Alcome sets up third perfume unit

Alcome Perfumes & Cosmetics, which has its global bottling operations in India, is setting up its third plant here with an investment of Rs 100 crore.

The company currently operates from Noida and Bhiwandi. The two units have a combined capacity of 1,10,000 bottles a day. Fragrance manufactured from the units are mainly used for exporting.

"The third plant costing Rs 100 crore in the Noida SEZ is expected to be operational by July. With the new plant, the total production capacity will go up to four lakh bottles a day," Alcome Overseas Managing Director Hansraj Manghani told reporters here.

He said with growth in the Indian market, the company was also eyeing domestic opportunities for which it has carved out big plans to be announced shortly.

"Looking at Indian growth story, we will soon start selling in the Indian market as well. There are a number of retail players in the mass market segment here with whom we will partner along with wholesale distributors," Manghani said. He said almost 33 per cent of the new plant's capacity would be used for domestic consumption.

The company has also started exporting to the European market and received orders worth 12.5 million Euros from various retailers in the continent for 2008.

The new facility in Noida will fulfil the bulk demand for European retail market along with the US and the Middle East.

Alcome, which currently manufacturers semi prestige brands for the mass market, is also mulling its foray into the premium category very soon.