Decorative lanterns
Vigil lights are the products used mainly in Poland and in some Central European countries. Consequently, activity of the CIECH Group in this respect is focused on the domestic market. The demand for vigil lights is related to the tradition of visiting cemeteries, and sales are performed mainly around 1 November every year. Supplies of lanterns used in the production of vigil lights are delivered earlier, mainly in the second quarter of a year.
In Poland, there are only few producers of decorative lanterns (glass-works). At the same time, complete vigil lights are manufactured by about 300 companies that usually buy lanterns directly from producers. Major producers of decorative lanterns are: CIECH Vitrosilicon S.A. in Iłowa, HS Sława S.P. in Kielce and Stolzle Wymiarki Sp. z o.o. in Wymiarki.
The domestic market of decorative lanterns is estimated at about 230 million pieces per year. The CIECH Group, through CIECH Vitrosilicon S.A. with a share of about 45%, has been without any doubt a leader of this market since many years. Key advantages of the leader include: production potential and a wide and differentiated product range.
Plastic products are also sold on the market of vigil lights. However, these substitutes have a low share in the total demand (of about 10%) due to their low aesthetic characteristics.
In general, the market of decorative lanterns is a relatively stable and mature market, with limited or marginal growth dynamics.