Canon celebrates 25 years of its incredible journey in India

Backed by its innovative product line-up and country-wide service network, Canon India has created a strong and loyal customer base across both B2B and B2C segments. As the leading imaging brand in the country, Canon has constantly revolutionised the industry by enhancing the scope of imaging in various industries and touching customer lives. 

Recounting Canon India’s 25 years journey in the country, Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO, Canon India shares how it helps customers move ahead in the digital transformation journey in different product segments - 

India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and holds great importance for Canon globally. The country consistently thrives on the latest tech innovations. Since its inception in India, Canon has built a legacy which has not only been shaped by exceptional ideas but also an enduring passion to create great experiences to delight its consumers and partners alike. 

“As a total hardware and software imaging solutions provider, Canon today has become the go-to-brand for customers across industries and verticals for all their imaging requirements. As we mark our 25th anniversary in the country, we are thankful to our employees, business partners and customers- people who have made our success possible and are an important part of the Canon India journey, today and tomorrow,” remarks the jubilant President and CEO of Canon India, Manabu Yamazaki.

Creating maximum customer touchpoints
At Canon, GEMBA (Japanese term meaning "the actual place") culture is core to its customer-centric market operations. And hence Canon believes in bringing out innovative ways to forge a deeper connect with customers and educate them on its portfolio through experiential marketing initiatives. 

This year Canon has resumed its retail expansion spree in the country to be available for its customers across touchpoints through its futuristic and experiential Image Square 4.0 stores and PIXMA Zones. 

Additionally, to further strengthen presence in the cinema segment, Canon introduced an industry-first ‘Cinema Excellence Suite’ which has covered key Cinema hubs in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai this year. 

“Canon is committed to helping channel partners,” says Manabu Yamazaki. Canon’s partner ecosystem has a strong foundation and over the years has consistently nurtured a partner program that has grown into a strong network of over 140+ distributors and over 4500+ channel partners. Our main goal is to increase the availability of Canon products and genuine consumables in the near future with the help of channel partners across India.”

#1 in multiple product segments
Canon has always been focused to bring forward new products and innovative technologies that will help customers in their digital transformation journey. For instance, demand for Canon’s office automation tools and Document Management Systems has increased in industries such as BFSI, healthcare, SMEs, and Manufacturing. Again, as a one-stop surveillance provider, Canon has built great in-roads into multiple customer segments, as its surveillance camera technology gets integrated easily with advanced analytics and intelligence. 

For its camera business, Canon has created innovative products that imbues its video first approach, tailor-made to suit the needs of today’s new-age customers; be it to support online content creation or OTT content production. 

“Our cloud-based solutions have helped our customers extensively in simplifying their business operations. They help our customers bring ease of use, increased security, and flexibility with the opportunity of constant upgradation,” says Manabu Yamazaki. “We have seen an increase in demand for our office automation solutions such as IRIS, and Kofax, as they assist organizations in their digital transformation efforts.” 

“Our efforts have resulted in us becoming one of the leading imaging brands in the country with a 50% market share in the overall DILC category as we continue to drive innovation in every aspect of our business. We also take immense pride in securing the No. 1 share of the global market for the 19th consecutive year from 2003 to 2021,” Yamazaki continues.¬ “From our B2B business as well, we have retained No.1 market share in the overall Laser Copier Market (A3/A4 category) for 6 consecutive years from 2016-2021 and retaining it in H1 2022 & Q3 2022, as per the latest IDC data.” 

Canon’s vision for the India market

Canon’s vision is to accelerate and leverage new industry trends and consumption patterns. As India continues to be a high priority and high growth market, Canon is focused towards becoming the fastest growing sales company amongst all groups. Indian cinema industry, being one of the biggest in the world, holds immense potential for Canon India. Through its expansive line-up of cinema cameras and lenses, Canon wants to increase its market share in this booming segment.  OTT, cinema, wedding industry, vloggers, education sector, house of worship will continue to be a big focus of our imaging business. 

For its printing business, Canon will continue to innovate in terms of technology and carry forward the growth of photo printing culture through its ink tank portfolio.  From the B2B perspective, through its advanced imageRUNNER MFD portfolio and document management solutions, Canon will continue to support its enterprise customers in improving their daily workflow and increase the adoption of colour printing. Additionally, surveillance will continue to be a critical business for Canon. Canon’s Network video surveillance (NVS) solutions is a crucial business as it continues to expand its portfolio through strategic alliances and curated experience.