IKB-Optimism in the Kitchen & Bath Industry Despite Prevailing Low Demand

Market may not be looking too bright, but there is optimism in the kitchen & bath industry with an increased focus on kitchens 'following the footsteps of Swachchh Bharat'. This was the sentiments noted across all the three days of the recently ended 'India Kitchen & Bath exhibition 2015' held in New Delhi.

As one of the exhibitors, Mr. Rajesh Bhasin said, "The market is slow due to property situation but the single individuals' spending are up this year when compared with previous years."

Echoing same sentiments, Mr. Vishal Jain, senior manager sales, North, Faber India, said, "As of now manufacturing is not bad but what future shape it will take, we don't know." Faber India manufactures and supplies kitchen ware like microwave ovens and other cooking appliances.

Organised by UBM Index Trade Fairs, the Show had some of the biggest names in the kitchen & bath industry showcasing their latest products' range. The show also welcomed some of the renowned architects who traveled from across the country to be a part of this event. The inaugural session saw some of the prominent figures such as Mr. L. A. Khan - Managing Director, UBM Index Trade Fairs, Mr. Yogesh Mudras – Acting CEO, UBM India, Ar. Karan Grover, Chef Ranveer Brar, Mr. Pratap Jadhav – President IIID, Mr. Mohan Deshpande – Chairman, HPMF, along with Mrs. Sylvia Khan – Director, UBM Index. Three days of exhibition saw a footfall of around 6,500, which include students, interior designers, architects, and HNI clientele.

On the display were a wide range of products by several leading companies in a bid to attract individual customers. Among these were multi-flow shower was a hit, ranging from a 2x2 feet to 2.6x2.6 feet rainfall, with chromo therapy lighting effect in RGB by leading maker Oyster. As senior manager Mr. Arvinder Gere of Oyster said, "There is demand for our showers from leading builders such as Omaxe, Prateek, and Gaursons. They want steam bath, whirlpool, and jacuzzies. Demand is also from the hotel industry, and we have supplied to one like Raddison in Kaushambi in the NCR."

Keeping in view the government's emphasis on Swachchh Bharat, Viega group has increased its focus on checking the harmful bacteria and viruses. As its Manager Marketing, Mr. Amar Kirale said, "We, at Viega, believe that every Indian should get pure and hygienic drinking water. Mostly, water contamination happens through leakage at piping joints. These leaking joints allow harmful bacteria and viruses to enter potable water. Viega has pioneered Press Technology, which ensures safe and secure pipe connections to provide pure hygienic drinking water sans contamination."

What was of concern for Mr. Kirale was that though the Indian pipes and plumbing industry is a growing industry but unfortunately the product quality used and standards being followed by the industry in India is not at par with standards followed internationally. Also, the skill-sets and education level of plumbers at the grass root is another big issue. "There is a vast potential for development and innovation. Hence, our focus would be on spreading awareness on right plumbing practices," he added.

Collins India, another Hardware Brand since 40 yrs with a present turnover of Rs.40 crore, imports from China and Italy and thereafter exports to over 125 countries is expected to put up manufacturing plant for hardware with 'Global Technology - Make In India'. For this, an investment worth Rs.150-200 crore shall be pumped in as Indian market itself is pretty large and this move shall help economize production costs.

Though the construction industry maybe down but the participants were optimistic that it would pick up in the coming days and with the fast growing middle class, the industry felt that these two segments – kitchen & bathroom have more than their functional values and now there are more innovations and fresh ideas.

As Director, UBM India and fair spokesperson Mr. Yogesh Mudras said, "Modern kitchen market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 42.93% by 2018, both segments have witnessed a shift from utility to luxury and it is estimated to grow 86% constantly between 2013 and 2018."