Deizisau, june 2022 –The French trade journal "Animal Distribution Magazine" gives awards (in the form of gold, silver, or bronze trophies) to various brands and products in the pet sector every year. EHEIM regularly wins the coveted Animal Challenge trophies in the aquatics segment. And did so again this year! 

In France there is a comparatively much higher number of fish enthusiasts and aquarists than in Germany. Accordingly, EHEIM has constantly grown its business here in recent years. 

This is particularly evident in the annual market surveys conducted by "Animal Distribution Magazine", in which sales professionals and buyers in the industry, among others, assess the products and brands in various categories. The brands are ranked by practicality, efficiency, user-friendliness, handling, ergonomics, safety, design, environmental protection, innovation, logistics, distribution dynamics, sales support etc. 

This time, EHEIM was not only rated "Best Brand in the Pet Industry in France” but was also awarded the Gold Trophy as "Best Brand in Aquaristics" as well as the bronze trophy in the garden pond sector. 

The successful performance in the "Aquaristics" category was mainly due to the recent technological developments and innovations under the "EHEIM Digital" strategy, where the range of electronically controlled and networked equipment has increased. The products are designed to create an interactive, self-managed aquarium environment and optimal conditions for aquarium maintenance. A prime example is the electronically controlled EHEIM external filter professionel 5e, plus the LEDcontrol+ lighting control, the thermocontrol+e aquarium heater, the autofeeder+ feed automate, the climacontrol+ air conditioning unit and the CO2 night shut-off. 

The "Trophée de bronze" in the pond category was awarded to EHEIM for its extensive, high-quality garden pond range. This includes everything you need to operate or set up a biotope in the garden: from pond pumps and filters to UVC clarifiers, pond aerators, sludge extractors and ice-free holders. Even a high-pressure cleaner is part of the range. There are even alternatives to the foil pond: four smaller prefabricated pools (pond trays) made of robust, recyclable ABS plastic are offered under the name EHEIM LAKE. 

The presentation of the Animal Challenge trophies took place on 30 June in a ceremonial setting in Paris on a ship on the Seine. EHEIM Managing Director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou, who was also honoured as "Manager of the Year", accepted the awards and thanked the actors of the "Animal Distribution Magazine" as well as the survey participants. He emphasised how important the market in France is for EHEIM and promised to continue their close and friendly cooperation: vive la France. 

Deizisau, june 2022 – As in 2020, the French trade magazine "Animal Distribution Magazine" awarded the Managing Director of the EHEIM Group the "Manager of the Year" award. 

Animal Distribution Magazine is the well-known pet industry magazine in France. It is published by the Media & Garden Group J. As part of its annual survey of dealers, distributors, suppliers and manufacturers, the magazine awards the coveted "Animal Challenge Trophies" for different product groups in various categories. In addition, a personality from the industry is honoured as "Manager of the Year". This year, as in 2020, the winner was EHEIM Director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou. 

The fact that Mefire Kouotou received this award for the second time is partly due to his high profile in the industry. In 2020, he was already featured in the September issue of Animal Distribution Magazine in an article by Aurelie Bracaval. His statements on business management, cooperation and human attention were met with great interest. In just a few years, he has succeeded in developing a very positive dynamic for the EHEIM company. The employees are more motivated and committed than ever. In addition, with the new "EHEIM Digital" initiative, a new paradigm of electronic interactive control of aquarium technology was introduced and implemented. 

The success of EHEIM Aquaristik products in the French pet market is also part of his management record. The achievements and presence in France are enormous. 

The honour took place on 30 June at a festive ceremony on a ship on the Seine in Paris. Here he was also presented with the Animal Challenge 2022 gold trophies for EHEIM as "Best Brand in the Pet Industry in France", "Best Brand in Aquatics" and the bronze trophy in the pond sector. 

Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou was born in Cameroon and studied business administration in Germany. He joined EHEIM in 2002 and has gained experience in almost all positions in the company. He has been the sole Managing Director of the EHEIM Group since 2016/17. In 2019, he was appointed to the Senate of the Economy, among others, and is listed in DDW's "Who's Who of German Family Businesses". 

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, 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, November 2019 – In a survey conducted by the German Institute for Product and Market Evaluation, EHEIM achieved the highest customer satisfaction for pond accessories and was awarded the Plus X Award.

In Spring, Focus Money and Deutschland Test awarded EHEIM the ‘customer favourite’ award as one of the most popular brands in Germany. Shortly afterwards, the company received the "Trophée d'argent" from the French Animal Distribution Magazine for their aquatic accessories followed by the renowned "World Branding Award" as "Brand of the Year". Now EHEIM have achieved the "highest customer satisfaction" for their pond accessories and have been awarded the "Plus X Award". The pond accessories include a variety of pumps, filters, UVC clarifiers, pond aerators, sludge extractors (pond vac) and pond heaters.

The "Plus X Award" has been in existence for sixteen years and is regularly presented to the best brands and products in the world. It is considered the largest international innovation award for technology, sports and lifestyle products that have at least one "Plus X" factor. The Plus X Award offers seven seals of quality for Innovation, High Quality, Design, Ease of Operation, Functionality, Ergonomics and Ecology as well as selected special awards including the "Highest Customer Satisfaction" category.

Customer satisfaction is determined by two questions: How reliable is a brand promise and how satisfied are Germans with a brand after the purchase? In July 2019, the German Institute for Product and Market Evaluation launched a major survey on this subject and, in order to achieve a neutral opinion, men and women aged 20 to 65 from all federal states across the country were asked which brands and products they were particularly satisfied with. The pollsters evaluated 3147 valid votes and identified those manufacturers who, from the consumers' point of view, keep their promises by offering high-quality products and an exceptionally satisfactory service.

A total of 73 brands received awards this year. The categories cover the most diverse industries and product groups from e-bikes, smartphones, watches, fashion, cosmetics and many more - including pond accessories. EHEIM has received the Plus X Award for "Highest customer satisfaction" in this category.

"This award confirms, once again, that our own claim of offering the best quality and reliability is endorsed by our customers and that we, as one of the world's most significant aquatics suppliers, also set standards in the garden pond sector with the quality label 'Made in Germany'", says EHEIM Managing Director Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou.

Made in Germany
Commitment to high quality and sustainability

Deizisau, August 2019 – In connection with the company's 70th anniversary, EHEIM reaffirms its commitment to quality and its international reputation under the banner "Made in Germany".

EHEIM, developed 70 years ago from humble beginnings, is now the world’s leading manufacturer of external aquarium filters.  Today, the company group is probably the best known supplier of aquariums, aquarium technology, equipment and accessories. The EHEIM name has become an international brand generally synonymous with high quality. The standard “Made in Germany” also plays an important role.

In 1887, the British decided that German products had to bear their country of origin because they pushed inferior imitations onto the British market but, with time, German products improved significantly and "Made in Germany" finally developed into a quality symbol with the highest reputation in the world. This is still true today.

The legal prerequisite for the "Made in Germany" label is that essential parts of the manufacturing process - such as development, design, production and quality assurance - take place in Germany.

Over 80% of all EHEIM products are fully developed and manufactured in Germany. A small percentage of products are developed and manufactured in other EU countries, but every detail is meticulously examined and monitored in Germany where EHEIM guarantees the best materials, skill and precision. The official warranty is generally valid for 2 to 3 years with a 10 year spare part availability guarantee.

The EHEIM professionel 4+ external filter is a typical example of "Made in Germany". It offers cutting-edge technology for the most demanding requirements and is developed and manufactured in-house, from the injection moulded parts to the coil and various switches. Only a few components are bought in to be adapted and built into the assembled filter. There are final inspections and safety tests (CE, VDE, GS, EAC, etc.) to ensure only fully functional products leave the factory.

The label "Made in Germany" not only contributes to customer satisfaction, but also to sustainability as the products are designed for reliability, functionality and optimum safety, ensuring a long service life. There are also constant improvements in terms of energy efficiency and, with EHEIM at the forefront, new products with higher efficiency and lower power consumption are constantly being introduced into the market. Digital controls optimize performance and for aquarium lighting, for example, only energy-saving LED light is used. Environmental friendliness and sustainability also play a major role in the production itself as only the highest quality, clean materials are used. There is very little waste at our production facilities as we aim to recycle all surplus materials.

The environmental agency, Grüner Punkt, recently re-certified EHEIM because of their considerable savings in energy, resources and emissions. There is also the issue of safety: safety is one of the most important criteria, especially for electrical products such as filters, pumps, etc. that come into contact with water and also for aquariums, due to their size and weight. EHEIM guarantees absolute reliability.

Our objective to always offer our customers the best, has made EHEIM one of the most important suppliers of aquariums and upholds the quality standard "Made in Germany" all over the world. Recently, EHEIM once again won the "World Branding Award" as Brand of the Year.

Customer favourite 2019

EHEIM once again awarded "Brand of the Year”

Deizisau, August 2019 – After receiving the award two years ago, EHEIM has once again been awarded the renowned "World Branding Award" as "Brand of the Year" 2019. The award ceremony took place on 3 July 2019 in the throne room of the Vienna Hofburg.

The World Branding Awards are particularly prestigious international awards given to global and national brands for their work and achievements. It is organised by the World Branding Forum (WBF), a registered worldwide non-profit organisation based in London.

In this year's "Animalis Edition", selected brands from 38 countries were awarded the title "Brand of the Year". These are brands in pet, aquatic and other animal sectors and include various manufacturers of pet food, pet supplies as well as pet shops. In addition, non-profit animal protection organizations are among the winners.

EHEIM received the "Brand of the Year 2019-2020" award for Germany and the Managing Director, Ibrahim Mefire Kouotou, was presented with the award at a ceremony in the Throne Room of the Vienna Hofburg on 3 July. As he did two years ago, Mr Mefire praised the mutual trust and cooperation EHEIM has with customers in Germany and all over the world and emphasised the global importance of EHEIM for the aquatic industry. Mr Mefire also thanked the EHEIM employees: "It is thanks to their skills and commitment that EHEIM is such a respected company and has now been repeatedly named Brand of the Year". He stressed: "The prize is dedicated to all of you".

The winners of the "Brand of the Year" awards are selected in three different ways: Brand evaluation, consumer market research and public online voting. Consumer opinion accounts for 70 percent of the final vote, therefore, brands must have developed a close relationships with their customers to stand a chance of winning. In total, more than 95,000 pet and animal lovers from around the world voted for over 1,000 brands this year.

The aim of the World Branding Forum is to raise brand standards worldwide. The non-profit organization develops, manages and supports a variety of programs in research, development, education, recognition, networking and public relations. It organizes and sponsors various informative and educational programs and col-laborates with leading universities and museums.