Global cleaning technology leader Kärcher is increasing its focus on India’s hospitality sector, providing top-notch hygiene solutions to hotels, resorts, and facility management partners nationwide. As the hospitality industry seeks greater efficiency, sustainability, and guest-centred operations, Kärcher India aims to be a major player in this change; it offers cleaning systems that blend technology with a focus on both luxury and scale. Varun Handa the Strategic Lead – BSC & Hospitality of Kärcher India has been driving the brand’s expansion with a strong emphasis on accessibility and innovation. Under his leadership, Kärcher has grown to 14 branches and several service hubs, extending its premium cleaning solutions beyond major cities into tier-II and tier-III cities and emerging tourist spots across India. In an exclusive conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Handa shared insights into Kärcher’s expanding role in India’s hospitality sector.
How is Kärcher expanding its presence in the Indian hospitality market?
Kärcher is not new to India; we’ve been here for almost 25 years. Our journey began in 2001 with a partner and transitioned to a direct subsidiary in 2014. Hospitality is an important segment for us globally. We’re bringing global solutions to India through national contracts with leading hotel brands. We serve both metro and tier-II/III cities with dedicated partners and service infrastructure, especially in developing tourism hubs.
Tier-II cities are experiencing rapid growth in hospitality. How is Kärcher addressing this shift?
Tier-II cities are a big growth opportunity, fueled by spiritual, health, and experiential tourism. Cities like Udaipur, Surat, Bhopal, Indore, Coorg, and Siliguri are thriving. We’ve already invested in manpower and partner networks in these regions, and we’re noticing a demand for high-end resorts and riverfront luxury properties. Our solutions are evolving to meet these changing needs.
Can you share any investment figures for these markets?
While I can’t provide specific numbers, we are focusing our investment on infrastructure, manpower, and partner networks. After-sales support is essential; we ensure service technicians are available in all markets. We’ve also secured several high-value hospitality projects, which now serve as successful case studies for others to follow.
Have you identified any specific cities for deeper penetration?
Yes, in addition to major cities, we’re seeing strong interest in Udaipur, Surat, Bhopal, Indore, Coorg, Siliguri, and newer areas with riverfront or lakeside properties. These locations are shifting from traditional construction to luxury tent resorts and boutique experiences.
Are you offering customised products for high-end resorts?
We do not customise for each property, but we provide tailored programs like preventive, daily, internal, and restorative cleaning. Our machines support various applications and come with the necessary accessories to serve both urban hotels and remote resorts.
Besides hospitality, which sectors contribute most to your revenue?
The industrial sector—pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and food processing—is our largest revenue source. We provide effective solutions like dry ice blasters and hot-water extractors. Facility management companies also benefit from our machines, which help optimise manpower and add high-margin services.
Have you recently launched any products tailored to the hospitality sector?
Yes, we’ve launched dry vacuums that come with HEPA filters and operate at just 50 decibels, making them perfect for nighttime operations. We’ve also introduced lithium-ion vacuums, upright vacuums for ballrooms, orbital machines that lessen operator fatigue, and high-end steamers. We continually innovate and refresh our portfolio each year.
How is Kärcher integrating sustainability into its hospitality offerings?
Sustainability is central to our design philosophy. Our machines have an Eco Efficiency Mode, which cuts down on energy, water, and chemical use. We switched from gravity-based to pump-based water flow, saving up to 95% in water and chemicals. Each product has a sustainability data sheet available.
Do you have B2B partnerships with hotel brands?
Yes, we partner with Marriott and Accor globally. In India, we also collaborate with national players like ITC. We’re expanding into tier-II markets and are engaged with hotel brands focused on franchising and regional growth.
How is Kärcher engaging with the standalone restaurant segment, which often operates on smaller scales than large hotels?
Currently, we have limited reach in standalone restaurants, but we do offer compact machines suitable for tight spaces. However, 80% of this sector still relies on manual tools. We view this as a long-term growth opportunity as awareness of mechanisation continues to grow.
How do your products support facility management teams in hospitality?
We take a consultative approach, starting with site surveys and customising solutions based on user needs. With 16 offices across India, we can provide site-specific recommendations. This leads to better project execution and added value for facility management partners.
What are Kärcher India’s focus areas and growth plans for the next five years?
We’re focusing on all key areas—industry, hospitality, facility management, and automotive. We’re seeing a trend toward premium, autonomous, and long-term solutions. Over the next five years, we plan to introduce cleaning chemicals, tools, and full cleaning solutions in India, shifting from being a product provider to a comprehensive solutions brand.
asmita.mukherjee@saffronstnergies.in
