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| Beverage Association of Sri Lanka LOGO |
"We are delighted to announce the launch of the Beverage Association of Sri Lanka..."
Leading beverage companies in
Sri Lanka have come together for the first time in the history of the sector to
form The Beverage Association of Sri Lanka (BAOSL). The
association has been formed with the aim of providing a vital platform for the
sector, whilst championing the contribution of its members towards the country’s
economic sustainability. The BAOSL currently consists of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
(manufacturer and marketer of Elephant House Beverages), Coca-Cola BeveragesSri Lanka Limited and Varun Beverages Lanka Limited (the manufacturer and
marketer of Pepsi Cola Inc beverages).
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| Founder Members BAOSL |
It is pertinent to note that
the sector has made heavy capital investments in machinery and technology over
the decades. The industry is a key contributor to the national exchequer and
thereby to the economic development of the country. The beverage industry provides
employment to nearly 1,500 individuals who are directly employed by these
companies whilst simultaneously creating indirect employment for 3,000 more.
Moreover, member companies are responsible for providing trading opportunities
to over 75,000 retailers. The BAOSL will engage with stakeholders of the sector
and bring to light the contribution made by the industry, for example, in
ensuring proper storage and quality of beverages, through the provision of aids
such as coolers and racks.
Further, Mr. Guneratne added:
“The BAOSL will play the role of mentor and guide for the industry and ensure
compliance and quality at all times. The convergence of leading companies on
the BAOSL platform will be of infinite help in making representations to the
government authorities on behalf of the industry, members of which were fending
for themselves individually in the past. United as one body, the sector can
highlight its various achievements. The body will also facilitate the framing,
development and dissemination of best practices in order to continue to produce
safe and healthy non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and to pro-actively
interact with the government, various regulatory agencies, other apex industry associations
and bodies in the formulation of policies and rules that support whilst
promoting and protecting the interests of the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
BAOSL members have focused on Education, Water Conservation, Uplifting the
Livelihood of Farmers and Sports as part of their sustainability initiatives in
the past. We are excited about the fact that the BAOSL could prove to be the
springboard for shared action amongst its member community.”
Statistics will show that the
sector has been instrumental in introducing advanced machinery coupled with
global best practices in manufacturing, supply chain management and
distribution, which have enhanced the profile of the country’s retail sector by
leaps and bounds.
The BAOSL has been established
with the intention being the catalyst for the sector, encouraging adherence and
greater effort on the part of members. Also, this association will strive to
provide a common platform to share and exchange knowledge and information with
regard to best practices and to develop, adopt and enforce a voluntary code of
conduct among its members relating to manufacture, bottling, marketing,
distribution and sale of non-alcoholic beverages in Sri Lanka. A guiding
principle of the BAOSL is to promote a healthy lifestyle in the country.
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Sri Lanka Business