NEWS World’s largest
NEWS World’s largest OLED tunnel on the LG stand at IFA 2016 Strong 4K UHD Uptake Helping Maintain Value in Challenging TV Set Market 4K UHD TV sales are poised to grow by a further 38% in 2017 to account for more than a third of the worldwide TV market, according to latest projections from Futuresource Consulting. This comes in the wake of a strong performance in 2016 when 4K UHD surpassed 25% of total TV sales, despite the remaining scarcity of regular broadcast 4K UHD content in most regions. In its Worldwide TV Market Report, Futuresource states that the total TV market was flat year-on-year at 226 million units in 2016 following a small decline in 2015. Trade value clocked up billion, down 1% year-on-year. “The outlook this year is also one of zero growth, with established markets especially challenged,” said David Tett, Market Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. The report noted that 2017 is also a year in which there are no major worldwide broadcast events, nor many significant analogue to digital switch-overs to kickstart sales. Futuresource Consulting's report also delves into the fortunes of rival major consumer flat panel brands. The contest between OLED and LCD takes centre stage and is a battle principally between the two biggest TV vendors in the world, LG and Samsung. Companies are lining up to use LGmanufactured OLED in their TVs, with Sony being the latest big name to do so. Samsung, meanwhile, continues to push the boundaries of LCD based screen technology – with the 2017 line up of QLED branded TVs being its latest answer to OLED sets. Average retail prices in 2016 approached 0 and are expected to rise throughout the forecast period due to increasing 4K UHD sales; escalating OLED sales in the premium end of the market; and demand for larger screen sizes. The 32-inch category has seen particularly large price jumps in part due to availability issues and exchange rate fluctuations. Competition amongst brands remains intense, with Samsung retaining its number one spot. Tett said: “Chinese brands continue to look abroad to grow their business," reports Tett. “Hisense, a top five global brand, was a highly visible sponsor of the European Championship Football in 2016 and will be again for the upcoming World Cup in 2018. A foothold is being gained in the U.S and Europe by brands such as TCL and Hisense, as they seek to grow their business outside of their domestic market, which is slowing.” The Home Video Player Market Report, also published by Futuresource Consulting in May, noted that UHD Blu-ray player sales are expected to grow by 148% to 1.4 million units this year – equivalent to 8% of the total Blu-ray player market. The Worldwide TV Market and Home Video Player reports from Futuresource Consulting forecast demand for TV sets and Blu-ray & DVD Players worldwide through to 2021 6
NEWS IFA GLOBAL MARKETS EXPERT TALK PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES IN SOURCING Organisers of IFA have launched IFA Global Markets, a sourcing conference which will discuss the latest buying trends and strategies from around the world. Established in 2016, IFA Global Markets is an efficient and effective sourcing platform for consumer electronics and digital products in the consumer electronics and home appliances segment, over four days at one central location in Berlin. IFA Global Markets, at Station-Berlin, is IFA’s international trading platform for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), original design manufacturers (ODM), suppliers, component manufacturers and yet-tobe-discovered brands from all over the world. Dirk Koslowski, IFA’s Senior Executive Manager, said: “IFA Global Markets Expert Talks will host the platform for meeting some of the most accomplished international buyers representing consumer electronics, consumer IT and home appliances.” Mr Koslowski said that international buyers who regularly work with private labels, OEMs and ODM around the world have already confirmed their attendance. Among them are Tobias Redlin, managing director of iGo3D, Europe’s biggest distributor of 3D desktop printers and accessories; Rebecca Fuchs, Head of Retail Sales at Nimans, the UK’s largest distributor of telecoms and data equipment; and Mike Lange, Managing Director of Z-Wave Europe GmbH, a leading distributor of wireless smart home solutions. Mr Koslowski said that IFA Global Markets Expert Talks will provide buyers, manufacturers and the media with an insight into the latest developments, opportunities and challenges in this sector, while addressing different product categories. Participants will discuss on-demand solutions and technologies, including, for example, the Internet of Things, robotics, drones, virtual reality, wearables and Smart Home) as well as conventional consumer electronics and home appliances. IFA Global Markets will take place on four days, from September 3-6 and will bring IFA suppliers, component manufacturers, OEMs and ODMs into contact with customers and partners from the consumer electronics and home appliance industries. Mr Koslowski added: “IFA Global Markets is Europe’s one-of-a-kind XXL-opportunity for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Monday 28 th August 2017 7
