Skin Appeal

The premium soap segment which is growing at four per cent accounts for 15 per cent of the 450,000 tonne soap market. The brands include, Liril, Cinthol and Palmolive. The new Lux International now comes in cartons instead of the polylaminated wrapper. The package change is accompanied by a price increase -- from Rs 13 earlier to Rs 15.

Industry sources claim that relaunch comes in the wake of declining market shares. According to retail audit company, Operations Research Group (ORG) figures, Lux International shares are down from 1.6 per cent in 1996 to 1.4 per cent in December 1997. . Hindustan Thompson Associates handles the account.