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| Sunday, 22 December 2002 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Markets in UK,USA,Japan,Europe : Promoting Candle making as a viable industry By Surekha Galagoda Candle manufacturing as an industry has plenty of potential in Sri Lanka, as it is labour intensive and needs the minimal infrastructure to start the process. Rajiv De Silva Senior Merchandiser Hallmark, said all that a person needs to start candle making is heating equipment, containers and candle forming machines which are uncomplicated and cheap. In addition the energy input is as low as 0.5 per cent compared to the ceramic industry which consumes a substantial amount of energy, while the whole process of candle making is very much labour intensive. Therefore,s a person engaging in the manufacturing of candles have a potential market in countries such as USA, UK, Japan as well as around Europe who use candles to celebrate or commemorate events such as birthdays, dinners, anniversaries, or deaths. In addition it will also create several job opportunities for the youth of the country. According to import statistics of 2001 USA has imported US dollars 434 million worth of candles which has increased 12 per cent year on year. UK has imported sterling pounds 50 million worth of candles which is a 28 percent increase over 2000. Candles have much potential as houseware and giftware. In the houseware sector, growth is expected to increase due to the emphasis on essential oils and aromatherapy products. There is an increasing demand for candle products such as figurines, special effect candles decal applied candles, he added. He said that China has the advantage of obtaining cheaper wax as well as packaging, but Sri Lanka can compete with them on fragrances which consists more than half of the raw material inputs in manufacturing candles. Also China and Hong Kong have to pay a anti dumping tax of 54 percent but since we don't we have the edge over them while on labour we are on par with China. At present most of the fragrances are imported from Europe but Sri Lanka can purchase the best and natural oils and fragarances from India at cheap rates as we have the linkages. " Therefore in my view we have a advantage over China on manufacturing of fragrance candles," he added. De Silva said that though the ceramic industry in Sri Lanka has developed to very high levels candles which is a related industry is still at its infancy in our country. Therefore buyers of dinnerware from Sri Lanka visit countries such as China, Thailand to purchase the candles which suit the tableware. Sarath Gajaweera Country Manager Hallmark said unlike in the past Sri Lankans too are getting used to lighting candles mostly the floating candles at Birthdays and anniversaries, therefore the domestic market too is growing. With peace on the air, there is much potential for fancy candles as tourism is picking up in the island. Candle making began in the 13th century when tavelling chandlers went door to door making dipped tapers from their clients tallow or beeswax used by the wealthier clients. The first use of moulds for candle making began during the 15th century in Paris. At present there are all kinds of candles including scented candles ( there are more than 50 fragrances), wedding cake candles, floating candles, container candles, pillar candles, jel candles and gift sets of candles. |
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| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
