Durables
Despite price hike, appliance makers expect double-digit growth in festive sales
Air-conditioner and consumer appliance prices have risen 5-8% ahead of the festive season, but manufacturers expect sales to grow in double digits, driven by premiumisation, replacement demand, easy financing and improving consumer sentiment.
PLI push and rising demand take AC makers deeper into South India
Leading air-conditioner manufacturers are moving production facilities from North India to South India due to several advantages. Significant investments in Sri City and Tamil Nadu have led to the establishment of new AC manufacturing units. This shift is expected to increase production capacity and reduce logistics costs significantly. The southern regions have a longer cooling season, making them more favorable for AC sales.
Haier, Godrej, Blue Star failed to detect fake e-waste recycling claims, India notice shows
Indian tax authorities have identified major appliance companies incorrectly claiming tax credits for non-existent e-waste processing services. The companies relied on documents from a recycler accused of fabrication and lacked verification of actual work done. Haier, Godrej & Boyce, and Blue Star face penalties for these false claims, totaling about $714,000. Investigators have found manipulated photographs used to support compliance with recycling regulations.
V-Guard MD Mithun K Chittilappilly takes over as chairperson
Mithun K Chittilappilly has been appointed chairperson of V-Guard Industries while continuing his role as managing director. He has contributed to the company's growth and transformation since joining in 2006. Under his leadership, V-Guard expanded operations and diversified its product offerings. The company currently employs over 11,000 people and operates 15 manufacturing facilities across India.
LG Electronics to hike AC prices by 5-7 per cent from Oct 1 ahead of festive season
LG Electronics India has announced a price rise for air conditioners starting October 1. The increase will be between 5 to 7 percent ahead of the festive season. While other consumer electronics manufacturers have also raised prices, LG has not announced changes for its other products. Industry executives have indicated that rising material costs and inflation are affecting profit margins.
Costly Diwali: Appliance makers set to serve up another price shock
Leading manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and Daikin are raising prices of consumer appliances by 5-10%. This increase is attributed to rising costs of raw materials, including copper, steel, and aluminium. Companies are concerned about the impact on sales growth during the festive season this year. Previously, businesses aimed for minimal price increases to maintain festive demand levels.
India’s consumer durables market may reach Rs 3.25 lakh crore by 2030: BCG-CII report
India's consumer durables market is anticipated to achieve substantial growth, reaching Rs 3-3.25 lakh crore by 2030. Increased household penetration, premiumisation, and higher incomes will contribute to this progress. The localisation of components and materials is expected to improve significantly during this period. However, India's global export share remains low, highlighting the need for enhanced competitiveness.
Festive shopping gets costlier as brands plan to hike AC, TV and appliance prices from October 1
Consumer electronics and appliance manufacturers in India will increase prices of products by 5-8% starting October 1. The rise in prices is attributed to higher costs of raw materials like copper and steel. Companies including Blue Star and Haier have confirmed these increases ahead of the festive shopping season. Despite the increases, some dealers have inventory stocked at old prices for the upcoming festivals.
India’s consumer durables boom has a Rs 50,000 crore localisation opportunity: Report
India's consumer durables market is expected to grow by 8-10% annually, reaching INR 3-3.25 lakh crore by 2030. Localisation presents a significant opportunity, increasing domestic value addition from 50-55% to 65-70%. The market has room for expansion, with household penetration of large appliances still below regional averages. Strengthening component ecosystems and technology partnerships is essential for competing globally. Investments in R&D and efficient logistics will enhance competitiveness in international markets.
India’s young consumers are giving Samsung’s AI appliance bet a big boost
Samsung sees significant AI appliance growth in India, driven by younger consumers. Connected Samsung appliances in India saw a nearly nine-fold increase last year. The company plans to expand AI capabilities to mid-range and entry-level products. LG Electronics is also increasing its manufacturing footprint and strategic market focus. India is becoming a key testing ground for AI-enabled everyday consumer products.
Must Watch
GST cuts, lower prices put dishwashers on Indian kitchen maps
Dishwasher sales are rapidly growing in India after recent GST rate reductions. Manufacturers have adapted machines for Indian cooking, boosting consumer interest and demand. Tier II cities are now significant growth engines for this appliance category. This surge follows a period of decline, making dishwashers more accessible. The market penetration remains low, offering substantial future expansion opportunities.
Brands turn to localisation, product cuts to protect festive margins
Brands are trying to protect festive-season demand from rising input costs by increasing localisation, using alternative materials, simplifying products and improving operational efficiency. Companies plan measured price hikes but are willing to absorb some cost increases and sacrifice margins as mass-market and rural demand remain under pressure.
Symphony to foray into air-conditioner, BLDC fan, air-purifier segments
Symphony will enter India’s room air conditioner market from the December quarter, while making a phased foray into BLDC ceiling fans and air purifiers. The air cooler maker will use an asset-light, third-party manufacturing model, leveraging its cooling, distribution and service capabilities to expand its addressable consumer-durable market.
Birla built India with cement, now it wants to wire up what powers it with a ₹1,800 crore bet
In an ambitious move, Aditya Birla Group has unveiled Ultravolt, a new enterprise dedicated to wires and cables. The company seeks to establish itself as a top contender within five years, utilizing the extensive distribution reach of UltraTech Cement. This launch responds to India's growing needs in the construction and electrification sectors, signaling a pivotal shift towards more structured players in the marketplace.
Kumar Mangalam Birla sees room to build a ‘new large challenger’ in India’s Rs 90,000-crore wires and cables market with new ‘Ultravolt’
Aditya Birla Group has launched its Ultravolt wires and cables business with a significant investment. The company aims to become a top two player in the market within five years. Urbanization, electrification, and digitization are expected to drive demand for these products. The group will leverage its brand, capital, and understanding of adjacent ecosystems. Dealer relationships and brand trust will be key differentiators for Ultravolt's success.
Aditya Birla Group launches Ultravolt with Rs 1,800 crore bet, debuts as India’s No. 2 wires player by capacity
Aditya Birla Group launched its Ultravolt wires and cables business with a significant investment. This new venture aims to become a top player in the wires segment within five years. Ultravolt will expand UltraTech Cement's participation in the construction value chain. The business will reach over one lakh retailers and 5,000 UltraTech Building Solutions outlets. It plans to train over 40,000 electricians under the Skill India programme.
