Maliban wins three gold awards at the 21st Annual NCE Export Awards, 2012
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, Sri Lanka's premier biscuit manufacturer, clinched three awards at the recently concluded 21st Annual NCE Export Awards, 2012. The awards won by Maliban at this prestigious event include Gold Awards for the Best Performer in Emerging Markets, Best Small and Medium Scale Exporter and Confectionary and Beverage sub- sectorIndustry sector.
The NCE Export Awards, commenced in 1993, are held annually by The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka to recognize and reward the achievements of the export industry of the country. As such a total of 146 applications were evaluated, this year, by an expert panel of judges under the criteria of Export Performance, Market/Product Development, Value Addition, Effective Management of Marketing & Capital, Brand Marketing and Innovation. Showcasing the recognition and renown that Maliban Biscuits has achieved in the overseas market, the brand walked away with three of the most prominent awards.
"This proves that Maliban products are accepted and recognized by international markets where the competition is much higher," said Mr. Asoka Perera, General Manager-Exports at Maliban Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd. "I think that is a great achieve- ment. We have shown that the same product offered in Sri Lanka can compete in the international market. This again proves that the local consumers are getting something really good that is value for money."
Though the company has done much exporting since it's inception 60 years ago, the past three years saw a renewal in their focus on the export sector with much emphasis on expanding Maliban's reach. Therefore, as of now, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories is exporting to 34 countries spread across five continents. "We have been able to achieve a phenomenal growth in the business in the last three years. Though we are extremely happy about it, we are looking forward for more growth. And compared to the last years in terms of the NCE Awards, this year was definitely a huge improvement. Particularly important for us, from the 3 awards won, is the gold award for Best Sri Lankan Exporter to Emerging Markets. We have ventured into markets that many Sri Lankan companies have not penetrated to engage in business," Mr. Perera further stated.
Excellent product quality-regardless of the destination being sold, taste, relentless focus and vision to do well in international markets, level of service provided in international markets and the effort put forth to promote the brand has contributed towards this noteworthy achievements by Maliban at the NCE Exports Awards, 2012. "We have a strong sense of team-work when it comes to international business," affirmed Mr. Perera. "We all get together and think that this is Maliban and this is Sri Lanka-we have to do our job properly. Of course the support gained by agencies such as the Export Development Board, the Trade Ministry and the National Chamber of Exporters are much appreciated."
Initiated in 1954 by late Chairman Mr. A. G. Hiniappuhamy, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories is currently guided Mr. Ratnapala Samaraweera, Chairman and Mr. D.L. Weerasuriya, CEO of Maliban and the board of directors. Equipped with state-ofthe-art machinery and equipment along with a dedicated workforce, Maliban has won a number of awards including the National Quality Award in 1996 and 2012, Export Gold Award 2006 and Global Performance Excellence Award in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to name a few. Furthermore, Maliban is also certified with ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004 and 22000:2005 for quality, environment and food safety management systems respectively. Now with the addition of these three new awards won at the 21st Annual NCE Export Awards, Maliban has been able to provide further attestants to their excellence.