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.
Organised 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.
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.
Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Vice President – Supply Chain, Nestlé Lanka said, “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”.
