Deizisau, june 2022 – Every year, the French trade journal "Animal Distribution Magazine" conducts a survey of its readers. This year, EHEIM was voted "Best Brand in the Pet Industry in France", as well as winning other awards.

For years EHEIM has achieved great results in the annual market surveys of "Animal Distribution Magazine" and regularly receives trophies (ranked as gold, silver and/or bronze) in the coveted Animal Challenge categories. In addition to the gold trophy for “Best Brand in Aquaristics" and a bronze trophy in the pond sector, EHEIM has now also been awarded the gold trophy for "Best Brand in the Pet Industry in France".

Animal Distribution Magazine is the news magazine for the "animal universe" in France. It is aimed at distributors, suppliers, manufacturers, etc. in the pet sector. 

In the publisher's market survey, distribution professionals and buyers in the industry rate products and brands in various categories. The brands are ranked by practicality, efficiency, user-friendliness, handling, ergonomics, safety, design, environmental protection, innovation, logistics, sales dynamics, sales support, etc.

The fact that EHEIM has now been awarded the gold trophy as "Best Brand in the Pet Industry in France" is remarkable, as the pet market is very diverse and covers a wide range of areas. (Dogs / Cats, Birds / Small Mammals, Aquarium / Pond, Poultry, Animal Garden, Terrariums etc.), divided into different product families.

The success is no coincidence: EHEIM was awarded the international "World Branding Award" as "Brand of the Year" in 2017, 2019 and 2021 and was included in the "Brands of the Century" almanac in Germany in 2021. And after proving to be one of the most popular brands in Germany in various studies and receiving the "German Standards" brand award, corresponding results can be expected in France. After all, France is one of the most important markets in Europe for EHEIM. 

The Animal-Challenge trophies were presented to EHEIM's Managing Director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou at a ceremony on a Seine ship in Paris on 30 June, where he was also honoured as "Manager of the Year". 

Deizisau, Juni 2022 – Wie bereits 2020 hat das französische Fachmagazin „Animal Distribution Magazine“ auch in diesem Jahr dem Geschäftsführer der EHEIM-Gruppe die Auszeichnung „Manager des Jahres“ verliehen.

Das „Animal Distribution Magazine“ ist das bekannte Branchenmagazin für den Heimtierbereich in Frankreich. Es wird von der Media & Garden Gruppe J. herausgegeben. Im Rahmen seiner jährlichen Umfrage bei Händlern, Vertriebsmitarbeitern, Lieferanten und Herstellern verleiht das Magazin die begehrten „Animal Challenge-Trophäen“ für unterschiedliche Produktgruppen in verschiedenen Kategorien. Außerdem wird eine Persönlichkeit aus der Branche als „Manager des Jahres“ ausgezeichnet. Auch in diesem Jahr ist dies – wie bereits 2020 – der EHEIM Geschäftsführer Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou. 

Dass Mefire Kouotou zum zweiten Mal diese Auszeichnung erhielt, liegt u. a. mit an seinem Bekanntheitsgrad in der Branche. Bereits 2020 wurde er in der September-Ausgabe des „Animal Distribution Magazine“ in einem Beitrag von Aurelie Bracaval vorgestellt. Seine Statements zu Unternehmensführung, seine Interpretation von Zusammenarbeit und menschlicher Zuwendung stießen auf großes Interesse. 

In nur wenigen Jahren ist es ihm gelungen, eine sehr positive Dynamik des Unternehmens EHEIM zu entwickeln. Die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter sind mehr denn je motiviert und engagiert. Außerdem wurde mit der neuen Initiative „EHEIM Digital“, die elektronische interaktive Steuerung von Aquarientechnik eingeführt und umgesetzt. 

Insbesondere zählen auch die Erfolge von EHEIM Aquaristik-Produkten im französischen Heimtier-Markt mit zu seiner Management-Bilanz. Die Leistungen und die Präsenz in Frankreich sind enorm. 

Die Ehrung fand am 30. Juni bei einer feierlichen Zeremonie auf einem Schiff auf der Seine in Paris statt. Hier wurden ihm gleichzeitig auch die Animal-Challenge- Trophäen 2022 für EHEIM als „Beste Marke in der Heimtierbranche in Frankreich“, „Beste Marke in der Aquaristik“ und die Bronze-Trophäe im Teichbereich überreicht.

Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou ist in Kamerun geboren, studierte Betriebswirtschaft in Deutschland, trat 2002 bei EHEIM ein und hat Erfahrung in nahezu allen Positionen im Unternehmen gesammelt. Seit 2016/17 ist er alleiniger Geschäftsführer der EHEIM Gruppe. 2019 wurde er u. a. in den Senat der Wirtschaft berufen und ist u. a. im „Who is Who der deutschen Familienunternehmen“ von DDW gelistet. 

Deizisau, february 2022 –  After the world's leading exhibition for the pet market, Interzoo, was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and went digital in 2021, it is set to take place again in person in Nuremberg as usual from the 24 to 27 May this year. For EHEIM, however, we have decided that our participation at this time is too risky.

In the past few decades, EHEIM has been an ever-present at Interzoo. No expense was spared. Business friends and guests from all over the world were received here, new products were presented, customers and interested parties were advised, contacts were fostered, and business agreements were made. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the global travel, health, and business uncertainty due to high infection rates, the company is foregoing participation this year.

"The decision was not easy for us, because Interzoo is the most important international trade fair for us," EHEIM general manager Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou said. "But the protection and responsibility for our employees and customers comes first. Health must be prioritised over economic interests."

For a long time, EHEIM's presence at Interzoo - like that of most other exhibitors - was associated with the presentation of new products and innovations. Feedback was received from the trade visitors and dealers, and suggestions and wishes could be dis-cussed and implemented. This would also have been the case this time - especially with us looking to showcase and get feedback on  the current aquarium technology concept "EHEIM.digital".  

However, EHEIM has been pursuing an extended strategy in recent years: new product launches are no longer dependent on trade fair appearances. Contact with customers, specialist dealers and multipliers has been intensified worldwide and is constantly maintained. The exchange of ideas and experiences takes place directly as well as through our branches and sales partners at home and abroad. The company is well networked, and we receive plenty of feedback from customers and dealers.

Nevertheless, Interzoo is and remains a very important occasion and marketing opportunity for EHEIM. It’s just that this year, as has been said before: The company is prioritising health for its employees and customers over purely economic interests. We feel that this is a good example of responsible management, and the best decision for the company at this time.

Deizisau, Februar 2022 – Beim Wettbewerb des zukunftsweisenden Wirtschafts-Clubs „The Grow“ setzte sich EHEIM als „Innovativstes Unternehmen“ in Deutschland an die Spitze. Der The Grow Award wurde im Rahmen des Club-Jahreskonvents am 8. Dezember im Königssaal des Bayerischen Hofes in München verliehen.

The Grow ist ein innovativer Unternehmer-Club, der mittelständische Unternehmen und Start-ups im deutschsprachigen Raum (DACH) miteinander vernetzt. Ziel ist es, diese durch Kooperation  für die zukünftigen Herausforderungen stark zu machen und Europa als Innovations-Standort weiter voranzubringen. Mitglieder sind führende Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft.

Die „The Grow Awards 2021“ wurden nach einer großen Online-Abstimmung samt Jury-Bewertung in vier Kategorien vergeben: Innovativstes Unternehmen; Innovativste/r Unternehmer/in; Innovativstes Start-up und Innovativster Verein.

In der Kategorie „Innovativstes Unternehmen“ standen zum Schluss nur noch drei Unternehmen in der engeren Auswahl. Diese Top-3 waren: Westwing, das börsennotierte Unternehmen mit integrierter eCommerce Plattform für Home & Living;  Bose, der namhafte Hersteller von Lautsprechern und weiteren Audio-Produkten sowie EHEIM. Schließlich setzte sich EHEIM gegen die beiden Wettbewerber durch und an die Spitze. In einem Statement hieß es: EHEIM hat bewiesen, dass Digitalisierung auch vor Tierbedarf und Aquaristik nicht Halt macht.

Tatsächlich hat EHEIM die Digitalisierung in der Aquaristik in letzter Zeit entschieden vorangetrieben. So wurde immer mehr Aquarientechnik mit digitaler Steuerung entwickelt. Darunter etliche WiFi-fähige Produkte, die man drahtlos per Smartphone, Tablet oder PC konfigurieren und überwachen kann. Das „EHEIM Digital“ Angebot reicht vom Aquarienfilter über die Beleuchtung und Heizung bis zum Futterautomaten und zur CO2-Versorgung. Mehr Informationen zu den einzelnen Geräten finden Sie unter www.eheimdev1.systna.com

Bei einem Interview im Zusammenhang mit der Verleihung des The Grow Awards beantwortete der EHEIM-Geschäftsführer Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou einige Fragen. Auf die Frage, „Was bedeutet Innovation für Sie?“, sagte er u.a.:

„Innovation bedeutet, etwas zu machen, was der Kunde braucht. Es bedeutet Problemlösung […] Innovation ist anstrengend, weil man gegen viel Widerstand kämpfen muss, bis die Kunden das fertige Produkt in der Hand haben […] Funktionen, die vorher da waren, werden vom Manuellen ins Digitale verändert …

Und auf die Frage, „Wie haben Sie es geschafft, EHEIM und die Heimtierbranche zu digitalisieren?“, erwiderte er:

„Viele waren skeptisch und haben gefragt, was man da überhaupt verändern kann. Bei Hunden und Katzen gibt es bis auf GPS – Halsbänder und automatische Klappen oder Futterspender – wenig Möglichkeiten. Aber die Aquaristik bietet viel Potenzial. Was viele nicht wissen: Fische sind die drittbeliebtesten Haustiere in sämtlichen Ländern. Ein Aquarium braucht eine Pumpe, Filter, Licht, Heizung, Futterautomatik, Dünger und Wasseraufbereitung […] Einstellungen von unterwegs verändern, Lampen, die die Sonnenstunden der Territorien tropischer Fische imitieren, Filter, die melden, wenn sie zu schmutzig sind und Futterspender, die anzeigen, wenn nachgefüllt werden muss […] Wenn der Kunde das alles nicht möchte, kann er aber weiterhin alles manuell steuern, so ist jeder abgeholt und nicht gezwungen, umzuschwenken ...“

Der The Grow Jahreskonvent im Königssaal des Bayerischen Hofes in München stand unter dem Motto: Laptop und Lederhose versus Pommes & Champagner. 130 Mitglieder des Clubs waren anwesend und erlebten die Zeremonie nebst Preisverleihung mit.

Die Professorin Dr. Nadine Kammerlander, Leiterin des Instituts für Familienunternehmen an der Wirtschaftshochschule WHU, hielt die Laudatio. Die Chairmen Bernhard Schindler und Gerold Wolfarth übergaben die Awards stellvertretend für die 245 The Grow Mitglieder. Die Gewinner in den anderen Kategorien waren Snocks Gründer Johannes Kliesch in der Kategorie Innovativste/r Unternehmer/in; Klosterkitchen mit CEO Mario Fürst in der Kategorie Innovativstes Start-up sowie in der Kategorie Innovativster Verein der FC Bayern München.

Deizisau, november 2021 –  Aquarium enthusiasts who want to care for their fish can now do so remotely: simply via a smart phone, tablet, or PC.

Following the digital lighting control, LEDcontrol+, and the intelligent external filter (professionel 5e), EHEIM has now also launched a smart automatic feeder. The EHEIM autofeeder+ has an integrated WLAN function (Wi-Fi) and can be programmed and monitored via smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Feeding times and the amount of food released can be individually defined and you can even schedule a random fasting day per week. In addition, the Smart Control offers some monitoring. For example, you can check the current filling level of the feed drum at any time and even get a prediction of the range of the remaining feed quantity. If the quantity falls below 30%, an e-mail is sent to you; in addition, an email is sent as soon when the feed drum is empty.

You can also “smart link” with the other devices in the EHEIM WiFi family. For example, the speed of the professionel 5e can be reduced or increased for a few minutes during feeding. And when the filter is not running - e.g. during water changes or maintenance work – you can program the feeder so that it stops automatically.

You can also activate overfill protection to prevent accidental overdosing. And with the new type of slider on the feed drum it’s possible, for example, to supply fish (and even fry) with very small amounts of food.

No app needs to be installed to use the smart functions of the new EHEIM autofeeder+ and it can integrate into a home WLAN network, allowing various EHEIM Wi-Fi devices to synchronise and work together in different tanks, in different groups and rooms!

Deizisau, november 2021 –  In 2017 and 2019, EHEIM was honoured with the World Branding Award for "Brand of the Year". Now the company has received the award for the third time. The award ceremony took place on 09 September 2021.

In previous years, the World Branding Award would have been presented at a glittering ceremony with gala dinner in the throne room of the Vienna Hofburg. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, it had to be held digitally. This does not diminish the significance of the prestigious award for the aquatics brand EHEIM however, which has now been named "Brand of the Year" for the third time.

The World Branding Awards are presented by the World Branding Forum (WBF), a global non-profit organisation based in London. The goal of the WBF is to improve brand standards internationally for the benefit of the industry and consumers. The forum develops, manages, and supports a variety of research, development, education, recognition, networking and community engagement programmes and partners with leading universities and museums.

The "World Branding Awards" are particularly prestigious international awards given to global and national brands for their work and achievements in various categories. As in 2017 and 2019, EHEIM was again awarded "Brand of the Year" 2021-2022 in the “Animals” category.   

In the "Animals" category, various brands from 38 countries received awards. These included various manufacturers of pet food, pet supplies and pet shops. In addition, various animal welfare non-profit organisations were among the winners.

The selection process for the winners follows a rigorous review, evaluation and voting process. The winners of the awards are assessed according to: an independent brand evaluation, an online public vote, and consumer market research. In total the consumer votes account for 70 per cent of the final score, therefore, brands must have a strong level of customer loyalty to have a chance of winning.

The Managing Director of EHEIM, Mr. Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou commented on the award by saying: "All good things come in threes - but there can be more. We see the title 'Brand of the Year' as both recognition and an obligation for the future “. He acknowledged the excellent, trusting cooperation with customers in Germany and all over the world and emphasised the global significance of EHEIM for aquatics. He also thanked the employees and praised both their skills and their commitment. It is thanks to all of them that EHEIM is such a prestigious company and has now been awarded Brand of the Year for the third time.

Deizisau, august 2021 – For the aquatics pioneer EHEIM, pond products have become an ever-expanding business area in recent years.

Since EHEIM invented the aquarium suction filter in the 1960s, revolutionising aquarium technology in the process, the ornamental fish aquarium has become a hobby for millions worldwide. The market continues to grow and with its complex range of products and forward-looking innovations, EHEIM is now one of the famous international companies in the pet market.

A product line for the garden pond sector was released in 1985 but was not expanded until 2016. In that year, EHEIM fully re-entered the pond market, again demonstrating its outstanding expertise in water treatment solutions. Decades of experience and sound know-how are reflected in the range of pumps, filter systems and other pond equipment available to customers.

However, pond products are not only sold through pet shops (where EHEIM is a well-known aquarium brand) but also through garden centres and DIY stores. This meant that EHEIM needed to re-evaluate the distribution channels for this market.

Over time, the company has nurtured this distribution channel and has continued to expand its pond range. The range now includes everything customers need to set up and operate a garden pond: From pond pumps and filters to UVC clarifiers, pond aerators, sludge extractors and ice preventers. There is even a high-pressure cleaner!

Also, for those who don't have a garden, there is a creative raised-level pond, a small biotope: the terrace pond.

There are also four smaller prefabricated ponds (also called pre-formed ponds or pools) which are 150, 300, 500 and 800 litres in size: these are known as EHEIM LAKE. These ponds are made of robust, recyclable ABS plastic and have naturally curved basic shapes with several pond zones. They are user-friendly alternatives to a standard pond (which needs a pond liner) and can be quickly and easily installed in a garden.

These prefabricated ponds complete the product range and allow retailers to present a complete EHEIM package to those interested in garden ponds. This means customers benefit from the excellent image of the brand, the high quality of the products, the decades of experience, as well as the reliability of the supplies and services which are known far beyond the aquatics sector.

The fact that EHEIM has revived its garden pond range has been welcomed in specialist markets. As customers trend towards ponds more and more, the demand for quality products is rising. This is where EHEIM, with its decades of experience, quality product development and innovative approaches to technology is set to shine.

Deizisau, June 2021 – For the first time in its more than 70-year history, the aquarium pioneer EHEIM will appear on perimeter advertising in a Bundesliga stadium and thus reach a broad audience of millions during television broadcasts.

“We are one of the world's leading companies in aquatics and one of the best-known suppliers in the pet market but we are hardly known to the general public. That is about to change. The perimeter advertising in Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena is just the first step," said EHEIM Managing Director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou.

The advertising partnership with the Bundesliga and five-time German champions VfB Stuttgart is an ideal fit as EHEIM is one of the region’s hidden champions. The engineer Gunther Eheim founded the company in 1949 in Esslingen, a few kilometres from the VfB Club Centre. Initially, he produced technical toys there, including a fountain for model railway installations and a centrifugal pump with magnetic coupling (that was the first to be waterproof). The idea of combining this special centrifugal pump with a cleaning tank eventually led to the development of the first suction filter for aquariums.

With this filter, the aquarium water could be cleaned automatically for the first time. This finally made it possible for people to keep exotic fish. In 1963, the first filter system went into series production and since then ornamental fish aquariums have become a hobby for many millions worldwide. A huge market.

Today, EHEIM exports to around 70 countries worldwide and has its headquarters in Deizisau, near Stuttgart, as well as offices in other locations and subsidiaries in Europe and Asia. The product range includes aquariums, aquarium combinations and modern aquarium technology for freshwater and marine aquariums. It also includes internal and external filters, filter media, UV clarifiers, pumps, skimmers, aquarium lighting, heaters, automatic feeders, accessories for treatment and cleaning as well as pond products.

In the aquatics market today, EHEIM is not only known as the pioneer and inventor of the aquarium filter but also as one of the leading suppliers in many areas of the pet market as well as a driver of technology and innovation.

The business partnership with VfB has initially been agreed for the 2021/22 Bundesliga season - i.e. from the 1st of July 2021 to the 30th of June 2022. This includes perimeter advertising, with two static advertising spaces in the TV-on area. Both the fans and visitors, who will hopefully soon be allowed back into the stadium, will notice the EHEIM name, as well as the broad general public (who will see it through television broadcasts). Due to the worldwide popularity of the Bundesliga, EHEIM also expects high international visibility which will include millions of aquarium and garden pond owners. In addition, the trade - from pet shops to DIY stores and garden centres - is likely to receive a boost in sales.

This starts an exciting new chapter in the history of the EHEIM brand. One that will make sure that more people are aware of EHEIM, their products and their values than ever before.

Deizisau, December 2020 – Zoo Zajac, the world's largest pet shop, has awarded the EHEIM professionel 5e external aquarium filter as the "Product of the Year 2020".

With over 12,000 square metres, Zoo Zajac in Duisburg-Neumühl has been confirmed as the largest pet shop in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. The retail space includes over 1000 aquariums, 70 pond tanks, 500 terrariums, 40 aviaries, a cat complex, 150 small mammal enclosures and the most modern dog area in Europe. The almost 700-page catalogue for 2021 has just been published and can be ordered at www.zajac.de.

In the catalogue, the EHEIM professionel 5e is presented in the aquatics category as "Product of the Year 2020". The criteria for the award are: The product should make the hobby easier and more attractive. The price-performance ratio must be right. The product must be available for delivery so that there are no annoying waiting times for the customer. It must have proven itself in the corresponding year, i.e. there were no complaints or problems and queries were handled well.

According to Zoo Zajac, the new EHEIM professionel 5e has fulfilled these criteria and fully convinced them. It is an intelligent aquarium filter with integrated WLAN function and can be individually programmed and controlled wirelessly via smartphone, tablet or PC/MAC. The electronics monitor everything so an extra app is not required.

Advantages include: The electronics keep the water flow constant. Malfunctions are automatically corrected, air accumulations are diverted and much more. The degree of contamination is also constantly checked, and if cleaning is necessary, a message is automatically sent to the e-mail address stored by the fish keeper.

The settings of the new filter can be freely determined. You can choose between constant flow, bio mode, pulse mode and manual mode. In constant mode, the electronics automatically adjust to the set output. In bio mode, two alternating flow rates (day/night) can be set. In pulse mode, the electronics ensure changing and thus natural flow conditions. Linking with other devices - e.g. a corresponding lighting control system - is also possible.

There are four professionel 5e models for aquariums from 180 to 700 litres, including a thermofilter (600T) with integrated heater.

Deizisau, October 2020 – The French trade publication “Animal Distribution Magazine” crowned the managing director of the EHEIM Group  as the manager of the year in its annual poll.  

The “Animal Distribution Magazine”, published by Média & Jardin – Groupe J, is the renowned trade magazine covering all animal matters in France. It is primarily aimed at dealers, sales representatives, suppliers, manufacturers etc. in the pet industry. Based on an annual poll, it also presents the coveted “Animal Challenge Awards” for various product groups in different categories. The industry's manager of the year is also selected. This year, the vote went to EHEIM managing director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou.

The “Animal Distribution Magazine” introduced its readers to Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou in its September issue and asked him for a few statements.

Here is the article by Aurelie Bracaval:
“People come first in every decision made”
Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou joined Eheim in 2002 and has served as the company's managing director since 2016/17. He was also appointed a Senator of the German Economy in 2019. He is a down-to-earth person who supports his staff and helps them to develop their skills.

Order taking, strategy setting, management tasks as the head of product management, marketing manager... Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou studied business management and is highly experienced in each job at EHEIM. He is therefore familiar with the various problems and issues, and can identify the needs of his employees in specific situations at a very early stage.

INCREASING TEAM COMPETENCE
Since he joined the company in 2002, the teams have remained the same. However, he has recently overseen abundant improvements in the company’s overall performance. Mefire Kouotou explains his management strategy in his role as managing director:

“I don’t want there to be too much hierarchy within the company. I have reduced the levels within the organisation and fostered cross-functional cooperation. The employees feel more integrated within the company dynamic.

This has allowed us to increase our transparency, speed of service, creativity and the ability to quickly react to the wishes of our customers. EHEIM has succeeded in improving its overall performance by encouraging the teams to step out of their comfort zones. It is only human to be fearful of making mistakes when presented with a new situation or challenge. Fear often undermines a person’s will. You have to support employees, ensure that they communicate with each other and improve their own skills. To do this, you have to take the required time.

People make mistakes. When this happens, the key is to find solutions to remedy the situation so that you can continue to make progress.” He also adds: “Personally, I have always believed that hard, sustainable work pays off”. I derive happiness and motivation from the results of a job well done.”

MAINTAINING FAMILY INCOME DURING A PANDEMIC
In the current pandemic, Mefire Kouotou has decided not to resort to reduced work hours. He explains his reasoning for this:

“You have to stay close to people during difficult times. I decided not to implement reduced work hours provided that this would not harm the company in any way. As a result, we were able to continue with our work while observing the lockdown and the necessary social distancing measures. I asked myself: How will the staff remember these times? I did not want to reduce their salaries. They are under enough pressure to cope right now as it is and they also enjoy less freedom of movement. Families need their salaries to pay rent. In Germany, employees only receive approx. 60% of their salary when working reduced hours, while people in France receive 84%. Therefore, business carried on as normal. Employees whose work permitted it were occasionally allowed to carry out their duties from home. The EHEIM brand was therefore also available to its customers during the lockdown, consequently reinforcing the company’s positive image. “

For Mefire Kouotou, people come first in every decision made. For this reason, he also attaches great value to a personal touch.

“Our credibility rests on ensuring our customers are never disappointed. Their wishes must be respected, and we need to be capable of finding requisite solutions or providing them with the information that they are looking for. The field of aquaristics remains highly technical. It is much more difficult to sell aquaristic products than rodents or pet food nowadays, yet the vendors’ abilities are often not fully appreciated”, says Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou.

Deizisau, October 2020 – This year, the French trade publication “Animal Distribution Magazine” honoured EHEIM for the third time: on this occasion with two gold accolades for aquaristic and pond accessories.  

As part of its annual “Animal Challenge” competition, the renowned French trade publication “Animal Distribution Magazine”, which is published by Média & Jardin – Groupe J, presented the coveted “Animal Challenge awards” in various categories.

EHEIM received the “Trophée Coup de coeur de l’innovation” – an award that recognises innovation – for the new electronically controlled “professionel 5e” external filter.

Having already been honoured as “Best supplier of the year” in two categories in 2018 as well as receiving the “Trophée d’argent” – the silver award – for aquaristic accessories last year, EHEIM can now take home a gold award for aquaristic and pond accessories. EHEIM managing director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou was also voted manager of the year.

In an article entitled “Moving the lines”, the Animal Distribution Magazine recognises the company’s achievements as follows:

Through the development of innovations and intelligent solutions, EHEIM concentrates on moving the lines in order to continue its success on the market, both in France and internationally.

It took the company just a few years to develop an extremely positive dynamic. Its employees are more motivated than ever and are committed to filling a gap in the aquaristics market.

This applies in particular to France, which has a comparatively much greater number of fish and aquariums than Germany, which is where the company’s headquarters are located. EHEIM saw this as an opportunity to increase its business in France.

On the path to intelligent systems
The company’s growth was facilitated by technological progress and the development of innovations. The introduction of three brands into the aquarium combination range ensured all customer requirements could be met: “Vivaline” has a good price/performance ratio. “Proxima” represents the mid-range segment and “Incpiria” shows off the top class, super-premium range.

With the introduction of the “professionnel 5e” external filter this year, the company succeeded in expanding its range of electronically controlled and interconnected products within the area of aquarium technology. It is pursuing the implementation of its “EHEIM Digital” development strategy, which involves designing products in such a way to create an interactive, self-regulating aquarium environment that consequently prevents user mistakes during aquarium care. The aim is not only to make aquaristics easier for customers, but also to get them actively involved in choosing selection and control options – depending on the content of their chosen aquarium, and with the help of predefined programmes. Warning messages sent by email inform the user of filter blockages, leakages or system errors which require their intervention.

EHEIM has introduced several new products into the pond accessories segment in recent months. A sludge extractor, a high-pressure cleaner and a 60-Watt UVC clarifier. A Wi-Fi-controlled automatic feeder is also due soon. The aim of this is to enhance the product range with “intelligent systems” which ultimately provide the user with a maximum of information and records without overwhelming or discouraging them.

Roadshows with proven track records
EHEIM organises several roadshows each year to help get novices interested in aquaristics. 35 such events took place in France last year. In light of this success, EHEIM has received more than 50 event inquiries this year. And with good reason: each roadshow usually drives turnover for the aquarium sector by 5 to 6%, and by 17 to 25% for EHEIM products in particular. Even sales of fish and plants are on the rise.

The company generally aims to foster a joint dynamic with the retail market to ensure that the aquarium market does not go into decline; various trends and examples of practice observed in different countries of the world are illustrated and shared. It is naturally advantageous that the EHEIM brand is present on every continent. This year, for example, new markets were opened up in Israel, the Czech Republic, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Renowned for expertise, product quality, customer service, the availability of spare parts, and not to mention their entire product range, EHEIM is now strengthening its initiatives to help boost the aquaristics market.

Aurelie Bracaval

EHEIM hat seinen Internet-Auftritt neuen Anforderungen angepasst

Deizisau, August 2020 – Responsive Webdesign, weitere Sprachen, benutzerfreundlichere Ersatzteil- und Händler-Shop-Lösungen sowie Premium-Angebote auf den ersten Blick … Das sind die hauptsächlichen Merkmale der neu optimierten Website eheimdev1.systna.com.     

Die bisherige Website von EHEIM war vor rund zehn Jahren online gegangen. Im schnelllebigen digitalen Zeitalter ist das eine Ewigkeit. Zwar wurden immer wieder Verbesserungen vorgenommen und viele Besucher waren recht zufrieden. Doch die Gewohnheiten und Ansprüche der User haben sich verändert, und die Technologien sind intelligenter geworden.

Grundsätzlich landet man nun beim Besuch von eheimdev1.systna.com auf einer Startseite, die zunächst die interessantesten Produkte und die Angebotsbereiche (visuell) vorstellt. Von hier gelangt man u.a. zum Mediacenter, zu Neuigkeiten, Ratgebern etc. Auch die Händlersuche ist gleich hier auf der Startseite integriert. Die Taskleiste oben ist geblieben – etwa wie gehabt.

Wer in dieser Taskleiste z.B. auf „Ersatzteil-Shop“ klickt, findet einen übersichtlicheren Einstieg als bisher, nach Produktbereichen geordnet. Auch der Händlershop ist benutzerfreundlicher geworden.

Neben den Sprachen Deutsch, Englisch (auch Chinesisch und  Japanisch) lässt sich nun auch Französisch einstellen. Spanisch soll in Kürze folgen.

Und last but not least ist die Website nach dem neuesten Stand der Technik konzipiert – responsive Webdesign. Das heißt: Egal mit welchem Gerät die Website aufgerufen wird – ob vom stationären PC, einem großen Smart-TV oder einem mobilen Gerät wie Tablet oder Smartphone -, die Website passt sich in Größe, Auflösung, Darstellung und Bedienung den verschiedenen Endgeräten flexibel an. Die technischen und gestalterischen Voraussetzungen für responsive Webdesign existieren erst seit einigen Jahren. Auch im deutschsprachigen Internet setzt es sich mehr und mehr durch.

Mit der neuen Webseite geht das Unternehmen aus Deizisau bei Stuttgart konsequent seinen Weg der Modernisierung, die sich nicht nur durch Produktinnovationen ausdrückt, sondern Einzug in alle Bereiche des Unternehmens hält. Dies wird deutlich, wenn man die letzten Pressemeldungen aus dem Hause EHEIM verfolgt.