Small gains for small kitchen appliances

Astudy by MarketResearch.com’s SBI division suggests that small kitchen appliances in the United States should continue to enjoy modest growth based on consumer trends in food and drink. The Small Kitchen Appliances in the United States study said the small kitchen market should reach a value of about $2.7 billion in sales in 2010 versus $2.5 billion in 2005.

Growth will be influenced by many factors, including low-priced imports, which have been gaining share steadily since 2001, the study indicated, and accounted for more than half of the 2005 supply in terms of dollar value. Their impact on the market will continue to be felt, which, with the continued aficionado behavior of consumers who will pay out for appliances that support lifestyle choices, may mean mid-priced appliances will suffer ongoing pressure while low-priced and high-end models have better prospects.

Automatic drip coffee makers continue to be the top small kitchen appliance purchased annually by U.S. households, but electromechanical appliances—blenders, mixers, food processors and juice extractors, among others—accounted for about two-thirds of the value of small kitchen appliance imports in 2005.

Toasters and slow cookers fill out the list of top five sellers, according to the study.