Early rains play spoilsport for summer products

Executives say AC sales down 20-25%, ice cream 15-20%

- VIVEAT SUSAN PINTO

UNSEASONAL RAINS IN April and May have hurt sales of summer products, forcing companies to cut back on production and revise growth targets for the June quarter. Makers of air conditioners, for instance, have indicated that sales are down 20-25% in April-May compared to last year, while ice cream, beverage and talcum powder makers have pointed to a sales decline of 15-20%.