Incense in The Wind: Sifcon International

UK based Sifcon International company are a wholesalers dealing in household goods. They import a range of incense sticks and cones, such as Bhagvati Ppure, plus unbranded incense which they have packaged for themselves.

I don't know what arrangement Sifcon has with the manufacturers - if they are, like Aargee, working with a large company such as Mysore Sugandhi, or if, like Gokula and Happy Hari, they commission directly themselves from a smaller independent producer. They appear to be using folks who are making the sticks in the way that most incense in Indian is made - a mix of wood and joss powder paste on a stick that is then dipped in essential oil. This is the widespread method in India and appears to be cost effective. And they also make traditional masala incense, which is regaining in popularity - largely through interest in the West for traditional hand made Indian incense.

Sifcon products are aimed at market traders and small shop keepers, such as my local hardware store. Incense is only a small part of their range. I like that the incense is low cost and everyday, and is sold in hardware shops. I also like that it is excellent value for money, and is of acceptable everyday quality, as I feel this will encourage more people to use incense rather than room sprays. I think this will help producers in India, though I am a little uncertain regarding the low price, and at how much profit the producers actually make.