Mysore Sandal Soap records highest-ever monthly turnover amid ambassador controversy

Despite a storm of controversy over the appointment of actress Tamannaah Bhatia as brand ambassador, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the maker of Mysore Sandal Soap, has achieved a historic milestone — the highest monthly turnover in its 108-year history.

KSDL clocked an unprecedented ₹186 crore in sales during May, surpassing its earlier record of ₹178 crore set in September 2024. The state-run enterprise had initially set a target of ₹151.5 crore for May but exceeded it by ₹35 crore — registering a 120% achievement and a 15% growth. Of the total, ₹1.81 crore came from exports.

Also read: Tamannaah Bhatia named brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap, signs ₹6.2 crore deal

The record-breaking figures come just months after KSDL appointed Tamannaah Bhatia as brand ambassador for ₹6.2 crore, a move that triggered backlash in Karnataka. Critics, including several Sandalwood actresses, questioned the decision to select a non-Kannadiga to represent the iconic local brand.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil defended the move, attributing the performance surge to enhanced branding, quality production, and market expansion efforts. “All 45 product types, including soaps, shower gels, and incense sticks, have seen strong demand,” he said. The highest sales, ₹85 crore, were recorded in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while ₹100 crore came from other regions including Karnataka.

KSDL aims to boost its annual export revenue to ₹150 crore, capitalizing on growing domestic and international demand.