1500 Retailers Interviewed to Identify Range Enhancements

Posted on by Luke Shepperson

Over 1500 retail contacts have been individually quizzed about how Amica might enhance the diverse built-in cooking line-up from the brand.

Built-in cooking products from Amica have included innovations like steam, pyrolytic and Aqualytic cleaning, multi-function, preset programmes and web compatibility for many years. But with kitchen retailers firmly in its sights the leading Polish producer sought a warts-and-all index of recommended improvements to the range. Simon Freear, country manager for the UK and Ireland, explains “We often hear often how manufacturers have been listening to their customers, but one never really knows if that is to the end consumer or the retailer. Our retail partners participate in the shop-floor dialogue whether that be praise or criticism for differing brands and products.What we have learnt has been convincing and compelling – generally positive and where we needed to improve we have. What we have now is a complete built-in range that covers all the requests made and offers retailers looking for brand change a quantifiable business opportunity.” Over 12 months Amica and its distribution partners have methodically quizzed electrical and kitchen retailers of the Amica range as well as builders, department stores and service engineers to highlight ways the brand might advance its built-in cooking offer in the UK and Ireland. What the company has identified is that in a number of areas Amica fairs extremely well; technology,style, price and aftercare. In particular the Amica Aqualytic water-only oven cleaning system and the Amica 2 year warranty are valued.” Simon Freear “Our retailers pointed to a number of possible product enhancements;things like retractable controls a clear, but attractive digital programming display, two halogen lights in the oven cavities, fully extending telescopic guides/shelves and more than one roasting pan. All things we have now added to the range.” “Among the most persuasive product enhancements includes a super smooth soft close/open door mechanism that enhances the feel of quality and technological reliability.” Says Simon. “We are also adding a warming drawer and a compact oven to the collection reflecting specific product requests from retailers.” Captions: top: Illuminated door handles add visual appeal to a showroom and kitchen install. Bottom: Warming drawer and compact oven due to join the Amica line-up in 2016. @amicauk For additional media information please contact: DRA Public Relations. Email: deborah@drapublicrelations.co.uk Telephone: 01425 461600 Mobile: 07767 784295

AMICA SPONSORED OXFORD SWIM ATTRACTS OVER 100 ENTRANTS

Posted on by Luke Shepperson
115 open water enthusiasts and complete beginners finished the Oxford 4k Lock to Lock river swim organised by Swim Oxford Ltd on Saturday 6th September 2015. The new event was sponsored by home appliance brand Amica. Amica, which is rolling out a grass-roots marketing campaign for the last quarter of 2015 and throughout 2016, directly linked the inaugural Oxfordshire event to its independent kitchen specialist and expert electrical retail customers from the immediate area. Bob Gibson, joint director of Swim Oxford said “It’s great to have an international brand supporting a local sporting event of this type. There’s clearly a huge appetite for this kind of activity as we could have sold twice the number of places. We have plans for longer swims and hope Amica will support us once again.” Results: Fastest Male (18 & Over) – Greg Bird Fastest Female (18 & Over) – Vicky Pearson Esser Fastest Junior Male – Zak Gibson Fastest Junior Female – Caitlin Brown Simon Freear, country manager for Amica in the UK and Ireland said, “Amica is a youthful brand with a heritage in sporting support. There is so much consumer interest in open-water swimming and triathlons we’re delighted to have been part of this event in Oxford.” www.swimoxford.co.uk www.amica-international.co.uk @amicauk For additional media information please contact: DRA Public Relations. Email: deborah@drapublicrelations.co.uk Telephone: 01425 461600 Mobile: 07767 784295 Ends: 14.09.2015

AMICA UP AGAIN! UK Contributes Most Dynamic Growth – up 50%

Posted on by Luke Shepperson
In 2014, Amica Group grew its sales revenue up 22% year on year to PLN 2,028,295,000. EBITDA and profitability have grown in line with the main increases in revenue recorded in the home market of Poland, along with Germany and in Southern European markets. The UK contributed some of the most dynamic growth up more than 50% over the same period. During 2014, the Amica Group began selling its ranges of built-in and freestanding appliances in new markets such as Spain, Portugal, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Vietnam and Australia. Significant growth of built-in categories; cooling, ovens and hobs, as well as freestanding cookers was a key factor for growth in all markets despite extremely variable macroeconomic circumstances in Eastern European markets and the Russian currency depreciation. Simon Freear Country Manager for the UK & Ireland explains “The independent electrical and kitchen retailer has been loyal to Amica over recent years. By building on this solid foundation with new products, technology and services the brand is now in a position to grow exponentially on the groundwork we have all worked so hard to lay. Consumer awareness is growing and with the new extended range of induction hobs, hoods and a new suite of cooking products including double ovens in all fuels, the brand is poised to achieve great things in the UK and Ireland.”   Amica UK has recently announced a new strategic distribution partner for Ireland and was selected from all the countries across the world to host the company’s annual global conference. Amica will also be at IFA again this year. Simon concludes “The UK is a very important market to Amica and those doing business with us can expect exciting things during 2015/16.” Double Ovens from Amica – purpose made for the UK consumer, launched earlier this year For additional media information please contact: DRA Public Relations. Email: deborah@drapublicrelations.co.uk Telephone: 01425 461600 Mobile: 07767 784295

AMICA APPOINTS ORIGO AS DISTRIBUTOR FOR IRELAND

Posted on by Luke Shepperson
Amica household appliances has announced that Dublin based Origo, a leading consumer appliance distributor for Ireland, is to distribute the Amica brand in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Simon Freear, country manager for the UK and Ireland explains “Origo has a clear and undisputed strategy of working closely with its retail partners. This relationship gives Amica the opportunity to reach a wider range of customers with a complete range of products to cater for all consumer needs. I’m delighted Amica is now among a prestigious line-up of premium consumer brands and look forward to building a strong and profitable working relationship with Origo and its retailing customers.” Michael Breslin, Head of Sales for Origo says “We are committed to sustained and profitable business growth for our domestic appliance brands by offering our retail customers the best choice and business terms. Amica complements our established brands and offers our retailers the chance to sell something new and fresh. Retailers and consumers can be reassured that all aftersales and service is taken care of with a comprehensive 2 year guarantee included with each product.” Origo will launch the new Amica product line up for 2015 at their forthcoming tradeshow in August 2015. To schedule an appointment to view the Amica range of product in Dublin please contact Origo on 01 4666 777 or email sales@origo.ie www.amica-international.ie @amicauk For additional media information please contact: DRA Public Relations. Email: deborah@drapublicrelations.co.uk Telephone: 01425 461600 Mobile: 07767 784295

NEW LARGE FORMAT GAS-ON-GLASS HOB

Posted on by Luke Shepperson
July 1st 2015. Amica home appliances in the UK and Ireland has launched a new collection of powerful, multifunction gas hobs that includes both 60cm and 90cm formats and includes a stunning 90cm gas-onblack-glass model. Simon Freear, Country Manager for Amica says, “Gas remains a popular choice with a huge section of the buying public. Whether that’s driven by the need to spread-fuel-risk in terms of supply or cost, or whether these consumers remain convinced that gas is the most flexible, powerful and perhaps theatrical cooking fuel. Whatever the reason and despite the rapid growth of induction, Amica is committed to providing our customers with a choice in all fuel types.” Pictured: Top: Amica PGCZ961B 90cm Gas on Black Glass Hob approx. RRP £399. Features include: 5 gas burners – 1 x 6.4 cm flat burner (1.0kW), 2 x 8.4cm semi-rapid flat burners (2.0kW), 1 x 10.9 cm rapid flat burner (3kW) and 1 x ultra-rapid 12.9cm flat burner (4.0kW). Each burner features heavy cast iron pan supports, warm burn indicator and LPG conversion jets. The hob incorporates electrostatic electronic ignition with re-ignition safety system plus ignition failure safety device on each burner. Bottom: INPGZ9610 features the same specification in stainless steel. The Amica brand is one of the fastest growing brands in the UK and Ireland. With sales growth in 2014 of over 80% in the UK alone, the brand has built a loyal following of excellent electrical retailers by offering a technology rich product backed up with a 2 year guarantee. Now, Amica is aiming to persuade kitchen retailers of the unique opportunities associated with working with this Red Dot winning brand. www.amica-international.co.uk @amicauk For additional media information please contact: DRA Public Relations. Email: deborah@drapublicrelations.co.uk Telephone: 01425 461600 Mobile: 07767 784295