Product Mix in the Kitchen Furniture
Market 2007
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The UK
domestic kitchen furniture market experienced steady growth in
the 2002-2007 period, reaching a market size of £1330m by the
end of the period. However, the overall market value is
forecast to decline in 2008 for the first time since 1999.
The kitchen furniture market comprises
furniture, worktops and sinks, with furniture accounting for
76% of the market in value terms, whilst worktops account for
13% and sinks for 11%. Worktops have gradually gained market
share in recent years in line with the trend towards higher
value products in this sector.
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The kitchen furniture market is at the mature stage
of its product lifecycle. Consumer awareness is high and purchasing
decisions tend to be based on design, colour and materials. Features
such as soft-closing doors and drawers, sophisticated lighting and
additional electrical appliances such as televisions and coffee
machines are increasing in popularity. At the upper end of the
market handle-less doors are offered by some manufacturers in line
with sleek, minimalist styles. High gloss finishes, stainless steel,
frosted glass, wood and metallic finishes are all popular, with
combinations of materials frequently used to add interest.
Demand for design-oriented features in the kitchen
has increased the importance of both worktops and sinks which can
create high visual impact. High gloss laminates, solid surfaces and
granite have all increased in popularity, although the affordability
of laminates means that they are likely to continue to dominate the
market in the foreseeable future, particularly if the economic
situation deteriorates.
The popularity of dishwashers has altered the use of
a sink from an area simply for washing up, to a multi-functional
work centre, which incorporates features for washing, food
preparation and drainage. Multi-functional sinks are widely
available, with a range of different features, such as strainer and
draining bowls in varying depths, a variety of chopping boards, as
well as associated products such as pull out spray rinse taps. In
general, the focus on food preparation and overall design is helping
to promote the growth of the sinks market.
Imports of kitchen furniture increased significantly
in 2007, reaching £159.5m, compared to £115.3m in 2006 and currently
account for around 17% of the furniture market. Germany (40%) and
Italy (33%) are the major sources of imports and Alno, the German
based company, is a major exporter to the UK.
In the light of a severely deteriorating economic
environment, the total market for kitchen furniture is forecast to
reach £905m in 2008, and £845m in 2009, declines of 11% and 7% on
the preceding years, but is estimated to show modest growth of 4% in
2010 and further growth of 5% in 2011 and 2012 to reach a level of
£955m by the end of the period. Furniture will continue to account
for around 75% of the market.
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