Brands
DataWind retains leadership as per CMR and IDC reports
MUMBAI: DataWind Inc., a leader in delivering Internet access to emerging markets, retains the top slot selling35%of overall tablets in India, during 2016, according to CMR’s India Tablet PC Market Review.CMR Study also shows that DataWind has dominated the sub-Rs. 5,000 tablet segment (approximately $75) with 70% market share, in the largest and fastest growing market segment in India.
DataWind continues to maintain its leadership position with 32% market share in the fourth calendar quarter of 2016, leading both Samsung (third place with 17% market share) and Apple (fifth place with 7% market share). DataWind’s strength is despite the demonetization of currency in India which had a direct impact on entry level customers.
A research report by IDC for the same period also confirmed that, Datawind retained its leadership position in Indian tablet market, with low average ASP of around $52 and free internet access. The report indicated that Datawind has been gaining market share catering to the untapped first time buyers from deeper pockets of India. The report also mentioned that DataWind had the highest growth in 2016 with annual growth of 70.6%.
DataWind CEO Suneet Singh Tuli said “Both CMR and IDC reports have again confirmed that Datawind is India’s premiere tablet brand chosen by a greater portion of the population than any other brand.. The factors that work in our favour, have allowed us reach to the consumers in the remotest of areas include devices bundled with free internet browsing; local manufacturing, patented technology supported by our strong and committed team.”
The CMR study also shows that DataWind is the only company, which has maintained leadership position for five quarters in a row.
Tuli further added “Our target for 2017 is to launch new 4G enabled ultra low cost devices. We will be soon launching Rs 199 a year tariff for unlimited Internet browsing across any site.”
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
