Vinod Seth on the Past, Present, and Future of Schimmer Fragrances
Established in 1949 by the late Mr. Raj Kishore Seth in Tilak Bazaar, Delhi-6, Seth Brothers Perfumers Private Limited has grown from strength to strength, diversifying its offerings from perfumes to a wide array of products including incense sticks, agarbatti, detergents, soaps, fresheners, roll-ons, candles, cosmetics, and aromatherapy essentials. In an exclusive interview with Sugandh India, Mr. Vinod Seth, head of Schimmer Fragrances, the flagship brand of Seth Brothers Perfumers, highlighted his views on the enduring legacy of quality and innovation that has defined their journey in the fragrance industry.
Early Days and Family Legacy
Mr Vinod Seth, recounting the early days of the company, said, “It’s already been 75 years. When the company was established, we were not even born. It was started by my grandfather, Shri Raj Kishore Seth ji who started his career in incense industry in Himmat Jhalawar. There he learned everything from production to raw materials and perfume work. In 1946, he took charge of Gupta & Company Mumbai office. Seeing his ability, the owner of the company Lal Saheb advised him to start his own business and thus Shri Raj Kishore ji came to Delhi and laid the foundation of Seth Brothers in 1949. He had a friend in Bombay, Mr. Patel, B.C. Patel & Co. who supported him. My grandfather had responsibilities of his family, so my father, Mr Padam Kishore Seth who earlier was into radio transistor manufacturing in Mumbai, joined him”. Expressing his gratitude to everyone, Vinod ji said, “With your blessings and love, we have reached here.”
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Mr Vinod Seth emphasized his commitment to blending tradition with innovation, a philosophy that has propelled the Schimmer brand from its humble beginnings in Delhi-6 to nationwide recognition. “The main mantra of the company has always been innovation while maintaining tradition and quality,” he stated.
Expansion Under Successive Generations
Over the decades, the business expanded under the leadership of Mr. Raj Kishore Seth’s sons—Mr. Padam Kishore Seth, Mr. Naval Kishore Seth, and Mr. Raghuvansh Kishore Seth—each contributing to the company’s growth across different regions of India. In 1970, Mr. Vinod Kumar Seth took the reins and established the company’s manufacturing facility in Naraina, marking a significant milestone in its evolution. The 1980s witnessed another leap forward with the establishment of the Mumbai office and the Seth Brothers’ active involvement in the Fragrance and Flavour Association of India (FAFAI). Mr. Padam Kishore Seth’s presidency of FAFAI in 1985 was a testament to the family’s influence and commitment to shaping industry standards.
Challenges and Strategies for Success
Vinod Seth also recounted the challenges and strategies that have shaped the company’s success. “There were challenges in running the business like in every business, but more through Government policies. To tackle those issues, the best way would be to participate in associations. My father actively participated in FAFAI and became the President of the Association in 1985. Many others, from renowned fragrance firms, chaired the association. Then, I was the President in 2001-03 and as we moved further, my younger brother Rohit Seth also became the president in 2013.”
Future Expansion and Vision
Looking ahead, Mr. Vinod Seth expressed confidence in the future of Schimmer Fragrances as it celebrates its 75th year, with plans to expand further into Northeast and South India. He noted, “Today, as we commemorate our 75th year, we look forward to our third generation completing its 100th year. Quality management remains paramount, with all products undergoing rigorous testing to ensure excellence.”
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
As Seth Brothers Perfumers continues to blend science and artistry in its products, Mr. Vinod Seth envisions a future where the legacy of Schimmer Fragrances continues to shine brightly in the fragrance industry. “Speaking on quality controls and increasing competition with the MNCs, we are giving edge-to-edge competition. Due to advancing communications and data available on the internet, we can match them and compete with them on quality standards.”
Reflections on Change and Legacy
Reflecting on the past and future, Vinod Seth concluded, “The biggest change is that in earlier times, businesses were based on relationships, we used to have companionships and understanding. Now, things have changed; it’s all about the quality of the products. We have to go through certifications like ISO, GMP. Those certifications were unheard of by our earlier generations, but I focused on it and implemented it on our business, and the coming generations will benefit out of this. The main thing is I realize that I did something for the fraternity and my family.”
