Air Quality Products in the U.S.: Air Purifiers, Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Abstract

Is the air quality market getting smothered? Not quite, but in the coming years, it will be tougher for it to catch air. While SBI forecasts the U.S. market for air quality product manufacturing will grow to $221 million by 2012, this is on substantially softened growth due to tighter discretionary spending by consumers as a result of a softer U.S. economy. Players have faced difficulty in differentiating their products from competitors, which has led to a saturated marketplace with many like products offering few unique benefits.

Add to that, big box stores, which serve as large outlets for air quality products, have put enormous downward price pressure on suppliers. While no one can argue with improving efficiency and productivity, this pressure-coupled with increasing commodity prices-has meant tough times for the industry, especially for companies that are not well diversified. The key to survival in the coming years mill rely on cost reduction and innovation-two elements that in combination are challenging to any company.

This all-new SBI report contains comprehensive data and analysis on the U.S. market for air quality product manufacturing. The report focuses on portable air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and the various combinations thereof for personal or household use, sold primarily in the U.S. small appliance market.

The report provides data on shipments, imports and exports for the air quality category and identifies key economic and market trends affecting the industry. It also profiles key manufacturers, highlighting their strengths, performance, product portfolios and significant recent events. Also included are marketing, distribution and retail overview, outlining aspects of getting the products to market, and a consumer demographic analysis.

This report estimates the U.S. market value for air quality product manufacturing using data from government sources, trade associations and their publications, business journals, company literature and investment reports. In most cases, historical data are provided for a 10-year period (1998-2007).

The U.S. market supply has been calculated from data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce and its various bureaus. The data were collected from domestic plant shipments, adding imports and subtracting exports. The market size, therefore, is mathematically represented as shipments + (imports - exports). Note that the dollar values are net selling values-i.e., free on board (f.o.b.) from the manufacturing plant-and do not reflect retail/wholesale sales to the end consumer. Shipments refer to product shipped from the factory to distributors, which represents the supply side of the industry and not demand or actual sales.

Report data were gathered from several sources, including:

• Shipment statistics for air quality products-reports published by the U.S. Census Bureau, including the Annual Survey of Manufacturers (ASM) and the Current Industrial Report on Small Electrical Household Appliances
• Import and export data-the Commerce Department' s USA Trade Online website
• Revenues for manufacturers-company reports and SEC filings (In most cases, a company' s U.S. revenues specifically for air quality products were a small part of the company' s total revenues and were not stated. Where possible, SBI has provided estimates on sales of these products.)
• Consumer demographics data-the Simmons Market Research Bureau (New York, NY) spring 2007 consumer survey

What You' ll Get in this Report

Air Quality Product Manufacturing in the U.S. makes important predictions and recommendations regarding the future of this market, and pinpoints ways current and prospective marketers can capitalize on current trends and spearhead new ones. No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Air Quality Product Manufacturing in the U.S. offers. The report addresses the following segments:

• The Market (including market size and composition, and projected market valuation growth)
• Competitive Profiles (of the mainstream marketers, specialists and up-and-coming niche players, and analyses of the products they market)
• End-Users
• Marketing Trends

Plus, you' ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

How You Will Benefit from this Report

If your company is already competing in the air quality industry, or uses these products, you will find this report invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market, as well as projected market demand and trends through 2010.

This report will help:

• Marketing Managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotions plans.
• Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand.
• Advertising agencies working with clients in the air quality product industry understand the product buyer to develop messages and images that compel consumers to purchase these products.
• Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
• Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.