After a successful economic turnaround in 2014, Gmundner Keramik continues on its successful course. With an uncompromising YES to tableware and Austrian craftsmanship, the traditional company grew faster than the industry trend in 2015. In the previous year, Gmundner Keramik recorded sales growth of 8%. The overall glass porcelain ceramic market, on the other hand, is expected to grow by an average of only 0.54% over the next 5 years. "In a saturated market, we benefit from the fact that we are incomparable and in an attractive niche. This will remain a competitive advantage in the future," explains Gmundner Keramik Managing Director Jakob von Wolff. Another success factor is the brand store opened in Vienna in October 2015 in cooperation with Albin Denk. "The store has got off to a great start and is a 100% success. The Viennese consumer recognizes the Gmundner Keramik culture of values and the quality that goes into our products," says Jakob von Wolff, confirming his choice of location. The fact that all investments and repayments were made from cash flow underlines the economic strength of the company. According to von Wolff, profitability has increased disproportionately: "Christmas business was sensational! We are delighted with a 6% EBIT margin." At Gmundner Keramik, more sales also mean more staff. "Analogous to the increase in sales, the number of employees is also growing at our company. A good order situation in traditional craftsmanship requires additional workers," von Wolff confirms the staff expansion.

The development of the tableware industry
If the current "Branchenfokus GPK/Hausrat 2015" of the IFH Cologne is anything to go by, the average growth of the glass-porcelain-ceramics sector over the next 5 years is only 0.54%. There is a lack of product innovations that can sustain growth and increase consumer interest. Gmundner Keramik, on the other hand, regularly convinces with market innovations, Jakob von Wolff explains: "Although the general market situation has been difficult in recent years, we have developed very positively thanks to our product innovations and can look back on another successful year in 2015." Online retailing is still comparatively underdeveloped in the sector, which is why specialist retailers remain stable with a market share of just under 40%. According to IFH experts, however, the market will only grow online in the future. "In the next 5 years, the industry is predicted to double its online business from 6% to 16%. The industry, and we too, must respond to this accordingly," explains Jakob von Wolff.

Design impulses: How's Toni - the skier?
The winter edition "Toni - the skier", embodies the idyllic winter world of the Austrian Alps. In 2014, it adorned the Gmundner Keramik mug range for the first time in green, gray or red. Even then, Toni made a significant contribution to the success of the fiscal year. Much sought-after by customers, the edition was expanded to include cereal bowls, dessert plates, napkins and a separate glass series. The sales figures for 2015 speak for themselves: "We were able to double the sales of our winter edition 'Toni - the Skier'! Gmundner Keramik is thus once again demonstrating a good hand in the area of product innovations," von Wolff is pleased to report.

Design novelty: Pure Flamed

From granny image to trendsetter - Gmundner Keramik succeeds with the fascinating extension "Pur Geflammt". The light and reduced lines are a tribute to the traditional design "Grüngeflammt", known and loved for 300 years. This traditionally stands for Gmundner ceramics and has a very high recognition value. Nevertheless, it is sometimes perceived as "stale" or "too cluttered." Inspired by the classic, "Pur Geflammt" now expands the flamed range. "Pleasantly familiar and refreshingly new at the same time - with 'Pur Geflammt' we have stayed true to our roots and created something individual and chic!" von Wolff is enthusiastic.

With "Pur Geflammt", Gmundner Keramik is taking a further step in the direction of a premium brand and aims to appeal to new target groups. "The traditional 'Grüngeflammt,' which many still remember from their grandmothers, can be

wonderfully combined with the new design line 'Pur Geflammt', it lets us live and dwell with all our senses," explains von Wolff. "Pur Geflammt" is available in traditional green, bright red and elegant gray. The new design is a tribute to tradition, origin and craftsmanship. It stands for the contemporary interpretation of the Austrian attitude to life. Its individuality and minimalism make it a perfect match for stylish dining and table culture, thus advancing it from a utilitarian tableware to a lifestyle product.

 

Future plans and visions
Despite the fast-moving spirit of the times, Gmundner Keramik is once again committed to the old, traditional values. The Upper Austrian ceramic manufactory stands for 100% Austrian unique pieces and thus meets exactly the taste of the customer. "The consumer trend is clearly moving in the direction of sustainability, regionality and quality. Tradition and genuine craftsmanship play an important role for consumers. These are exactly the values that Gmundner Keramik stands for!" Jakob von Wolff is convinced. This development clearly shows that the uncompromising YES to table culture and manufacturing is one of the secrets of success of the traditional Gmundner company.

 

 

Info and pictures on our press portal: https://pressecenter.reichlundpartner.com/gmundnerkeramik

APA photo gallery: https://www.apa-fotoservice.at/galerie/gmundnerkeramik

OTS statement: https://www.ots.at/gmundnerkeramik