KSDL plans to expand reach of products like Mysore Sandal Soap, shower gels into European markets

The minister said this during the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, and Deputy High Commissioner for Karnataka and Kerala, Chandru Iyer's visit to KSDL.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru: Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), maker of iconic Mysore Sandal Soap, is planning to sell its flagship soaps and shower gels in European markets. Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil on Wednesday pointed out that KSDL was already exporting its products to 23 countries.

The minister, who interacted with British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron and Chandru Iyer, Deputy High Commissioner for Karnataka and Kerala during their visit to the KSDL factory in Bengaluru, said that the company was keen on increasing the volume of its exports. “To that end, co-operation with the United Kingdom will greatly help,” said Patil.

While recounting KSDL’s origins, Patil explained that the then Maharaja of Mysuru, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, had sent a representative to Britain to study soap-making process. The establishment of KSDL was later made possible through the efforts of the Maharaja and the visionary Sir M Visvesvaraya, the minister said.

The British delegation went around the factory to understand the manufacturing process and got a first-hand account of the company’s history, market reach, financial performance, and plans.

Lindy Cameron noted that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom would benefit both countries and, by extension, industrial states such as Karnataka. “We should share expertise in ways that serve mutual interests without compromising our respective goals,” she said.

KSDL also arranged a special exhibition of its products for the visiting British delegation and showcased the company’s extensive range of products. Linda Cameron and Iyer were fascinated to learn about the British connection to KSDL. KSDL Chairman C S Nadagouda, S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Department of Industries, Prashanth, Managing Director, KSDL, and other officials accompanied the minister.