Exhibiting at Gulfood 2025

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC is Sri Lanka’s largest food manufacturing and retail conglomerate, with a legacy dating back to 1844. The company has expanded its footprint across food manufacturing, retail, and restaurant operations, making it one of the most influential brands in the country’s agriculture and consumer goods sector. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Cargills operates with a strong commitment to local sourcing, sustainable growth, and affordability, serving millions of Sri Lankan consumers daily.

Core Business

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC operates across three primary business segments:

• Food Manufacturing – The company produces a wide range of dairy products, processed meats, confectionery, beverages, and spices under well-known local brands.
• Retail Operations – Owns and operates Cargills Food City, Sri Lanka’s largest supermarket chain, with over 450 outlets nationwide.
• Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) – Operates international fast-food chains such as KFC Sri Lanka, contributing to the country’s growing fast-food industry.

Product Offerings

Cargills produces a diverse portfolio of food and beverage products through its subsidiary brands, catering to both domestic and international markets:

• Dairy Products (Kotmale)

  • Kotmale Cheese
  • Kotmale Butter
  • Kotmale Flavoured Milk
  • Kotmale UHT & Pasteurised Milk
  • Kotmale Yoghurts

• Confectionery (Kist)

  • Kist Biscuits

• Beverages (Kist)

  • Kist Fruit Juices
  • Kist Nectar
  • Kist Cordials
  • Kist Sauces

• Processed Meats (Goldi)

  • Goldi Sausages
  • Goldi Meatballs
  • Goldi Chicken Products

• Spices and Seasonings (Festiva)

  • Festiva Spices

• Bottled Water (Knuckles)

  • Knuckles Bottled Water

• Energy Drinks (Ride)

  • Ride Energy Drink

Unique Selling Points (USP)

1. Market Leader – Largest food manufacturer and retailer in Sri Lanka, with a nationwide presence.
2. Commitment to Local Sourcing – Works closely with over 20,000 local farmers to ensure fresh, high-quality raw materials.
3. Affordable & High-Quality Products – Ensures competitive pricing while maintaining global food safety standards.
4. Strong Brand Portfolio – Operates seven major food brands, making it Sri Lanka’s most trusted food company.
5. Sustainability & CSR Initiatives – Focuses on reducing carbon footprint, minimizing food waste, and supporting rural communities.

Financial Performance

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC has demonstrated consistent financial growth, driven by its extensive retail network and strong manufacturing capabilities. Key financial highlights include:

• Annual revenue exceeding LKR 100 billion (approx. USD 300 million)
• More than 450 retail outlets nationwide, making it Sri Lanka’s largest supermarket chain
• Over 8,000 direct employees, supporting an extensive supply chain network
• Investment in new manufacturing plants, expanding capacity in dairy, meat processing, and beverages

International Shipments

Cargills exports its dairy, processed meat, and beverage products to multiple global markets, catering to Sri Lankan expatriates and international buyers. Trade data from sources like Volza and ImportYeti indicate consistent exports to:

• Middle East – Key export destinations include UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, where there is strong demand for Sri Lankan dairy and beverage products.
• Europe – Expanding exports of Kotmale dairy products and Kist fruit juices to UK, France, and Germany.
• Australia & North America – Growing demand among Sri Lankan diaspora communities, with exports of Kist fruit juices, Goldi processed meats, and Kotmale dairy.

Target Market

Cargills serves a diverse range of consumers, including:

• Domestic Sri Lankan Consumers – Through Cargills Food City supermarket chain and nationwide distribution network.
• Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés (HORECA) – Supplies premium dairy, processed meats, and condiments for the food service industry.
• Export Markets – Growing international demand for Sri Lankan dairy, juices, and processed meats.
• Fast Food Industry – Operates KFC Sri Lanka, meeting the growing demand for quick-service restaurants.

Certifications & Compliance

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC adheres to strict global food safety and manufacturing standards, ensuring its products meet international quality benchmarks:

• ISO 22000 Certification – Food safety management system compliance.
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) – Ensuring safe and hygienic food production.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification – Guaranteeing consistency in food production and packaging.
• Halal Certification – Approved by relevant Halal authorities for the Middle Eastern market.
• Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) Certification – Compliance with local food safety regulations.

Customer Testimonials

Cargills has built a strong reputation for quality, affordability, and local sourcing, earning positive feedback from customers and industry experts:

• "Cargills Food City is my go-to supermarket. Their local dairy and fresh produce are of excellent quality." – Sri Lankan consumer
• "Kotmale dairy products are of international standard. Their cheese and yoghurts are the best in the market." – Hotel industry buyer
• "Goldi processed meats maintain premium quality, making them ideal for restaurants and fast-food chains." – HORECA distributor

Achievements & Recognition

• Largest Private Sector Employer in Sri Lanka – Employing over 8,000 workers across retail, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Expansion of Dairy Processing Facilities – Increasing production capacity for Kotmale milk and cheese products.
• Strengthened Digital & E-Commerce Capabilities – Online ordering and delivery services through Cargills Online.
• CSR Leadership in Agriculture – Works with over 20,000 Sri Lankan farmers, ensuring fair pricing and sustainable farming practices.
• KFC Sri Lanka Expansion – Operates over 50 KFC outlets, making it the largest quick-service restaurant chain in the country.

Conclusion

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC is Sri Lanka’s leading food manufacturer and retailer, with a rich history, strong market leadership, and commitment to local sustainability. With expanding international exports, continued investment in food innovation, and a dominant retail presence, Cargills remains at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s food and beverage industry. As the company continues to grow, its focus on affordability, quality, and sustainable sourcing will further solidify its reputation as a trusted brand for generations of Sri Lankans.