Panasonic Appliances India Company Limited celebrates 30 Years of manufacturing innovation; Exports Made-In-India Automatic Rice Cookers to Japan

New Delhi, September 19, 2018: Reinforcing its commitment towards government’s Make-in-India initiative, Panasonic Appliances India (PAPIN), commemorated its 30 years of manufacturing innovation and started the export of rice cookers to its origin country, Japan. Marking a first in history, a locally manufactured kitchen appliance i.e., Rice Cooker, produced at the PAPIN factory, in Chennai is being exported to Japan. Currently, overall Panasonic Appliances business exports to 43 countries with 30% of revenue coming from these markets. Rice Cooker as a concept was born in Japan, is now produced in India and exported to Japan under the "Made in India" stamp, speaks volumes about the quality. Over the next 3 years, it will expand its exports with Japan and other regions to look at 60% growth.

Since its foray in India, Panasonic Appliances has been driven by innovation. With a strong focus on localisation and increasing versatility of the products, Panasonic Appliances aims at creating products that are a confluence of technology, innovation and design suiting the lifestyle of the discerning Indian consumers. It was with the same vision that Panasonic Appliances marked its entry in India in 1988 as Indo Matsushita Appliances in Chennai and has been offering Kitchen Appliances such as Rice Cookers, Mixer Grinders, Wet Grinders ever since. The Kitchen Appliances range from Panasonic offer ease of cooking and customisation to suit the kitchen needs across geographies. Continuing with its growth trajectory, PAPIN aims to see a 50% growth over next 3 years as compared to the penetration rates of lower than 5-10% Y-o-Y in kitchen appliances in India. To cater to the ever growing demand, the company plans to increase the plant capacity in the next 5 Years.

Mr. Manish Sharma, President & CEO Panasonic India and South Asia; Vice President Appliance Company, Panasonic Corporation said, “Panasonic Corporation has a very clear strategic intent and has identified India as an offshore development hub. India is important to us not only for developing the appliances portfolio but also innovation, R&D and exports. PAPIN’s milestone speaks volumes’ about our commitment towards the appliances portfolio. We have always believed in offering technologically advanced and curated products that help in creating a better life and a better world for everyone.”

Mr. Hidenori Aso, Managing Director, , Panasonic Appliances India Company Limited said, “It is a momentous occasion for Panasonic as we celebrate our 100th year globally and also our three decade journey in India as the sole manufacturer for Rice Cookers. As pioneers of Rice Cookers, we are proud to state that we created the concept in Japan, nurtured the demand and customized it to suit customer needs across geographies. As a result, Rice Cookers have been witnessing an 8% growth resulting in sales of 0.7 million units across India making it an essential part of the Indian kitchen. Today, we are exporting to 44 countries including Japan and will soon be exploring newer markets in Africa and countries like The UK, France, Australia and New Zealand.”

"The Indian Kitchen Appliances industry is growing at 12-15% and is seeking technologically advanced, customizable and reliable products. We at PAPIN are catering to this demand through manufacturing innovation i.e., using cutting edge technology to develop solutions that help create a safer, better life for consumers in living spaces.” added Mr. Aso

Riding the wave of increasing demand for kitchen appliances, Panasonic rice cooker MC03 also known as "Mini Cooker”, being exported to Japan, is a versatile product and not only cooks rice but also others dishes like noodles. Featuring in three different colors White, Metallic Pink and Metallic Silver, the rice cookers are available in 0.3 liters capacities.