ITC Ltd, BRTC join hands for agarbatti production

ITC Ltd has joined hands with the Bamboo Research and Training Centre (BRTC) in Maharashtra for the supply of agarbattis (incense sticks) marketed under its Mangaldeep brand. 

Under the agreement, BRTC will exclusively produce and package incense sticks as per ITC's specifications. While ITC will facilitate and assist BRTC in achieving best in class manufacturing. 

Initially, the agreement is valid for four months. It will cover the complete production cycle up to the packaging and storage of the finished incense sticks. 

Ravi Rayavaram, Chief Executive for the agarbatti and matches business at ITC, said, "In line with ITC's triple bottom line philosophy, Mangaldeep agarbattis are manufactured by small scale and cottage units providing livelihood opportunities for thousands of people."

"This agreement with BRTC is yet another meaningful step in that direction and aims to enhance the competitiveness of the small-scale and cottage units through our complementary R&D-based product development and strengths in trade marketing and distribution," he added.

Mangaldeep portfolio presently includes 40 stock keeping units (SKUs) covering 20-odd fragrances.