KSDL increases its product offerings

Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL), a state-owned Bangalore-based soap manufacturing firm better known for their Mysore Sandal Soap, on Monday forayed into the liquid soap market with the launch of its new product 'Wave Herbal Hand Wash'.

Speaking to Business Standard, KSDL executive director Babu Siddakumar said: "All these years we were into manufacturing hard soap. Now we are entering the liquid soap market as it is catching up with changing lifestyles. We are starting with hand wash liquid soap in the first phase, we plan to enter the body wash segment in April this year."

KSDL is eying the ITôBT sector and other corporate organisations where the use of liquid soap is quite extensive. Apart from liquid soap, the company launched five other new products: Wave Turmeric Soap, New Mysore Rose Soap, sandalwod oil in 9ml pack and Nutriko Virgin Coconut Oil for cooking and, hair care and Mysore Sandal 3-in-1 agarbathies.

These new products are expected to see the company's turnover around Rs 160 crore at the end of present fiscal. "We plan to sell 500 tonnes of Rose soap across the country and 150 tonnes of turmeric soap in Karnataka," Siddakumar said.

The company has inked an agreement with Kerala State Rubber Cooperative Ltd (Rubco) to market the latter's Virgin coconut oil under the brand name of Nutriko.

"We will market the oil in all states except Kerala," he added.