Kolkata’s Idora Ventures invests in Accurio Press C73hc

Earlier, the company used to outsource its photobook jobs. Now, looking at the increasing demand for amateur photobooks, the company has decided to invest in this business and help more people preserve their memories.

Established in September 2020, Idora Ventures is a sister concern of Mohan Impressions, which owns the personalised gifting brand Presto. Presto has been in operation for the last 25 years and has established its presence across India with over 165 retail outlets. Idora has launched two brands to market its digitally-printed products: Idora Books for photobooks, cards, calendars and wall décor and Idora Prints for corporate printing solutions such as visiting cards, marketing materials, stamps, reward and recognition products, etc.

Poddar said there has been a constant rise in the demand for digitally printed products, and that is exactly why the company planned to invest in this venture. “To be specific, there has been significant growth in the market for amateur photobooks, which is still a virgin concept in India but is slowly getting attention. People are starting to make photo albums not just for their weddings, but also for family vacations, children’s birthdays and other moments that they want to preserve forever,” he said.

He added that the major challenge in the printing is ensuring the quality of the prints from the machines and the availability of the standard media with the same specifications.

“With the internet becoming a comfortable communication tool, we foresee it to be playing a major role in how people communicate and consume information. Installing the Konica Minolta was very easy. With the professional advice and training from the company, our team has comfortably started to use the production device. The team was trained on all the functions of the machine,” Poddar explained.

Since Idora Books is involved in the making of photobooks, the company has also installed post-printing machines as well. These include window-cutting machine, lamination machines and electrical cutting machines. “We aim to deliver quality products to our customers, and so, we have ensured that there is no compromise in the quality of any machines,” Poddar said.

He added that there is a lot of scope for growth, and the company is optimistic about the return on investment in this business. “Idora has established multiple avenues to generate revenues. Idora Books will market its products online through its website idorabooks.com along with establishing offline channels, such as targeting photographers and related associations as well as opening retail outlets. Idora Prints will begin operations little later, but the product line has been finalised, and the marketing process will happen through its website idoraprints.com along with other offline channels,” Poddar said.

Idora in brief

Area: 3,500-sqft

Total staff: 10 people

Best practices: No compromise on quality, constant R& and customer first approach