When summer sizzles, can beverage, AC sales be far behind?

livemint.com:

₹75 crore investment in an air cooler manufacturing plant, prioritizing the segment amid stiff competition in air conditioners and subdued demand. Thompson, which has built enough inventory, plans to expand its capacity next year to further capitalize on the air coolers segment. “All three segments, including coolers, air conditioners and refrigerators, are growing because penetration of the appliances is still less," Avneet Singh Marwah, chief executive, Super Plastronics Pvt.

Ltd, the brand licensee of Thompson in India, said. “For air cooler models that have just been launched, we expect to see strong growth while air conditioners are likely to grow 10-15% over last summer. If we see no disruption with unseasonal rains we should have a good season.

We feel the consumer durables market, especially low-priced electronics, is coming back," he added. Packaged consumer goods maker Godrej Consumer Products Ltd said the forecasts of a normal summer will have positive impact on categories like soaps and deodorants. “With the summer season forecasted to be normal, we anticipate steady improvement in consumption in the relevant categories," said Aasif Malbari, chief financial officer, of the company.