Pentax 2009 Annual Report Download - page 20

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significantly higher year on year. In terms of new markets, we made
preparations for future growth, establishing a lab in Brazil as a joint
venture with our distribution partner, and opening a representative
office in Argentina.
Asia-Pacific
In China and Southeast Asian countries, earnings grew due to
higher sales of REMARK new concept lenses and photochromatic
lenses that darken automatically when exposed to sunlight. China,
India, and other markets experiencing striking economic develop-
ment are seeing rapid growth typified by the entry of eyeglass retail
chains. Because further growth is highly likely going forward, we
targeted future business expansion by focusing on the enhance-
ment of educational programs for eyeglass retail stores, and on
other means of strengthening relationships with customers. In
Australia, although the market felt the impact of the economic
recession in the second half of the year, overall sales for the year
showed firm growth.
Future Strategies
We expect the polarization of the eyeglass lens market in devel-
oped countries to become further pronounced, with aging popula-
tions fueling growth in the higher price ranges such as progressive
lenses, alongside growth in the lower-priced products. In newly
emerging markets, we expect increased volume to meet population
growth, and qualitative improvements as a result of higher demand
for high value-added lenses as economic development progresses.
In order to secure future growth on a global basis, Hoya will
work to improve profitability through sales of high- valued-added
products and expand market share by also providing low-priced
lenses. To support this strategy, we will establish an efficient supply
system with production that leverages the strengths of each mass
production facility and country lab.
Further, in markets with growth potential such as Eastern
Europe, Russia and Asia, we will continue to accelerate growth
through M&A, direct investment, and strengthening of educational
programs for eyeglass retailers.
Beijing Olympics Gold Medalist Tia Hellebaut and Hoya NULUX EP
Hoya Lens Belgium, N.V. has a sponsorship contract with Olympic women’s high-jump gold
medalist Tia Hellebaut. The eyeglass lenses she sports during competitions are Hoya Nulux EP
1.67 high-refractive index plastic lenses with SFT coating (frames are by a Belgian manufacturer).
Hoya Nulux EP (“REMARK” in Japan) are double-sided aspherical lenses, which both enable
lenses to be thinner than conventional spherical lenses, but also broaden the wearer’s field of
clear vision.
EYE CARE
18 HOYA Annual Report 2009