Lockdown has made more and more people to dine at home, home cooking has become the new normal, some studies even suggest that home cooking trend will continue after the pandemic. As your consumers are spending more time in the kitchen, the demand for kitchenware hits a record high. In this article, HKTDC research team has come up with these 5 hottest kitchenware trends in 2021, take inspiration from these latest trends now!
1.Smart and Innovative Designs
Recent years have seen the arrival of new products with smart designs, multi‑functional and innovative features. One example of this is the KIGI food storage container. Supported by its KIGI mobile app, users can keep track of the food conditions and receive shelf life reminders so as to avoid food waste. The KIGI app will also suggest a variety of cooking recipes based on the current stock of food. In addition, hi‑tech gadgets have started to enter the kitchen space. For example, some kitchen baking scales can now be connected to an iPad app that provides instructions for making a cake. The built‑in touchscreen of a Samsung smart refrigerator offers recipe suggestions that sync with food storage and allow users to automatically re‑order food with their credit card.
2.Increasing Environmental Awareness
Consumers have become more eco‑conscious and are buying more environmentally friendly products. Manufacturers have also realised that cost savings can be made from the use of green materials and packaging. These two factors have combined to make such designs and materials popular with houseware producers and buyers. Reusable food wrap has slowly taken over from plastic wrap to provide more sustainable food storage. Cotton wraps which come in many colours and patterns can be reused after washes. Plastic straws are also being phased out and replaced by reusable straws made in stainless steel and biodegradable bamboo.
3.Small/miniature Designs
Demographic changes including shrinking household sizes have led to a shift towards space‑saving electronic appliances and kitchenware. To meet this changing demand, manufacturers have been increasing their production of slimmer and smaller appliances. Single cup coffee makers, mini smoothie blenders and pint‑size stand mixers are some popular items for small or single‑person households. Foldable lunch boxes and water bottles are also trending as they can fit into handbags or be easily stored.
4.Use of Natural Materials
Minimalist trends are taking root in the houseware sector as consumers begin to appreciate the aesthetics of natural materials. These materials and fibres including timber, rope and seagrass are increasingly used in the production of kitchen furniture like dining tables and chairs. Rustic materials can also be found in kitchenware, such as bamboo‑made kitchen tools, copper kitchen accessories and cooking knives with handles made from reclaimed hardwood. Harmonious colours and patterns are favoured, especially among millennials, with marbles and stone patterns being the top choices for many homeowners.
5. Simple and Healthy Lifestyle
People are becoming more health‑conscious and prefer to eat healthily and simply. Kitchen tools for a simple lifestyle continue to be popular. For example, consumers prefer cookware and kitchenware with non‑stick surfaces that are easy to clean, and steamers and pans which require less oil for cooking. An air fryer is one example offering a faster and healthier alternative to fried food. Handy gadgets such as salad choppers and juicers are much sought‑after. Hydration and hydration‑related products such as water bottles, infusion and filtration products continue to see increasing demand driven by the consumer trends of health and wellness.
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