Kerala’s umbrella makers want to become more aatmanirbhar

Cheaper umbrellas from China are a thorn in the side for the umbrella makers, who have demanded a levy of a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on finished umbrellas
| Photo Credit:
K Ragesh

As monsoons hit Kerala ahead of schedule, the umbrellas are out in the state with some added splash. Cartoon characters on the canopy, twinkling lights on the rib and premium Swarovski crystal-studded ones are some of the new products visible this year. But innovations like those are par for the course — what’s changing is the State’s umbrella manufacturers’ determination to reduce dependence on Chinese components.

“Our reliance on Chinese raw materials is falling steadily each year, as Indian manufacturers and suppliers become more capable. However, one critical raw material — the fabric called Taffeta — still has to be fully imported from Taiwan due to the lack of a domestic alternative,” says Jopu Thayyil, Director of Johns Umbrella.

Brands such as Popy, Johns, and Colombo lead from the front in the Kerala market, which clock umbrella sales of 2.5 million pieces annually, with prolonged rains and severe summer extending the sales season. However, cheaper umbrellas from China are a thorn in the side for the umbrella makers, who have demanded a levy of a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on finished umbrellas. “This would help curb unethical under-invoicing and the dumping of low-cost umbrellas from China, which disproportionately affects small and medium manufacturers, “ said Jopu Thayyil.

Drawing a parallel between India’s emergence as a leader in textiles and automotive components and the umbrella industry, he said that with the right support, the country can become a competitive global supplier of umbrellas. “There is significant export potential, especially to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where demand for affordable, durable umbrellas is growing,” he added.

Splashy new offerings

Meanwhile, the early onset of monsoon has spiked demand for umbrellas in the state, putting pressure on manufacturing units to scale up production swiftly, said Thayyil of Johns Umbrella. Retailers are pushing for quicker deliveries, and the early rains have created a supply chain challenge that requires rapid response, he said.

Davies Thayyil, who owns Popy Umbrella, says that monsoon rains have triggered a good demand for different varieties from three-fold and five-fold options, catering to both urban and rural markets. Popy has introduced three new models this year: Illumina for children with twinkling LED lights in ribs; Nano Pidi, which has a longer handle and a three-fold Push-Pull which allows folding the umbrella without pressing the stopper latch.

The pricing starts from ₹120 and goes up to ₹8,000 for premium umbrellas made with Swarovski crystals. “We have a research wing comprising mechanical and design engineers for product development, and we have spent around ₹50 lakh to launch the three new models,” said Davis Thayyil.

The umbrella makers have got it all covered!

Published on May 25, 2025