Since APPLiA Italia last assembly, the Italian white goods industry has emerged with the objective of continuing along the path of technological innovation and sustainability. At the helm the new president Stefano Pasini
Article by Olivia Rabbi
The Italian household appliance industry is facing the challenges and uncertainties of an international scenario marked by complex economic and geopolitical trends. And on this scenario it positions itself with the will to continue to look to quality and sustainability as the cornerstones of industrial action and development. Confirmation of this came at the annual general meeting of APPLiA Italia, the Confindustria association of companies operating in Italy in the appliance and professional equipment sector, which saw the appointment of a new president. At the helm for the two-year term 2025-2027 is Stefano Pasini, General Manager Electrolux Appliances. Born in Pescara, Italy, on 20 January 1973, Pasini is a Senior Executive with over twenty years of experience gained in the world of consumer durables, in national and international contexts of multinational companies in the household appliances sector.
«It is an honour to take on the presidency of APPLiA Italia, at a time when our sector is called upon to deal with a complex and constantly evolving context», said Pasini. «APPLiA Italia is increasingly becoming an independent point of reference for the entire industry, and its representative role is fundamental for safeguarding the competitiveness of companies, promoting policies that incentivise investment, encourage innovation and accelerate the path towards sustainability. We will continue to work to enhance the strategic contribution of our supply chain to the economic growth and sustainable transition of the country. I thank all the members for the trust they have placed in me and the new team of Vice Presidents. This recognition motivates us to do our utmost to face the challenges that await us together».
The new APPLiA Italia team
The team of vice presidents of APPLiA Italia includes: Guido Bertelli (Country Manager Italy – Smeg), vice president for Made in Italy; Marco Brogi (Country Manager Italy for the DeLonghi, Kenwood, Braun and Nutribullet brands – DeLonghi Appliances), vice president for Innovation and Digitalisation; Cristiano Brambilla (Head of Electrical Retail & Online Sales Channel – BSH), vice president for Communication and Consumer Protection Policies; Stefano Cau (president and managing director – Groupe Seb Italy), vice president for Relations with European Associations; Laura Rocchitelli (President and CEO – Elettrotecnica ROLD), Vice President for SMEs and Supply Chain Integration.
The General Council is completed by: Fabio Forte (Rika), Unicalor group head; Maurizio Infantino (Bertazzoni), Grandi Eldom group head; Daniele Pianezze (Copreci), Components group head; Luca Barboni (Elica), Hoods group head; Andrea Rossi (Electrolux Professional), Efcem Italia group head; Ciro Sinatra (Vorwerk), Piccoli Eldom group head; Francesco Spizzico (Sabiana), Fireplaces and Flues group head; Manuela Soffientini (Electrolux Group), past president; Mario Salari (Ariston Group), elected director; Marco Saccone (Olimpia Splendid), elected director. Sabrina Zara (commercial director of Haier Europe), Lorenzo Comaschi (commercial director of Irinox) and Francesco Misurelli (Beko Europe Italia) also joined the group of directors.
Scenario and data
The current dynamics in the international geopolitical scenario and their impact on markets, from energy costs to the current difficulties of global trade, marked among other things by the policies of applying duties and counter-duties to the movement of goods, as well as the security and accessibility of straits and transit channels by sea, were the focus of the speech by Dario Fabbri, journalist and geopolitical analyst.
Describing the sector’s performance were data from GfK’s analysis of reference markets, presented in the context of the APPLiA Italia assembly. In the first quarter 2025 the market for large household appliances grew by +2.4% in value and +3.8% in volume, despite a drop in average price. The Eldom channel led the growth (+4.1%), while furniture manufacturers remained stable (-0.1%). There was growth in both free-standing (+3.8%) and built-in products (+1.2%). Among the most dynamic segments are washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and built-in refrigerators. Small Household Appliances showed an increase in demand (+6.5% in volume), against a decline in turnover (-1.9%) due to the strong promotions during 2024. Growth was particularly marked in the robot, air fryer, coffee and personal care segments, with the online channel up +7.4%.
