HLL hikes toothpaste prices

Televisionpoint.com Team
Hindustan Lever LTD (HLL) has hiked the prices of its toothpaste's brands, following a long three year gap, due to rising input costs. This Increase comes in to effect with HLL chairman M S Banga earlier announcing a judicious price increase across all its categories.

The maximum retail price (MRP) of Pepsodent, has gone up from RS 40 (175 gm) to RS 42, while Close-up (150 gm), has gone up from RS 40 to RS 44.

In the RS 1900 Crore toothpaste market, Colgate-Palmolive is the leader with a market share nearing 50%, while HLL's Pepsodent and Close-up account for 35%. Toothpaste's contribute about 6% to HLL’s total turnover of RS 9,927 Crore. While, Personal products contribute approx. 25%.

HLL may also hike the prices of its Shampoo brands, Sunsilk and Clinic by next week. HLL is the market leader in the Hair Care segment, the shampoo market in India is about Rs 1,400 crore, HLL commands a share of 47%, while Procter & Gamble has a share of 22% for its Pantene, Head & Shoulders (H&S) and Rejoice.