Sales director of KitchenEX, which supplies the Ilve brand of premium range cookers, Tom Harris talks about the company’s expansion into refrigeration

Q: Can you give us some background into the Ilve brand and how long KitchenEx has been supplying the brand?

A: Premium kitchen appliance manufacturer Ilve was founded in 1969 in the north-eastern region of Italy.

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It creates made-to-order range cookers that allow for bespoke elements, ensuring each appliance is tailored to the preferences of its owner.

Historically, manufacturing high-end range cookers for Britannia positions Ilve as a trusted, premium choice for those seeking the finest in kitchen appliances.

The combination of Italian craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and sophisticated design makes Ilve uniquely placed to provide to a growing consumer base that values both beauty and high-performance within their home.

This year, Ilve is set to expand its offering beyond range cookers. KitchenEx has been the exclusive supplier of Ilve appliances in the UK since 2013.

Q;  Ilve has recently launched its “largest product launch” in some time, so could you explain the scale?

A: Ilve has launched new-generation built-in ovens, a venting hob, plus the introduction of its first-ever refrigeration models.

Ilve’s updated built-in ovens offer a custom colour palette comprising hundreds of Classic RAL shades in two different finishes.

Milano and Roma styles can be tailored to co-ordinate to the kitchen’s design, while select models can feature hydro or pyrolytic technologies.

Ilve’s new free-standing refrigerators can be paired with the Milano and Roma collections, again offering hundreds of Classic RAL colours — a rare offering in the refrigeration industry — along with four signature, premium metal trim options for all Milano models.

Built-in refrigerators can be seamlessly hidden within kitchen cabinetry while offering Ilve’s handle options. And Ilve’s brand new venting hob comes with high-quality touch controls and unique Gold logo detailing.

Q: Why has Ilve launched into refrigeration?

A: Through its expansion into refrigeration, Ilve is offering customers a comprehensive kitchen solution that combines convenience and consistency.

The bespoke colour matching service allows customers to seamlessly harmonise all major kitchen appliances – increasing customer loyalty and strengthening Ilve’s position as a go-to premium brand.

Q: Are all the Ilve models available from KitchenEx, and if so, are they in stock?

A: Yes, as the exclusive supplier of Ilve in the UK, KitchenEx supplies all the models.

Most of our products are created bespoke for each customer, although we do keep certain models and popular colours in stock for quick delivery.

One of the defining features of Ilve’s service is its significantly shorter lead times – weeks instead of months – on fully bespoke appliances.

Q: How many kitchen retailers does Ilve have in the UK, and are they looking to grow that number?

A: Currently, Ilve has retailers spread across England, Scotland and Wales, plus a handful of select online retailers.

Our priority at KitchenEx is to have good nationwide representation so that customers can experience the product locally.

We carefully select our retail partners to ensure they share our passion for quality and excellence.

By expanding our network of dedicated retailers, we make it easier for consumers to experience the craftsmanship and performance of Ilve products up close, in environments that truly reflect our brand values.

Q: What type of retail business makes a perfect Ilve partner?

A: We primarily work with mid to top-end kitchen retailers, including independent showrooms, appliances stores, national retailers, and kitchen manufacturers.

Our ideal partners care deeply about their customers and the quality of the kitchens they design.

We love partnering with retailers committed to understanding our products and what they stand for, so they can effectively communicate this to their customers.

Q: What Ilve training and marketing support is offered to kitchen retailers?

A: As a family business, we prioritise building strong relationships while helping support our retailers’ marketing efforts.

KitchenEx’s welcome process includes extensive resources tailored to individual businesses, while our specialised trainers provide in-person Ilve training to new and existing customers.

Our digital collateral includes e-learning modules, a monthly newsletter, as well as ready-to-use digital media resources on our Brand Centre.

Best of all though, our team is always available to support retailers whenever they need it.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities for the Ilve brand going forward?

A: As Ilve continues to gain recognition in the UK, offering customers more options to create a cohesive and luxurious kitchen, we see significant opportunities as a unique premium brand.

Despite a challenging economic climate, people are increasingly focused on quality and reliability when making premium appliance purchases.