05 May 2008
United Kingdom, Consumer Electronics
The ongoing success of DAB has continued to drive a resurgence in the UK Portable Radio market. Since the launch of DAB, approximately 9.4 million Portable Radios, of all types, have been sold. This has resulted in the yearly market value growing from a consistent annual turnover of around £30m (2000-2002) to just under £78m in 2007.
In the first quarter of 2008, sales of DAB compatible models accounted for 81% of the value of the Portable Radio market. With the average price of a DAB radio now dropping below £50 (March 2008), it is the continued unit growth of DAB Portable radios that has resulted in the sectors' current value performance.
In unit sales, monthly GfK Retail and Technology data for March 2008 saw the DAB Portable Radio market grow by 9% against March 2007, against the 13% increase when comparing the 52 weeks ending March 2008 to its equivalent in 2007. The implication is that there are still plenty of consumers willing to buy an initial or even an additional DAB product (reference is often made to "kitchen radios” so it was no surprise that some retailers combined them with small kitchen appliances in the run up to Christmas last year)!
Furthermore, the introduction of DAB+ and Internet Portable Radios adds a new dimension to this vibrantly innovative market. Although currently a very small segment, accounting for less than 5% value and 2% volume share in March, there are already more than 15 Internet radio models available. While the first 'future-proof' DAB+ receiver has already been released, back in mid December last year, joining other models already on the market which can be DAB+ upgraded.
For more information, please contact GfK’s David Lewis.
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GfK Retail and Technology, www.gfkrt.com
GfK Marketing Services UK
Consumer Electronics
+44 870 603 8100
david.lewis@gfk.com