A wonderful atmosphere, over 500 participants, 33 booths featuring offerings from 45 brands, Kakto partner meetings, discussions, and panel discussions—this sums up the 9th edition of the „AB Innovation Days” trade show. As one of the largest events in the RTV and household appliance distribution industry in Poland, organized by AB S.A., it has now become a part of history.

Initiated by AB S.A. – the largest IT, RTV/AGD, and consumer electronics distributor in Central and Eastern Europe – a record number of industry professionals gathered in Karpacz. Consequently, the latest „AB Innovation Days” proved to be even larger in terms of attendance compared to previous editions.

Trade Show Highlights, Culinary Delights, and Entertainment

In the first part of the event, all participants’ attention was focused on presentations of new products from renowned manufacturers. In line with the event’s theme, “See Today What Others Will Show Tomorrow,” 33 vendor booths showcased the portfolios of 45 brands with solutions that will soon reach consumers’ homes. Among them were companies such as BOSCH, Midea (Toshiba), Samsung, Whirlpool, Amica, Beko, Gorenje, Karcher, LG, and Philips (TV & Sound). As a result, the majority of solutions presented were from the large household appliance category, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. Smaller appliances featured prominently as well, including kitchen robots, coffee machines, microwaves, and other household accessories, as well as vacuum cleaners, irons, and hoods. Meanwhile, those interested in RTV products had the opportunity to admire TVs with large screens, workstation setups, and peripheral accessories.

The Icing on the Cake: Live Culinary Shows and Interactive Booths

A special highlight of the event was the various “shows” held at the exhibitors’ booths, including live culinary demonstrations. Traditionally, a hairdresser was available at the Remington booth, and at the Philips (TV & Sound) booth, attendees could enjoy a car racing simulator equipped with a seat and steering wheel.

Given that key themes of the event included ecology and sustainable development in household and RTV products, advanced solutions that respect the environment and are more energy-efficient attracted significant interest. The products that could be integrated into smart home systems and controlled remotely via smartphone apps also drew considerable attention. In summary, it is clear that these phenomena—ecology, efficiency, and innovation (smart home)—are currently setting the development trends for manufacturers and their devices.

Distribution and Sustainable Development: Expert Panels

In addition to the usual trade show discussions about new products, progress, offers, and collaborations, experts exchanged insights during panel discussions. The main themes of these panels addressed current and important business issues from the perspective of the event participants. The panels included topics such as: “Is Sustainable Development a Chance for the Household Appliance Market?” and “Distribution as the Key to Success.”

– Today, you could say that eco is ‘sexy.’ And that’s a trend. According to GfK research, 55% of Poles declare that they are willing to pay more for energy-efficient equipment. On our part, as AB, we feel responsible for educating in this area, focusing on rational arguments and continually improving product efficiency in this regard. And we, as a distributor along with Vendors and Resellers, are doing just that – said Krzysztof Sumara, Business Development Manager at AB S.A.

The Importance of Ecology, Water, and Energy Efficiency: Insights from Experts

The significance of ecology, water, and energy efficiency in today’s appliances was also emphasized by other experts.

– Nowadays, almost every customer asks if a product is energy-efficient, and consequently, household and RTV appliances must be eco-friendly. They should be made from recycled materials as much as possible, minimize environmental impact, and reduce energy or water consumption. Unfortunately, such products cost more due to the use of advanced and expensive components in their production. These are solutions for those who value rational purchases. In the long run, their purchase pays off – said Łukasz Stępkowicz, owner of LUKFOT.

Energy efficiency is no longer a passing trend but a future necessity and a sign of prudence and responsibility. This is confirmed by both device manufacturers and, through them, the users of these solutions.

– Household appliances are not bought impulsively or spontaneously. A customer selecting a household device knows what they want and today chooses to fulfill specific needs. When choosing a TV, for instance, they look for development and a higher level of pursuing their hobbies. As a result, a customer is willing to buy a more expensive or more eco-friendly product only if it genuinely meets their specific need. Additionally, the first piece of information on a product specification card is not dimensions or number of rotations, but energy efficiency class. So, there is ample opportunity for education and differentiation – added Aleksander Dołżyński, GTM Training Manager at LG Electronics.

Innovation, understood as a synonym for energy efficiency and advanced technology, is the leading direction in the development of household and RTV appliances. It also brings tangible benefits to users.

– As we learned from the presentation, over the past four years, since 2019, electricity costs have increased by approximately 900 PLN per household on average. About 50% of home energy consumption, or around 15TWh, is generated by large appliances: dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines. If we were to replace just these three devices in Polish homes with modern, more energy-efficient solutions today, each household would consume 5TWh less energy – added Paweł Warski, Business Development Manager at AGED (with the HADEN brand).

Importantly, soon the product specification cards will include labels indicating whether and how easily the device can be repaired.

AB Recognizes Partners Once Again

During “Innovation Days,” AB S.A. and its representatives traditionally honored their partners for effective business cooperation. Clients and vendors were awarded commemorative trophies in eight categories. The winners were:

– 4 THE BEST – Category: Debut of the Year 2023

– GREKO – Category: Kakto Brand Ambassador 2023

– ALL AGD RTV – Category: SDA Recipient of the Year 2023

– ANWERK/AB INVEST – Category: MDA Recipient of the Year 2023

– TELMAR/EXODUS – Category: RTV Recipient of the Year 2023

– AMICA – Category: SDA Supplier of the Year 2023

– BSH – Category: MDA Supplier of the Year 2023

– SAMSUNG – Category: RTV Supplier of the Year 2023

During the fair, there was also a meeting and training session for those involved in the KAKTO franchise network organized by AB S.A. Participants had the opportunity to better understand AB’s strategy regarding the development of the Home Appliances/Consumer Electronics category and the support available for online sales through the offered e-commerce tools.

In summary, the 9th edition of „AB Innovation Days” once again proved to be a remarkable event on the calendar of the Polish Home Appliances and Consumer Electronics industry. Once again, it successfully facilitated better industry relationships, showcased new products, and allowed for the exchange of experiences.

More about the event can be found on the „Innovation Days” website: https://id.ab.pl/

Event Sponsors:

Platinum Partners: BOSCH, Kakto, Midea, Philips (TV&Sound), Samsung, Whirlpool

Gold Partners: Amica, Beko, Gorenje, Karcher, LG

Silver Partners: Adler, Blueair, Camry, CANDY, Concept, EATON, Electrolux, GARETT, HADEN, ICY BOX, Lenovo, LUXPOL, MAAN, MPM, NIVONA, Philips, Ravanson, Remington, Russell Hobbs, Targus, TB, TCL, TechniSat, Vestel

The media partner for „AB Innovation Days” 2023 is „InfoProdukt.”