BergHOFF Belgium develops and supplies kitchen utensils where functionality, design and choice of materials are carefully matched. The company cooperates with resellers, wholesalers and retail partners, offering support in the areas of presentation, logistics and customisation. Led by Managing Director Hilde Rutten and Commercial Director Rabin Houben, the emphasis is on sustainable choices, cooperation and product adaptation based on market needs. Customer input plays a clear role in this: 'A 28 cm sticky pan? We added that because customers explicitly asked for it.' On the back end, meanwhile, the company is working on efficient as well as responsible processes: 'Inland shipping has made our supply chain more efficient as well as more sustainable.' The company is also betting on customisation: 'We will soon also deliver small volumes with customised engraving, quickly and in-house.' With the icing on the cake: 'The SDG Champion certificate shows that sustainability is structurally embedded with us.'
© Leo Elenbaas | InteriorDaily.com
Together, married couple Hilde Rutten (Managing Director) and Rabin Houben (Commercial Director) run the successful company.
First back to BergHOFF & Friends Interior. In March 2025, that event attracted some 400 interior professionals. 'The response was downright heartwarming,' Hilde says. 'Visitors were able to meet more than 20 suppliers, some familiar, some new, and that provided a lot of mutual inspiration. The great thing was that spontaneous cross-pollination occurred: one exhibitor's customer turned out to be another's prospect.'
The informal atmosphere played a big part in this. 'The event did not feel like a trade fair, but a connecting networking platform,' Rabin adds. 'People could talk freely, exchange ideas and enjoy fine dishes, tasty drinks and a well-stocked goodie bag. The motto ''strong together'' was mentioned several times; that confirmed for us that the concept really works.'
A next edition in 2026 is already in the planning. 'The first talks with interested suppliers have started. Whoever wants to join, may certainly get in touch.'
Opportunities in the Netherlands
Although BergHOFF operates globally, Rabin still sees a lot of growth potential in the Netherlands. 'We work together with wholesalers in the electrical sector, who introduce our products to electrical shops. This is a logical match: anyone buying a new cooker, for example induction or down draft, also needs high-quality pans. The electrical shop also offers personal advice, which customers appreciate compared to anonymous webshops.'
Concept stores, experiential shops and companies looking for corporate gifts or incentives are also an interesting target group. 'We offer customisation, including personalisation and packaging. So we completely unburden our partners, which makes working with BergHOFF attractive and easy.'
© BV BERGHOFF BELGIUM
The Leo 8-piece Bolt cookware set is a full stainless steel set with a non-stick CeraGreen coating.
International recognition
Sustainability is a structural pillar within BergHOFF. 'It is not a trend for us, but a conviction,' says Hilde. And it pays off: in August, the company received the international UNITAR 'SDG Champion' certificate, a recognition awarded jointly with Voka and CIFAL Flanders.
'That certificate confirms our active commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations,' Hilde explains. 'Since 2019, we have been working on a concrete and broad sustainability policy with the Voka Charter Sustainable Business.'
For example, we recently mapped the CO₂ footprint per product. 'We include this information on the order and invoice, and even offer a compensation option, something unique in our sector,' Rabin said. 'In addition, our products continue to consist of 70 to 80 per cent recycled materials.'
Also special: BergHOFF publishes its ESG reporting on De Tijd's ESG page, a recognition rarely given to SMEs.
Design-oriented collections
BergHOFF is known for design-oriented collections such as LEO and DiNA, which are constantly evolving. 'We continue to innovate with the kitchen as our starting point,' Rabin explains. 'For example, we are currently developing cookware that perfectly matches downdraft systems, a segment that is growing rapidly.'
The Ambiente fair in Frankfurt traditionally acts as a launch pad for new products. 'There we showcase solutions that are not only functional and durable, but also aesthetically striking.'
At BergHOFF, customer feedback is not an afterthought, but the starting point. Hilde gives a striking example: 'Our Helix range from the DiNA series was received positively, but we were often asked why there was only a 24 cm sticky pan available. We took that feedback seriously: now there is also a 28 cm version, exactly as requested.'
This approach proves how strongly the customer is involved in development. 'We design together, not before the customer,' she stresses.
Growing through partnerships
BergHOFF's business model revolves around partnerships with resellers. 'We believe in collaboration where each party does what it does best,' says Rabin. 'Our partners focus on their customers, we take care of logistics, stock, presentation and customisation.'
The company recently invested in its own engraving machine, including employee training. 'This allows us to personalise quickly and qualitatively, even for small volumes. This makes customisation more accessible and strengthens our partners' positioning.'
Sustainability is not lost sight of at the operational level either. 'Whereas our products used to be transported from the port to the warehouse by road, we now switch to inland waterway transport,' says Hilde. 'This reduces CO₂ emissions, bypasses traffic jams and makes our supply chain more reliable. A good example of how sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.'
Strong end-of-year focus
For the second half of 2025, three pillars are central: partnership, product communication and sustainability. 'We support our resellers with creative sales proposals and ensure timely deliveries in the run-up to the year-end,' Rabin says.
On 28 August comes the official moment when BergHOFF receives the UNITAR SDG Champion certificate, a highlight that further confirms its sustainability credentials. 'We are proud to share this recognition, and we continue to engage our customers on our journey by including transparency around carbon emissions and the use of recycled materials,' Hilde concludes.
© BV BERGHOFF BELGIUM
The new DiNA collection.
More information:
BergHOFF
The Weaving 3
3583 Beringen (Belgium)
www.berghoff-belgium.be