GERMANY - A 30 member US delegation from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) gained intensive insights into the German Kitchen Furniture Industry in East Westphalia.

The program for the five-day trip included visits to the kitchen furniture manufacturers Nobilia and Poggenpohl, the household appliance manufacturer Miele and the furniture fittings specialist Hettich. The approximately 30 participants from the ranks of NKBA, kitchen and bathroom furniture trade as well as interior architecture and design offices were also guests of the German furniture associations in Herford.

The tour for the North American buyers was organized by the NKBA in close cooperation with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM).

"German furniture manufacturers see great growth potential in the American market and are very interested in further expanding cooperation," said Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the Associations of the German Furniture Industry (VDM/VHK), at the reception of the American delegation. The United States is by far the most important sales market for German furniture outside of Europe. In the first half of 2022, German furniture exports across the Atlantic rose by almost 26 percent compared to the previous year. North America has been at the center of the industry's export activities for years.

In addition to the German joint stand at the KBIS – the most important North American industry trade fair for kitchens and bathrooms – close contact with the NKBA, the regular exchange of delegations and the preparation of market studies on the North American furniture market are on the agenda. A study on online sales in North America is currently being prepared on behalf of the furniture associations and will be presented in October.

The next edition of KBIS will be held in Las Vegas from January 31 to February 2, 2023. When organizing the German joint stand, AMK and VDM work closely with the organizing trade fair company – Leipziger Messe International GmbH.