kitchen culture: Promising Brands Winner

KHL and its retail arm kitchen culture have grown over the years since the company was founded 16 years ago, when Singaporeans were just warming up to designer kitchens and high-end appliances.

KHL Marketing Asia-Pacific is no longer a fledgling appliance distributor with only one brand under its belt.

It now has 46 employees, an impressive 10,000 sq ft showroom here and another spacious one in Malaysia, a presence in Thailand and Indonesia, and a stable of 21 top-tier kitchen systems and appliance brands.

"We differentiate ourselves by being a total solution provider to customers with the best in imported kitchen systems and furniture," says its managing director, Mr Lim Wee Li (above), 40.

Its long history has given the company space to build on its range of premium kitchen furniture and accessories, brand name and regional presence. Like its collection of sturdy countertops and roomy fridges, the kitchen culture name is high on quality.

Says Mr Lim: "Our strong and reliable brand and market standing have enabled us to represent many internationally renowned brands like Sub-Zero refrigeration and Poggenpohl kitchen systems. We can confidently say that kitchen culture is synonymous with high-end imported household products."

Even in the face of mounting competition from new players across all product categories and an ever-changing business environment, the company has managed to stay on top.

Mr Lim observes: "We truly understand that only by building a brand which is synonymous with high quality and reliability, and with an excellent background and track record in brand management, can we survive in this highly competitive industry."

An established brand name and the high visibility have been good for business, says Mr Lim.

"With a constant and effective marketing policy and corporate identity, we have successfully convinced many reputable and renowned brand owners that it will always be a guaranteed success to appoint kitchen culture to represent and manage their brands."

Mr Lim considers the company's first Singapore Prestige Brand Award as the crowning glory of its efforts.

"The SPBA validates the fact that kitchen culture is constantly evolving and striving to make a difference in the marketplace.

"We have always endeavoured to connect, engage and add value to the kitchen experience of our customers. When a customer comes to us, he knows he is not just buying a product but a track record of reliability, trust and efficiency.

"The award and the success of kitchen culture are a tribute to the hard work of my colleagues and their team spirit has nurtured the company to its present status."