The company distinguishes between the two segments consumer and professional (e.g. cutting technology for restaurants and food-processing businesses such as food retail). Both product segments have experienced growth in recent years, across all sales channels. GRAEF is positioned as a strong partner to the specialist trade and a high-quality premium brand: Over 60 brand and product awards won since 2020 (such as “Brand of the Century,” Deutschland Favorit 2022, or the red dot award 2022 for the SKS700) speak for themselves in this respect.
Stationary electronics retail more important – strong role for GRAEF
Fortunately, traditional electronics retailers and -chains continue to play a key role in the German market in high-quality slicers and generate around 40% of all sales. GRAEF is particularly pleased by the fact that, in terms of value, more than every second cutter sold by offline retail comes from none other than GRAEF, and around two-thirds of all slicers with a retail price of over 100 euros. The family-owned company also plays a special role in slicers with metal housings, where by value 51% of the devices sold come from the Sauerland company, and with the Master M 90, GRAEF has the by far most popular device sold by stationary electronics retailers in its portfolio3. “These figures are no coincidence, because we are always interested in long-term, value-adding and, above all, partnership-based cooperation with our retailers. That’s why we offer them full support through emotional storytelling and well-planned point-of-sale concepts. In addition, we boost floor space productivity, open up new business areas and guarantee absolute convenience in processing – after all, we cover all service areas from product idea to aftersales,” says Christian Strebl.
Plans for 2023 – trade fairs, internationalization and product innovations
In February and March 2023, GRAEF will be present at the major trade shows EuroShop (Düsseldorf, Feb. 26–March 02, 23, Hall 14, Booth D19) and Internorga (Hamburg, March 10–14, 23, Hall B6, Booth 236). At both fairs, the showcased products will include innovations for the international professional market. The company is also supporting its growth trajectory in the B-2-C market with numerous advertising, marketing and promotional activities in stationary electronics retail, as well as online. “We want to continue to grow in our core disciplines of cutting technology, food processing and also the highest quality coffee preparation – both nationally and internationally,” emphasizes Christian Strebl. Particularly important in this context: to precisely carve out the DNA of the medium-sized company. Its unchanging core characteristics include a 100% focus on quality, engineering and innovation. The company also wants to set new standards in terms of customer orientation, service and design. And, of course, for GRAEF – as a company that thinks long-term and is managed by the third generation – a sustainable corporate culture and responsible entrepreneurship are the basis for successful business.
Strong regional value chain
For example, 85% of the added value of the SKS700 fine slicer, the company's flagship product in the household slicer segment, comes from the company's regional surroundings in the Sauerland region. GRAEF uses only high-quality materials for its products, supports numerous sustainability initiatives, and has already demonstrated in its own field trial, “GRAEF greenfamily,” how its products can contribute to avoiding waste. In addition, the company is currently running around 60 internal projects to anchor its sustainability strategy in all company processes. As a reward for these efforts, it received the PLUS X Award 2022 for sustainability. This is in line with the company’s vision: GRAEF wants to become the most popular and sustainable supplier of cutting technology and kitchen appliances in the market, inspiring and supporting its customers on their way to a sustainable lifestyle. “For us, this is not an end in itself, as we believe that only responsible business practices and a long-term view will allow us all to preserve the world for future generations. And that is our ultimate goal,” says Hermann Graef, Managing Director of the Gebr. GRAEF GmbH & Co. KG.
Further information on Gebr. GRAEF GmbH & Co. KG is available at www.graef.de and on the company’s social media channels.
1 GfK 1/2023, GfK Germany Panelmarket SLICERS Sales Value EUR, 2019>2022.
2 GRAEF sales trends 2019–2022.
3 GfK 1/2023, GfK Panelmarket Germany, ELECTRIC SLICERS, Hitlists Jan–Dec 21–22.
