CBL targets No 1 slot in Asia

General Manager - Exports Jude Rubera has a discussion with a visitor during the international food exhibition - SIAL.

Sri Lankan confectionery manufacturer - Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), exports to 45 countries and has recorded its highest ever revenue. Revenue grew by 15 percent during the global recession of 2008-10 when some companies were forced out of business and CBL is confidant of a growth exceeding 20 percent in exports during 2010/11.

The expertise CBL has shown in strengthening its activities in the global market place with non-conventional exports has helped in building Sri Lanka's reputation as a non-traditional exporter.

Commencing operations in 1982, CBL had only a few limited export markets until 2000 when up scaling began. The company has achieved and maintained a steady upward mobility since then.

Maldives, Canada, Australia and USA were its export markets during the late 90s. Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Tahiti, Fiji emerge as high potential regions while New Zealand, UK, France, Switzerland, Norway and Singapore have a steady following in terms of both value and volume. East European countries are the latest addition to the portfolio while the company claims that West African nations have shown the fastest and highest growth during the period.