Al Futtaim Panatech launches new initiative

Instituting the awards was a key initiative by Al Futtaim Panatech in recognising the significant role played by these channel partners in electronics distribution. Key senior managers from Matsushita Japan and Dubai were present too.

Within such a competitive arena as the electronics market, dealers are key yet usually not recognised, in the success of brands in the market, and are often instrumental in obtaining and sustaining market share for them.

Vishesh Bhatia, Group Director-Electronics, Al Futtaim Group, said, "This is a strategic step by us to establish a closer and more relevant relationship with our channel partners. For Al Futtaim Panatech, it is the first time in the UAE for such an event. We have always focused heavily on ensuring Panasonic products received maximum exposure in the market and reached our target audience. We have reached new heights of success with the new and exciting Panasonic range. Instrumental in this success is of course our dealer network. The awards are to recognise the invaluable role they play in bringing the product to the end customer. The award ceremony will now be an annual affair."

The awards were split into 5 main categories covering 32 awards. The 5 categories were: awards for best performances in 8 different product categories; awards for highest sales; awards for highest sales growth; awards for outstanding display and awards for outstanding overall performance. The winners for the Best Overall Performances were: Plug-ins, DCC for Dubai; KM Trading for Abu Dhabi; Carrefour, Sharjah for Sharjah and Northern Emirates and for Al Ain, the Emke Group.

Said one recipient of an award, "We have been loyal dealers of Panasonic products for decades and to now receive this award as a token of their appreciation makes us very proud".

In a market that is constantly evolving to meet new and challenging needs of customers, building relationships has become a key strategic tool. Sam Turel, GM, AL Futtaim Panatech added, "Such relationship-building initiatives clearly reflect on our sales. Panasonic products from 2001 to 2002 saw a 10% increase and from 2002 to 2003 saw a 12% increase. Clearly this is the result of a strong and dedicated network of channel partners apart from an excellent and diverse range of products".