KEF Celebrates 50th With Worldwide Parties

Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 9/28/2011

New York - British audio brand KEF celebrated its 50^th anniversary yesterday with parties worldwide, including a party here at the British consul-general's official residence.

(From left) Danny Lopez, the British consul-general in New York, and KEF America president Alec Chanin cut a cake celebrating KEF's 50th birthday at the consul-general’s residence in 'ew York City.

About 100 KEF dealers, reps, employees and customers attended the event, hosted by consul-general Danny Lopez, who lauded KEF for exemplifying innovation.

In speaking to guests, KEF America president Alec Chanin noted that in the home audio industry, "not a lot of companies have had this long a run." Besides doing its own design and engineering, he said, KEF still invests in "pure research."

To continue the celebration, KEF in February will launch its second 50^th anniversary product following the launch earlier this year of the $29,999/pair KEF Blade, which was played at the event and was the first product launched by the company to celebrate its anniversary.

KEF is promoting its 50^th anniversary message in print and online ads that focus on its heritage and feature a series of famous past products, said KEF America marketing manager Stephanie Scola. On Sept. 29, the company will launch a website, www.kef.com/thefifty, to highlight the top 50 products from its 50 years in business.

 A commemorative hardcover book outlining KEF's history has also been published and will be available on Amazon in mid-October at $89.99.