SHARBAT and Gripe Water have joined the growing Himalaya portfolio of Consumer Health products.

"Today's launch of 'Shahicool Herbal Sharbat' and 'Gripe Water' is an expansion of its OTC or Soft Therapeutics range which now has six products under the Consumer Health Division," said Mr. Ravi Prasad, President & CEO of the Rs.350 crore Himalaya Drug Company.

Shahicool, based on the herb Sariva, is slotted as a natural refreshing summer drink with blood purifying and curative properties against heat-related illness. Each 700 ml bottle is priced at Rs.70/-. Gripe Water, containing Krishnajiraka as the single ingredient is being promoted as a gentle carminative for infants. A 120 ml bottle is priced at Rs.28/-.

The two new products are being backed by print and TV advertisements in national and regional segments, said Mr. R.V.Raman, Business Head - Consumer Health Division. Shahicool, entering the Rs.80-90 crore sharbat segment, was expected to take 5% of the market share and Gripe Water, 10% share of its Rs.20 crore market.

"Created in April 2003, the division has made a turnover of Rs.45 crore till March end this year and is poised for major expansion and 50% growth in turnover this year," Mr. Ravi Prasad said. The Consumer Health range includes Pure Herbs, Chyavanaprasha, Forest Honey, Throat lozenges, launched in May last year.

Himalaya expects sales worth Rs.7 to 8 crore from the two new products in the first year, according to Mr. Raman. Currently, Chyavanaprasha annually earns Rs.17 crore for the division, the 12 product Pure Herbs Rs.15 crore, Forest Honey Rs.5 crore and Throat lozenges Rs.8 crore.