The industry's leading Cooling suppliers reveal their present and future plans to connected.

Air conditioners are advancing into new territory in terms of energy efficiency, reduced noise volume and cleaner sleeker aesthetic appearance.

Fujitsu General has experienced very strong sales and market share has increased, driven by a revised product range with improved efficiency and performance.

After a relatively cool Australian summer last year, air conditioning suppliers are hoping for a warmer season to generate increased sales. However the changing retail landscape, stifled by a downturn in consumer spending has superseded the weather as the biggest challenge for most suppliers this year.

2011 has been a tough year with retailers feeling the brunt of a downturn in consumer sentiment and a trend of austerity.

With a trusted brand name, new product offerings and variety of models to suit different lifestyles and budgets, Nilfisk anticipates steady sales in 2011. Like the majority of Australian appliance manufacturers, the company expects the second half of the year to be a challenging one.

Nilfisk has acknowlledged some changes in consumer behaviour and spending patterns in the first half of 2011. Bargain hunters are chasing cheaper prices not only in store, but an increasing amount of online shopping has ultimately affected unit prices and created price erosion in the retail sector.

The Australian floorcare segment demonstrated modest growth this year as it continued to evolve with new advances in technology and innovation. Consumers are showing an increased interest in the more advanced products, encouraged by a drop in the average price for most categories.

As bricks and mortar retail continues its battle against cut-priced online competitors, coffee machine suppliers report maintaining strong R&D investments in order to deliver products to retail partners that pique consumer interest and grab dollars.

Rapid innovation in the coffee machine segment is giving consumers more to think about when it comes to making a purchasing decision. The environment, coffee style, advanced temperature technology, portion control and automatic versus manual machines are all points worth considering in the decision making process.