Nainital: For decades, tourists from across India and even abroad would visit Nainital to buy its famous locally-made scented candles. However, in the past few years, the market has been on a downslide. Traders and shopkeepers say that till a few years ago, there were over 60 to 70 candle shops in Nainital but now there are barely a dozen of them left and even they are moving to other businesses.
“People have started taking to other businesses and the shops that used to only manufacture and sell candles have taken to other gift items as well,” said Amit Virmani, a candle manufacturer and one of the oldest traders in the town.
Virmani said that his father had started the business in Nainital in the 1960s, adding that the trade which was booming till a decade ago has almost collapsed now. “There was a time when even tourists from foreign countries would come to Nainital in search of candles, However, now even the locals are not interested in them,” he added.
The candle business in Nainital has supported hundreds of people and dozens of families who settled in the lake town after the British left. Over the years, the entire Mall Road and the Bara Bazaar area were lined with dozens of shops selling aromatic candles.
Gaurav, another manufacturer of the aromatic candles, said that there are barely half a dozen manufacturers left in the business now. “Earlier, I used to have 15 workers working for me but now I am left with only six because the demand has decreased,” he said.
Those in the candle business put the blame of the falling demand on the abundance of Chinese candles in the market. “There are some tourists who demand the locally-made candles, but many just need a souvenir and they are content with buying cheap alternatives. Therefore, they prefer the Chinese candles which barely cost Rs 100 while the locally-made ones range between Rs 250 and Rs 10,000,” Gaurav said.
Virmani added that excessive taxation under GST on the candles has resulted in the increased prices and therefore the government should revise the rates. “Before GST, there was no tax on handmade candles, but now it’s as high as 12%. The government should revise the GST rate and bring it down to around 5% so that the local businesses can be saved from dying.”
FAQs
Which city is famous for candles? ›
Nainital is famous for handmade candles, home-made jams, squashes, juice concentrates and fruit preservatives.
What is candle market in India? ›Revenue in the Candles market amounts to US$306m in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.30% (CAGR 2023-2028). In global comparison, most revenue is generated in the United States (US$2,155m in 2023).
What is the candle market forecast? ›The candle market is valued at US$ 7,562.83 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to increase to US$ 10,156.05 Million by 2028, with a growing CAGR of 5.26% in the next six years. A candle is indeed a wax block containing a wick. It produces heat and light, and also the occasional discharge of a smell when lit.
What is the candle market? ›Candle Market, By Product
Based on Product, the market is segmented into Container Candle, Pillars, Votive, Tapers, and Others. Container Candle accounted for the largest market share in the Global Candle Market. Container candles (also known as votive candles) are small candles set in a heat-proof container.
Centerville, Indiana: World's Largest Candle.
Which country import candles from India? ›India exports most of it's Scented candles to United States, United Kingdom and Italy and is the largest exporter of Scented candles in the World.
Is candle making profitable in India? ›In India, the candle making business is profitable. One of the most well-liked businesses for a new entrepreneur is this one. There are a few reasons why you should start a candle-making business. The first is that the start-up costs are low.
Who is the biggest candle company? ›Yankee Candle has become the most recognized name in the candle business and the country's best-selling candle brand. Today, with over 600 fragrances, we offer a wide range of seasonal and specialty scented candles, home and car fragrance products, and candle accents and accessories.
Who buys candles the most? ›Manufacturer surveys show that more than 95% of all candles are purchased by women. Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape.
What size candle sells the most? ›However, the most common size for scented candles is between 7 and 14 ounces, with a burn time of around 40 to 60 hours. This size is popular among consumers because it is affordable, lasts long enough to enjoy, and provides a strong fragrance.
Which candles are in demand? ›
Consumers are becoming more interested in candles that have their own distinctive scents, which is one factor that is driving the growth of the scented candle segment of the global candle market. Lavender, vanilla, and citrus are three of the most common and well-liked aromas that can be found in candles.
What country is known for candles? ›It was in Rome, Italy where candles were first made which most resemble today's modern candle. Romans used tallow, derived from suet, a crumbly animal fat to make their candles. Although the tallow was extremely smoky, the smoke was forgiven for light and used for prayer.
Which state produces the most candles? ›California (371 businesses), Michigan (343 businesses) and Florida (190 businesses) are the States with the most number of Candle Manufacturing businesses in the US.
What city is 16 candles set in? ›Principal photography began on July 11, 1983. Sixteen Candles was filmed primarily in and around the Chicago North Shore suburban communities of Evanston, Skokie, and Highland Park, Illinois during the summer of 1983, when leads Ringwald and Hall were 15 years old.
What is the biggest candle company in the US? ›The company operates just over 260 small-box format stores, located in malls across 43 U.S. states and Ontario, and is the largest candle manufacturer in the United States. The company is headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.