Maharaja Foods celebrates 30 years of culinary excellence and innovation

Wednesday, 5 June 2024 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opening ceremony of Vijeya Enterprises

Chairman Vijayananth Guganathan

Maharaja Food Products, a leading name in the food industry, celebrates three decades of culinary excellence and innovation.

From its humble beginnings rooted in Jaffna to its current status as a global player in food exports, Maharaja Foods has upheld a legacy of quality and commitment to its customers.

Maharaja Foods Ltd. evolved from Lanka Stores, which was established in 1958 by the visionary Sivasaranam. What started as a modest endeavor grew into a beacon of excellence in the food industry, pioneering the market by offering high-quality products at fair prices. In 1979, a partnership with Leoris & Sons marked the beginning of an era of triumph, navigating through the challenges of time. The Guganathan family’s unwavering optimism led to the inception of Vijeya Enterprise. This venture symbolised resilience and commitment to Sri Lanka’s prosperity, sourcing premium quality food items and empowering local farmers. Additionally, the company initiated its first exports under Vijeya Enterprises, catering to the ethnic demands of expatriates living abroad.

In 1995, Maharaja Food Products was born within the premises of the now head office in Wellawatte, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Hand-roasted rice flour became a sought-after product, leading to the expansion of manufacturing capabilities to meet the surging demand, first in Wattala and later in Mabola.

Following the passing of late Guganathan in 2016, Thavamalar Guganathan assumed leadership of Maharaja Foods, turning it into a women-owned enterprise. Under her guidance, the company has flourished, demonstrating resilience, growth, and a commitment to innovation in the food industry.

The recent appointments of Imran Furkan and Melanga Doolwala as Directors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the company’s leadership team. Imran Furkan’s background in personal leadership, strategy, and risk management, coupled with Melanga Doolwala’s extensive experience in finance and financial management, further solidify Maharaja Foods’ position for future growth and success. Additionally, Chairman Vijayananth Guganathan and Managing Director Vithyanath Guganathan, who are also Board Directors of the company, are spearheading the company’s growth with their extensive experiences in formulating strategies around manufacturing, logistics, sales and marketing.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Thavamalar Guganathan stated: “Our legacy is a testament to enduring values and the pursuit of excellence. We have overcome challenges, forged partnerships, and remained committed to delivering trusted quality for generations.”