The combined printer, copier and multi-functional product (MFP) market in the EMEA region grew by 17 percent in the second quarter of 2005, with shipments totalling 9.6 million units, according to final results from Gartner.

The region recorded a healthy growth during the second quarter of 2005, driven by strong demand for color devices and multi-functional products.

Improved price and performance ratios fuelled monochrome sales while the migration from monochrome to color continued in the professional segment.

The decline in prices bolstered the strong performance of inkjet MFPs, as consumers opted for inkjet photo MFPs instead of stand-alone color inkjet printers, Gartner adds.

"Many vendors have stepped up their game since the beginning of the year. Canon"s Pixma range helped the company gain market share, whilst Hewlett-Packard responded to competitive pressure through new channel programs, advertising campaigns and lowered pricing that all helped to strengthen its market position," says Cecile Drew, principal analyst at Gartner.

"In addition, we are seeing an increasing number of businesses maximizing their output fleet, by replacing, modernizing and ensuring they have the right number of printing devices. Successful vendors in the professional segment will be those able to help these businesses overcome the challenges they face as they consider the most effective ways to lower printing costs and boost productivity through the technologies they use," she adds.