The Spice Council of Sri Lanka (TSC) hosted a forum titled “Exploring the Global Potential of Sri Lanka’s Spice Industry” on August 1, 2024, at the Best Western Colombo. The TSC is pleased to announce that the forum was a great success. This noteworthy event marked a significant milestone for the spice industry, gathering a passionate and diverse group of experts and entrepreneurs eager to explore the various opportunities and challenges within the industry.
The forum was meticulously structured to provide comprehensive information on a variety of issues related to the spice industry. It consisted of four captivating and dynamic presentation sessions that ended with panel discussions in which our eminent professionals responded to a wide range of questions from the audience.
The first session, “Opportunities in the Global Market for GI Cinnamon,” was presented by Ms. Nilmini Wanasinghe, business development manager for international marketing at HDDES Extracts Pvt Ltd, and Ms. April Chang, associate industrial development expert at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including Geographically Indicated (GI) cinnamon’s reputation, market share, and general recognition, especially in the European Union. The audience gained useful details from both speakers. The presentation was followed by a dynamic panel discussion with well-known experts such Mr. Christopher Fernando, Chairman of SAPPTA, and Mr. Muditha Jayathilaka Chairman of GI Association, , who offered valuable insights on potential and challenges faced GI companies in global markets, enhanced the program.
Improving Sri Lankan Spices’ Productivity and Processing Capabilities was the subject of Session Two. The techniques for raising the production and processing capabilities in Sri Lanka’s spice industry were the main topic of discussion at this session. Mr. Upul Ranaweera, Director (Development), Department of Export Agriculture, and Mr. Eshantha Peiris, General Manager, Strategic Planning & Projects, DILMAH Ceylon Tea Company PLC, were the presenters for this session. The presentations focused on a multifaceted approach to increasing Sri Lanka’s spice production’s productivity and processing capacity. These included modern cultivation techniques, managing water and soil health, innovative processing facilities, research and development, the development of new products, market strategies, certification and standards, value-added exports, quality focus, brand equity, and ethics. During the panel discussion, Mr. Vernon Abeyrathna, Director Joint Agri Products Ceylon (Private) Limited and Mr. T P L Raj Managing Director Erin International (Pvt) Ltd answered questions from the attendees and offered their important perspectives and experiences, providing useful insights and ideas to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of spice the production process.
The Session Three Enhancing Market Potentials through Innovation, Research & Technology which was delivered by Professor Ajith De Alwis Chief Innovation Officer at The National Innovation Agency of Sri Lanka (NIA). In this forward-looking session, he explored the competiveness in the trade of spices how innovation, research, and technology can unlock new market potentials. He also briefs on Product Innovation, process innovation Business Model Innovation and Experiential Innovation. Also a virtual presentation by RIECO Pvt Ltd. Dr. Hasitha Weerathunga, Diector- ITI and Mr. Thushith Wijesinghe Managing Director Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd also participated in the panel discussions, sharing their knowledge of the most recent developments in the industry.
The Fourth Session on Complying with Global Market Guidelines for Quality, Compliance, and Traceability, the crucial topic of satisfying global market requirements for quality compliance and traceability was covered in the last session. Among the highlights were the perceptive virtual presentations given by and Ms. El Sayed Lena, Business Development Director of GBA Holding GMBH and a presentation by Mr. Kasun Geeganage Head of Planning and Investigation from Control Union Inspections Pvt. Ltd. The main topics of discussion during the session included the significance of maintaining strict quality standards and certification in the global market, adhering to regulations at the point of origin or destination, ensuring food safety, product quality, and responsible sourcing, protecting brands and maintaining integrity, as well as specific consumer concerns, current trends, and supporting local economies. Also Mr. Annes Junaid Chairman Ceylon Plant Food (Pvt) Ltd gave a briefing on the above topic. The renowned panel featuring Mr. Kolitha Amarasinghe Business Manager SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Ms. Ruwini Amarasinghe Deputy Manager – Food / Microbiology Laboratory Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, provided their best responses to the questions asked by the attendees.
The forum served as a great venue for networking as well as an opportunity for sharing knowledge. The event created important discussions, offered valuable insights, and assisted in building connections that would drive the future growth and development of Sri Lanka’s spice sector.
We sincerely appreciate all of the panelists, speakers, and attendees that helped make this event a success. Your knowledge and participation were essential to the success of this forum.
