Household Equipment comprises different industries involved in the design and manufacturing of domestic equipment for households. While companies exhibit very different profiles between segments, they have in common a strong sensitivity to consumer spending and a reliance on Asia-Pacific, mostly China, for their manufacturing activities. Mature economies still make up the vast majority of demand.
Consumer electronics: audio and video equipment, computers, mobile phones etc. Product markets are now largely mature and driven by replacement sales. A handful of companies generally dominates their markets and focus on design, R&D, marketing etc. while outsourcing manufacturing to contract manufacturers. Asia-Pacific concentrates more than 85% of global turnover. Mexico is the only significant manufacturer outside of the region.
Household appliances: small appliances (home care, personal care, cooking aids…) and large appliances (refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines…). Much like for consumer electronics, product markets are largely mature and dominated by a few large global players and smaller niche, regional competitors. Asia-Pacific’s share of global turnover stands at about 80%. Other manufacturing countries include Germany, Italy, Turkey and the US.
Furniture and furnishings is, on the contrary, a highly fragmented industry dominated by small- and medium-sized companies working closely with designers and retailers. A few mature economies, including Germany, Italy and the US, still have a significant presence in the industry.
