In 2020, LG has experienced record consumer interest for products such as refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers as people spent more time at home. As of July, LG had sold more than one million units of its LG French Door InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator range, globally.
To better understand the changes to Australian shopping, eating and home living habits, LG recently released a study, which found that more people are spending more time cooking at home, particularly among under 30s (54%) compared to over 50s (29%).
Victorians were most likely to spend more time on food preparation moving forward with more than two-fifths (43%) suggesting that they are likely to continue to spend more time cooking, even as lockdown measures ease.
The findings were released as part of its Keep it local with LG thought leadership industry roundtable, where industry experts joined LG in the conversation, including, food and nutrition writer Louise Keats; Sydney Markets produce expert, Sue Dodd; and, the Australian Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) Executive Director, Royston Wilson.
LG Electronics Australia senior marketing manager of home appliances, Brad Reed commented on the key findings from the study: “The past six months have possibly seen one of the biggest shifts in the country’s relationship with food in our history. Many Australians are spending more time in the kitchen than ever before, whether that’s preparing meals, entertaining others, or renovating for future use.”
He said the study is an important opportunity to consider how this change in behaviour will impact Australians, from those that grow and sell food, to industries involved in preparation and serving, and those that inform future kitchen trends.
Royston Wilson of KBDi noted that changes in Australia’s relationship with the preparation and sharing of food in the home is also impacting kitchen design and renovation.
Tired cabinetry and burnt out appliances were once the primary drivers for kitchen renovations, but more than half of KBDi members say that changes in aesthetic preferences are now a more common instigator.
“Kitchens have always occupied a central part of the Australian home, but in the past year this hub has taken on a range of other duties. With home-schooling, working from home and a new necessity and desire for in-house cooking and entertaining, well-designed, multi-functional spaces are more important than ever. We expect this diversity in the space to continue to be a key feature of kitchen design in the coming year,” he said.
With respect to budgets, half of the KBDi members surveyed reported an average spend of between $25,000 and $49,000 for kitchen renovations, whilst one-third of the designer cohort said their clients spend between $50,000 and $70,000 on renovation activity.