European photo printing giant CEWE is buying Kodak Moments. Here’s why you should care

The major European photo printing company, CEWE, has recently announced its acquisition of Kodak Moments, a brand that was once more widely recognized in the United States. This move comes after Kodak's Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, when Kodak Alaris was split off from the company. CEWE's CEO has expressed the belief that the combination of CEWE's photo product development abilities with Kodak Moments' extensive network could significantly boost the company's expansion efforts in new markets.

Kodak Moments currently operates in 54 countries, with 37,000 photo stations installed in 16,000 retail outlets, generating a total annual sales value of €200 million. The finalization of this takeover is expected in the first quarter of 2027, according to reports. This acquisition will result in a combined operation boasting a footprint of over 60,000+ instant print photo kiosks worldwide, signaling a major shift in the photo industry landscape.

This development coincides with Sony's potential acquisition of lens manufacturer Tamron, indicating a period of re-defining status quo as major players bolster their market positions.

While the digital era has led to a perceived decline in print-adverse consumers, the necessity for affordable lenses remains paramount for photographers. However, with an abundance of photos being taken each year, there is a growing need to educate photographers on the value of preserving their images in physical form, rather than merely storing them on their camera roll.

This acquisition by CEWE could potentially reinforce the message that print remains a vital aspect of the photography industry, even in an era of digital transient media.