In our younger days (several decades back), Margo was a popular toilet soap- patronized by all most every one in five households in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Traditionally, we had grown up with it ? its typical green colour and fragrance had kept an imprint in our minds. We have been told by elders the importance and efficacy of this soap for bathing, being its origin from famous all cure - Neem tree. Though we did not understand its significance as much, till we re-discovered it in its recent strong emergence.
Calcutta Chemical was known mostly for its Margo soap and Neem toothpaste, the advantages they exploited when going was good. With emergence of competition, they lacked the management skill to sustain in market place against competition and finally sold it out to Shaw Wallace Group, who, in turn, sold their interests to present acquirer, Henkel Spic India Ltd.(HSIL).
Margo soap, in its present disposition, vigorously marketed by HSIL has once again getting recognised on national scale and finding its place in the households in metropolis and cities alike while competing against major FMCG giants like P&G, HLL etc apart from regional players. The intensity of competition, though, continues in soaps and Margo as a brand has registered volume growth in its target segments, as communicated by HSIL. This acquisition has enabled the company to expand its product range and strengthen its position in the toilet soap.
Neem ? a well researched tree of our country is now advocated around the world for its medicinal and germicidal properties. It has been known to us for ages, particularly in villages. This tree, as a whole ? leaves, bark, fruit etc have been of great help to our rural household remedies and also Ayuruveda stream of medicine and consequent treatment of ailments.
Margo is known to be beneficial for maintaining skin health as Neem per say, has the inherent quality to be germicide. It has distinct green colour and fragrance that are soothing to many like me. It is good for young and old, unless one is fussy of a specific variety. It has now become my personal preference as toilet soap.