Brands/Products
BenQ’s Projector Business Jumps to Number One in Q3’17
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Global number one DLP projector brand, BenQ, has announced its Q3’17 reports to reveal its spectacular performance in the projector segment.
With a majority of the market share captured in the projector segment, it has emerged as the number one brand across the Middle East and Turkey region improving its market share and setting new standards for customer satisfaction.
With its remarkable product launch of home cinema projector range, BenQ reported an astounding sale of 55,000 units in the first ten months of 2017, cementing its position as number one player in the projector business. The firm has held the top slot since 2009 with a massive 25% share of the world market. It holds an enviable position in the educational projector segment, with the coveted top slot in its favour since 2007. It holds approximately 30% of the world market share in this segment. With the high precedence set, BenQ is now looking to surpass this benchmark in the coming quarter.
Overall, BenQ has been on an upward inclined sales graph from Q1’17 and by the end of Q3’17, it succeeded in acquiring largest market share in the projector business with an impressive 23.60 percent SoM in Middle East and Turkey region.
The company’s market share increase was also seen in KSA with SoM of 46 percent.
Manish Bakshi, Managing Director, BenQ Middle East & Turkey, commenting on this achievement says, “Needless to say, we are pleased with the way the third quarter of 2017 has shaped up. Getting to the top of projector segment in not one, but three markets is certainly an achievement.
“Not only have we done well with respect to the market shares but the standalone figure of 55,000 units sold in just ten months is also a notable feat.
“Going forward, we hope to replicate and even surpass our performance by staying focused on perfecting our offerings to provide the right balance between functionality and design.”
BenQ is a brand with a wide range of products that combine design and technology to provide innovative viewing experiences. Functional and convenient, their products have found an audience of both professional and household users. They have come forth as pioneers in the segment with their constant innovation and commitment to excellence.
Currently, they have more than 70 projector models to cater to a wide variety of AV needs. For professionals looking for projectors for auditoriums, theatres and events, BenQ has a range of laser and normal lamp installation projectors. They also have short and ultra-short throw projectors to enhance Classroom Learning. Their special projectors come with wireless and LAN connectivity, ideal for office use. To take your living room cinema experience up a notch, their video projectors incorporates 4K resolution and are compact and portable for easy handling. Economical and multi-purpose, their range is ideal for the leisurely user or the dedicated professional.
With the launch of innovative and exceptional projector ranges like W11000, X12000, W1610UST and W8000 for home-cinema viewing, each offering distinctive advantages geared towards speedy growth for this segment. Providing theatre-like feel at home, BenQ has managed to unleash a new cinematic experience like never before.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chief executive of Canal+ Africa, Mr David Mignot, has disclosed that MultiChoice is now fully integrated into the media group.
Mr Mignot disclosed this via a statement issued on Thursday, noting that this development marks a new phase in the evolution of one of Africa’s leading pay television operators.
He noted that the integration positions MultiChoice within a global media organisation with an extensive international footprint.
“MultiChoice is now a full subsidiary of a truly international media group operating in 70 countries. The group was founded in France, is listed in London and Johannesburg, and has a strong African presence with operations in more than 45 countries,” Mr Mignot said.
The statement underscores the scale of the combined business, highlighting Canal+’s global reach alongside its significant investments across Africa.
The completion of the transaction is expected to strengthen MultiChoice’s position in the African media and entertainment market by giving it access to the broader resources, expertise and international capabilities of the Canal+ Group, while reinforcing the group’s commitment to the continent.
MultiChoice operates across sub-Saharan Africa through platforms including DStv and GOtv, serving millions of subscribers with entertainment, sports and news content.
By Adedapo Adesanya
FoodCourt, a Nigerian cloud kitchen startup backed by Y Combinator, has suspended operations after months of unpaid salaries and mounting debts to vendors triggered a staff strike and forced the company to halt customer orders, according to a report by TechCabal.
The publication reported that customers first noticed on March 4 that they could no longer place orders through the FoodCourt app after the company disabled ordering as kitchen workers, delivery personnel and branch staff embarked on strike over unpaid wages. The company also owed outstanding payments to vendors.
By April 19, FoodCourt had temporarily shut its last operating branch after suspending activities across its Lagos and Abuja locations while seeking fresh funding and restructuring the business, according to the report.
The company’s chief executive, Mr Henry Nneji, said the decision to pause operations was not caused by a single issue but by a combination of operational, organisational and working-capital challenges.
“It’s important to clarify that the decision to pause operations wasn’t driven by one single issue. We reached a point where it became clear that continuing to patch those issues while operating wasn’t the right long-term decision,” he said.
“The objective is to build a stronger business than the one that existed before the suspension. We fully intend to bring FoodCourt back,” he added in an emailed response.
The company acknowledged outstanding obligations to employees, vendors, riders and service providers, but declined to disclose the number of affected workers or the total amount owed. It said efforts were underway to resolve the liabilities as part of its restructuring process.
It was also reported that the startup’s financial difficulties worsened after expansion into additional locations increased operating costs, while its cloud kitchen model came under pressure from rising labour, logistics, food and marketing expenses.
Despite the shutdown, Mr Nneji said FoodCourt intends to relaunch after completing its restructuring, adding that the company believes demand for its products remains strong.
Founded in 2021 by Henry Nneji and Paul Adokiye Iruene, FoodCourt operates cloud kitchens under multiple virtual restaurant brands through its consumer app. According to TechCabal, the startup had previously disclosed raising $1.7 million, delivering more than one million meals and reaching $4.3 million in annual recurring revenue by the end of 2024.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
To further reinforce its commitment to continuous enhancement of customer experience through menu innovation and quality improvements, Chicken Republic, Nigeria’s leading quick-service restaurant brand and a flagship brand of Food Concepts Plc, has improved its Smokey Jollof recipe across restaurants nationwide.
As a customer-centric brand, Chicken Republic regularly evaluates consumer feedback, dining trends, and product performance to ensure its menu continues to deliver the quality and value to which customers have become accustomed.
The updated Smokey Jollof is part of this ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
The refreshed recipe represents the latest evolution of one of the brand’s most popular offerings.
Developed with a focus on richer flavour, greater consistency and an even more satisfying eating experience, the improved Smokey Jollof reflects Chicken Republic’s dedication to meeting the evolving tastes and expectations of its customers.
“At Chicken Republic, our customers are at the heart of every decision we make. We are constantly listening, learning and looking for ways to improve the experience we deliver.
“The improved Smokey Jollof is a reflection of that commitment. We’ve refined the recipe to deliver an even richer, more enjoyable taste experience while maintaining the flavour profile our customers know and love,” the Managing Director of Food Concept, Mr Olumide Aniyikaiye, stated.
“Great brands evolve with their consumers. This update is not about changing what people love, but about making it even better.
“We are confident that customers will enjoy the improved recipe and appreciate the attention we continue to invest in delivering quality meals every day,” Mr Aniyokaiye added.
The improved Smokey Jollof is now available at Chicken Republic outlets nationwide, allowing customers to experience a more flavourful and consistent version of a fan-favourite menu item.
This latest enhancement underscores Chicken Republic’s broader commitment to innovation, quality and creating memorable meal experiences for customers across Nigeria.
