2016Year2Month24-27OnCNCCthe National Convention Center in the capital city of Beijing (ISPOBeijing2016), the 12th Asia Outdoor Trade Show, along with the concurrently heldAlpitec China8th International Exhibition for Mountain & Winter Sports Equipment, witnessed a substantial increase in the scale of the winter sports segment. As one of the most important professional trade fairs in the Asia-Pacific region’s sports and fashion industry, thisISPO2016Beijing edition gathered490exhibitors700and over a hundred participating brands, showcasing the latest products and technologies across various fields including winter sports, outdoor activities, extreme sports, sports fashion, and functional fabrics and accessories. At the exhibition site, HowToTrip interviewedBiolitethe Sales DirectorAdrian Caponera, and the following is the interview transcript:
HowToTrip:For Chinese users,biolitethis brand may still be relatively unfamiliar. Could you give us a brief introduction?
Adrian:BioliteWe are committed to creating advanced energy products that allow you to cook, charge devices, and illuminate your life even when off-grid. We have developed technology that converts fire into electricity, enables energy sharing between different devices, and packs powerful lighting solutions into users’ pockets. Every purchase ofBioliteproducts contributes to long-term, sustainable change for people living in energy-scarce regions, helping us fulfill our promise ofENERGY EVERYWHERmaking energy available everywhere.
HowToTrip:BioliteHow has the brand been performing in the North American market?
Adrian:Since the company was founded in2012,Biolitehas been growing steadily,campstoveproducts have been selling very well. The product range has also continued to expand, including not only power-generating stoves and rechargeable lights but also solar-powered products.
HowToTrip:Why did you choose to partner with Himalaya in China?
Adrian:From2015to2016,Biolite’s strategic measure was to promote its products in some key regions and countries, with mainland China being one of our priorities,BioliteWe conducted extensive market research, including understanding the Himalayan market and brand promotion plans, and ultimately chose to collaborate with them.
HowToTrip:There are very few similar products on the market. What do you think is your advantage?
Adrian:We often ask ourselves, who are our competitors? It’s actually hard to define because we basically have no direct competitors. If you defineBioliteas a stove, then it represents both stoves and power generation energy sources. If you defineBioliteas a lamp, it’s actually electrode-emitting light, also called edge-lit, similar to a TV screen, yet not the same as ordinary lamps, so it’s a rather unique market product positioning.
HowToTrip:What is your view on China’s outdoor market?
Adrian:We believe China is a huge and growing outdoor market. With the overall economic development in China, the middle class is increasing, and the middle class has relatively unique and niche shopping needs. We see this as a great market.
HowToTrip:How do you feel about coming to Beijing to attendispothis time?
Adrian:It’s my first time attending Beijing’sISPO, but I’ve attended Germany’sBiolitemultiple times before, and we even won an award at this year’s MunichISPO,ISPOwhich has also played a significant role in the development and promotion ofISPOforBiolite.
HowToTrip:Camp stoveWhat is the power efficiency like? Takingiphoneas an example, how long does it take to fully charge it?
Adrian:It operates based on the flame intensity — the higher the flame, the greater the electric current, the higher the power, with a maximum output of400milliampere-hours. It takes about1minutes to boil4.5liters of water, and to fully charge a1300mAhiphonedevice, it generally requires around3-4hours.