior, RedDot Award-winning Monolith freezers and the hands-free opening AutoDoor appliance functionality. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who visited the Liebherr stand at this year’s show.
And then we were equally delighted to return to the Euronics Showcase to exhibit some more of our new, exciting products. Being able to present our latest innovations, build relationships with members and discuss the exclusive offers, training and support we offer was invaluable.
Freestanding Fridge Freezer XRFBSH5265
Q: In the wider kitchen retail market, what sort of trends and changes are you seeing in terms of product design and style?
TH: As we look to the future of refrigeration, there is a greater demand for appliances that support the reduction of food waste, that have energy-saving capabilities, and that offer longer lifecycles compared to other white goods on the market. With high interest rates and economic challenges, consumers are becoming more mindful of their purchases, increasingly adopting an ‘invest in quality to avoid buying twice’ mentality.
In terms of design and functionality, moving into 2025 we anticipate a continued demand for appliances made from quality materials that will last. Stainless steel and classic metal finishes remain central to kitchen design due to their durability and timeless appeal.
Consumers are also seeking greater convenience in the kitchen, expecting appliances to work harder and smarter. For instance, technologies like hands-free operation and smart home integration are becoming more popular. At Liebherr, we’ve responded to these trends with features such as AutoDoor technology, which allows users to open their fridge with a knocking signal or voice command, and SmartDevice, which enables remote control of the refrigerator from a smartphone. Additionally, our appliances incorporate freshness innovations to further reduce food waste, and this helps us to ensure that our products meet modern expectations for functionality and convenience.
Q: Many people would view Liebherr as a premium brand in this space; how do you ensure you live up to that and remain best in class in what you do?
TH: To stay ahead as a premium brand in this sector, continuous innovation is key. We invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and set new benchmarks. This commitment is evident in our new product launches this year alone, as well as our continued industry-leading freshness innovation and food-waste prevention technologies.
The home appliances sector is notoriously guilty of facilitating over consumption. To stay ahead in this sector, it is vital to provide more sustainable solutions that end this cycle. Fridges and freezers that are more energy efficient, durable and boast a longer lifecycle are therefore paramount.
Striving towards a more sustainable future, Liebherr has one of the largest ranges of ‘A’- rated appliances on the market. Our portfolio contains over 30 products above a ‘C’ energy efficiency rating for household appliances and more than 20 for commercial appliances. In addition, our manufacturing plants are run off solar power energy and we have poured extensive resources into making our units as efficient as possible.
By focusing on these technological innovations and sustainable practises, we ensure that Liebherr remains synonymous with excellence – setting the standard for premium refrigeration solutions worldwide.
