Latin America. A work team led by Rodrigo Costa, Sales Manager of Panasonic do Brasil together with João Marchiore and Valdiney Marcelino, CFO and Commercial Director respectively of Merlin Distributor, are traveling to the manufacturer's factory in Japan, anticipating the trends and new products that the brand will have for next year, in addition to planning different commercial strategies together to continue successfully developing the professional market in America Latin.
"Although Panasonic's fiscal year begins in April, it is at the end of September when we begin to discuss and plan our business plan for what will be the next fiscal year that will begin in April 2025. In this framework, we are going to visit the factory in Japan and we will travel with the Merlin Distributor team, which is our master distributor for Latin America, with the intention of sharing with them different meetings where the factory will share what will be the product launches for next year and its commercial strategy and technological trends", says Rodrigo Costa of Panasonic.
In addition, this series of meetings set up in the very heart of Panasonic's manufacturing also aims to promote an exchange of information between the factory, Panasonic Latam and its wholesaler in the region, "For sure, we will talk a lot about PROAV, the demands, the trends and also the difficulties that exist in the region. Another important topic that we will undoubtedly discuss will be LUMIX, the new cameras, the new portfolio and how our experience is being in this first month of sales in Latin America," he adds.
Regarding the presence of Merlin Distributor at these important meetings in Japan, Costa highlights: "For us, the presence of our wholesaler is very important; in fact, it is the first time we have invited them to a meeting of these characteristics. Normally, this type of meeting is between the factory and its companies established in the world, in our case of course with Panasonic Latam, but we are convinced that the Merlin Distributor team has a broader vision of what is happening in the market in the region and how we are positioned against competitors. which also have their strategies. So we have high expectations for the joint work that awaits us in Japan."
Regarding Merlin Distributor's participation, its CFO João Marchiore says: "You know the importance of these meetings that we will hold in the factory where they will unveil many of the novelties and prototypes of products that are being developed for the professional audiovisual market, and above all we value the interest in giving us a space as a wholesaler in these meetings, where in addition to being able to tell the executives of Panasonic Japan how we can carry out commercial and marketing strategies together that will help us to continue in the growth of the brand in our region".
Along the same lines, Valdiney Marcelino points out the relevance of this trip for his company: "Of course, it helps us to learn about trends that are coming in our market at all levels of market segments, in addition to the appreciation of our work together with our network of distributors, resellers and business partners who are key in the development of the professional market in each Latin American country. so we feel the special place that Panasonic Japan is giving us, since a distributor has never been given a place in this type of meeting of such relevance".
Market news in Latin America
"Without a doubt, this year is presenting us with many challenges, driven by the electoral processes that are being experienced in the region. First it has been Mexico with its presidential change, which is a very significant market for us; then Venezuela, where we had a very good experience, in addition to the fact that similar processes are also being carried out in other countries in the region; however, the greatest challenge comes from the elections in the United States and that influence in all other countries can generate," says Costa.
Therefore, it is perceived that this 2024 is a complex year to do business in Latin America, especially if the analysis focuses on terms of sales volume, Panasonic's Sales Manager adds: "In any case, and despite all these situations in important markets in Latin America, we have managed to extend some business and we hope that we cannot be far from last year. It is a general situation that not only affects studio cameras and PTZs, but also camcorders. But we are fully aware that the market is dynamic and that, therefore, we must redouble our efforts and achieve the best results."
Costa concluded about these business meetings that they will have in Japan: "One of the main reasons is to know first-hand the products that will see the light of day in 2025, so expectations are very high. We are very happy with this new opportunity and we will continue to move forward to continue positioning Panasonic at the top, both in Brazil and throughout Latin America."
