Nestlé Lanka was awarded the Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Sector for the financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, at the 24th Presidential Export Awards held recently. Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), these prestigious awards are presented in recognition of companies’ outstanding contribution to the country’s export sector.
“It is truly an honour to be recognized for our continuous efforts in strengthening national exports. Receiving the award for ‘Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Sector’ for two consecutive financial years – both of which were challenging, is testament to the unwavering commitment and perseverance of our team. I am humbled that we have had and continue to have a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s economy through our operations, helping uplift the local coconut industry and creating sustainable livelihoods for our farming community” said Jason Avanceña, Managing Director, Nestlé Lanka.
From left to right: Lakshika Weeramundage, Senior Manager, Exports – Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Suresh D. de Mel, Chairman – Export Development Board; Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation; Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Trade
Nestlé introduced Maggi Coconut Milk Powder in 1986. In the 35 years since then, the company has supported the livelihoods of more than 6,000 Sri Lankan farmers, consistently enhancing their well-being. The company procured over 90 million fresh coconuts last year, paying out 4.5 billion to rural communities. Further, as one of the largest exporters of Coconut Milk Powder in the world, the company contributed Rs. 3.8 billion in export revenue to the Sri Lankan economy in 2020. The company also supports 4,000 rural families with its Nestlé Coconut plan, offering them free hybrid coconut plantlets, technical assistance and intense training and development programmes.
Said Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Vice President – Supply Chain, Nestlé Lanka “We are humbled and delighted by this recognition. We innovated Maggi Coconut Milk Powder three decades ago, to offer convenience to our consumers, with the Nestlé quality guarantee. I am proud to witness the progress we have made over the last three decades, serving not only Sri Lankans, but consumers in over 50 countries across the globe!”
The Presidential Export Awards is one of the most recognized events held in Sri Lanka to recognise companies that have made a significant contribution to the local exports sector. Previous awards won by Nestlé include ‘Best Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Product Sector’ in 2018/2019, ‘Highest Foreign Exchange Earner for Coconut Kernel Products’ in 2018, ‘Highest Value-Added Exporter in the Coconut Kernel Product Category’ in 2017, ‘Best Multinational Company (MNC) engaged in Exports’ in 2014 and 2015, ‘Best Exporter of the Coconut & Coconut Based Product Sector’ in 2013 and 2010, and ‘Best Exporter of the Food & Other Beverages Product Sector’ in 2011.
Nestlé has been an integral part of Sri Lankan lives for over 115 years. 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.
Featured image Photo Caption From left to right: Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Vice President, Supply Chain – Nestlé Lanka; Mr. Suresh D. de Mel, Chairman – Export Development Board; Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation; Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Trade