Nestlé wins ‘Best Exporter’ Award in the Coconut Kernel Product Sector for 2018/2019

Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Nestlé Vice President - Supply Chain, and Lakshika Weeramundage, Nestlé Senior Manager - Exports, receiving the award from Honourable Nalin Bandara, Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade. Looking on is Mr. W.A.D.S. Gunasinghe, Additional Secretary - Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade.  

Nestlé has won the ‘Best Exporter’ Award in the Coconut Kernel Product Sector for 2018/2019, at the recent Presidential Export Awards. This is the eighth Presidential Export Award presented to the company, for its continuous efforts in strengthening national exports, uplifting the local coconut industry and creating sustainable livelihoods. 

Said Fabrice Cavallin, Nestlé Managing Director: “We are truly humbled and honoured to accept this award. It is not only a testament to our successful export operations for coconut milk powder but also to the trust people from across the world have placed in the brand. The award also signifies our efforts to build stronger communities, empower farmers and secure coconut supply for the long term success of the local coconut industry. To be acknowledged for our efforts is very rewarding and makes us proud to do what we do every day.” 

Nestlé is one of the world’s largest exporters of coconut milk powder. It has a far-reaching positive impact on the local coconut-growing community. The company purchases close to 90 million coconuts a year from 6,600 Sri Lankan farming families, offering them a sustainable source of income. In 2018, its total pay-out to local suppliers for coconut was Rs. 4.6 billion. In addition, Nestlé also supports an additional 3,000 Sri Lankan coconut farmers and outgrowers through the Nestlé Coconut Plan. 

With the aim of enhancing coconut cultivation in the country, Nestlé launched the Nestlé Coconut Plan in 2016 in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Coconut Cultivation Board. It offers farmers and outgrowers technical assistance for coconut growing, resources such as fertilizer, training and development programmes, and has donated 19,000 hybrid coconut plantlets that are expected to be more resistant to crop disease and mature faster than the usual 4-5 year period. The programme also has model farms to help train farmers and outgrowers, and assure good quality and supply.  

From left to right: Rajith Perera, Nestlé Manager - Procurement; Charindu Makawita, Nestlé Assistant Manager - Application Group; Nimal Ravel, Nestlé Assistant Manager -  Application Group; Sudharaka Sandeepana, Nestlé Assistant Manager - Supply Planning; Satish Daswani, Nestlé Assistant Manager - Exports; Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Nestlé Vice President - Supply Chain; Lakshika Weeramundage, Nestlé Senior Manager - Exports; Mohammed Sazmin, Nestlé Manager - Management Accounting; Rajiv Dharmarajah, Nestlé Senior Executive - Procurement; Sujeewa Priyadarshana, Nestlé Assistant Manager - Financial Reporting; and Sujeewa Pinto, Nestlé Assistant Manager – Customer Services.  

“We’re proud to be recognised for our consistent performance and contribution to local exports year on year. Our beloved Maggi Coconut Milk Powder proved revolutionary when it was developed over 30 years ago. Our efforts have made this product what it is today, offering the best taste and consistent quality.” Said Panchadcharam Sathiyenthra, Nestlé Vice President – Supply Chain.  

The Presidential Export Awards is a highly anticipated event held every year. It recognises and awards companies that have made a significant contribution to the local exports sector. It is organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Previous awards won by Nestlé include ‘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.