F&P Appliances officially 'cool'

Appliance maker Fisher & Paykel Appliances has been designated as a "cool" brand by an independent branding group in the United Kingdom.

The iconic New Zealand company joins the ranks of uber-chic global names like Bose, Puma, Playstation, Sony Ericsson, Stella Artois, Blackberry, Audi and Chanel on independent branding group SuperBrands' list of "CoolBrand Leaders for 2005".

SuperBrands describes its list as "brands that have become extremely desirable amongst style leaders and key influencers".

F&P Appliances has long been a firm favourite in New Zealand for its sturdy, reliable, washing machines and fridges.

But it is F&P Appliances' state-of-the-art spin on traditional appliances -- like its two-drawer dishwasher -- that is turning heads offshore.

SuperBrands said F&P Appliances was "renowned for pushing the boundaries of conventional design for household appliances".

"It seeks fresh and dynamic ways to produce appliances turning conventional thinking on its head. It is a brand, which prides itself on catering for the modern consumer delivering intelligent and technologically superior products."

F&P Appliances has married highly practical appliances with "cutting-edge chic design", SuperBrands said.

F&P Appliances' UK sales and marketing manager, Richard St John, said being granted CoolBrand status will give the brand a competitive advantage in what is still a fledgling market for the company.

"We're over the moon," he said.

"We aim to create appliances which take the hard work out of domestic duties -- "less work, more play" -- is our motto.

"We think we're a cool brand, and we're glad the experts agree with us," Mr St John said.

Shares in F&P Appliances last traded up 6c at $3.24.

- NZPA