Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) is setting up an e-commerce portal, Kelebuy, with the aim of meeting the growing demand for Kerala-made products and services.

The online marketplace will sell ‘anything and everything’ that is Kerala-specific — from spices to handicrafts to tourism products, says C Prasannakumar, Managing Director, Keltron.

Market potential

An internal Keltron study has assessed the Kerala e-commerce market at ₹1,000 crore, growing at a phenomenal 75 per cent. The market size was ₹500 crore two years ago.

“The growth rate is more than even in metros such as Bengaluru and Chennai. Keltron would like to reach out to a potential market audience comprising youngsters and working professionals.”

Being primed for a launch soon, Kelebuy is an online portal developed, managed and maintained by Keltron. It will seek to integrate vendors whose products and services are of distinctly local origin.

These include ayurveda, handloom, handicraft and coir products; holiday packages; and local delicacies. The popular Tarang hearing aid and the LED bulb range from Keltron will also be featured.

In short, Kelebuy will be a single stop for all products and services that are exclusive to Kerala. Its USP would be the stamp of authenticity that public-sector products/services command. Vendors include State/Central/semi/quasi government, public/ cooperative-sector agencies, and also licensed/approved private parties with trust-worthy record.

Government organisations are the preferred natural clients. But others with good repute, selling authentic products with proper licensing are also welcome, Prasannakumar explained.

“Our beta runs have received tremendous response from customers. Currently, we have a list of 10 vendors. We’re talking to others with a view to on-boarding them.”

Initially, the cash-on-delivery facility will not be available through Kelebuy. It could be introduced in future based on demand/feasibility.

Related Topics