Kitchen Culture cultivates quality lifestyle in Asia

Food preparation brings families together, and Kitchen Culture Holdings creates ideal settings for families in homes across Asia.

"Where there's life, there's food, and when you think of food, you think of kitchens. When you think of kitchens, you think of Kitchen Culture," says executive director George Lim. "We are one of the leading players in Singapore and we hope to be one of the leading players in Asia."

Kitchen Culture is a specialised retailer and distributor of top-of-the-line kitchen systems and appliances. It complements its core offerings with wardrobe systems, home furniture and accessories. "It's not about just kitchen furnishing, but a whole lifestyle," Lim says. "We aim to provide a holistic experience for our clients when they visit our showrooms."

Prime property developers have increasingly been turning to Kitchen Culture to accentuate their residential projects with the company's top-of-the-line kitchen equipment. Successful collaborations on prominent and iconic projects have won clients' trust for more than 20 years.

"We have worked with most, if not all, of the major developers in Singapore at some point in time," Lim says. "Many of them have given us repeat business over the years, which is a testament to our reputation and the confidence that they have in our company."

Kitchen Culture's three-way focus on retail, distribution and project development allows it to deliver its complete suite of lifestyle solutions throughout the region. The company emphasises retail as a way to showcase its products and give end-users the opportunity to experience these products first hand. It has expansive showrooms in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, including its European concept furniture store, Haüs. "We always strive to deliver the best retail experience possible," Lim says.

An industry trendsetter, Kitchen Culture became possibly the first company to set up a complete functional kitchen in a showroom. This "live kitchen" showcase won the company the Best Retail Concept Award from the Singapore Retailers Association in 2004.

"Being one of the first movers in the industry has given us an advantage," Lim says. "Our history and reputation have given us the opportunity to add internationally renowned brands to our offering across products and territory."

Kitchen Culture is the exclusive Asian distributor of more than 25 high-end European and North American brands. The company was among the first companies to bring a number of leading brands into Singapore, and is the distributor of top European brands in Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

"By being exclusive in Asia, we add value to the brands that we carry, driving these brands to their full potential in our markets," Lim says. "Principals looking to enter Asia would most likely prefer to work with reputable players with a known track record, and we fill that void."

In its drive to expand its overseas presence, Kitchen Culture searches for local partners with extensive knowledge and experience in serving their respective markets. Kitchen Culture formed a joint venture in Hong Kong last year as part of its initiatives toward penetrating the mainland market. Kitchen Culture's Hong Kong office raises its profile to local property developers that are active on the mainland.

Publicly listed in 2011 to further its regional expansion, Kitchen Culture is prioritising the growth of its Asian business and is looking to gain a foothold in Singapore's neighbouring countries.

The company remains open to opportunities to franchise and license the Kitchen Culture brand abroad, noting that franchisees would be able to leverage the good will that it has fostered within the industry since its inception in 1991.

"I hope to see more Kitchen Culture retail shops throughout Asia, and hopefully soon in China," Lim says.

Kitchen Culture Holdings
Website: www.kitchencultureholdings.com