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Dry Labs Represent Fastest Growing Segment in Retail Photofinishing Equipment Market


(Weymouth, MA) February 19, 2009 . . . InfoTrends’ latest photo kiosk and retail photofinishing forecast indicates that a major shift is occurring from silver halide minilabs to dry (chemical free) labs. In fact, dry minilabs are projected to grow at a 24% CAGR through 2013, while silver halide will decline at a 33% CAGR over the same period.

The lower capital cost, smaller footprint, and minimal maintenance issues offered by dry minilabs are enabling smaller and more regional retailers to enter the photo printing game. While some retailers may exit the digital photo business entirely, there is also potential for dry labs to be installed in new channels that have never offered photofinishing before. This will open up retail printing to new markets that may have been relying on home or net-to-mail printing previously. Print volume will continue to shift from home printing to retail over the forecast period, and the ability of new retailers to offer photo printing through the use of dry minilabs will contribute to that transition.

In addition, the benefits of dry labs are enticing established photo printing retailers to replace silver halide labs that are near their mechanical or financial end of life with dry labs. Businesses in all industries are striving to trim expenses wherever possible, and the retail photofinishing market is no exception. In addition to lower capital cost, dry labs eliminate the inconvenience and associated expenses of having to deal with photo chemicals and the resulting waste.

David Haueter, Associate Director of InfoTrends’ Photo Printing Service, commented, “The speed with which dry minilabs replace silver halide through 2009 is largely dependent on the economic situation, as conversion will be stunted or accelerated depending on the aggressiveness of vendor pricing/financing on new labs. We’re expecting the conversion from silver halide to dry labs to pick up significantly in 2010-2011 as the economy recovers.”

In the kiosk market, unit shipments are expected to grow at approximately 2% (CAGR) for the 2008-2013 period, with input terminals accounting for that growth as shipments of countertop and freestanding print stations decline. Input terminals are often the entry point for customer orders which are then fulfilled on a behind-the-counter minilab, so the opportunity is there for them to grow in number as new dry labs enter the market on a broad scale over the next few years.

InfoTrends’ report, U.S. Photo Kiosk and Digital Minilab Forecast: 2008-2013 provides analysis of the U.S. photo kiosk and digital minilab markets, including key market drivers, barriers, and ongoing market issues. Vendors highlighted in this report include Eastman Kodak, Fuji, Hewlett-Packard, KIS/Photo-Me, Lucidiom, Mitsubishi, Noritsu, PhotoChannel Networks, Sony, and Whitech. Forecast and historical information is provided in terms of unit shipments, installed base, average selling price, and total revenue.

This report is available for immediate purchase. For more information, visit our online store or contact Robyn Wuori at ext. 109 or via e-mail at .

InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.

Copyright © 2009 InfoTrends. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of InfoTrends materials is strictly prohibited without prior written consent. If you are interested in referencing InfoTrends content, please submit your request to .

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