Kama Sutra: Flying the Flag

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.—With so many companies manufacturing overseas, it seems that Kama Sutra is something of the exception these days. The Kama Sutra Company has been making romance products for more than 40 years and in spite of its growing market overseas, it has made the decision to remain true to its roots by continuing to formulate and produce the same great products in theUSA. This has not been without challenges, including high unemployment rates (31 states showed a rise last year), a struggling economy and the 1.4 million American jobs created overseas just last year. While rising prices and cheaper competition has pushed every company to look for ways to cut costs, Kama Sutra has tried hard to keep its production in theU.S. “Business is tough for every one today,” said Robert La Joie,U.S.senior director of sales. “We certainly understand the decision that some companies have made to move manufacturing overseas—it undoubtedly helps a company retain more margin. But we like to think that by contributing to our local economy we help to keep our industry strong, hopefully doing our little bit to kick start the economy, and bring shoppers back to the stores.” The choice also helps the company to maintain its high quality standards, even though many of its key ingredient costs have risen dramatically. “We made a decision to hold our prices this year, even though costs are rising. We didn’t feel it was the right time to pass these costs on to the retailer, but we certainly weren’t going to use inferior ingredients either,” La Joie said, adding that he hopes more companies will try to keep their manufacturing local. “Like any movement, these kinds of things start with a few. But, given an informed choice, most customers would prefer to buy U.S. made products.” A new Rasmussen Report discovered that 79 percent of Americans say that, when they buy something, it is important to them that the product is made inAmerica, while 17 percent say it does not matter. “While we’re realistic enough to know that overseas manufacturing will always be around, if we as an industry fly the flag where possible, even with little things, it will certainly benefit us all,” La Joie said. Kama Sutra offers a full range of romance and intimacy products for lovers to enjoy. With more than 60 products in the collection, Kama Sutra products fully embrace the romantic experience from beginning to end with such products as luxury bathing accessories, playful starter kits and love-making essentials. For more information about Kama Sutra products contact your local distributor or visit KamaSutra.com.