Wipro sees high demand for CFL bulbs

Wipro's FMCG arm, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting (WCCLG) is planning to concentrate on the Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb segment following high sales of its CLF product, Smartlite in Gujarat.

Smartlite, the 20-watt CFL bulb has been one of the fastest growing products in the firm's kitty, which also includes other segments such as personal care, hair care, baby care, lighting, fabric care and furniture. The bulb, which costs around Rs 180 is reported to consume 20 per cent less power than standard bulbs.

"The market for CFL bulbs in the country is around Rs 550 crore. Our CFL product, Smartlite is growing at a pace of 30 per cent every year and on the basis of the response, we plan to increase our product visibility in almost all parts of the country, especially Gujarat, which is one of the high growth areas," said Anil Chugh, vice-president, sales, WCCLG.

The firm claims to be the second-largest spender on advertisements in Gujarat, most of which are focused on its flagship soap brand Santoor.

A new variant of the sandalwood soap, called Santoor White has just been launched in Gujarat. The soaps are priced at Rs 13 for 100 gm and Rs 55 for a 125 gm set of four soaps. The new launch is aimed at increasing Santoor's position in the Gujarat market, which occupies a 4-per cent share of revenue in the country," said Chugh.

The company has just commissioned a production plant at Himachal Pradesh to be exclusively used producing bathing soaps.

The new variant of the soap, as well as other new toiletteries will be produced in the new plant.

WCCLG is also planning to launch a new brand of handwash in the next few months.