Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen tools

The market for the kitchen tool categories considered in this study is dominated by sales of
cutting boards (higher volume, lower value) and worktop savers (slightly higher value, but
lower household penetration).
Kitchen tools are also increasingly influenced by fashion trends, even though they are not as
fast changing here as with other household equipment.There is now a greater variety of
designs and materials available. At the same time, presentation has become more important
and kitchen utensils can be displayed in purpose-made stands, racks or frames and sold as
a set. Examples include nests of trays, blocks of cutting knives, boards, and mug trees.
In cutting boards the most popular products are made of wooden and plastic/polythene
materials.Traditional wooden boards have now added features such as chrome handles,
cheese wires and crumb trays, which enable them to command a slightly higher price
( 5/IR 6.40 on average, compared to 2- 3/IR 2.50-IR 3.80 for plastic boards). Generally
the pattern tends to be plain or minimalist, although traditional ones are still purchased by
older customers and as souvenir presents. Large free-standing butcher s blocks are currently
in vogue for larger kitchens.
The recent innovation of anti-bacterial plastic boards looked promising initially, but debate
around impact on the human immune system reduced the sales potential for this product.
T&G Woodware is one of the main players in the cutting boards market in Ireland
(particularly in solid wood cutting and carving boards). Other players include Cloverleaf,
and Watchet.
In the worktop savers sector, the most popular models come in tempered glass, and are
heat and scratch resistant. Non-slip feet are common throughout the ranges.The better
end of the market consists of toughened glass products that resist odours, taints and
bacteria. Significant product differentiation comes in the pattern variation.The traditional
farm or fruit themes are now complemented with contemporary styles such as plain
chrome and black edge. Main players in this sector are Tuftop, Creative Tops, Cloverleaf,
Kitchen Devils, and Pimpernell.
Sales of Lap trays have been somewhat boosted in recent years, with people spending more
time watching TV and less on formal dining occasions.
Commonly, they have a stain and heat resistant surface, with moulded surround to prevent
spillage.The main suppliers to the Ireland market are Cloverleaf, Pimpernell, and Classics.