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iTQi is the world’s leading independent organization where products are tested on a strictly blind basis and judged by chefs and drink experts from renowned European culinary associations and the Association de la Sommeliers Internationale (ASI). The ASI rewards food and beverage products of superior quality and taste following a rigorous evaluation process. Various aspects including the aroma, texture, flavour and appearance of the product are analysed and commented on by each judge.
In 2010, Maliban won the same Superior Taste Award for the first time for three main brands –Maliban Cream Cracker, Gold Marie and Chocolate Cream Biscuit.
Commenting on winning the award, Group CEO D.L. Weerasuriya said that they have been rewarded for team work and commitment. “It is also recognition of the trust the consumers have on our products. Over six decades, we have been using ingredients and raw materials of the highest quality. It is an opportunity for consumers as ITQI award helps consumers choose the best food items,” he said.
Stressing that quality and taste are the two most important factors in the eyes of the consumers, CEO Sales and Marketing, Ravi Jayawardana said that the quality of the product means that it has been made out of world class raw materials which have good nutritional value. “The state-of-the-art manufacturing process helps to achieve high quality. Just as much as quality is important for any biscuit to be successful in the market, taste also plays a very vital role. This means mouth-watering aroma, an excellent mount feel, soothing after taste and exceptional crispiness,” he said.
Expressing his satisfaction in winning the prestigious award, General Manager – Quality Assurance and Research and Development, Varna Fernando said it is a manifestation of consistency in Maliban’s effort to maintain quality at its highest level. “We are indeed very proud that four of our main brands have been recognised for its quality by a global institution.”
Kumudika Fernando, Managing Director, said that the company was able to win this award purely on the belief that “innovation and quality is our religion” shared by A.G.R. Samaraweera, the current chairman, and the company was following his belief with great zeal.
He stressed that only approved and quality materials are used in the manufacture of Maliban products and constant and comprehensive R&D and testing are being carried out to assure their quality. Moreover, testing is done at all critical junctures of the production process, such as mixing, cutting, baking, and packaging.
Maliban sustains supplier-confidence through rigorous testing of all ingredients prior to production. Further, raw materials are being sourced from specialised countries.
Maliban was awarded ISO:9001 Certification in 1995 and became the first biscuit manufacturer to receive the National Quality Award in 1996. Its flexible manufacturing systems and compliance with international standards resulted in creating a demand for private label manufacturing opportunities from the UK and the US.
Maliban further achieved higher levels of excellence by securing ISO:14000 and ISO:22000 standards and became the first local biscuit manufacturer to export its products to the world in 1963. Maliban currently has a network of over 140 distributors making its products available in every nook and corner of the country.
Exports of Maliban biscuits have also made a significant contribution to the upward trend in the company’s financial performance in the recent past. Of the exports, 80% go to developed countries such as France, UK, Canada and Germany and the balance to African and Asian countries. The demand come from the developed countries is for the high quality and taste of the Maliban biscuits and this is one of the main credentials Maliban stands to date for its acceptance locally and abroad.
