Business

How Online Shoppers Navigate Labels

Published

4 months ago

2026/05/3

Online food retail has changed how trust is built. When customers browse your digital shelves, they are no longer holding a package, reading fine print or inspecting seals in person. Instead, their decisions hinge on small on-screen signals, badges like “Organic,” “Non-GMO,” “Fair Trade.” These labels now act as silent salespeople, influencing whether a product is added to the cart or quietly skipped.

For a growing segment of online shoppers, particularly younger, digitally fluent consumers, these badges are not decorative. They are decision shortcuts. But they are also increasingly questioned. Is the claim credible? Is it verified? Is it meaningful or simply marketing language? When shoppers cannot physically examine packaging, uncertainty creeps in and skepticism grows.

Recent findings from a comprehensive survey conducted by the TilliT team reveal a critical tension for online food retailers. TilliT is a digital platform that has been using AI and Blockchain for end-to-end tracking of global supply chains and the survey covered over 1,000 consumers representing diverse demographics and included both an online questionnaire and in-person meetings to ensure depth and representation.

The results show that while digital grocery delivers speed and convenience, it also introduces a trust gap. Today’s shoppers are informed, value-driven and actively seeking alignment with health, ethical and dietary priorities. Yet too often, the digital shelf fails to communicate credibility clearly. This is no longer just a branding challenge; it is a trust problem. And in e-commerce, trust is what turns product views into purchases.

The digital grocery cart is being pushed most frequently by younger adults. Our survey data shows a clear concentration of shoppers in the 18-34 age range, with significant activity among those aged 18-24 and 25-34.

Their shopping frequency varies, some are weekly devotees to delivery apps, while others shop online for food a few times a month or only occasionally. When it comes to their spending philosophy, the majority are pragmatic balancers, seeking a sweet spot between price and quality. However, a meaningful and growing segment, often driven by health, ethical or dietary needs, is explicitly willing to pay more for higher quality or for products bearing labels they trust. This signals a market where value is increasingly defined by transparency and credibility, not just the lowest price.

Here’s a curious finding: some online shoppers admit they usually don’t even notice certification badges while browsing. The digital interface, with its rapid scrolling and visual noise, can make these small icons easy to miss. But for those who do look, these badges become powerful signals. The most frequently noticed and sought-after labels include Organic, Sugar-free/Low sugar, Gluten-free, Vegan/Vegetarian and Non-GMO, followed by Halal and Fair Trade. Crucially, when a shopper’s eye does land on a relevant badge, its importance skyrockets.

Most rate these certifications as ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important in their final purchase decision. An Organic badge isn’t just decoration for a health-conscious millennial; it’s a key filter in their search for authenticity.

Don’t mistake notice for naivety. Online shoppers approach these badges with a healthy dose of caution. When asked about their level if trust, responses paint a picture of a skeptical yet hopeful audience. The most common sentiments are ‘I mostly trust it’ and the telling ‘I am not sure.’ Far fewer express full, unwavering trust. This ‘trust gap’ is the central challenge for brands and retailers. Shoppers want to believe the claims, but the digital environment, where anyone can slap a ‘natural’ icon on a product image, breeds uncertainty. This is especially true for claims related to sustainability or ethical sourcing, where verification feels more abstract than checking for gluten.

This is where the solution becomes crystal clear. Shoppers are practically begging for proof. A strong majority find a ‘Verified by an independent system’ mark, accompanied by a clickable link to view the actual certificate, to be ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ valuable. This isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a powerful trust-builder. The data is striking: when presented with detailed certificate information (who issued it, its validity dates, what it actually means), most respondents said it would make them ‘much more likely’ to buy the product.

In a world of vague claims, verifiable, third-party validation is the antidote to doubt. It transforms a badge from a marketing symbol into a credible credential.

So, what should that click reveal? Shoppers have spoken and their priorities are pragmatic. Above all, they want a simple explanation in everyday language. Jargon and technical terms create barriers. Following that, they want to know the issuing organization’s name, is it a reputable certifier? Validity dates are critical; is this certification current? Shoppers also want clarity on scope: which specific products or ingredients does this certificate cover? Knowing the country of issuance is also a common request, adding another layer of context. This checklist is a blueprint for digital transparency: keep it simple, show the source, prove it’s current and define the scope.

Given this hunger for verification, the business implication is straightforward. When presented with a choice between two online shops selling the same product, one that clearly verifies and explains its certification badges and one that does not, respondents showed a very strong preference for the verified shop. They are ‘very likely’ or ‘somewhat likely’ to choose the platform that offers transparency. This isn’t a minor tilt in preference; it’s a significant competitive advantage. In the battle for the digital grocery basket, the retailer that invests in making labels trustworthy isn’t just building consumer confidence; it’s driving conversion and loyalty.

While the demand for verification is high, baseline understanding of common labels varies. Shoppers tend to be very familiar with terms like Organic, Vegan and Gluten-free, labels often tied to immediate personal health or dietary choices. However, familiarity drops noticeably for other important certifications like Non-GMO, Fair Trade or specific allergen-free claims. This ‘familiarity gap’ presents an opportunity. It’s not enough to just verify a Fair-Trade badge; brands and retailers can also play an educational role by explaining, in that simple language shoppers crave, what that certification means for workers and communities. Transparency paired with education is a powerful combination.

The journey from a digital storefront to a delivered grocery bag is paved with questions. The findings are a clear signal to the food and retail industry: the era of passive, decorative badges is over. Today’s online shopper, particularly the younger, value-driven consumer, is a detective. They are looking for clues, verifying sources and making informed choices aligned with complex personal values. The brands and platforms that will thrive are those that recognize this shift. They will move beyond simply displaying labels to actively validating them, explaining them in human terms and building a bridge of trust that turns cautious scrolling into confident clicking.

In the end, the most important ingredient in the future of online food shopping won’t be listed on the label, it will be the transparency that proves the label is true.

by a special correspondent

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Business

NSB Group delivers Rs.22.5bn operating profit in 1H 2026 as lending and core income strengthen

Published

6 hours ago

2026/09/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Harsha Cabral / Rohana Bandara Weerakoon

National Savings Bank Group (NSB) recorded resilient core banking performance during the first six months of 2026, supported by stronger net interest income, a notable expansion in fee-based earnings and continued growth in loans and advances. The results demonstrate the Bank’s capacity to maintain business momentum while navigating cost pressures and volatility in market-related income.

The Bank reported total operating income of Rs. 45.8 billion for the period, an increase of 3.1% compared with Rs. 44.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Net operating income increased by 2.3% to Rs. 49.1 billion from Rs. 48 billion reported a year ago, providing a stable foundation for the Bank’s operations and customer-focused growth agenda.

Net interest income rose by 5.5% year-on-year to Rs. 44.2 billion, compared with Rs. 41.9 billion in the first half of 2025. This improvement was supported by a 4.7% reduction in interest expenses to Rs. 54.5 billion, despite a marginal moderation in interest income to Rs. 98.6 billion. The result reflects disciplined balance-sheet management and the Bank’s continued focus on maintaining a sustainable funding and asset mix.

The Bank also achieved substantial growth in fee-based earnings. Net fee and commission income increased by 37.0% to Rs. 1.40 billion, from Rs. 1.02 billion a year earlier. The increase underlines the growing contribution from transaction-led services and the Bank’s ongoing efforts to broaden non-interest revenue through customer-centric and digitally enabled banking solutions.

Profit before Tax (PBT) amounted to Rs. 22.6 billion, compared with Rs. 24.1 billion in the first half of 2025, while profit after tax stood at Rs. 13.4 billion, compared with Rs. 14.7 billion. The moderation in profitability principally reflected higher operating costs and the lower contribution from trading and derecognition gains. Personnel expenses increased to Rs. 13.8 billion from Rs. 11.5 billion, while other operating expenses rose to Rs. 4.3 billion from Rs. 4.1 billion.

Despite these pressures, the Bank preserved a substantial earnings base and continued to invest in the people, systems and service capabilities required to improve operational resilience and the customer experience. Income tax for the period amounted to Rs. 9.14 billion, while VAT and the Social Security Contribution Levy on financial services together exceeded Rs. 7.29 billion. In addition, the Bank declared a dividend of Rs. 7.4 billion to the Government as its sole shareholder. Accordingly, NSB’s total contribution to the Government through dividends, taxes and levies amounted to Rs. 23.8 billion, underscoring the Bank’s significant contribution to public finances and national development.

Commenting on the results, National Savings Bank Chairman Dr. Harsha Cabral PC said: “The first-half results reflect the resilience of NSB’s core business model and the enduring confidence placed in the Bank by generations of Sri Lankans. Our priority remains the prudent stewardship of public savings while supporting productive economic activity, financial inclusion and sustainable national development.”

NSB’s total assets increased by 2.1% during the first six months of the year to Rs. 1.87 trillion, from Rs. 1.83 trillion at end-December 2025. Loans and advances recorded a strong 9.1% expansion to Rs. 601.01 billion from Rs. 550.83 billion, demonstrating the Bank’s continued support for the financing needs of individuals, households and eligible institutional customers within its mandate.

Deposits, the principal source of funding for NSB, increased by 1.5% to Rs. 1.63 trillion from Rs. 1.61 trillion. The sustained growth in the deposit base reflects continued public confidence in the Bank and provides a stable platform for its savings-led business model. The Bank’s financial position remained sound, with total shareholders’ equity increasing by 4.1% to Rs. 123.91 billion from Rs. 119.05 billion. Retained earnings rose by 12.4% to Rs. 52.34 billion, further strengthening the Bank’s capacity to support future growth and absorb potential shocks.

Acting General Manager/CEO of National Savings Bank, Mr. Rohana Bandara Weerakoon, said: “Our focus is on translating the Bank’s trusted savings franchise into sustainable customer value. The growth achieved in lending, fee income and shareholder’s equity is encouraging. We will continue to strengthen digital access, service quality, cost discipline and risk management while delivering on NSB’s national mandate.”

The Bank’s profitability indicators continued to reflect the strength of its core banking activities, although higher operating expenses moderated overall returns. The net interest margin improved to 4.81% from 4.74% at the end of 2025, demonstrating an improvement in the Bank’s core interest spread. Return on assets before tax remained broadly stable at 2.46%, compared with 2.48%, while return on equity stood at 22.30%, compared with 25.08% at the end of 2025.

Asset quality improved during the first half of 2026. The net Stage 3 loans ratio declined to 2.05% from 2.52% at the end of 2025, indicating a reduction in net impaired credit exposures relative to the loan portfolio. At the same time, the Stage 3 impairment coverage ratio strengthened to 59.77% from 58.54%, reflecting improved impairment coverage against Stage 3 loans.

NSB maintained capital buffers comfortably above the applicable regulatory minimum requirements. The Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 19.72%, compared with the regulatory minimum of 8.5%, while the total capital ratio stood at 21.1%, well above the minimum requirement of 12.5%. These ratios demonstrate the Bank’s capacity to absorb potential risks while supporting continued business growth.

The Bank also maintained a strong liquidity and stable funding position. The all-currency liquidity coverage ratio stood at 311.88%, substantially above the statutory minimum of 100%, reflecting the availability of sufficient high-quality liquid assets to meet short-term liquidity requirements. The net stable funding ratio stood at 196.17%, also comfortably above the regulatory minimum of 100%, demonstrating the stability of the Bank’s longer-term funding profile.

Business

Petrol price reduction boosts ASPI

Published

6 hours ago

2026/09/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

CSE data indicated yesterday that the benchmark All Share Price Index moved up 0.11 percent mainly due to the petrol price reduction among some categories of fuel, market analysts opined.

Despite the lingering tensions in West Asia the market performed well.

The ASPI was up 22.93 points at 21,338.84, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was up 0.22 percent, or 13.03 points, at 6,018.37.

Market turnover was Rs 1.014 billion. Capital goods led turnover with Rs 300.64 million. During the day two crossings took place. Those crossings were reported in Access Engineering 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 75 million and its shares traded at Rs 75 and Sierra Cables 850,000 shares crossed for Rs 31 million; its shares traded at Rs 36.70.

In the retail market, companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sierra Cables Rs 77 million (2 million shares traded), Brown’s Investments Rs 68 million (13.3 million shares traded), CCS Rs 60 million (494,000 shares traded), Citizens Development Bank Rs 30 million (866,000 shares traded), Overseas Realty Rs 27 million (513,000 shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 26 million (185,000 shares traded) and Commercial Credit and Finance Rs 24 million (217,000 shares traded). During the day 51 million share volumes changed hands in 15669 transactions.

Positive contributors to the ASPI were; Browns Investments (up 8.16 percent at Rs 5.30 ), Carson Cumberbatch (up 4.13 percent at Rs 749.50 ), Windforce (up 4.63 percent at Rs 40.70 ), JKH (up 0.51 percent at Rs 19.90 ) and DFCC Bank (up 0.99 percent at Rs 128.00 ).

Vallibel One (down 2.64 percent at Rs 88.50 ), Melstacorp (down 0.52 percent at Rs 190.00 ), and Hatton National Bank (down 0.33 percent at Rs 380.25 ) were top negative contributors.

Ceylon Land & Equity announced a proposed first and final scrip dividend of Rs 0.043 per ordinary share for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, subject to shareholder approval at its Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2026.

The dividend involves capitalizing Rs 39.61 million to issue 4,553,230 new ordinary shares at a consideration of Rs 8.70 per share, in the proportion of 1 new share for every 202.33 existing shares.

Shares of Ceylon Land & Equity closed down 1.16 percent at Rs 8.50.

Maharaja Foods announced a final scrip dividend of Rs 0.10 per ordinary share for the financial year ended March 31.

Following a 15 percent withholding tax deduction, the net dividend entitlement of Rs 0.085 per share will be satisfied by issuing 730,468 new ordinary shares at a consideration of Rs 16.00 per share, in the proportion of 1 new share for every 188.2354873861 existing shares held.

Shares of Maharaja Foods were trading up 0.61 percent at Rs16.50.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 327.68/75 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from Rs 327.98/328.04 Friday, while bond yields were broadly steady, dealers said.

The telegraphic transfer rate for the dollar was 323.50 buying, 332.50 selling; the euro was 372.5779 buying, 386.3587 selling; and the pound was 437.1858 buying, 451.2942 selling.

Business

A huge welcoming ‘Yes’ to Ai-CHA

Published

6 hours ago

2026/09/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ai-CHA, the Indonesian origin, ice cream and bubble tea brand is establishing itself as an irresistible, super-cooling refreshment among consumers in the bustling coastal town of Negombo, besides proving a big hit among other Sri Lankan urban populations as well. The numbers visiting the initial Ai-CHA ice cream parlour in Negombo is solid evidence that the ice cream brand is proving a crowd-puller of the first magnitude.

Ai-CHA Ice cream and bubble tea is already present in over 2000 locations world wide and has made striking inroads into global consumer palettes. Referred to as ‘a popular international soft-serve ice cream and bubble tea brand’, these ideal thirst quenches are made of high quality ingredients such as, milk, milk powder, cream, sugar and water. The prices are purse-easy and affordable.