Indian Ceramic Manufacturers Explore Business Opportunities in Argentina India: A delegation of Indian ceramic manufacturers and exporters participated in a business event in Buenos Aires on 20 October 2026 to explore trade and cooperation opportunities with Argentine companies. The event brought together Indian manufacturers, importers, distributors and local business representatives. Activities included business-to-business meetings and product presentations covering porcel

Kajaria Ceramics Announces Capacity Expansions and Interim Dividend India: Kajaria Ceramics Limited's Board of Directors approved the company's unaudited financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2026 at a meeting concluded on 24 October 2026. The board also declared an interim dividend of INR 12 per equity share (approximately USD 0.14), with 29 October 2026 set as the record date for determining shareholder eligibility. Dividend payments are expecte

Megius Completes Acquisition of Albatros Brand Italy: Italian company Megius has completed its acquisition of the Albatros brand, which operates in whirlpool baths, mini-pools and wellness systems. Megius operates in the shower, sauna and hammam segments. The transaction forms part of Megius's development strategy and combines its shower product portfolio with Albatros's activities in home wellness and hospitality. The integration is intended to expand the range of bathroom a

TOTO Reports Strong First-Half Profit Growth but Lowers Full-Year Sales Forecast JAPAN: TOTO reported a significant improvement in profitability during the first half of fiscal 2026, with attributable profit more than doubling to JPY 21.3 billion (~US$142 million) from JPY 8.79 billion (~US$58.6 million) a year earlier. Net sales for the six months ended September 30 increased to JPY 364.7 billion (~US$2.43 billion), compared with JPY 349.4 billion (~US$2.33 billion) in the p

Kenya Invites Bids for 10-Year Sanitary Ware Supply Contract Under Affordable Housing Programme KENYA: Kenya’s State Department for Housing has invited companies to tender for the supply, installation and maintenance of sanitary ware across affordable housing projects nationwide. The proposed framework agreement will run for up to 10 years, with three to five suppliers expected to be selected. The contract covers toilet bowls, washbasins and other bathroom equipment, with app

Asian Granito India Elevates Parthiv Dave to Chief Operating Officer India: Asian Granito India Ltd. has elevated Parthiv Dave to Chief Operating Officer (COO), expanding his responsibilities after nearly three years as COO – AGL Bathware. Dave brings more than 35 years of experience across operations, sales and marketing, strategic management and organisational leadership, including nearly eight years as Managing Director of SIAMP India and previous leadership roles at CERA

Stiebel Eltron To Increase Stake In Ochsner To 50% Austria / Germany: Stiebel Eltron International plans to increase its shareholding in Austrian heat pump manufacturer Ochsner from 35% to 50%, following a notification submitted to the Austrian Federal Competition Authority on 16 October 2026. The two family-owned companies have maintained a partnership in the heat pump sector since 2013, including a joint venture focused on large-scale heat pumps. The proposed increase in ow

Praktiker Begins Rebranding Stores as Dedeman in Greece Europe: Praktiker Hellas has begun rebranding its stores in Greece under the Dedeman name, following its acquisition by Romanian investment group Paval Holding in 2025. The transition begins with the Tavros store on Pireos Street, where renovation work is taking place, and will extend to the remaining 16 stores in phases. The rebranding marks the end of Praktiker's 35-year presence under its existing name in Greece. The

European Ceramic Industry Seeks Changes to CO₂ Allowance Rules Europe: Spain's ceramic industry has raised concerns over a proposed reduction in free carbon dioxide (CO₂) allowances for the 2026–2030 period. The proposed 34% reduction could result in ceramic manufacturers in Castellón facing additional annual costs exceeding EUR 100 million (approximately USD 116 million). Industry association Ascer has led a year-long lobbying campaign, working with Italian industry represen

Sink UK: British sink manufacturer Shaws of Darwen has announced its complete withdrawal from the UK market and will stop accepting new orders from November 1. The decision follows the company’s recent announcement of substantial price increases of up to 300%. The company plans to cease manufacturing at its UK facility by the end of June 2027. Shaws will accept orders from UK and EU customers only until October 31. Consequently, the previously announced price increases sched

Bathroom UK: Villeroy & Boch AG has reaffirmed its adjusted full-year forecast, expecting the Group to remain within its target range despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and an uncertain market environment. Consolidated revenue for the first nine months of 2026 totalled €956.2 million (approximately US$1.11 billion), representing an 11.1% decline compared with the previous year. Excluding currency effects and the sale of its Northern European brands Gustavsberg and Vatette,

Milano by Danube Reports 250% Growth in International Sales UAE: Milano by Danube reported a 250% year-on-year increase in international sales and is targeting USD25 million in quarterly international revenue. The sanitaryware and building materials brand is expanding its distribution through its Global Direct strategy, introduced at the Canton Fair in April 2026. The strategy allows customers to place orders through Dubai and receive products directly from the company’s faci

Cersanit Suspends Zviahel Ceramics Plant Following Repeated Russian Attacks UKRAINE: Polish bathroom products manufacturer Cersanit has decided to permanently cease production at its ceramics plant in Zviahel, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, following repeated Russian attacks in September and October 2026. The shelling severely damaged the facility, including its buildings and production equipment, making repairs and safe operations unfeasible. Frequent air raid alerts, evacuations

NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report Highlights More Defined Layouts, Wellness and Climate Resilience US: The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing nearly 55,000 North American kitchen and bath professionals, has released its 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, highlighting a shift towards zoned layouts, partial walls and semi-enclosed kitchens, alongside greater emphasis on wellness and climate resilience. The share of designers expecting kitchen footprints to increa

US Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform Federal Permitting United States: Four US senators introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 on 30 September, proposing changes to the federal permitting system for infrastructure and industrial projects. Sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito, Martin Heinrich, Mike Lee and Sheldon Whitehouse, the legislation seeks to establish clearer review timelines and reduce delays associated with environmental assess

Hannover Finanz Opportunities Acquires Majority Stake in Keuco Germany: Hannover Finanz Opportunities (HFO), the special situations investment unit of Hannover Finanz Group, has acquired a majority stake in bathroom products manufacturer Keuco GmbH & Co. KG through a share transaction. The financial terms have not been disclosed. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Hemer, Germany, Keuco supplies bathroom accessories, fittings, mirrored cabinets and bathroom furniture. The co

Sanitairwinkel Automation Increases Warehouse Storage Capacity by 75% Netherlands: Sanitairwinkel has expanded warehouse automation at its distribution centre in Den Bosch to accommodate growing order volumes, limited storage space and staff shortages. The sanitary ware retailer, which serves customers in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, has implemented an AutoStore system integrated by Syncore with its existing Webstock warehouse management system. The installation accom

Plumbing USA: Florida homeowners are increasingly considering water-efficient bathroom fixtures to manage household expenses and conserve water. Highlighted in an October 13, 2026, announcement from Orlando, Florida, the initiative emphasises how upgrading showerheads, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures can improve efficiency without compromising performance. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense programme, bathrooms account for more than half o

Sonas Bathroom IRELAND: Irish bathroom products supplier SONAS Bathrooms has commenced operations at a new 60,801 sq ft distribution centre in Redditch, UK, to strengthen its distribution network and serve more than 500 retail partners nationwide. Known as Alto 60, the warehouse can accommodate 8,300 pallets and will stock a wide range of bathroom products, including showers, baths, furniture, taps, and sanitaryware. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce delive

2025 in Review: Toilet Seats Europe's toilet seat market continued to demonstrate resilience during 2025, despite ongoing challenges across the residential construction sector. While new housing activity remained subdued in several major markets, demand was supported by a combination of replacement purchases, housing renovation projects and recurring demand from commercial and institutional buildings. The latest BRG research highlights an increasingly important shift within t