The Goan: You recently opened your large format showroom called AGL Universe in St. Cruz. Could you tell us why have you chosen Goa, which is a small state, for showroom of this size?
Kamlesh Patel: Though Goa is a small state, it has always been a center of attraction for tourists across the world. Goa’s tiles industry has been witnessing strong growth year-on-year due to the booming tourism and hotel industry and steadily growing real estate and housing sector.
Major growth drivers for state’s ceramic industry are huge investment activity in commercial and residential sector and continuous renovation in the hospitality sector. Besides, growing infrastructure, tourism, ever-changing lifestyle have also triggered this growth. We considered all these factors when we decided to launch our largest format tiles showroom “ AGL Universe in Goa.
Q: Please tell us about your product categories being offered to customers in Goa.
KP: AGL Universe is spread across 4,000 square feet so we can showcase our entire range under one roof. We will showcase entire tiles range of the company i.e. large collection of interior & infrastructure products like Digital Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiles, Glazed Vitrified and Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles, Outdoor Vitrified Tiles, Hexagon Tiles and Engineered Marble and Quartz Stone.
Q: There are so many other tile manufacturers in branded space today. What do you think is the most compelling reason for people to buy products made by Asian Granito?
KP: We have debunked the myth that design leadership is a forte only of foreign players by achieving design leadership through an ideal mix of creativity and technology. AGIL’s leadership in introducing innovative digital printing technology, technical collaboration with SACMI, Italy and a world class quality management system has enabled it to build a portfolio that is truly avant-garde.
AGIL’s formidable and distinctive product range comes with the guarantee of international quality. Such uniqueness and leadership position has been a reason for customers to opt for our products.
Q: Your website says installing bigger tiles in the kitchen is a big trend. Could you please give a bit of perspective on this?
KP: Kitchen is not just a place of your house, where you cook. Rather, it is a place where all family members share love by coming together. Installing bigger tiles in a kitchen will not only create an illusion of a larger space, but it will also give your kitchen a neat and comfortable look. Along with this, having glazed surface will make cleaning easier. Innovations in tile design and printing technology now make it possible to turn your contemporary kitchen into a practical and stylish living space.
Q: What are the other key trends at this moment in tiles industry?
KP: In my view, in 2017, the wood-look tiles look promising as a major trend. Such tiles help in creating a relaxed ambience which people are increasingly appreciating due to fast-paced life in modern technological world.
Hexagon vitrified tiles will continue as a popular trend for its versatility and contemporary design aesthetics. The popularity of geometric designs and honeycomb look is high, which will drive the demand for hexagon tiles.
The year 2017 will see more emphasis on brighter, warmer colors which explains why Terracotta has been predicted by various tile experts to rule the tile trends in 2017. The natural touch of warmth with the natural matte finish will be preferred over the utilitarian black and white designs.
