Lankan bubble gum maker calls for controls on inferior imports

A top bubble gum manufacturer in Sri Lanka last week raised concerns over the inflow of cheap and inferior imports which could be injurious to health, particularly that of young children who mostly consume this product.

M.F. Hassen, director at Mayfair Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, producer of Sri Lanka’s biggest Mayfair bubble gum brand, said imported bubble gum was found to contain very poor quality raw materials beyond the scope of the current SLSI (Sri Lanka Standards Institute) 1265 standards.

“The absence of any import or health regulations, inspection schemes or controls by the authorities concerned has paved the way for this crisis,” he said, adding that some of these products don’t even carry any information in local languages with regard to ingredients, food colour/flavour codes, etc in the interest of consumers.

He made these comments and urged legislation to control inferior products, at a ceremony in Colombo last week where the company, part of the Eswaran Brothers Group, was awarded the SLS 1265 certification.

Hassen said these products are imported at prices that are lower than global prices of major raw materials such as sugar, glucose, gumbase, wrapping material, etc. Since its inception, in 1997 Mayfair has strived hard to communicate its quality and its commitment to give children a product that is safe to consume and this has paid dividends through SLSI approval, he said. Mayfair Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was established in 1997 but has had a presence here since the early 1980s.

The company has a 40 percent market share in a Sri Lankan bubblegum market estimated at 60-80 tons per month.

It is primarily consumed by children between the ages of 6-14 years due to the fun element associated with the product.

Hassen said it is one of the deepest penetrated products among retail outlets in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) category reaching over 78,000 outlets.

Consumers use it for frequent chewing and blowing; as a breath freshener; to relax the mind and help in concentration; and to maintain alertness during sports, driving, etc.

Mayfair, which ensures high quality products, exported its first consignment to India in 1999 and gradually increased market presence in the South Indian states.

Exports were also made to Male Middle Eastern and African markets during this period. All exports to India had to conform to Indian Standards for Bubble gums.