Festive season is a busy time for both photographers and imaging companies. Over the years ZEISS has been a name that has been synonymous with high-quality optics and a signature look. Asian Photography spoke with Kunal Girotra, ZEISS’s Regional Head: India, Southeast Asia & SAARC – Photonics & Optics about their upcoming plans and India’s importance in their global growth. Excerpts:
What are your thoughts about the Indian market and how is the business?
ZEISS holds a dominant position in the premium segment of the Indian market for lenses and optical systems. Our strength lies in our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. We support a wide array of brands with our lens lineup, a testament to our technological leadership. We continuously listen to our customers and innovate to meet their evolving demands. Unlike many competitors who focus on a price-sensitive consumer base, ZEISS competes on value, precision, and long-term benefits.
This strategy has resonated with discerning customers who are willing to invest in solutions that offer superior outcomes. The Indian market presents a unique landscape for the optics industry, distinct from consumer-driven markets like Europe, the US, or China.
What are the plans for the festive season?
We are preparing for the festive season with a strong focus on the e-commerce channel. We have established a robust online presence on major platforms including Amazon and Flipkart. This digital-first approach is paying off significantly, with the e-commerce channel experiencing a remarkable growth rate of nearly 90%. With 180 different products available online, we are able to reach customers even in remote regions where physical retail stores are not accessible.
Recognising that binoculars and lenses are popular gift items for nature enthusiasts during the festivals, ZEISS is actively participating in key e-commerce events and ensuring its products are featured prominently in festival offers, both online and in physical stores, maximising visibility and sales during the peak consumer spending period.
Which product categories are you focusing on growing in the next year?
Our product pipeline is robust, with several new and exciting developments in the works. We are not just creating incremental updates, but looking to develop innovative products that will once again set the standard for quality and performance in the industry.
How is India contributing to ZEISS’ global growth?
India is a pivotal and high-growth market for ZEISS, acting as a key driver of the company’s global expansion, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Alongside India’s sustained strong performance, ZEISS is experiencing remarkable growth in other Southeast Asian markets like Thailand and Singapore, with triple-digit growth expected this year. This success indicates a growing appreciation for ZEISS’ comprehensive range of photography and sports optics products.
To further fuel this growth, we are strategically entering new markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where a rapidly growing e-commerce landscape will play a crucial role in making products accessible to a wider audience. This expansion, combined with the continued strong performance of its core growth markets, solidifies India’s significant contribution to ZEISS’ overall global success.
How would you define ZEISS’ long-term India roadmap for stakeholders and business partners?
We also take part in events, especially forest and wildlife events, to connect with our customers. Following a bottom-up approach, we spend time understanding consumer behaviour and identifying the right pricing “sweet spots”. While we remain a premium brand, we also offer products in price segments where customers are willing to buy, without compromising on innovation or quality. This strategy has been very successful.