Kitchen and Bath Sector Remains Resilient Despite Economic Pressure, with Gradual Growth Expected in 2026 USA: The kitchen and bath remodeling sector is expected to stabilise and return to modest growth in 2026 after three years of decline, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Revenue is projected to reach $228 billion, driven mainly by existing-home renovations rather than new construction. Although high costs and labour shortages continue to pressure margin

Kitchen Renovations Driven by Housing Pressures and Shift Towards Functional, Long-Term Design USA: Kitchen renovations are increasingly influenced by housing shortages in United States, ageing properties and longer homeowner occupancy, according to Houzz. A survey of 1,800 homeowners shows many are choosing to upgrade existing kitchens rather than move, with a strong focus on improving functionality and addressing outdated or inefficient layouts. More than half are planning

Saccaria Rebrands to Unicom Italy: Saccaria, a historic company from the Marche region, has begun a gradual transformation of its brand into Unicom, already part of the Clerici Group network. The transition starts with the Senigallia store on Via Botticelli and will progressively extend to all locations, ensuring operational continuity while preserving established relationships and local presence. Since joining Clerici Group in 2018, Saccaria has become a key player in the re

Germany: NORDWEST Handel AG has added three new partners to its building technology division, reflecting ongoing consolidation and network alignment within the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) wholesale market. The additions come amid increasing competitive pressure and evolving market requirements. The new partners will join NORDWEST’s network of more than 1,300 dealers, contributing to its expansion in the sector. From March 1, 2026, Michael Egger GmbH & Co.

How AI Is Transforming Home Appliances and Kitchen Living USA: AI-powered home appliances are becoming increasingly common in kitchens and households, with brands integrating intelligent features into ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. These systems can optimise cooking temperatures, adjust cycles automatically, reduce energy use and learn user habits to improve convenience. Experts note that the real value lies in reducing daily effort rather than adding

Roca Group Australia: Roca Group has opened a new Sydney Gallery in Surry Hills, Australia, bringing together its brands Laufen and Roca within a shared space. The facility is designed as a two level site in a heritage building and was developed by architecture firm DKO. The gallery integrates original architectural elements with modern design to present bathroom solutions focused on functionality, innovation and sustainability. The Sydney Gallery becomes part of the company

Hornbach Germany: The Hornbach Group reported a 3.8% year on year increase in net sales, reaching US$7.43 billion in the financial year 2025-26, in line with its earlier guidance. The company maintained stable operating performance, with adjusted EBIT standing at US$305.9 million, nearly matching the previous year despite rising personnel and operational expenses. Growth was supported by store expansion, improved customer footfall, and steady performance across European marke

Indonesian Ceramic Industry Urges Reliable Domestic Gas Supply INDONESIA: Indonesian ceramic manufacturers are calling for stronger government measures to secure consistent natural gas supply, highlighting its critical role in sustaining production. Industry players are advocating for stricter implementation of the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) policy, which would require gas producers to allocate a fixed share of output for domestic use. Producers warn that unreliable gas

Mr. Bricolage Reports Decline in 2025 Sales Performance FRANCE: French DIY retailer Mr. Bricolage reported a 3.3% year-on-year decline in turnover in 2025, with total revenue reaching approximately $2.45 billion (€2.11 billion). On a like-for-like basis, the decline was slightly steeper at 3.8%, while its store network contracted around 2% to 1,059 locations. Performance varied across regions, with international operations posting modest growth of nearly 2%, contrasted by a

Kitchen Faucet Trends in the United States USA: At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2026 in Orlando, United States, kitchen faucet trends highlighted a strong shift towards simplicity, timeless design, and enhanced functionality. Manufacturers focused on sleek, minimalist aesthetics with cohesive finishes, while offering greater personalisation through multiple colour and material options. Touchless and hands-free technologies gained further traction, driven by convenience, h

Morbi Ceramic Industry Comes to a Standstill Amid Gas Supply Disruption INDIA: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted gas supplies to Morbi, forcing a large portion of the region’s ceramic industry to halt production. While several units had already ceased operations due to the shortage, the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association has now decided to extend the shutdown to the remaining operational units as well. Morbi is one of the world’s top three ceramic cluster

Geberit Unveils Experience Center in Milan, Reinforcing Strategic Focus on Italy ITALY: Geberit has unveiled a preview of its new “Geberit Experience Center,” a multifunctional space in Milan designed as a hub for interaction and collaboration. As stated by the company, the center aims to serve as a platform for engagement, bringing together designers, businesses, architects, installers, end consumers, and institutions to foster continuous dialogue with both the industry and

New US Tariffs Leave CUSMA Exemptions Unchanged USA: The US has introduced new global tariffs on imports, but goods qualifying under the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will continue to be exempt, according to a statement from the White House. The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier emergency tariff measures, prompting the government to adopt tariffs under a different legal authority. Despite the broader tariff regime taking eff

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Leaves 1,500 Containers of Indian Ceramic Exports Stranded India: The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz has left around 1,500 containers of ceramic exports from India stranded at ports or in transit, increasing the risk of exporters facing shipping surcharges, demurrage charges, and war risk surcharges from shipping companies. The containers, mainly carrying wall tiles, floor tiles, vitrified tiles, and sanitaryware destined for West Asia, are stuck

Rise of Seamless Hydrotherapy in Luxury Bathroom Design USA: Luxury bathroom design in the United States is increasingly embracing “invisible design,” where advanced hydrotherapy systems are fully concealed within bathtubs to maintain clean, minimalist aesthetics. Traditionally, visible plumbing and mechanical components disrupted the visual harmony of spa-style bathrooms. However, growing demand for wellness-focused spaces has driven innovation, enabling manufacturers to int

LIXIL Study Highlights Economic Impact of Skilled Labour Shortage in Plumbing USA: A study commissioned by LIXIL Corp. reveals that the growing shortage of skilled labours in plumbing is significantly affecting the US economy. Conducted with John Dunham & Associates, the research estimates a shortfall of around 550,000 plumbing professionals by 2027. This gap is driven by retirements, limited vocational training, and low workforce diversity. The shortage is increasing costs,

Geberit Reports Sales Growth in 2025 Despite Weak European Construction Market SWITZERLAND: Geberit Group reported resilient performance in 2025 despite weak construction activity in Europe. Net sales rose 2.5% to US$ 4.01 billion (CHF 3.16 billion), or 4.8% in currency-adjusted terms, supported by strong product launches and broad-based market growth. Operating cashflow (EBITDA) increased 2.0% to US$1.18 billion (CHF 931 million), with the EBITDA margin at 29.4%, slightly be

Rising Gas Prices Increase Cost Pressure on Italy’s Ceramic Industry Italy: Gas prices in Europe have increased following geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, raising concerns among ceramic manufacturers in Italy. According to Confindustria Ceramica, gas prices rose from EUR 33 per MWh (USD 36 per MWh) to EUR 55 per MWh (USD 60 per MWh) within two days, reaching the highest level since February of the previous year. The association estimated that the i

EPA Launches RealWaterTA Initiative to Strengthen Drinking Water Systems USA: The US Environmental Protection Agency has introduced the RealWaterTA initiative to improve drinking water and wastewater systems by supporting utilities in upgrading aging infrastructure and meeting Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The programme focuses on providing technical assistance in engineering, operations, financial planning and workforce development, with particular support for small

10 Home Design Features That Help People Age Comfortably at Home USA: Design professionals highlight several home features that support comfortable and safe living as residents grow older. Wider doorways and hallways allow easier movement, particularly for wheelchairs or walkers, while step-free layouts reduce the risk of trips and falls. Curbless showers, grab bars and non-slip flooring are commonly recommended for bathrooms to improve safety and accessibility. Enhanced ligh