Australian retailers may soon be filling their shelves with a new kind of KitchenAid with news that the US appliance brand is set to partner with SodaStream to develop a new product for the US market.
KitchenAid, which is part of the Whirlpool Corporation stable of brands, will work with SodaStream to jointly develop a “home carbonation system” that will fall into the KitchenAid portfolio of products, with the new appliance due to hit American retailers in the fourth quarter of 2013.
According to David Elliott, general manager of KitchenAid small appliances, the brand is excited to enter “the growing category of home carbonation” and to expand its product range.
“Working with SodaStream brings together their best-in-class technology with our stylish design signature to offer a premium product for our consumers worldwide,” he said.
SodaStream’s CEO Daniel Birnbaum was equally positive about the partnership.
“KitchenAid is an iconic, global brand and we welcome them to the SodaStream revolution,” said Birnbaum. “Our unique platform will enable KitchenAid to provide its large and loyal consumer base with the many benefits of home carbonation. We look forward to leveraging the combined strengths of our two brands to advance the category and reach an even broader global audience.”
There is no word yet on whether the partnership will extend to the local market, but it could mean a new range of KitchenAid-branded carbonated drinks makers hitting markets beyond the US.
In Australia, the KitchenAid brand is distributed by Peter McInnes and sold through Myer, Winning Appliances, Costco and specialty kitchen and homewares stores such as The Essential Ingredient. SodaStream has a slightly broader distribution model, with its products sold in large chain retailers such as Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Betta Home Living, Big W, Myer and David Jones.
Working side by side: KitchenAid has partnered with SodaStream to produce a new product for the US market.