Epson eyes 30 percent marketshare in the inkjet printer segment

Epson India is preparing to capture a market share of 30 percent in the

inkjet printer segment by fiscal ending March 2003. In fiscal 2001-02, Epson

India clocked a share of 19 percent in the inkjet market. Epson believes that

inkjet segment would record the maximum growth in coming years as compared to

DMP, which would be marginal. "Inkjet is forecasted to acquire a major

share in the printer market and we are planning to play an active role in this

segment," says Suresh Govindachari, Business Manager (Inkjet), Epson India.

According to Suresh, Epson’s top line revenues have largely come from DMP

printers and over the last year it had been seeking growth in the inkjet market.

Commenting further, Suresh says, "Demand is expected to be phenomenal from

both home as well as SME segments and we plan to increase our visibility through

ad campaigns". Epson claims to have already gained a share of 25 percent

during the JAS quarter and is optimistic of achieving the 30 percent target.

Epson is also planning to roll out retail and mobile roadshows to gain

mindshare. The company plans to improve its channel relationship by introducing

several activities, which would be announced shortly. Other initiatives like

target schemes, incentives and holiday packages are also on cards for channel

partners.

SUNILA PAUL