The US kitchen and bathroom trade body has said it plans to introduce US KBB brands, distributors and designers to overseas markets, including the UK, as part of its Global Connect initiative.
It also revealed to kbbreview its first European line up of meet-ups.
The first two will be in Cologne and Paris in January, followed by Milan in April and London in September.
Earlier this month, the NKBA said it was committed to creating an international community of kitchen and bathroom professionals and become the global facilitator for the worldwide kitchen and bathroom industry.
“Our members are very interested in serving the global marketplace. As manufacturers, designers and showrooms continue to expand their footprints, they have encouraged us – their association – to expand our relationships as well,” said NKBA chief executive Bill Darcy.
“Many of our members have a presence in markets outside of the US. They are excited to know that the NKBA has a desire to facilitate connections, share insights, and open conversations with kitchen and bath industry professionals regardless of their location,” he added.
“We can open doors to brands, distributors and designers interested in the North American market as well as introduce US brands, distributors and designers interested in expanding their presence beyond North America, to new opportunities.
“Our industry trade show, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, our extensive library of proprietary market research and our comprehensive, all-industry education programmes including thought leadership summits and global meet-ups, offer solid platforms for brands, showrooms and designers to engage.”
The NKBA’s most recent report was on kitchen technology usage and US consumer and designer attitudes to smart tech in the kitchen.
Almost 200 designers and 301 consumers were interviewed for the report, which found, among other things, that smart cooking appliances that could sense being left on unintentionally, hands-free taps and appliances that can be turned on and off remotely were the most appealing kitchen technologies for consumers.
Meanwhile, designers were most likely to opt for appliances, including taps, that send remote failure and leak alerts.