India is expected to become a global leader in the luggage industry in the coming years, with a clear shift towards branded luggage solutions, according to Jai Krishnan, CEO of Samsonite South Asia.

To meet this growing demand, Samsonite has tripled its factory capacity in Nashik to seven lakh pieces per month, following a Rs 250 crore investment over six years. Nashik is now the largest luggage factory worldwide for Samsonite, surpassing facilities in Belgium and Hungary. The company is also planning further expansion within the next 12 to 18 months.

CEO Krishnan highlighted that India’s position as the third-largest luggage market globally is driven by weddings, business travel, and increasing mobility among younger consumers, particularly from semi-urban and smaller towns. "India is poised to emerge as the global leader in the luggage industry over the coming years," he said. Samsonite is also focusing on expanding its retail presence, aiming for 1,000 stores nationwide in the next few years.