Chandrashekhar Bodhe began his incense trade journey with Big Safari
Mr. Chandrashekhar Bodhe, head of Shri Marketing and Vaishnavi Aroma, based in Satara has been in the incense industry since the Big Safari brand entered the market around 1989-90. His association with Big Safari has now lasted for several decades, creating a long-standing relationship built on trust and business. Speaking exclusively to Sugandh India, Mr. Chandrashekhar said that he was initially involved in the tea business and had been fond of fragrances since childhood. “I used to burn incense morning and evening.
When the Big Safari brand was launched, I sent an application to the company’s head, Mr. Hansmukh Thakral, and that is how our association began.” Answering a question, he said that he has a very emotional attachment to Big Safari. His relationship and business with the company are so good that his firm is among Big Safari’s first five distributors. He noted that while problems and complaints always arise in the trade, Hansmukh Sir immediately resolves them, which is one reason for the continued strength of their business relationship over the years.
Mr Chandrashekhar told Sugandh India that they do retailing under the firm Shri Marketing, whereas distribution and wholesale supply are handled through another firm, Vaishnavi Aroma. Through Vaishnavi Aroma, they handle five companies besides Big Safari: Shankar Perfumery, Jain Products and Topsi. He said that their supply network covers the entire district except Satara, Koregaon and Karad. The main supply network extends to Pusegaon, Mhaswad, Vaduj, Dahiwadi, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Medha, Shirwal, Khandala and Bhor. He said that they supply around 70-80 counters, although they want to appoint distributors in distant areas, but discussions have not yet materialised, as the right arrangements and suitable partners are still being worked out.
Answering a question about the Satara market, he said that the ₹10 pouch sells the most here, with Big Safari leading this segment. Its other ranges also sell well in the market. Besides these, Jayant, Z Black, Cycle and Forest are also popular. He said Big Safari has the strongest market because it offers the best quality and more sticks. The wet dhoop market is growing here. Around 20% of the market consists of dhoop and dry sticks, but wet dhoop is more popular, with Z Black’s Manthan, Aalok and Tez performing well and attracting considerable consumer interest in this category. He said the use of sambrani sticks has declined, but cups sell quite well. In Chandan Tika, Topsi powder sells at his retail counter in the region. Answering a question about other puja products, he said his focus remains more on the wholesale market. Therefore, he is unable to focus on other products, as wholesale distribution remains his primary area of business and responsibility. Puja oil also sells here. In camphor, Bhim Seni and 555 are popular.
