The international business development program is growing in size and scope — a result of the strength of the North American kitchen and bath market — and will have an expanded presence at KBIS 2025.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

NKBA | KBIS Global Connect has welcomed 23 new members from nine countries to the international business development program over the past few months, bringing total membership to nearly 70 — a testament to the worldwide view of the strength and potential of the North American kitchen and bath market.

Manufacturers, distributors and service providers related to all aspects of kitchen and bath design and remodeling recently joined the program from Brazil, Cambodia, China, India, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the U.K. Their membership provides opportunities to explore the North American market, build business strategies after learning how best to enter the market, and/or expand with a custom business development plan.

The North American K&B market represents an enticing area of growth, especially for many international companies that might be experiencing challenging economies in their own countries. According to the quarterly NKBA | KBIS John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index survey of industry professionals, the U.S. residential business is admittedly experiencing spotty demand, earning an overall rating of 54 on a scale of 0 to 100 in the second quarter. This reflects a slight downward shift from the prior quarter, but the industry is still poised for expansion with a rating over 50. While revenue growth expectations for the year slipped to 2.7 percent from 5.7 percent, they are still in positive territory. The quality of leads, however, continued to increase in the quarter, especially for resilient high-end consumers and projects over $150,000.

On a broader level, the American economy is the largest and most robust in the world, and has shown the strongest recovery since the pandemic. It is twice the size of the European Zone and leads the world in GDP. In fact, U.S. GDP of $28.8 trillion is 40 percent higher than China’s, the second-largest economy with a GDP of about $18.5 trillion. As such, North America presents opportunities for international companies that are equipped to take advantage of it — and Global Connect is one way to gain a competitive advantage while negotiating new markets.

Some of the companies recently joining the Global Connect program include:

Guidoni Braisl SA  Brazilian natural stone; Falmec Italian ventilation hoods and extractors; Italiana Ferramento Srl cabinetry accessories and fittings; Officine Gullo luxury kitchens handcrafted in Florence, Italy; Coverlam by Grespania porcelain stone, Logiesiete cabinet doors and hardware, Visobath SL bathroom vanities and accessories all from Spain and Crofts & Assinder cabinetry hardware from Great Britain. 

Global Connect Program

The Global Connect program offers important benefits to international companies that want to explore ways to break into the North American market. Included in the core membership, which is $3,200 annually, is access to NKBA | KBIS’ extensive market research covering key topics from overall and category-specific design trends to economic data, market outlooks, quarterly reports on the current state of the industry, and much more. 

Members also are introduced to an array of expert consultants through the team of Global Connect Advisors on design, distribution, compliance and finance and business strategy. Members receive consultation on things to consider as they develop their product portfolios, marketing and merchandising programs, as well as pricing and distribution strategies resulting in a Business Development Roadmap. 

As Global Connect Members, brands interested in participating at KBIS receive several benefits including opportunities to participate in Global Connect Lounge programming, a fully packaged kiosk program and promotional support as well as the NKBA member discount on floor space and the opportunity to join the VIP Delegation Program.  Additional benefits and opportunities for brand development are also available. For information on how to join Global Connect and explore building a business in North America, visit the NKBA website and click on Global Connect, or nkba.org/global-connect-landing.

KBIS 2025, which runs Feb. 25 to 27 at the recently renovated and expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, promises an expanded presence for Global Connect companies and international delegates.  The International Hub at South Hall will be anchored by the Global Connect Lounge and Kiosk area. International Pavilions including those from Brazil and the UK will be housed in the South Hall.  The Made in Germany Pavilion will be found in North Hall. Each location will offer a variety of programs including international brand spotlight presentations, cocktail and breakfast events, and roundtable luncheons.

KBIS registration is open at kbis.com. Discounted early-bird registration fees are available for a limited time, with NKBA members entitled to even greater discounts on expo passes and the Voices From The Industry (VFTI) Conference sessions. To register and learn more about the show, programming, events, and more about Design & Construction Week, visit kbis.com.