Global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies Samsung Electronics has reportedly announced its plans to strengthen its home appliance business on the back of new product launches in India. 

According to Mahesh Krishnan, company's Vice President (home appliances), Samsung is targeting a growth of 25 percent in both refrigerator and washing machine segments in 2012. The size of home appliance market in the country is pegged as US$3.6 billion. 

For the festive season ahead, Samsung is planning to roll out new products to perk up the sale in home appliances segment and is expecting the emerging towns and rural markets to drive growth. The company has recently launched new direct cool refrigerators and semi-automatic washing machines with a price range of Rs 11,300 - Rs 18,900 and Rs 10,950 - Rs 11,950 respectively. 

It is worth noticing, home appliances significantly comprise of refrigerators and washing machines for Samsung. These two devices constitute 50 percent of company’s total sales in the country.

Stats revealed, the South Korean giant sold 1.7 million refrigerators and seven lakh washing machines (with a growth of 20 percent) in 2011. 

As far as pricing is concerned, prices (of consumer items) have boosted by 10 percent on account of sharp depreciation of rupee against US dollar, leading to hike in raw material prices.