The Blanco Group reported sales of approximately €383million for the 2024 financial year, representing a 7.2 percent decline compared to the previous year. However, the rate of decline slowed relative to the prior year. Notably, the company achieved sales growth in key product areas such as drink systems, the online after-sales business and international partner markets.
Blanco CEO Frank Gfrörer continues to assess the market environment in the industry as 'difficult'. "We are still observing a very cautious consumer behaviour in our segment, both in Germany and in our international markets. Coupled with a subdued construction industry, this leads to a business dynamic that we were able to shape positively in the past financial year, but we would still like to see more movement in the market overall," he said.
Blanco invested more than €12million in the further optimisation of locations and systems in the past financial year. One focal point was the office space at the company HQ in Oberderdingen, where extensive construction projects have now been completed. The new Brand Experience Centre has been in operation since the beginning of April and will present the brand to both trade visitors and interested consumers in the future.
Gfrörer sees the consistent reorganisation of the company from a component manufacturer to a comprehensive system provider for the kitchen water place as the key to future market success. "We have made it our mission to create added value for the kitchen water place with more convenience, more attractive design and the highest quality. We will continue to pursue this path consistently, starting with our products and brand positioning through to communication with retail customers and consumers," he said.
As the company embarks on its centenary year, Gfrörer said he believes it is in a good position to revitalise the business at the kitchen water place. He added: "We have laid the foundations for the UNIT system at the kitchen water place. We have strong products that set standards in terms of technology, design and quality, and we have strengthened the Blanco brand and made it more attractive. Now it's time for us to accelerate and scale our activities and focus on growth in the defined markets."
