Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL), the heritage maker of Mysore Sandal Soap, achieved a record-breaking monthly turnover of ₹186 crore in May 2025, surpassing its sales target by ₹35 crore and registering 125% target achievement with a 15% growth rate—a first in its 108-year legacy.
Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil credited the feat to strong branding, strategic expansion, and product quality enhancement. Of the total revenue, exports contributed ₹1.81 crore, with plans underway to boost annual export earnings to ₹150 crore.
KSDL’s 45-product portfolio — including soaps, incense sticks, and shower gels — performed robustly across key regions. The top contributors were Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with ₹85 crore in sales, while Karnataka and other states clocked ₹100 crore. The previous monthly best was ₹178 crore in September 2024, with the usual monthly average being ₹135–140 crore.
Amidst the high, controversy brewed last month over the appointment of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as brand ambassador. Critics questioned the choice, but Patil defended it as essential to widen the brand’s national appeal.
As demand surges and the brand modernizes, KSDL aims to maintain its legacy while evolving for a pan-India and global footprint.
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