Madhuri plans next line of herbal products with Emami

Actress-entrepreneur Madhuri Dixit plans to launch a second line of products with new herbal ingredients for the Emami group of companies.

"The first line of products, launched last year, is doing well in the market. I am now having talks with Emami to take them one step ahead for the next line," Madhuri said over phone from Denver, United States.

Among the new herbs that were being researched for potential use in the range was a herbal oil extract with antiseptic properties from New Zealand, she said.

"We are trying to develop manuka oil, which is a nice ingredient, for the new range of beauty care products. I am in talks with researchers at Emami to find out what we can do with this ingredient," Madhuri said.

The actress, who has lent her face for endorsement of the products besides being involved in extensive research for the range, has already dabbled with natural ingredients like gingko, jojoba oil and aloe vera for the products being marketed by Emami.

The ingredients for the range have been collected from tested herbal formulations in Europe, Mexico, Australia and China.

Launched in November 2002, the first range is expected to register a turnover of Rs 15 crore (Rs 150 million) in the first year of production.

Emami sources in Kolkata said that the market response has been encouraging, especially in northern and western India.

They added that the company was eyeing a huge export market among Indians settled abroad in West Asia and the United Kingdom.