Celebrating 40 years of kbb Birmingham, The Kitchen Think had a wonderful time catching up with industry friends, seeing new products and trends and getting a sneaky peek at what’s coming up in the world of kitchens…

BORA

BORA is revolutionising the kitchen as a living space with extraordinary products for extraordinary experiences. The company, which is renowned for its impressively designed, innovative built-in appliances, showcased the 2^nd generation of BORA Pure cooktop extractor systems, which have been given a facelift with additional features designed to bring contemporary cooking pleasure.

The new BORA S Pure, Pure and M Pure models focus on the user and incorporate practical features that will enrich the cooking experience. At the same time, BORA has introduced design changes that further enhance the minimalist aesthetic of these multi award-winning cooktop extractors.

As well as the high-gloss ceramic finish, BORA Pure appliances are now also available in a chic matt black finish, which features a velvety texture that cleverly conceals fingerprints and scratches. Following the launch, BORA now offers the widest range of matt glass cooktop extractor systems on the market. Usability has also been enhanced with BORA Pure cooktop extractors now benefitting from the BORA Connect button, which connects the cooktop to the BORA Joy App and Assist functions that improve efficiency while protecting food and cookware.

The new Fry Assist and Boil Assist functions support the user in the cooking process by providing variable power levels that allow set target temperatures to be programmed through the BORA Joy App, which is now available to download.

Other notable enhancements include the new Tri-Colour intuitive touch display, which has replaced the previously monochrome digital touch panel; the new air inlet nozzle that features a round design and is easily removable thanks to its tilt mechanism; new improved filter performance and auto-fan and auto-pan detection.

In addition, the company also demonstrated the versatile applications of the new BORA QVac Move, a freestanding version of its built-in vacuum sealing system that I was lucky enough to try out during a hands-on cooking experience back in January.

Offering the same practicality and versatility as the integrated model, the BORA QVac Move can be used for vacuum sealing, sous-vide cooking, marinating and flavouring. Ideal for anyone unable to integrate the built-in device into their kitchen worktop, this powerful appliance can be used flexibly wherever it is needed – in the kitchen, pantry or on the central cooking island.

CA’ PIETRA

Ca’ Pietra’s stand was designed to communicate its wider material direction alongside a series of new and upcoming launches. The stand took its architectural cue from a Mediterranean Roman villa, using arched forms, warm tones and layered surfaces to provide context for how Ca’ Pietra materials are intended to be specified and combined.

The stand was designed as a brand space rather than a product showcase, intended to give retailers, designers and specifiers time to reconnect with Ca’ Pietra as a business, the people behind it and the values that underpin how the company works. The focus was on long-term relationships, service, expertise and trust, reflecting the reputation Ca’ Pietra has built within the industry rather than any single collection or launch.

However, a selection of Spring/Summer launches was previewed within a series of arched display bays, each focusing on a different area of development.

Hoxton is new marble-effect porcelain, shown across wall applications and paired with Enso flooring. Another presented Buscot Pietra Pazza used as a bespoke stone floor combined with Ca’ Pietra’s exciting collaboration with Wetwall. A further bay was dedicated to bespoke work, offering a preview of upcoming custom-led developments and Ca’ Pietra’s continued investment in specialist production.

A central bar played host to visitors to the stand, bringing together Stone Glaze and Fontenay porcelain. Also on show was Bamboo Caramel and Nonna’s Kitchen along with Plastcraft, Buscot and Aventuras.

Also featured within the central area of the stand was Tapestry, a new patterned paving collection. This area demonstrated how different materials interact when used at scale, focusing on surface texture, colour depth and tonal continuity rather than individual product statements.

ROTPUNKT

Presenting its brand-new 2026 furniture collection, Rotpunkt introduced a cross-programme of furniture, materials and décors for the whole home, which are built to last, manage complex design briefs and deliver aesthetics with tangible benefits such as product diversity, green attributes, and good quality-to-price ratio.

From new hardwood timbers through to modern frame options, fluted designs in wood and glass and custom curves, there was a selection of new doors for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space alongside the complete collection of Fenix® colours to trade customers. We also saw a range of brand-new units in various cabinet heights, widths and depths as well as the exclusive XTend collection offering H2470mm full height one-piece doors and H910mm cabinets and island units.

This year will also see the debut of Rotpunkt bathrooms, a new product category for the brand that offers UK retailers the ability to specify its furniture in a new home environment. Specially designed for the UK bathroom space, a deluxe range of furniture can be used to transform the modern bathroom in a similar way to the kitchen, where clean lines, natural materials and creative layouts help to showcase both the furniture and unique creative visions.

AVINTAGE

Part of the FRIO Group, Avintage took part in the show for the first time, offering UK kitchen professionals the opportunity to discover a brand driven by innovation, technical excellence and a strong culture of wine preservation.

Designed for seamless integration into contemporary kitchens, Avintage solutions combine advanced preservation technologies, refined design and a strong focus on bottle presentation. With connected features and smart functionalities, the brand is driven by a culture of innovation and technical expertise, redefining the role of the wine cellar as a true feature of the modern kitchen.

Visitors to the show were able to view AVINTAGE’s connected built-in wine cellar ranges, which feature smart connectivity via the Vinotag® app, enabling remote control of temperature, lighting, alarms and performance monitoring.

The Platinum range delivers fully integrated, full-height solutions with internal ventilation, pantograph hinges and sliding shelves designed to enhance bottle presentation within the kitchen. The 88 range brings the same connected experience to under-counter installations, with double-zone temperature control available in 30cm and 60cm widths.

What’s more, designed as a true personal sommelier, its AI functionality analyses the actual contents of the wine cellar and the intended dishes to provide tailored food and wine pairing recommendations.

The brand also introduced new dedicated models designed to care for cheeses and vegetables. Like wine, these products require precise temperature and humidity conditions that standard household refrigerators are unable to provide. By creating dedicated cellars for cheese and fresh produce, Avintage offers tailored environments that preserve flavour, texture, freshness and nutritional quality.

WESTIN

Westin cooker hood specialists presented its standard hood collection, bespoke designs and examples of its UK distributed Sirius range of Italian hoods, demonstrating the brand’s range, craftsmanship and design expertise.

The show saw the launch of the Titanium 360 range of recirculating hoods, featuring Westin’s most advanced domestic recirculation system. Titanium 360 delivers exceptional filtration without ducting externally, continuously purifying kitchen air while maintaining efficiency, performance and style.

Westin also unveiled its new Alchemy metallics, enabling designers and customers to specify high-quality precious metal finishes with greater accessibility, without the need to compromise on finish.

In addition, the Westin BBQ Pro hood was on display for the first time, a professional-level outdoor extraction solution designed for garden rooms or covered outdoor kitchens, combining robust, professional level performance with sleek design.

IMPULS

German kitchen brand Impuls Küchen launches in the UK with its debut at the show. Founded in 1990, Impuls Küchen has become synonymous with timeless German kitchen design, combining precise craftsmanship, elegant aesthetics and practical functionality. Now, UK retailers and consumers have their first opportunity to experience the brand’s high-quality, affordable kitchen solutions – Impuls showcased a wide range of styles, from sleek modern designs to classic Shaker-style fronts, reflecting the brand’s versatility.

Impuls is supported by the Schüller Group and recent knowledge sharing has enhanced Impuls’ production capabilities, incorporating advanced manufacturing processes, quality machinery and streamlined warehouse management, all designed to support the brand’s growth in the UK market.

NEXT125

Premium German kitchen manufacturer next125 showcased its top-of-the-range collections and iconic designs. A key highlight was the nx680 range, fronts in G925S mirror glass bronze and F815 oak with onyx solid-coloured black.

Also on display was the award-winning next125 multifunctional trolley. Designed for convenience and versatility, the trolley adapts to a variety of needs – whether as a home bar on wheels, a compact cooking station or a stylish dining accessory. Its flexibility allows seamless integration into kitchen, dining and living spaces, exemplifying next125’s commitment to luxurious functional design.

SCHÜLLER

Schüller presented a selection of its 2026 collection

with kitchens, utility rooms and living furniture alongside a range of established best sellers. A key highlight was the new colour option for Schüller’s sustainable Matera range. Matera seamlessly combines beauty and practicality with environmental responsibility, using sustainable raw materials throughout.

The fronts are made from 78% wood sourced from the circular economy and are fully recyclable. Handles are crafted from recycled plastic, while all interior drawer fittings are made from OrganiQ, a material derived from hemp and kenaf. Anti fingerprint surfaces ensure low maintenance, durability and a long service life.

Reflecting the growing role of the kitchen as a social space, the 2026 collection introduced a rounded barboard, creating a welcoming central hub for cooking,

dining and entertaining. New elegant end panels, including quadrant and island formats, enhance the collection’s architectural appeal. Curved support panel

elements are also being introduced, designed to integrate seamlessly into the wider living environment. Schüller also presented a new front material and colour, Cremona K823 – sand oak synchronised, featuring a pore effect.