Nestlé Lanka was awarded Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Sector for the financial years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 under the patronage of His Excellency, the President Ranil Wickremasinghe, at the 25th Presidential Export Awards held last week. Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), these prestigious awards are presented in recognition of companies’ outstanding contributions to the country’s export sector.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognized for our continuous efforts in strengthening national exports. During these challenging times, receiving the award for ‘Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Sector’ for three consecutive financial years is a testament to the unwavering commitment and determination of our team. I am humbled that we continue to contribute positively to Sri Lanka’s economy through our operations, supporting and uplifting the local coconut industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for our farming community, while also strengthening the country’s FOREX reserves through the foreign exchange brought in from exports” said Bernhard Stefan, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka.
Nestlé introduced Maggi Coconut Milk Powder in 1986, and since then, has supported over 6,000 Sri Lankan farmers during 37 years of operations, consistently uplifting their well-being. Last year, the company procured over 96 million fresh coconuts, boosting rural communities with a payout of Rs. 6.2 billion. Further, as one of the largest exporters of Coconut Milk Powder in Sri Lanka, the company contributed Rs. 10.72 billion in export revenue to the Sri Lankan economy in 2022/23. Additionally, the company extends its support to 4,500 rural families in its endeavour to do good of the community through the Nestlé Coconut Plan, offering them free hybrid coconut plantlets, technical guidance, and comprehensive training and development programs.
Dishan Wiayawardena, Head of Exports, Nestlé Lanka, commented, “We are truly humbled and thrilled by this recognition. We innovated Maggi Coconut Milk Powder three decades ago with a vision to offer convenience to our consumers alongside the assurance of the Nestlé quality guarantee. I am proud to witness the progress we have made over the last three decades, reaching households not only in Sri Lanka but consumers in over 50 countries across the globe!”
Nestlé has been an integral part of Sri Lankan lives for over 115 years. The company manufactures over 90% of its products locally at their state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala, employing strict safety and quality controls. Driven by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé caters to consumers across generations from early childhood to old age through its diverse food and beverage portfolio.