SPAR to provide local fruit growers access to South African market

From left: General Manager Oliver Sabatino, CEO Kumar de Silva, Commercial Director Daham Gunasena and Marketing and Promotions Manager Udara Rathnayake

Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

By Ishan Sheriffdeen 

A leading supermarket chain in Sri Lanka with foreign affiliation, is currently exploring new export avenues for local fruit growers.

SPAR supermarket, a joint venture between Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) and SPAR South Africa is seeing the potential of exporting fruits, particularly mangoes and melons from Sri Lanka, to its supermarket chain in South Africa, and is currently working on establishing a supplier model similar to that of South Africa to facilitate the process.

SPAR Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Kumar De Silva said experts from South Africa visit their growers, suppliers frequently to provide necessary assistance and guidance on the export requirements. 

“As most fruits are seasonal, they aim to import selected fruits to South Africa that are in high demand, during their off-season. They are impressed over the quality of our mangoes and melons, and these two fruit varieties will be the first to be exported. This is a fantastic opportunity for Sri Lankan fruit growers to gain access to a globally recognised retail network, and it is an exclusive opening provided by a supermarket chain in Sri Lanka. Having fulfilled certain conditions and certification requirements, we will start exporting the fruits soon.”     

De Silva also hinted that export of certain seafood is a possibility in the future. “The global demand for seafood is on the rise, and we have already spoken to a few local seafood companies,” he noted.

The CEO made these remarks recently, on the sidelines of announcing the opening of SPAR Supermarket’s newest outlets in Kandy and Kurunegala.

Since entering the Sri Lankan market in 2017, SPAR has combined global retail expertise with the strong local partnership of CBL. This collaboration has enabled SPAR to introduce a “global yet local” retail concept, supporting Sri Lankan producers, while offering customers access to international-quality products and experiences.  

Sharing views on the large-scale supermarket sector in Sri Lanka, SPAR Sri Lanka General Manager Oliver Sabatino said that it’s a very strong and vibrant sector with great prospects. “There’s healthy and ethical competition among key players at present, which is vital to push each other to improve.”

“On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) landscape is very massive and fast evolving, driven by rising consumer expectations, rapid urbanisation and the growing influence of modern trade channels. Here, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role.  SPAR Sri Lanka aims to empower and develop these SMEs by strengthening their capabilities, uplifting operational standards, and providing access to a globally recognised retail network. Our ‘Supplier Development Programme’ is fully focused on achieving these goals,” Sabatino added.

Conquering the Sri Lankan supermarket industry over the past 7 years, SPAR Sri Lanka now offers a superior product range, bringing together both international and locally sourced goods to meet every customer’s needs. “We have the widest product range among local supermarkets. Furthermore, SPAR stores feature dedicated sections for fresh produce, bakery, meat, and their popular ready-to-eat meals. With thoughtfully designed store layouts providing a modern ambience, SPAR ensures a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for all,” the General Manager claimed.  

SPAR’s Kandy branch officially opened its doors yesterday (30 March) as the 11th outlet and the Kurunegala branch is to open in April as the 12th outlet.