Capitalising on ‘scent-iment’: AIAMA expo kicks off to grand start with Union Minister as chief guest

Bengaluru: The All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA) inaugurated AIAMA EXPO 2025,  India’s largest international conference and exhibition for the agarbathi industry at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru recently.

The three-day event, themed ‘Traditionally Modern,’ was inaugurated by Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

She also unveiled the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification, to establish a new quality benchmark to elevate India’s incense manufacturing to global standards.

Speaking at the inauguration, she said, “The Indian agarbathi industry is the essence of our culture, craftsmanship and sacred prayer. With the introduction of BIS certification, we are ensuring that Indian incense products meet the highest global quality standards. We aim to create awareness about the agarbathi industry, which has been falsely portrayed as harmful, while also calling for research-backed scientific evidence.”

The expo brings together industry experts, innovators and thought leaders for curated sessions on fragrance, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The inaugural day featured renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, who shared insights on the symbolism of fragrance in Indian tradition and spirituality.

The upcoming sessions will include business coach Rajiv Talreja leading a discussion on scaling family-run enterprises and the ‘Nose Royale’ Perfume Creation Competition, celebrating craftsmanship and innovation in perfumery.

Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President, AIAMA, and Managing Director, Ambica Group of Companies, said, “AIAMA EXPO 2025 marks a defining moment in our industry’s journey. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers and innovators under one roof to celebrate 75 years of legacy while embracing a future driven by quality, sustainability and growth.”

Arjun Ranga, Chairman, AIAMA EXPO Committee 2025, and Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathis, added, “The expo showcases how the agarbathi industry is evolving by combining traditional artistry with modern business practices. This collaboration will not only empower manufacturers but also reinforce India’s position as the global hub for fragrance creation.”

Spread across 120,000 square feet, the expo will have curated seminars that will cover various aspects of the agarbathi industry including job creation, sourcing of raw materials, research on new fragrances, packaging developments, women’s empowerment, export opportunities and new-age marketing.

About AIAMA

Established in 1949, AIAMA is the apex body that works towards the development of the agarbathi industry. With over 800 active members hailing from all over India, AIAMA helps the industry act with solidarity in all matters regarding the future of the industry.

AIAMA has a present membership of around 600.