Kodak digital camera sales grow 100 percent in Middle East
- Kodak amongst top three best selling camera brands in UAE -
Kodak, the world’s foremost imaging innovator, reported that their sales in Middle East have escalated in 2008, up by astounding 100 percent in digital cameras category taking it to the esteemed “top-three” spot of “most preferred brands across major Middle East markets. After just a few years in the digital camera market, Kodak has showcased it's competence as a serious digital player and its market share and sales achievement are witness to the claim.
“Kodak is a complete solution provider for imaging and geared to meet the challenges of today's demanding consumer with products that are state-of-the art and yet so easy to use. Kodak today boasts of an enviable range of digital products including the market leading digital picture frames, cameras and the latest introduction of the Kodak Pocket Video Camera. This rapid expansion of our digital portfolio is evidence of our intentions to remain the most desired brand in imaging,” said Arif Khan, Area Manager Kodak (Near East) Inc.
Innovation propel sales growth
Kodak captured a 100 percent growth in digital camera sales in 2008, while the overall digital camera market growth has been up by 45 percent in 2008. These figures are in comparison with the sales figures recorded in 2007 as confirmed by key retailers. Kodak digital camera sales were highest during peak selling seasons which have pushed Kodak in the revered “top three” selling brands in Middle East.
”Sales in Middle East of Kodak cameras in the fourth quarter 2008 were on target. We are very closely watching how the market behaves and hoping that DSF helps. Our 2009 expectations are sober” said Arif Khan, commenting on the current global economic scenario.
“We are confident that there is an even greater opportunity for Kodak to increase its market share in the current scenario. As consumers decide to be extra careful and seek real value for their money, Kodak has a big advantage over the competition as we offer the best in imaging at the most competitive value,” added Khan.
Apart from digital cameras, the integrated Kodak profile of “capture-share-store” includes professional quality home photo printers, instant photo kiosks the much talked about digital frames and more recently, the new pocket video cameras.
Secret of Success:
Kodak has become a powerful brand that consumers trust and rely on for safeguarding their cherished moments for over a century. Kodak has continuously introduced camera models that come with advanced features and yet are very easy to use. The most important factor has been the proprietary EasyShare software user interface. Kodak has invested in strong research to asses the needs of today's generation of digital consumers and quick turn around time to introduce them.
The key to Kodak’s success is best value for money as Kodak manages to keep their product pricing most competitive and has been amongst the most reputed brands worldwide. Kodak strongly focuses on providing their retail partners with exclusive offers throughout the year. The other major reason for success is Kodak’s partnership with their leading UAE distributor, Emirates Photo Marketing of the Al Murad Group; which is a reputed and trusted name in the industry, operational for over 20 years in the photo channel.
What’s next in Middle East:
Identifying the diverse market segments in the region, Kodak said that it continues to review market segments individually to establish patterns and ensure products on shelf are what is needed and gets there sooner. In addition, Kodak continues to work diligently with local distributors for enhanced value offerings that merge into consumer demands at various seasons.
The new Zi6 Pocket Video Camera is the latest addition to Kodak's digital portfolio. The gadget is HD enabled. The key features include simple to shoot and share high-quality videos with 720p HD video capture, a large 2.4-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use software along with YouTube upload functionality. With the introduction of the new pocket video camera, Kodak has moved a step ahead expanding its portfolio from digital cameras used for still photography to HD enabled video cameras.
In the near future Kodak will introduce the world's first consumer-available wireless picture frame featuring innovative Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology in the region.
Kodak, who inspired the digital photography revolution, today produces its own line up of award-winning “best in category” digital cameras putting cutting edge technology in the hands of general consumers, with more accessible pricing and wider array of compatible offerings, in particular its professional finish, digital picture frames, digital batteries and memory cards and photo kiosks.
