According to organisers, KBB Birmingham 2024 proved to be the most successful show in 10 years – Sally Smith reveals her 10 kitchen highlights from the 4-day event.
KBB Birmingham 2024 attracted over 17,150 visitors of which 7,000 were retailers – a record number for the show – across the 4-day event from 3rd to 6th March at the NEC. Exhibitors reported stands were constantly busy with a high level of visitor engagement, particularly from premium kitchen specialists and interior design professionals.
1. BLUM
Blum’s massive 370sq m display space across 3 stands featured the SPACE STEP, which provides access to top cupboards while also containing storage, and the new REVEGO pocket system – a smart cabinet solution with fixed pocket doors that can completely hide a run of kitchen units from view – which proved a popular draw for visitors to the stand. The AMPEROS concept, which was also making its debut at the show, allows for the safe supply of power to Blum drawers or pull-out shelves without any free-hanging or visible cables. It doesn’t require a drawer back – perfect for coffee machines, printers or other small appliances – and is easy to retrofit with no electrical skills required.
2. BORA
The BORA QVac built-in vacuum sealer was launched at the show as part of its now expanding range of premium built-in kitchen appliances. Visitors could get hands on this compact built-in vacuum sealer that can be used to vacuum seal food and can be flush or surface mounted in worktops. The auto-stop function automatically switches off the vacuuming system as soon as the correct vacuum level has been reached. The BORA new refrigeration and freezing range was also featured on their stand that included the refrigerator, the refrigerator with 4-star freezer compartment and the refrigerator-freezer with and without ice maker.
3. CLEARWATER
The Clearwater stand had an eye-catching display of its latest sinks, taps and the new range of ceramic Butler fluted sinks showcasing in particular ‘The Cotswold’, which is the company's biggest 100cm Farmhouse sink and the flagship of the sink fleet. The new Longdon 4n1 boiling tap made for a stunning centrepiece on the stand and was demonstrated to visitors alongside their brushed nickel PVD tap designed for use with Clearwater’s Digital Thermostatic Boiler, a compact unit with a generous 2.4litre capacity, capable of providing 60 cups of instant kettle hot water per hour.
4. FRANKE
Franke has over 90 brand-new product launches being introduced in March and the show was the ideal platform to showcase to visitors its expanding product range, including vented hobs, extractors, ovens, coffee machines, wine coolers and premium accessories, going beyond the sinks, taps and waste management products. The premium Mythos Water Hub tap in solid stainless steel made its debut with its stunning 5-in-1 design offering a choice of hot, cold, filtered, chilled and sparkling water alongside the innovative 6-in-1 model that delivers 100°C instant boiling water at the touch of a button.
5. HETTICH
Hettich UK unveiled its first bathroom concept in the UK in partnership with Utopia – FurnSpin, a door-free furniture cabinet featuring a simple 180-degree rotating movement, which reveals or conceals the contents. Visitors were keen to see this innovative piece of furniture being demonstrated by the enthusiastic and expert team from Hettich. The recently launched LightTower Glass, was also debuted on the stand, offering solid and glass-sided drawer options along with hassle-free, no connection illumination, based on the exceptional AvanTech YOU platform.
6. INSINKERATOR
The vibrant and colourful InSinkErator stand certainly drew the crowds over the 4 days of the show. The main focus was to showcase the company's new ‘It’s This Easy’ brand campaign as a springboard to launch its Next Generation food waste disposers to the UK market, which will be available later in the summer. Retailers were keen to understand the convenience and sustainable benefits the new waste disposers can offer their customers.
7. LOCHANNA KITCHENS
LochAnna Kitchens launched 2 new timber door designs in their Handmade range at this year's show. The Newbridge Collection in Brigade and Taupe, and The Lifford – both fitted with Blum hinges. This new collaboration was introduced to visitors on the stand and will see Blum hinges fitted as standard on all ranges in the summer. The most recently launched collection, Kirkham, as well as the bestsellers, Strato and Durham ranges, were on display.
8. MHK-UK
MHK’s large and open stand offered a welcome break-out area for visitors to catch up with business partners and colleagues. The theme 'Making the Difference' was a key focus showcasing the innovative products and services on offer from its 17 owned service companies, including its in-house kitchen brand Xeno, that support retailers from opening a kitchen retail shop to providing the tools to expand their businesses.
9. RANGEMASTER
Rangemaster not only debuted its new logo to visitors but presented its new brand narrative, ‘good, better, best’ to visitors to help retailers upsell to their customers with a raft of new POS materials. A key focus of the stand was the launch of the brand-new Estel Deluxe range cookers in 6 stunning colours marking the beginning of a broader colour palette offer across the existing range cooker models. The stand was also packed with the full range of sinks and taps featuring the new premium Cosmo stainless steel drainer model, following its successful launch in 2022.
10. ROTPUNKT
Rotpunkt made full use of its entire 117sq m stand with 4 complete kitchen set-ups, a utility room, walk-in dressing room, interior wall solutions and media unit. The new partnership between home fashion label Buster + Punch handles took centre stage, alongside a new 750mm cabinet width option, a stylish range of on-trend door colours and finishes, with integrated LED smart lighting a key focus. Visitors enjoyed stand tours and media presentations across the 4 days of the show.
