(Weymouth, MA) October 26, 2005…InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ new forecast entitled U.S. Desktop Inkjet Cartridge Market Forecast: 2003-2008 covers U.S. demand for inkjet cartridges from HP, Lexmark, Epson, Canon, and Dell. It approximates the demand for cartridges and estimates OEM vs. aftermarket share through 2008.

According to this forecast, the aftermarket’s share will continue to grow, impacting all 5 of the major OEMs. By 2008, total aftermarket inkjet cartridge consumption is expected to reach just over 95 million units. The aftermarket’s share of ink tanks is growing more quickly than its share of integrated cartridges, with cartridge consumption projected to experience a 12% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) between 2003 and 2008.

"We believe that 2004 saw accelerated market share gains for aftermarket. Much of this success was accomplished through store and house brand programs by major resellers, improved integrated cartridge collections, additional resellers, and the widespread availability of smart chips,” commented John Shane, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “Although the aftermarket’s share is expected to continue growing in the future, we do not expect this growth to be as swift as it has been in the recent past.”

For integrated cartridges, the aftermarket’s share will continue to be gated largely by the industry’s ability to collect usable empty cartridges. While there will likely be improvements in collection methods over time and total collections are expected to grow, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is not forecasting a breakthrough that will vastly improve collection rates.

On the vendor side, Hewlett-Packard retained its dominant position in this market. HP’s machines accounted for 52% of cartridge value consumed at retail pricing among the top 5 inkjet printer vendors. With the exception of Canon, all of the major vendors experienced population and cartridge demand growth. Dell showed the largest percentage growth and is expected to gain additional share in 2005.

This forecast is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ North American Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, visit our online store or contact Alison Hipp at , ext. 126 or .