Canon sets growth target at 30% in Cebu this year

MANILA, Philippines - Digital imaging solutions giant — Canon sees a vibrant market in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas, as it projects at least 30 percent growth this year.

Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. is now on its active move to penetrate the secondary cities in the Visayas, taking advantage of the brand’s sustained strength, despite the entry of cheaper and newer digital imaging products in the Philippines.

In an interview with Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. Cebu (Visayas headquarter) branch manager Joevi Laspo, he said that the brand is riding on the active interest of consumers in quality digital imaging gadgets especially the fast growing appeal of individuals getting Digital Lens Single Reflex (DSLR) cameras.

 He said more and more people are now acquiring DSLR cameras, compared to the simple “point-and-shot” digital camera gadgets. Canon, with its name linked to quality, has benefited in this development, he said.

Last year, amid the global economic recession, the Canon branch in Cebu posted a 46 percent increase, as consumers are now becoming sophisticated in their choice of acquiring digital imaging solutions.

Aside from DSLR, Laspo said sale for its two flagship products copier, and printers have also increased significantly over the years.

Today, with the attractive packaging offers to be introduced by the company, Laspo said Canon is expected to hit even over 30 percent growth in the Visayas area.

 According to Laspo Canon is now moving into putting significant presence in the secondary cities in the Visayas, such as Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Dumaguete, Ormoc and Tacloban.

Bannering the three flagship products of Canon, Laspo said the brand is seen to increase its stronghold in the market, while impression of high-cost in acquiring quality Canon products is also being addressed.

Today, Canon is able to offer affordable digital imaging products to consumers, through attractive marketing campaigns, to intensify awareness of quality, and affordability of any Canon product.

For its fast moving DSLR cameras, Laspo said the brand is directly connecting with hobbyist and photographers to showcase and emphasize the unique and high quality advantage of the brand.

“People now are buying DSLR. People want to venture into photography,” Laspo said.

Although, other products will also hit a stronger take up this year, Laspo said the company is seeing high potential of camera sales to drive the strong growth this year.

Laspo described the year 2009 as the bottom of the global crisis, while 2010 was the recovery year, and this year Canon is optimistic of a better and good year for the brand. (FREEMAN)