Exclusive: Haier Appliances India President N S Satish on his Outlook for 2026

By 2026, we believe the Consumer Electronics and Appliances industry in India is expected to continue an optimistic rise with a volume growth of 8-10%. The industry will transition decisively from product-led growth to experience-led growth, driven by AI, connected ecosystems, and a design-first mindset. Appliances will become more intuitive and predictive, using AI to understand user behaviour, optimise energy consumption, and proactively enhance convenience and performance. A seamlessly connected ecosystem across appliances will move from being an aspiration to an expectation, enabling consumers to enjoy smarter, more integrated homes.

Premiumisation will accelerate further, with Indian consumers increasingly choosing thoughtfully designed, technology-rich products that offer long-term value rather than short-term savings. Design will no longer be an afterthought, but a key differentiator, blending aesthetics with functionality to suit modern Indian homes. At the same time, the omnichannel retail experience will play a defining role, with consumers expecting consistency, transparency, and personalised engagement across physical stores and digital platforms.