Libbey, the highest selling premium glassware brand in the US, with around 63% market share, is all set to enter India through a distribution partnership with Indian houseware brand Hamilton. Internationally, the total turnover of Libbey is around $1 billion and the company has four manufacturing units globally, including one in China. The Asia Pacific region contributes around 5-10% of the total revenues of Libbey. Overall, the company has 1,000 styles of glasses and a review shows that in the US, 90% of the products are picked up by housewives. However, in India, to begin with, the company is bringing around 350 styles that will be sold to the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, pubs, and bars. It is after the brand is built through these outlets that the company will make its presence in multi-brand outlets.
Kenneth Wilkes, vice president and general manager, international operations, Libbey told FE, “To my view, it is a brand new day for the glassware industry. For Hamilton, which already has a retail presence through its brand Treo, this partnership with Libbey, will be a new channel of business.
The glassware industry is expected grow on the back of the hospitality industry, which in turn is going through a huge transition because of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. India will host this event, which will be held in Delhi and therefore, there is a huge demand for hotel rooms. Also, globally, research shows that out of all the emerging markets, the travel and tourism industry is fastest in India. So, these two factors will help the glassware industry to grow. Globally, the size of the glassware industry is estimated to the tune of $6-7 billion, while in India it is worth $10-15 million.