RIOCOCO’s innovation and sustainability recognized with six Stevie International Awards in 2024

RIOCOCO, a true Sri Lankan company and leader in sustainable coir-based horticulture solutions, proudly celebrated a major milestone at the 21st annual International Business Awards, also known as the Stevie Awards, held on October 11, 2024, at the InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. RIOCOCO significantly contributes to strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves and secured six prestigious Stevie Awards, reaffirming its global leadership in innovation, sustainability, and excellence. This achievement enhances Sri Lanka’s position on the global stage, showcasing the nation’s capability in sustainable business practices. This was the first time a Sri Lankan-origin company in the sustainable horticulture and agriculture industries was recognized and awarded multiple awards in the International Arena. RIOCOCO's parent company, Ceyhinz Link International Inc., saw its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shan Halamba, receive the Silver Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in Manufacturing. Under his leadership over the past 20 years, RIOCOCO has expanded its global footprint, now serving 65 countries.

In addition, RIOCOCO's exceptional commitment to sustainability and product development was acknowledged with a series of accolades across multiple regions. The company won two Gold Stevie Awards for Sustainability Leadership in both Canada and the USA, as well as in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In Europe, RIOCOCO earned the Silver Stevie Award for Sustainability Leadership, and in the Middle East and Africa, the company was awarded the Bronze Stevie Award for the same category. RIOCOCO's Product Development Team received the Gold Stevie Award for Product Development/Management Department of the Year, recognizing their continuous efforts to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to market.

Dubbed the 'Oscars of the business world,' The Stevie Awards are regarded as the highest honours in the international business community. Created in 2002 to recognize the achievements and contributions of organizations and professionals globally, the awards are highly coveted by businesses across all industries. With over 12,000 nominations annually, the Stevie Awards recognize outstanding business performance under nine programs. Stevie Award judges include many of the world's most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business educators. "We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the International Business Awards. These awards reflect the dedication of our entire team in the USA and Sri Lanka. Our mission has always been to lead with innovation and sustainability at the forefront, and we are proud to see this acknowledged on an international scale," said CEO Shan Halamba. RIOCOCO Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, headquartered in Katupotha, Kurunegala, specializes in 100% Sri Lankan-origin organic, coir-based growing media products for the horticulture industry. The company’s products support growers worldwide, from small-scale gardeners to some of the largest, state-of-the-art greenhouses. RIOCOCO's innovations have transformed sustainable horticultural practices across the global stage.

Chaminda Perera (Managing Director), Nuwan Karunarathne (Chief Financial Officer), Teesha   Halamba (Vice President), Shan Halamba (Chairman and CEO), Namala Prasanna (Manager Planning)