Legacy of passion, quality and commitment to community

by Zanita Careem

Maliban Biscuits, a household name in Sri Lanka, has a rich history. In an interview with the Sunday Island, Managing Director of Maliban Group, A. G. Kumudika Fernando shares insight into the company’s success, brands, pioneering spirit and its remarkable journey of growth, resisilence and aspirations.

Take us through your academic journey. Share some early life influences that shaped your career?

Interestingly, I studied biology and psychology in university. While on that journey, I realised that I could combine my love for science and my entrepreneurial spirit to add value to my family’s business. My father’s dedication to Maliban and his ethical approach to business profoundly influenced me. His emphasis on quality and community values instilled a deep sense of responsibility in me and inspired my passion for excellence.

Explain your father’s influences that enrich your leadership today?

My grandfather, Mr. A. G. Hinniappuhamy, founded Maliban with a vision to provide only the highest quality products to Sri Lankans. He wasn’t just a visionary founder but also a beloved family member whose legacy continues to inspire us. My father, our current Chairman, inherited this vision and spirit and has passed it on to me. For me, this isn’t just a family business; it’s a legacy of passion, quality, and commitment to our community.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand my father’s relentless pursuit of quality and his deep commitment to employee welfare. He skilfully balanced innovation with tradition, teaching me the importance of adaptability while staying true to our core values. His emphasis on ethical business practices and his unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction are principles that continue to guide my decisions and leadership style every day.

I am proud to carry forward the legacy of my grandfather and father, and I am inspired by their vision to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the lives of Sri Lankans.

In your role as the MD of Maliban Group, what strategies do you use to drive growth?

We focus on diversification, innovation, and sustainability. Investing in R&D allows us to create products that meet contemporary consumer needs. Additionally, expanding into international markets through strategic partnerships has been crucial for growth. We also prioritise building a strong brand presence through quality assurance and customer engagement. Emphasising exports has allowed us to reach over 50 countries, and build a global presence.

What has made you so successful as an entrepreneur?

Surrounding myself with a passionate and dedicated team and fostering a culture of innovation have been vital to my success, together with a clear vision, unwavering commitment to quality, and the ability to adapt to market changes. Embracing digital transformation and leveraging data-driven insights have also been the keys

Share your most significant accomplishments in the company?

I have spearheaded our efforts to diversify our product portfolio, and expand our global presence as a trusted confectionary brand. These efforts have seen us receive the Sri Lanka National Quality Award five times and the World-Class Award at the Global Performance Excellence Awards twice, underscoring our commitment to excellence. Being ranked as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand for Ready-to-Eat Packed Food by LMD is also an important achievement that I am proud of.

What strategic path have you charted for the growth phase of the Maliban Group?

We aim to enhance our global footprint through strategic partnerships and joint ventures. Emphasising sustainable practices and continuous innovation in product development ensures we remain competitive and responsive to evolving consumer demands. We are also focused on leveraging digital platforms to enhance consumer engagement and streamline operations. Strengthening our supply chain and investing in advanced manufacturing technologies are key components of our growth strategy. Additionally, we plan to expand into new product categories and markets, further strengthening our position as a global leader in confectionery.

What does the future hold for the company in your view?

We envision becoming a global confectionery powerhouse, known for our commitment to quality and innovation. Our goal is to maintain our position as the benchmark for product quality in Sri Lanka while increasing our international market share. By staying true to our core values, we plan to delight consumers worldwide with innovative and high-quality products.

What has been your success mantra?

“Pursue excellence, relentlessly!” – excellence is not a destination but a process, which involves continuous monitoring and feedback of our operations, staying attuned to consumer needs, and fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork. In this pursuit, I dedicate 10-12 hours weekly to factory visits alone, conducting rounds early in the morning, aligning with the practice instilled by my father.

What are some key milestones achieved by your company?

Expanding our product range, entering new international markets, and achieving significant quality and sustainability certifications stand out. Achieving ISO 22000 certification for food safety and receiving accredited carbon footprint certificates against ISO 14064-1:2018 reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability – in fact we were the first confectionary company to receive ISO certification, and Super Brand status in Sri Lanka. Our strong global presence in over 50 foreign markets, including the UK, USA, Australia, the EU and the UAE, all of which have some of the strictest food safety standards in the world, showcases the trust we enjoy globally.

What in your view are some of the most significant obstacles you face as a business leader in today’s corporate landscape?

Navigating economic volatility and managing supply chain disruptions are some of the most significant obstacles we face in today’s corporate landscape. These challenges are top priorities for us, as we strive to maintain the highest quality standards even as costs rise. Staying competitive in an increasingly global market is also critical.

Another key focus is fostering innovation and growth while keeping sustainability at the forefront. This is an ongoing challenge, but one we embrace wholeheartedly. Balancing the drive for innovation with the need to be environmentally responsible requires continuous effort and creativity.

Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements are essential for our success. The pace of change in these areas is accelerating, and staying agile and forward-thinking is crucial. We are committed to meeting these demands head-on, ensuring that we remain relevant and responsive to our customers’ needs.

Overall, while these challenges are significant, they also present opportunities for us to grow, innovate, and lead our industry.

How are you able to increase your brand visibility in the current competitive market realm?

Increasing our brand visibility in today’s competitive market is a multifaceted effort. We start with strategic marketing initiatives that effectively target our audience, leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader demographic. Engaging in impactful community and sustainability projects also helps us connect with consumers on a deeper level.

Building strong partnerships has been crucial. By collaborating with other reputable brands and organizations, we amplify our reach and credibility. Continuously innovating our product offerings ensures we stay relevant and exciting in the eyes of our customers.

Maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction are at the core of our strategy. When customers are happy, they naturally become advocates for our brand, driving strong word-of-mouth promotion. Additionally, participating in several international trade fairs each year allows us to showcase our products and network with industry leaders, further enhancing our visibility.

Ultimately, our success comes from a combination of these efforts, all aimed at creating a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with consumers globally.

What is your approach towards gender equality in the company?

Our approach towards gender equality is rooted in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has equal opportunities for growth and development. We prioritize implementing policies that support work-life balance, ensuring our employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

Leadership training and mentorship programmes are key initiatives for us. We actively promote diversity and work to ensure fair representation of women in leadership roles. This not only empowers our female employees but also enriches our company culture with diverse perspectives.

Encouraging open dialogue and feedback is vital to our strategy. It helps us understand our employees’ needs and continuously improve the inclusivity of our workplace. By fostering a supportive and equitable environment, we aim to build a company where everyone feels valued and can contribute to our collective success.

13) Is an environment of leadership and mentorship a catalyst for women to ascend to influential roles?

Leadership and mentorship programs are essential in nurturing talent, providing guidance, and empowering women to take on influential roles. By offering mentorship and career development opportunities, we help women build the confidence and skills necessary for leadership positions.

Encouraging a culture of collaboration and continuous learning ensures that women have the resources and support they need to excel. This approach not only benefits individual growth but also enhances our organizational performance and innovation.

At Maliban, we believe in a meritocratic environment where everyone, regardless of gender or any other immutable characteristic, has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment to quality and excellence are shared by all our employees, and we are proud to support their journey towards leadership and success.