By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services
Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods!
At the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show, the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center will present 20 educational programs beginning Saturday morning and running through Tuesday morning. In the coming months, we’ll introduce you to the experts who will discuss critical and timely topics in our industry.
Small Appliances—A World of Opportunity
Global Insights on Emerging and Developing Markets
Date: Sunday, March 16 12:30 – 1:20 p.m.
Location: International Home + Housewares Show, Chicago, IL
Udo Jansen
Global Director, Small Domestic Appliances
GfK Retail and Technology GmbH | Germany
GfK, one of the world’s leading research companies, was founded in 1934 in Nuremberg, Germany. GfK now maintains offices stretching around the globe—in Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. GfK converts data into insights that point to opportunities. Their specialists discover how consumers experience brands, identify what they are buying and why, and which items are selling best, where and over what channels. Their techniques forecast the future and clarify the present.
Mr. Jansen, what do you find exciting in your work?
As Global Director for GfK, I work with colleagues in more than 50 countries to measure and track trends in the small appliance business. From emerging markets (China, Russia, Brazil) to more mature, but influential countries (Germany, Italy, France, Japan), I enjoy a front row seat to see trends as they develop in what has become a technology and innovation-driven segment of the home goods market.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?
There are a number of trends impacting our business—from retailer consolidation to the tremendous growth of the internet. New technologies and innovations are driving growth in all segments from food preparation to floor care. In addition, growth in global economies is driving opportunity for the industry. GfK is adapting by adding countries into our global tracking database each year.
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
The International Home + Housewares Show is a leading global event. While GfK does not have a Small Appliance operation here in the United States, the Show serves as a forum to meet with other industry leaders, including global clients and those interested in global expansion to regions like Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
There is tremendous potential in developing regions around the globe, from Latin America to South East Asia, China, India and Africa. Yet each market is entirely unique! At the same time, innovation is driving new products and sub-classes in long-established categories. Combining these dynamics and driving informed discussions with retail partners (region by region) is an essential component of global brand building.
This is your first time presenting at our Theater. What are you looking forward to most from speaking at the Innovation Theater?
We look forward to engaging with our audience and sharing our first-hand experience in tracking the global small appliance markets.
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
This can vary region by region, but our sense is that there is more enthusiasm for the innovations that are driving lifestyle convenience and time-saving solutions at an affordable price.
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
Emerging markets represent high growth potential across a spectrum of socio-economic dimensions. Understanding feature and price trends and building a retailer Internet strategy to fit your global brand present enormous challenges and opportunities!
Thank you, Mr. Jansen for this preview of your research interests and approach. We look forward to hearing about your interpretations of international trends and markets.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 16, 12:30 p.m. in the Innovation Theater. Be sure to make time in your Show schedule for FREE executive-level seminars that will help build your business—at the Innovation Theater, located in Room E350—near the entry to the Level 3 Lobby, the gateway to the Lakeside Center exhibit hall. Check www.housewares.org regularly for updates on the schedule of Show events.
To learn more about GfK, contact Udo Jansen:
Udo Jansen
Global Director Small Domestic Appliances
GfK Retail and Technology GmbH | Germany
+49 911 395 2936
