Shinmataung Thanaka receives higher price on better quality

quality of Shinmataung Thanaka and Thanaka produced from Myaing Township drove up the price, said Thanaka bark sellers at Kadawpalin Pagoda in Bagan city.
The prices of those varieties became higher than products from other townships on account of providing better quality.
Thanaka, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made of ground bark, is a natural cosmetic in Myanmar.
Shinmataung Thanaka and Thanaka from Myaing Township is famous for their fragrance. There are about 10 Thanaka vendors near Kadawpalin Pagoda, said Daw Hla Hla Tin, Thanaka broker.
A piece of Thanaka is approximately 1.6 feet long and it is worth K8,000-15,000 per graft. Shinmataung Thanaka is distributed across the country, said Daw Cho Pyone.
Shinmataung Thanaka is of better quality so it is priced higher. And it is highly demanded other Thanaka varieties, said U Thein Lwin Oo, a broker.
Thanaka paste has been used to soothe sunburns and cool the skin. Myanmar people love to use Thanaka as a cosmetic. The collapse of the Thanaka market during the COVID-19 resulted in decreasing Thanaka farms. At present, Thanaka growers cultivate them again, said a grower.
Additionally, the value-added Thanaka products such as Thanaka powder are also seen in the domestic market, said a seller.
“The fullmoon day of Tabodwe is designated as Myanmar Thanaka Day. After that, the number of consumers has significantly risen,” said a trader. “Thanaka has grasped a market share in the domestic market. The neighbouring country Thailand is eyeing Thanaka powder and so, it has market potential,” said a member of Myanmar Thanaka Planters and Producers Association. — KPD, Lu Lay/GNLM