Beyond the uncertainty of any preseason when it depends on the weather, the market is preparing without much news but with a varied offer. The main concern of businessmen is the complications and uncertainty regarding payments abroad for imports of components or products. finished products. Without much stock in the channel, the market has products for all budgets.

Por Rodolfo Pollini

We will surely begin the pre-sale of the 2023 season in February, when we have confirmed and ready the production of this first stage,” said Guido Lombardi, commercial director at Goldmund/Peabody. “It is very complicated to project because you have to ensure the supply of parts for manufacturing, and although the vast majority are national, there are also problems in the domestic market, with inputs such as glass and sheet metal. We believe that last season there was stock left in the channel, especially because there were competitors who delivered at the last minute. On our side, we do not have clients who have left over from the season, which guarantees us another successful start like the last few years.”
From Metalúrgica Tuyú, Roberto Lascia, its owner, considered that they expect a good season because the remainder that was left in the canal is not much. “I estimate that it should not be more than 10% or 15%,” he said. “The 2021 season was different, because there was stock left in the channel and in the factories.”
“We cannot ignore what happens with imports and manufacturing, so we are looking for alternatives to have the products in a timely manner”said Gustavo Venosta, commercial manager of Everest. The socio-economic situation and the new energy map forces us to have alternatives for all consumers."

The demand

“Due to our brand and company profile, the models with the most design and quality contributions are the most in demand,” said Lombardi. “It is more difficult for us to sell basic products than sophisticated ones and we feel more comfortable marketing premium models than generic ones, segment where we prefer not to compete.”
Regarding the orientation of demand, Lascia maintained that the mix remains stable, always with some novelty, but with the complications of importing components they somewhat slow down the possibility of innovation.
“In the market we are not seeing anything disruptive beyond some design or color change,” he added. "The volume of demand is led by the first-price heater, in second place are the infrared stoves and in third place are the glass-ceramic, which is where the consumer who makes a more thoughtful purchase is oriented and in part because in recent seasons the supply of vitro convectors has increased considerably with more competitive prices."

The prices

Lombardi acknowledged that although inputs became very expensive, due to the drop in demand, the lists cannot be updated according to costs. “With electric heating we have an advantage, because people who are very hesitant about the update of gas rates and construction migrate towards electric services” broad.
Analyzing the general panorama of prices, Lascia estimated a year-on-year increase in line with general inflation, but recognized the incidence of import restrictions and their impact on costs due to the uncertainty of not knowing when it is possible to go abroad and under what conditions.
"Added to this is that most local inputs are dollarized and have significant increases, such as thermoplastics, steel, and copper, among others."
“The market gives room to innovate, but it must be done with ideas, creativity and disruptive products”Lombardi closed.