Gibson Innovations today set out its ambition to drive growth of its music lifestyle products (headphones, speakers, etc.) via the wide portfolio of consumer brands it has in its folds. Acquired by parent company Gibson Brands, Inc. in June 2014, the former audio and music lifestyle division of Philips has now set out a strategy focusing a number of different brands to South African consumers, with Philips being the first to lay down the company's initial footprint.  

Meet The Family

Gibson Innovations is launching with a portfolio of brands, each of which focuses on a different group of consumers with specific needs:

Philips - Philips is ranked in the Top 50 most valuable brands in the world, with an estimated value of over US $10 billion. Gibson Innovations is the global licensee of the Philips brand in audio, headphones, video, home cinema, multimedia, home communications and related accessories.

Philips Fidelio - Philips Fidelio is an obsession with sound realised through precise audio engineering and expressed with considered, innovative design. Philips’ heritage of over 70 years in acoustic innovation inspires Fidelio, the next generation of seamless audio born from an uncompromising approach to sound.

Gibson - The acclaimed architect of prestige guitars that are as American as rock ‘n’ roll, no brand has set the tone of music globally like Gibson. For over 120 years, Gibson has aimed to pioneer the highest-grade fretted instruments that tell stories of original thinking, the finest materials and workmanship, and trailblazing technologies. Gibson Innovations is bringing the values of the Gibson brand to consumer audio.

GoGear - GoGear is a fresh, energetic and fun brand targeted towards consumers who are young at heart and expect value for money. Designed to stand out in-use and in-store, the GoGear range includes in-ear and headband headphones, as well as Bluetooth speakers.

Onkyo - Ever since it was founded in 1946, Onkyo has relentlessly worked to deliver no less than perfect sound, one product at a time. In January 2015 Gibson Innovations and Onkyo entered into a comprehensive, long-term partnership that spans product development and distribution. The two companies are initially focusing on creating connected speakers and headphones under the Onkyo brand.

Trainer - Trainer by Gibson is a new health-focused brand that captures the essence of Gibson’s heritage of innovation, quality, design and technology. The first Trainer product is a pair of headphones that incorporate innovations never before brought together in one device. Trainer by Gibson has been created in partnership with Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive and six-time Track & Field Olympic Gold medalist.

Watch This Space

“Since becoming part of Gibson Brands last summer, we have set the stage to become a leader in music lifestyle,” says Wiebo Vaartjes, CEO of Gibson Innovations. He adds, “we are ambitious. In less than a year we have created a portfolio of new and established brands, with the Philips brand at its center." Vaartjes further noted that "today we’re proud to unveil our new name, Gibson Innovations. We have one objective: success for every brand in our portfolio by delivering exceptional experiences for the fans of our brands.”

Following the acquisition of Philips' audio range, Gibson Innovations has added a few high-end, specialist audio companies as well, including Onkyo and TEAC. Gibson Innovations has stated its intent for the next 18 months as far as bringing its portfolio of products to South Africa. With a high volume of smartphone penetration in the country, as well as the population's diverse range of music tastes and product requirements, Gibson Innovations views South Africa as a country with vast potential.