Retail Observer

MAY 2016 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 11 The oven combines the sleek design and efficient performance of induction with the precise control and power of the iconic Wolf dual convection range. As technology has become a dominant force in our everyday lives, the need for connectivity has become increasingly important. From appliances to entertainment, this was a major focus throughout REFRESH this year. Zephyr, a leader in kitchen ventilation design, innovation, and technology, has elevated the range hood to its rightful place in the kitchen. The company introduced its DCBL Suppression System™ technology, which features up to 77% more energy efficiency and 77% less noise. In 2015, Jenn-Air debuted its connected wall oven. This year, the brand announced an exciting new partnership with Nest that builds on the benefits of the oven's connectivity. Jenn-Air also expanded its eye-catching Obsidian refrigerator offerings with a new counter- depth, free-standing model that will also be the brand's first connected refrigerator. Dacor's new Discovery WineStation® is the first product of its kind to have a built-in, commercial-grade wine dispenser and preservation system for the home. The four- bottle wine dispenser and preservation system gives users the option of pouring a taste or full glass of perfectly persevered wine with the touch of a finger. Dacor also introduced new voice activated kitchen technology, bringing the connected kitchen to passionate cooking and technology enthusiasts. Liebherr's BioFresh technology maintains the ideal environment for ultimate food freshness so your favorite cheese's shelf life can be extended for more than 100 days compared to conventional refrigerators. If it wasn't connectivity, it was color that captured the eye. Exhibitors delivered the wow factor in every hue imaginable. Big Chill, the maker of the Retro Fridge, now offers turquoise as a standard color. Its range of product offerings includes refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, hoods, and wall ovens available in more than 200 colors, as well as custom colors. These are not your grandmother's pastels. Pantone shows us that former design trends – like pastels – can make a comeback, but with a little reinvention. BlueStar launched its first ever Built-in Refrigeration Line. It offers advanced food preservation capabilities, unique features for the discerning home entertainer, plus unmatched customization options, including over 750 color and finish options to match BlueStar cooking and ventilation products. The celebration of color continued at ILVE, which introduced its new Custom Color Program of over 220 hues, allowing for more personalized options than ever before. For those seeking a European aesthetic, first time exhibitor Ronbow's Signature Series certainly fits the bill. The brand's new suite brings together nine premier artists and designers from six European countries to create 11 diverse and luxurious collections of trendsetting bathroom products. In particular, style from Italy was a trend on the show floor. Bertazzoni, a 130-year-old Italian family- owned business, just launched its first-ever kitchen suite, adding refrigeration and dishwashers to its Master, Professional, and

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