Emerging Retail trends for eCooking Appliances
We are delighted to invite you to the 6th session of the Talk Series – Phase III on “Transitioning to Modern Energy for Cooking: Emerging Retail trends for eCooking Appliances”. The session would be conducted in virtual mode and is being organized by the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme, through its In-country partner – India, Finovista with the aims to identify, discuss and explore avenues to address the specific challenges in the transition to clean cooking.
Traditionally, Indian kitchens have relied heavily on gas stoves and LPG cylinders for cooking. However, concerns over air pollution, deforestation, fluctuating gas prices and India’s commitment to sustainable development have spurred a desire to shift towards electric cooking appliances. From induction cooktops and electric pressure cookers to air fryers and microwave ovens, a diverse array of electric cooking solutions is now available in the Indian market. Moreover, electric cooking offers greater energy efficiency compared to traditional methods. With advancements in technology, modern electric appliances are designed to optimize energy usage, and thus reducing electricity bills for consumers in the long run. This cost-effectiveness has contributed to the growing popularity of electric cooking solutions at the global level and gradually among Indian households, particularly in urban areas.
The retail landscape for electric cooking appliances in India has started evolving rapidly to meet the burgeoning demand. Specialized retailers focusing solely on electric cooking appliances are emerging, providing consumers with a dedicated shopping experience and expert guidance. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Tata Cliq have become preferred destinations for purchasing electric cooking appliances, offering a wide range of induction cooktops, electric pressure cookers, air fryers and microwave ovens from various brands at competitive prices. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with doorstep delivery and attractive discounts, has made it an attractive option for busy urban consumers.
Furthermore, traditional retail chains and appliance stores are revamping their strategies to capitalize on the growing demand for electric cooking appliances. Many stores now allocate dedicated sections or display areas for showcasing electric cooktops, ovens, and other appliances, making it easier for consumers to browse and compare different products. Additionally, some retailers offer installation services and after-sales support, enhancing the overall customer experience.
However, there are some key challenges that exist in the electric cooking devices retail business. A number of factors, besides cost, such as customer awareness about the technology, online reviews, previous brand experience in terms of reliability and after sales service, and other factors, influence the final decision to purchase any appliance. While the digitalization has helped in increasing demand for kitchen appliances whether electric cooking devices with innovative features to suit Indian style of cooking have been developed for the satisfaction of local customers. The discussions during the talk session are expected to be centered around such challenges being faced by retailers hindering widespread adoption and limiting the market potential. The experts panel may , in particular, highlight the opportunities for innovation and market expansion in this segment and how consumer education and awareness are going to play a crucial role in driving adoption of electric cooking in India.
MECS Programme is a UK Aid (FCDO) funded global research Programme led by Loughborough University and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). MECS is implementing a strategy focused on including the cooking needs of households in the investment and action on ‘access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy for all’. The Programme is also supporting India to emerge as a Global Hub for manufacturing clean cooking devices for domestic and international markets, aligned to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India mission and also with the objectives of the GoElectric and LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign launched by the Government of India
The Talk Series, now in Phase III has evolved into an important global platform for promoting the adoption of modern energy for cooking. It has been successful in uniting several stakeholders from the clean cooking domain and related sectors to engage in discussions on the challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy support needed for developing ecosystem of the Modern Energy-based Clean Cooking Sector in India. The Talk series is thoughtfully structured in phases, with each phase consisting of 12 sessions. After successful completion of Phase I & II Talk Series which comprised of 24 sessions altogether, the Phase III of the Talk Series has been launched.