As part of ITC's business strategy of creating multiple drivers of growth in the FMCG sector, the Company commenced marketing Agarbattis (incense sticks) sourced from small-scale and cottage units in 2003. This business leverages the core strengths of ITC in nation-wide distribution and marketing, brand building, supply chain management, manufacture of high quality paperboards and the creation of innovative packaging solutions to offer Indian consumers high quality Agarbattis. With its participation in the business, ITC aims to enhance the competitiveness of the small and medium scale sectors through its complementary R&D based product development and strengths in trade marketing and distribution.

Mangaldeep Agarbattis are available in a wide range of fragrances like Rose, Jasmine, Bouquet, Sandalwood, Madhur, Durbar, Tarangini, Anushri, Ananth and Mogra.

Mangaldeep Yantra is a special offering from ITC and this specially created fragrance evokes the ambience of a temple. The premium range from ITC, Mangaldeep Spriha has two offerings, Pratiti and Sarvatra and are specially hand rolled by Cottage Industries, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry. Cottage Industries, Puducherry, has recently been accredited with IFAT certification, which is an internationally recognized benchmark for fair trade practices.

Mangaldeep is also available in 3-in-1 and 5-in-1 packs giving the consumer a choice of multiple fragrances in a single pack. Mangaldeep appeals to a cross-section of consumers with offerings at various price points. These agarbattis are available in innovative 'Fragrance-Locked' packaging. 'Fragrance locking' is a unique concept of packaging which retains the fragrance for a longer period and helps in "Completing the Purity of Prayer".

Mangaldeep is fast emerging as the only national brand in an industry dominated by multiple local brands. ITC has signed up with Exim Bank for export marketing services to leverage the bank's overseas presence and Mangaldeep is being exported to several countries. ITC has entered into an MOU with the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to source agarbattis from KVIC approved units, and to distribute agarbattis through the Khadi Bhavan/Khadi Bhandar outlets across the country.

In line with ITC's Triple Bottom Line philosophy of every business contributing to the nation's economic, environmental and social capital, Mangaldeep agarbattis are manufactured by small scale and cottage units, providing livelihood opportunities for more than 5000 people. Seven out of 10 Mangaldeep Agarbatti manufacturing units are ISO 9000 certified. Mangaldeep ASHA (Assistance in Social Habilitation through Agarbattis) is an ITC initiative to improve the quality of raw agarbatti production and provide better value realization for women rollers. Under the project, ITC has extended support to NGOs in states and like Bihar, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, who are setting up agarbatti units, training village women in rolling agarbattis and employing them in these units.

Expressions Aromatic Candles

Leveraging its deep consumer insight, ITC's Agarbatti business recently launched "Expressions" Premium Range of Aromatic Candles in India through Wills Lifestyle Stores. Research on usage and attitude reveals a strong linkage of candles to attributes like Romance, Decoration and Wellness (Aromatherapy).

The Expressions range of Aromatic candles comprises Amour - the Romance Series, Adora - the Decor Series and Nirvana - the Spa Series. The basis of segmentation is colour and fragrance - Red for romance, Purple for décor and Green for wellness. The fragrance of the candles have been specially selected are made from the finest perfumes and oils. Each candle's fragrance, shape and design are carefully chosen with a distinct sensation and ambience in mind. Ideal for gifting, Expressions Aromatic Candles promise to soothe, uplift and transform.

For trade enquiries, please write to: VM.Rajasekharan@itc.in