Oase goes international with Eden brand

In spite of the unseasonal weather that turned last year’s spring into an extended winter in large parts of Europe, the Westphalian company Oase in Hörstel did not suffer any collapse in its overall sales. In fiscal 2012/13, which ended on 30 September, the company even managed to increase slightly the sales figure of approx. € 100 mio recorded for the pre­vious year. This was revealed by marketing director Birgit Scheidler at a press briefing at the company’s headquarters. Sales developed below the company’s expectations in Oase’s home market of Germany, where it has a market share of over 40 per cent. By comparison, the company’s development in France, another important market, was extremely positive. Apart from a strong fountain business, the main reason why Oase matched the previous year’s sales again in 2013 lies primarily in the range additions and new products with which the company was able to consolidate its market position, according to the marketing director. In the year ahead Oase is once again putting its faith in high-calibre innovations, mainly in the premium segment. These are expected to set standards with regard to energy saving and intelligent product design. “We aim to stimulate pure joie de vivre with our products for the water garden,” explains Scheidler. The most significant new pro­duct to be introduced, according to the company, is the UVC clarifier Bitron Eco. With its concentrated UVC power of up to 240 W and a patented cleaning rotor, the clarifier ensures maximum control of algae and bacteria, even in large ponds. Intelligent tracking of the photosynthesis rate of suspended algae, which is related to the water temperature, reduces energy costs in spite of the high UVC power by up to 50 per cent compared with continuous operation. This means that the Bitron Eco only operates at maximum power during periods of high algae growth rates. In months when the photosynthesis activity is lower, the irradiation time is reduced automatically. In 2014 the premium pump line AquaMax Eco is to be expanded to include the Classic 17500 in the entry level class and the Premium 20000 in the Premium range. In the lighting sphere, the LunAqua 3 LED set is intended to close the gap in the medium price segment below the LunAqua Maxi set. Facing the future with confidence Oase regards the growing significance of the Internet as a mega­trend. In consequence it aims to boost its digital brand communication further alongside its range of print media and…