Major companies like Apple and Samsung Electronics have successively launched gold-colored products for this year's Diwali shopping season, steadily increasing sales.
According to The Economic Times (online edition), Apple's latest model, the iPhone 5s, released in November, saw its gold variant sell out immediately after launch. Its popularity is so high that it trades on internet auction sites like eBay at prices exceeding the retail price by 10,000 to 15,000 rupees (approximately 16,000 to 24,000 yen).
Samsung launched the Galaxy Golden, a gold-colored dual-screen (clamshell-type) smartphone, on October 29. Despite being the most expensive smartphone Samsung has released in India, sales are reportedly exceeding expectations.
Vinay Tanjeja, Head of Mobile at Samsung India, points out that gold products are popular because "they exude luxury and stand out, holding immense appeal for Indian consumers."
Gold isn't just popular for mobile phones. In chocolate, Nestlé's "Alpino," with its eye-catching gold packaging, continues to perform well. Ferrero's "Ferrero Rocher" is also showing strong sales.
