‘AI-powered Walton refrigerators dominating Bangladesh’s market’

Walton refrigerators are revolutionising Bangladesh's market, integrating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) for smarter cooling solutions.

With South Asia's largest R&D centre, Walton drives innovation, pioneering the region's first French-door fridge and the world's first 8-in-1 convertible side-by-side refrigerator. Its strong after-sales services further solidify its dominance, said Tahasinul Haque, Chief Business Officer of Walton Refrigerator, in an interview with The Business Standard.

Can you describe the latest tech and features of Walton's new refrigerator models launched for Eid?

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, Walton has introduced several new refrigerator models equipped with over 50 advanced features. These include a 652-litre multi-colour side-by-side refrigerator, a 660-litre French door refrigerator with a nine-in-one convertible mode, a 343-litre European-style no-frost refrigerator, a 303-litre vertical no-frost freezer, a 224-litre beverage cooler, a 255-litre convertible chest freezer, and a confectionery cooler. These world-class refrigerators meet household needs and add a touch of elegance to homes.

The compressors in these refrigerators use CFC- and HCFC-free, eco-friendly R600a and R290 gases. Featuring Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT)-based MSO Plus (Matrix Speed Optimization) inverter technology, they automatically adjust cooling performance to maintain maximum efficiency with minimal power consumption, even in varying external temperatures.

The AI Doctor feature allows Walton service representatives to detect and address any issues in the fridge remotely before they escalate. 

Additional smart features include Intelligent Germ Terminator (IGT), smart control, door opening alarm, child lock, a three-layer odor guard, and a human detector. With the smart control feature, users can operate the fridge with just a touch, without opening the door.

Walton has long been the No. 1 refrigerator brand in Bangladesh. What are the key reasons behind maintaining this position?

We manufacture and market refrigerators tailored to the needs of customers from all walks of life. Our internationally certified yet affordable fridges are up to 75% energy-efficient. 

With fast, top-tier after-sales service via the largest ISO-certified network, Walton has earned the trust of most buyers, establishing its reputation as a superbrand in the market.

What are your key focus areas for maintaining Walton's superbrand status?

To retain our market leadership, we are prioritising automation, product research, and innovation in the refrigerator sector. 

Walton continuously invests in R&D to introduce new technologies and features that keep pace with global advancements. 

Walton's Research and Innovation Centre is studying future consumer demands in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic landscape to develop products that cater to the next generation.

How far ahead is Walton in producing energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerators compared to others?

Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are our top priorities. That's why Walton refrigerators incorporate MSO Plus (Matrix Speed Optimisation) inverter technology.

Walton was the first in Bangladesh to produce and market BSTI-certified 5-star energy-rated refrigerators. Bangladesh is ahead of many countries in producing eco-friendly refrigerators. 

Walton was also the first in the world to implement the CFC and HCFC phase-out project in collaboration with the Department of Environment and UNDP, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

What sets Walton apart from others in the refrigerator market?

Walton leads the market with design variety, quality, cutting-edge technology, and innovation. Our key differentiator is South Asia's largest Research & Innovation team, which designs refrigerators suited to the climate of 120 countries. 

Built to withstand Bangladesh's diverse weather conditions, Walton refrigerators are more durable than others. Each fridge undergoes 70+ quality control tests, ensuring unmatched reliability. 

We offer hundreds of models, from 50 to 660 litres, catering to all customers. Our ISO-certified after-sales service network guarantees fast, superior support, making Walton the Best Brand for 11 consecutive years.

How is Walton investing in research to incorporate cutting-edge tech in refrigerators? 

A significant portion of Walton's investment goes into product research, innovation, and automation. At Walton Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur, we have established South Asia's largest Research & Innovation Centre, where a team of highly skilled engineers from Bangladesh, Korea, Italy, China, and Taiwan is continuously working on market research and integrating AIoT into Walton refrigerators.

Thanks to their efforts, Bangladesh has achieved the status of South Asia's first producer of French-door refrigerators. Additionally, Bangladesh has become the world's first producer and marketer of 8-in-1 convertible side-by-side refrigerators. 

Could you share details about pricing, instalment plans, and other facilities?

Walton offers hundreds of refrigerator and freezer models to cater to customers across all income levels and professions. Our refrigerators are priced between Tk15,000 and Tk1.80 lakh.

Additionally, we provide easy instalment options, including zero-interest six-month instalments and flexible payment plans of up to 36 months.

Are there any special offers on Walton refrigerators for Eid?

Eid is considered the peak sales season for refrigerators, with around 70% of annual sales occurring during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. 

Walton always offers exclusive benefits during major festivals, and this year is no exception. Since 20 February 2025, we have been running 'Digital Campaign Season 22' nationwide. Under this campaign, Walton refrigerator buyers have the chance to become millionaires.

Additionally, every buyer receives a gift with their purchase. During Ramadan, six customers across different regions of the country became millionaires by purchasing Walton refrigerators. This campaign will continue until Eid-ul-Azha, offering many more customers the opportunity to win grand prizes.

Can you provide details about Walton's after-sales service for refrigerators?

Walton ensures international-standard after-sales service for its refrigerators. Customers receive a one-year replacement guarantee, a 12-year compressor warranty, and up to five years of free after-sales service. 

Walton also operates Bangladesh's first ISO-certified and largest service network, with over 90 service centres nationwide, ensuring fast and top-quality support for customers.

To which countries does Walton export refrigerators? What are Walton's future export plans?

Walton exports refrigerators and refrigerator components to over 40 countries, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Türkiye, and Austria, covering Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

In the last fiscal year, Walton exported around 100,000 units, and by 2026, the target is to export 300,000 units. Walton is expanding its footprint in Europe, America, and Australia with a dedicated global business team.

Walton has established an R&D and Innovation Centre in South Korea. Additionally, Walton has acquired three renowned European electronics brands – ACC, Zanussi Elettromeccanica (ZEM), and Verdichter – which will help market compressors, refrigerators, TVs, ACs, and other electronics globally.

To expand its export market, Walton actively participates in major global trade fairs, including the CES Fair in Las Vegas and the Canton Fair in China, where it has received positive responses.