In an interview with Ben van Elk of Dekker Zevenhuizen, a leading manufacturer of worktops and wholesaler of kitchen and sanitary products, both the company's challenges and future plans are discussed. Despite an expected 5% decline in turnover by 2024, Van Elk sees bright spots in recent market developments.
The USP and InRetail national figures suggest a positive trend, but this is not yet directly reflected in renditions according to Dekker Zevenhuizen's experience with their customers. "The export figures of kitchens from Germany to the Netherlands indicate a decrease of -11.7%. We think this is more in line with the actual market in the Netherlands."
Nevertheless, customers remain optimistic, especially looking ahead to 2025. "We ourselves expect a fairly stable year, but for Dekker, growth will mainly have to come from abroad," Ben says.
Spokesman Ben van Elk at a display of Pitt Cooking, of which Dekker Zevenhuizen recently became a dealer.
The slow development in residential construction and the shortage of skilled workers remain stumbling blocks to growth. The lagging new construction market is putting pressure on the entire market as each new home potentially leads to three, four moves that often involve a new kitchen. However, the company is facing the reality of a market crying out for affordable homes that are in short supply, slowing down the market.
Productivity
To meet the various challenges, Dekker Zevenhuizen is investing maximally in advanced machinery to increase productivity at a time of historically low unemployment: 3.7% by 2024 and 3.8% next year, the company expects.
The company is also strongly committed to exporting to Germany, where they see plenty of growth opportunities. "We are currently operating there with four of our own representatives to serve the kitchen market and gain a foothold," Ben points out.
Trends
In terms of trends, Dekker Zevenhuizen distinguishes itself by capitalising on Sculpture Club (round shapes and light colours) and Raw Luxury (natural imitation of certain structures), two styles that emphasise the artistic integration of the kitchen into the interior and the natural beauty of materials, respectively. Durability and mimicking natural properties are key, without taking the material out of the earth.
In the trend Sculpture Club, the kitchen feels holistic and artistic, but never loses sight of optimal functionality. The open kitchen is increasingly spreading throughout the entire interior and the mix of materials is becoming more diverse - although there is clearly a base of naturals. The result is a soft, luxurious, sensual energy and atmosphere. The foundation of the Raw Luxury kitchen is tough, natural and architectural. A new kind of industrial, high-end feel is created in which reuse and sustainable materials play an important role, and the focus is on wood, concrete, stone and metal. Bespoke interior items, artisan accessories and high-tech equipment add depth to the raw atmosphere.
Pitt Cooking
It is worth mentioning that a recent partnership with Pitt Cooking, known for their high-tech gas cooktops that seamlessly integrate into the worktop and will soon also be offered as induction cooktops, underlines Dekker Zevenhuizen's commitment to innovation. This partnership, with the company acting as dealer, promises customers a tailor-made cooking experience. Induction burners are thereby incorporated directly into worktops.
Despite the current challenges, Dekker Zevenhuizen, through Ben van Elk, remains optimistic and focused on the future, with a clear vision for sustainability, innovation and the development of the kitchen market, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
More information:
Dekker Zevenhuizen
Industry centre 2
2761 JP Zevenhuizen
[email protected]
www.dekkerzevenhuizen.nl