DSQ Biotech expands product range

The home products division of DSQ Biotech has introduced new flavours to its glucose flavoured drinks, new fragrances to its prickly heat powder range and launched bottled honey branded as Honey Gold.

The new flavours in the glucose drinks are cola and strawberry. The company produces high grade glucose powder and markets it under the brand name of Glucosdin in 200 gm and 500 gm PET jars as well as in the customary 100 gm and 500 gm cartons. The company had introduced an orange flavour in 1998.

The size of the Indian glucose powder market is estimated at Rs 90 crore and involves many unorganised sector players. The main competitors to Glucosdin are Heinz's Glucose-D and Best Foods International's Glucovita. Glucosdin had a market share of 10 per cent in the year 1996. When the company shifted its operations to Cuddalore from Chennai, it lost this market since it lost the summer customers. This year with the launch of these new flavours, the company hopes to revive this market.

DSQ Biotech is also launching three new fragrances to its prickly heat powder range of Mellow Touch. The fragrances are: lavendar, sandal and herbal green. The prickly heat powder has a special additive in the form of allantoin, which is a cell proliferant. This quickly stimulates the development of healthy granulation tissue, and helps in fast healing. Allantoin is also used in other cosmetic products such as medicated creams, tonics, lotions, soaps and shaving creams.

Honey Gold, which is branded honey, is the third product being launched from the DSQ Biotech's home products division. The market for branded honey has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years mainly because it is now being positioned by companies such as Dabur as a side dish or topping. At present the market for honey is estimated at Rs 30-Rs 35 crore.

DSQ Biotech is a Chennai-based company of the DSQ group of companies owned by the Dinesh Dalmia group.