Summer to fire up sales of ACs, beer, sunscreen

Earlier this week, the India Meteorological Department forecast above-normal maximum temperatures from April through June over most parts of the country, along with above-normal heatwave days likely over most parts of the South Peninsula, Central India, East India, and the Northwest plains.

- AKSHARA SRIVASTAVA

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) majors and consumer durables companies alike are expecting growth in demand this summer season after last year's unseasonal rain washed out sales for the companies.

A spokesperson for Voltas, the market leader in air conditioners (ACS), said the industry was poised for double-digit growth across channels. "We are optimistic about the season and are expecting good growth in the segment. We are well-prepared to meet the surge in demand," the spokesperson said.

"We anticipate more business coming in from the Tier-II and Tier-III markets," the Voltas spokesperson said.

To address this growing demand, the company, which currently operates four manufacturing plants, is expanding in Chennai.

Epack Durable, which manufactures ACS for durables companies like Voltas, Haier, etc., expects a growth rate of more than 15 per cent this year if the heatwave persists beyond May.

"Last year 10 million units of ACs were sold in the market. This year, the industry expects to sell 11.5 million units. We have a good order book and are running at 100 per cent capacity to cater to this surge in demand," said Ajay D D Singhania, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), Epack Durable.