Sri Lanka’s 70 year-old biscuit manufacturer, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Pvt Ltd has gained dominance in the biscuit industry with the implementation of a long term project plan.
Its position in the market has been further strengthened by winning the prestigious Superior Taste Award 2010 of the Brussels-based International Taste and Quality Institute (iTQi) for three of its brands, namely, Chocolate Cream Biscuit, Gold Marie and Cream Cracker, according to Maliban Director A.G . Wimalasiri, who will himself be celebrating his Golden jubilee in service at the company this year. He was speaking to the Business Times on the sidelines of a press conference held in Colombo to announce their achievement of world class award.
"Our long-term aim is to be a food conglomerate" he said. About 70 % of Maliban sales are in rural areas and the balance in urban markets. Therefore the company is implementing a special marketing drive at rural level, he added.The current per capita consumption of biscuits in Sri Lanka is 2 – 3 kgs. "However, as Sri Lanka develops this figure will increase to at least 10 kgs in the medium term, clearly demonstrating the potential for growth in the biscuit manufacturing market," he said.
Maliban is the first Sri Lankan biscuit manufacturer to win the globally recognised iTQi award, which is increasingly being regarded as a benchmark for quality and taste of the food products world over.
Maliban Chairman A. G. R. Samaraweera noted that quality has always been at the forefront at Maliban since it was first launched 70 years ago. He went on to explain that this also provides an immense opportunity for the consumers, especially as it servesas an internationally recognised guide helping them choose the best food items.
Ms. Warna Fernando, Assistant General Manger, Quality Assurance/Research & Development, who is also the initiator of the award, noted that Maliban consistently adopts measures to ensure that the superior quality and taste of its products are maintained throughout. “Tests are conducted on a regular basis and we take great care every step of the way – from choosing our raw material to production and packaging – to maintain our quality standards,” she said. |
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