My NKBA | KBIS colleagues and I were honored to represent our members for the first time at the 2025 German International Sanitaryware and HVAC Show (ISH), the world’s leading trade show for water and HVAC, held recently in Frankfurt.
This impressive event showcased industry brands across five separate halls, featuring new product and technology introductions in decorative and commercial plumbing.
It was a pleasure to meet with many of our Global Connect brand partners at ISH, including NKBA member organizations with headquarters based in Germany: TOTO, BLANCO Group, Hansgrohe Group, Geberit, and Duravit AG are all valued partners both domestically and internationally. I also had great conversations with C-suite, marketing, and product development leaders from many other impressive brands. Our Global Connect international business development initiative continues to build meaningful relationships with and between international businesses as we work to create a more connected kitchen and bath community.
Another highlight was hosting a dinner with NKBA Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partners, most of which are major international trade associations that help raise awareness of the Global Connect program with their members. It’s another important avenue for fostering greater understanding and exchange among K&B companies around the world.
Three key themes emerged for me from ISH 2025. The first was the astounding innovation in beautiful, consumer-centric design, from faucets to showers to ceramic fixtures. Second was sustainability and an increasing appreciation for water and its conservation. Lastly, product Innovation – for both the end user (consumer) and the stakeholders within the plumbing ecosystem, including designers and installers.
Design, Sustainability, and Innovation are three core pillars that are also at the forefront of the North American market. At KBIS 2025, we experienced these themes across multiple categories. These pillars are table stakes to success in today’s K&B landscape.
I gave a presentation on the North American market outlook, sharing insights about NKBA’s work and our research on kitchen and bath industry size, behaviors, and trends. As you can imagine, many of the inquiries I fielded during my time at ISH were about predictions regarding the expected impact of changing U.S. federal policies, especially tariff increases. As I told my friends and colleagues in Frankfurt, we are keeping a close eye on all of these rapidly-changing developments.
Once again, it was exciting to engage with kitchen and design professionals from across Europe and other parts of the world. My thanks go to ISH organizer Messe Frankfurt GmbH, whose hospitality and insights were greatly appreciated. There were so many valuable takeaways about the vital German market, as well as emerging global trends and opportunities.
These conversations and experiences are critical to advancing the K&B industry here in North America and beyond.
