M A BAIG AGARBATTI Expanding Legacy from Kannauj to Nagpur
Nagpur-based M A Baig Agarbatti Gruh Udyog, which originated from Kannauj (U.P), is actively enhancing its presence in the incense market. With a commitment to quality and tradition, the company is poised for further growth and impact in this industry. Afzal Beg, the owner, revealed in an exclusive interview with Sugandh India (magazine) that their family has a long-standing connection to Kannauj- historically known as the Fragrance capital in India. “Our ancestors settled in Nagpur while trading in attar,” he explained. Established in 1982, the company specializes in loose incense. Afzal Beg highlighted that their products are available outside Maharashtra, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, and Karnataka. M A Baig Agarbatti focuses on natural fragrances such as Guggal, Loban, and Chandan (sandalwood) while exploring innovative alternatives. “We are introducing 8-10 new varieties, which will soon hit the market,” added Beg.
Afzal Beg detailed the growing demand for Loban incense in Nagpur. He explained that its popularity surged as black agarbatti declined.
“Loban has gained recognition and appreciation from people in all communities,” he asserted. The company uses natural raw materials and edible spices for their loban products. Initially, they focused solely on black agarbatti but later expanded to loban production.
Afzal informed Sugandh India that Sufiyan Baig (his son) runs the business now. He shared that incense products are made using entirely natural materials.
“Loban now accounts for 25-30% of Guggal products,”
he noted, adding that its demand has significantly
increased. The company also enhances loban products
by blending them with musk and oud, further
boosting their appeal in the market.
With two factories operating in Nagpur, production is ramping up to meet increasing demand.The company offers 10 to 12 different fragrances, alongside natural agarbatti and dhoop sticks, supplying to both branded and trading firms. Despite their success, the company faces significant challenges, particularly in maintaining product quality and navigating fierceprice competition in the market. Sufiyan Baig, head of operations at MA Baig Agarbatti Gruh Udyog, revealed that most raw materials for Loban agarbatti are locally sourced. Key components, such as damar batu andgum benzoin, are imported from Indonesia. He stressed that their products remain natural, with no added chemicals or synthetic fragrances. “We maintain a stock of raw materials to ensure a steady supply,” he explained. While damar batuis predominantly sourced from Indonesia,small quantities are available in India.
“Sufiyan Baig highlighted their diverse product range, which includes incense sticks, dhoop sticks, sambrani cups, and dhunasticks(These are popular in Bengal). He underscored the importance of continuous innovation to stay competitive.“Loban now accounts for 25-30%of Guggal products,” he noted,adding that its demand has significantly increased. The company also enhances loban products by blending them with musk and oud, further boosting their appeal in the market.”
Sufiyan Baig highlighted their diverse product range, which includes incense sticks, dhoop sticks, sambrani cups, and dhuna sticks (These are popular in Bengal). He underscored the importance of continuous innovation to stay competitive. “Loban now accounts for25-30% of Guggal products,” he noted,adding that its demand has significantlyincreased. The company also enhances loban products by blending them with musk and oud, further boosting their appeal in the market.
M A Baig Agarbatti Gruh Udyog is actively developing new fragrances to expand its Loban product line. When asked about the possibility of a rosescented loban, Sufiyan Baig explained that it would require a powder base,increasing production costs. “Despitethis, Loban’s natural fragrance remains outstanding and enjoys wide spread popularity across the country,” he stated, highlighting the strong market demand for their products. Their focus on innovation continues to drive its grow thand market presence.
