By Heinz Richter
Considering the overall popularity of smart phones as competitors to cameras, the question often arises how long cameras will be able to survive. Looking at the current photo market, especially Leica has given a thoroughly positive answer.
In the 2023/24 fiscal year (March 31), Leica Camera AG, with approximately 2,400 employees worldwide, increased its revenue by 14 percent to €554 million.
Leica Camera AG CEO Matthias Harsch told the news agency dpa: "This was an absolutely fantastic year for us, and we're naturally extremely happy with it." Leica has grown "on a global basis."
Harsch also expressed confidence for the current year despite the international trade conflicts. In the USA, one of Leica's mopst important export markets, there are no local lens or camera manufacturers. Even when the high tariffs became apparent, Leica shipped a large amount of goods to the US. They expect a resolution to the trade conflict soon and are looking very optimistically to the future.
Leica has often been criticized for expanding beyond their core markets with new products like mobile phones, premium lenses for glasses, home cinema projectors, and watches. But it is the expansion into these additional markets which has given Leica the opportunity for additional growth.
Leica collaborated with Sharp for the "Leitz Phone," which has only been available only on the Japanese market so far, and the Chinese smart phone manufacturer Xiaomi is using Leica lenses in their flagship smart phone models. Leica is now considering launching a new smartphone with Leica optics specifically for the European market. New segments such as the Leica Lux app and the laser TV projector business have also developed very positively. The app allows users to take Leica-style photos on their iPhones. It is the first jointly developed product following the acquisition of the Norwegian company Fjorden Electra AS at the end of 2023.
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
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