Major Hard Luggage Brands
1. VIP Industries
- One of the oldest and largest luggage manufacturers in India, set up in 1971.
- Fashionable hard and soft luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories in various price segments.
- Has in-house manufacturing units and is the largest organized luggage manufacturer in India, with several manufacturing units and production of millions of units every year.
- Owns a range of brands such as VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Caprese, and Aristocrat.
Conclusion: A genuine Indian manufacturer with actual production in India.
2. Safari Industries
- Founded in 1974 and emerged as one of the most recognizable brands for luggage in India.
- Provides a broad line of hard and soft luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories.
- Safari does have local production (especially hard luggage), but also contracts for the production of their line called Urban Jungle from China
- Has a group of brands such as Urban Jungle, Genie, Megnum, Genius
Conclusion: Major - Made in India, partly imported.
3. Samsonite
- Samsonite is an international brand of luggage (non-Indian).
- Has products (including American Tourister) sold extensively in India with manufacturing units in Nashik for making luggage for the Indian as well as international markets.
- So, although it is an international company, some products are manufactured in India – a mix of international and Indian manufacturing.
- Has a portfolio of brands such as American Tourister (Mid-premium) and Kamiliant (Economy Segment)
Conclusion: International brand with extensive India production also have china imports for premium segment.
4. Yayavar Bags
- Has a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Rajkot with advanced molding, extrusion, and assembly lines.
- Has its own luggage testing lab for ensuring durability and international performance standards.
- Exports and retails a range of designs including licensed ones (DC Super Heroes Batman, Superman, Tom & Jerry, Wonder Woman, Looney Tunes).
- Has recently completed collaboration with Warner Bros. for the launch of Game Of Thrones and House Of Dragon themed hard case trolley bags.
- Provides long-term 5 Years international warranties and quality control on par with international brands.
Conclusion: A completely Indian-made brand with strong local manufacturing.
5. Mokobara
- Bengaluru-based brand with a design-driven luggage product offering.
- As was observed in earlier market commentary, a lot of the new luggage brands, such as Mokobara, do not have their own manufacturing facility and rely on imports from China or third-party manufacturing.
- Mokobara does not aggressively promote mass manufacturing in India as yet – hence, a significant chunk of their products are imported (although quality, designs, and supply chains are improving).
Conclusion: Indian brand but imports and labels (like most new D2C brands).
6.Nasher Miles
- Homegrown brand famous for lifestyle-oriented hard luggage and travel accessories.
- Originally imported 100% from China, but has been gradually ramping up third-party production in India, with over 60% of current production in India and intends to rise further.
- Also produced in India depends on third-party manufacturing facilities. Does not have its own manufacturing facility for hard case trolley bags.
Conclusion: Indian brand shifting from import to manufacturing in India.
7. Uppercase
- The brand is quite famous for its use of recycled materials, minimalist design, and eco-friendly communication.
- The hard luggage production and development process was initially done at Yayavar’s manufacturing unit.
- As Yayavar expanded its own brand and manufacturing unit, it decided to concentrate solely on developing Yayavar as a distinct brand and thus stopped manufacturing for Uppercase.
- Like most other new-age D2C luggage brands, a major chunk of its hard luggage is sourced from contract manufacturers, with design, branding, testing, and retail done in India.
- Uppercase has started manufacturing in India but still sources some of its products from other manufacturers.
Conclusion: Indian brand, heavily relies on third-party manufacturing, strong focus on sustainability.
|
BRAND |
China Imports |
India Manufacturing |
Factory Ownership |
|
Yayavar |
No |
Yes |
Own Factory |
|
VIP |
Yes (Partial) |
Yes |
Own + Third Party |
|
Safari |
Yes (Partial) |
Yes |
Own + Third Party |
|
Samsonite |
Yes |
Yes (Selective) |
Own + Global Third Party |
|
Nasher Miles |
Yes |
Yes |
Third Party |
|
Uppercase |
Yes |
Yes |
Third Party |
|
Mokobara |
Yes |
Limited |
Third Party |
The luggage industry in India is undergoing a rapid transformation – from traditional giants with actual manufacturing facilities to agile startups who source most of their products from China, but focus on building a fantastic brand experience. For Indian buyers who are particular about supporting brands that manufacture in India, the following brands are worth considering. Some other brands like Nasher Miles are slowly shifting their focus to more local manufacturing, while new-age D2C brands such as MOKOBARA, ICON, Urban Jungle, WNTR, Fur Jaden, and EUME continue to source most of their products from China.
When making a purchasing decision, let your choice be guided not only by the brand name but also by the manufacturing process and location of the luggage.
Final Tips for Indian Buyers
- Look out for “Made in India” labels: Brands that are actually Indian-made tend to highlight this fact on their product pages and warranty cards.
- Verify the warranty terms: Brands that actually manufacture their products tend to provide excellent international warranties.
- When it comes to hard luggage, which needs to be more durable, actual manufacturing facilities and quality control processes tend to be more important than brand names.
