Italian sportswear brand Lotto is preparing to foray into the cricket equipment segment by launching a new product range in the next six months, starting with India.

“In the next six months we plan to launch a cricket equipment range in the Indian market. India will be the first market globally that will see the launch of this new product line,” the Lotto India Managing Director, Mr Lalit Kishore, told PTI.

He said after India, the company would also look at introducing the range in other global markets such as New Zealand, Australia and West Asia. “India is a cricket loving country and there is a good opportunity for growth in this area,” Kishore added.

The company will partner with local manufacturers to source equipment such as pads, gloves, helmets and bats.

Lotto, which has been focusing on other sports such as tennis and football, is betting big on cricket as it looks to expand its presence in India. Recently, the company has signed a sponsorship deal with the Kochi IPL team for a period of one year. “This is the first time the company has associated with the game of cricket,” Mr Kishore said.

As a part of the expansion strategy in India, Lotto is working on a number of areas. It is increasing the number of exclusive retail outlets across India besides investing in marketing activities.

The company currently has about 50 exclusive stores, which are likely to go up to 200 in the next three years.

Lotto was a popular sportswear brand in the country during 1990s, but went missing for almost 10 years before making a re-entry into the Indian terrain.

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