The South African multifunctional peripherals grew by more than 117.6% last year, equating to 274 925 units worth about R1.6 billion, according to a report by market intelligence firm BMI-TechKnowledge.
However, the report predicts that growth will slow in the medium-term.
"The astounding growth displayed by this market has led us to realise more decidedly the customer-attraction power of a hybrid device," says the author of the report, BMI-T research analyst Kerry Hayes.
"There was no technology discrimination in the market, with all segments growing solidly in the year. One can only appreciate the vigilance of multifunctional peripherals market players in identifying, and taking hold of, the obvious potential of this lucrative peripherals division of the hardware market."
The biggest growth was experienced in the inkjet technology segment, which expanded by 124.1%. The monochrome laser segment grew by 101.1% and colour laser grew by 62.6% over the previous year.
Hayes says the home consumer is a major contributor to the growth in the inkjet technology market.
The main factors were an entrenched confidence in the inkjet machine as well as the machines` affordability in the low end.
"One can also not omit the knock-on effect of these consumers` zeal for digital photography and the consequent desire and need for home printing," she adds.
However, the report points out that last year was a "buyer`s high" in the overall multifunctional peripherals market and predicts that users will settle into more rational purchase patterns.
The market is expected to grow at 42.6% in volume and 16.9% in value this year.
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