1 week Ago
1 2 Bengaluru: Riding high on the global buzz sparked when Anne Hathaway held the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap , Karnataka govt has decided to send a special hamper to Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna , who introduced the soap to the Hollywood star. Industries minister MB Patil praised Khanna's role in boosting the state's brand and said: "What he has done for the state is truly commendable. As a token of gratitude, we will send a handpicked collection of finest products from the state-run company, behind the legendary soap.
" Mysore Sandal Soap, which evokes memories for many generations, is manufactured by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL). Patil said he learnt that Khanna has been gifting Mysore Sandal Soap to international celebrities who visit his restaurant ‘Bungalow' in New York, while introducing them to Indian culture and heritage, apart from food. Sources said Khanna had even explained the significance of the sandal soap to a Karnataka delegation, which was in New York recently as part of the road-show in the run-up to the Global Investors' Meet, unaware of the fact that the latter were from the state.
KSDL produces seven different categories of bathing soap, including the premium Sandal Millennium and Gold. However, what sells the most is the original Mysore Sandal Soap, weighing 75 grams. KSDL produced around 13k metric tons of this soap between April 2023 and March 2024.
Buoyed by the positive response, KSDL has decided to expand its product portfolio and the marketing strategy. Patil said: "We will soon open an exclusive outlet at T2 in Kempegowda International Airport to showcase and sell products exclusive to the state, including sandal soaps." On product diversification, KSDL MD Prashanth PKM said: "We are launching new products like shampoos, body washes and gel-based soaps this year.
" The company is tapping into natural ingredients like aloe vera, neem, rose and jasmine, as sandalwood's availability and cost have made the production challenging. The company will also explore cosmetics, including kajal and lipstick. KSDL chairman Appaji C S Nadagouda said: "We have sent the samples for dermatology tests.
After confirming the results, we will launch the new products by end of the year.".
