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| Sunday, 18 April 2004 |
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Cargills expands supermarket chain by Chanuka Mannapperuma Cargills Ceylon Ltd, a leading supermarket chain in the country, in a bid to expand its outlets countrywide is seeking government assistance to obtain suitable land for the purpose. "We would appreciate if the government extends its support to us by allocating suitable land, especially in outstation areas, to build new outlets," Managing Director of Cargills Ceylon Ltd, Dr. Jagjith S. Punjrath, said. Being the largest retailer in assorted items in the country, at present, Cargills maintains 52 outlets islandwide and it plans to further expand its activities by setting up 48 more outlets. " We are expecting to increase the number of outlets to 100 with another 48 before March 31, 2005, with an investment of Rs. 1.5 billion. This would also help to improve the rural economy," added Dr. Punjrath. Cargills' Executive Director, Sidath Kodikara, said that under the new expansion program, it would lay much emphasis on rural and remote areas." We are mainly targeting outstation areas like Anuradhapura, Balangoda, Wennappuwa, Badulla, Kalutara and Hambantota." He said the main objective of this project was to ensure a greater convenience to the people. "We want to extend our facilities by renderning an equal service, both to the people in the rural areas as well as those in the city. "Cargills is involved in importing essential food products, mainly from India. Generally, it sells around 60 mt of sugar, 60 mt of onions, 60 mt of coconuts, 2 mt of salt per day. "We are planning to build four supermarkets with an investment of 120 million per month. This will provide direct employment to 25 at each outlet. Already, Cargills has provided 3000 jobs to youth." he added. Cargills' Deputy Managing Director, Imtiaz Wahid, said it was planning to set up 'Cargills Express' convenience stores in selected areas in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Lanka (IOC). " These stores would offer a range of products for the traveller. Currently there are seven such stores and with the addition of 23 more, it would expand it to 30. This is a good opportunity for travellers and these would be kept open throughout the week." The company's food products are supplied from areas such as Thambuththegama, Hanguranketha, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela where many farms are located. Fruits and vegetables are supplied mainly from Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. " Our officers visit those farms on a weekly basis and instruct them as to how they could increase productivity and reduce fertiliser cost." "Minimum cost, minimum price and freshness are the main features of Cargills. " As a result, there is minimum wastage. We are the only company selling low cost food like this," said Dr.Punjrath. " Cottage industrial products such as sweet peanuts, sweet bean products and curd are sold directly to us without brokers. This has enabled farmers to obtain a better price for their produce," he added. |
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