Noritake expects strong tableware sales

Noritake, the premium tableware maker, is looking at a sales growth of 25 per cent in India.

Currently, each of its stores does a business of close to Rs 1 crore per year.

It also plans to scale up its retail presence in India to grow its visibility and brand recall.

Currently it has five stores in India in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, among others.

According to Jugadeesh Pillai, CEO of Noritake's India operations, "We are currently investing in setting up showrooms in metropolitan cities. In each city we choose a local franchise partner. Depending on sales of one store per city, more stores would be set up in each region."

Currently, Noritake's tableware is imported from Sri Lanka. "The Sri Lanka plant manufactures 1.2 million pieces of tableware per month which is then imported to India, USA, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere," informed Ranjuan Vitharana, the marketing head of Noritake in Sri Lanka.

Noritake's prices start at Rs 14,000 for tea sets, Rs 25,000 for dinner sets, and Rs 400 for mugs.

"We also sell our electronics ceramics in the Mumbai store. We will introduce it in other cities depending on demand. We may also look at a manufacturing base in India depending on sales increase but have not firmed up plans as yet," added Naka Nisi, managing director of Noritake.

Noritake opened its first store in Kolkata today. The store is spread over 650 sq ft.