KENYA – Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) Group has officially entered the Kenyan market, introducing its renowned Munchee biscuits and Ritzbury chocolates.
This strategic expansion, in partnership with Expolanka Freight Limited (EFL) Global Kenya and local distributor Peniel Acumen Distributors, aims to establish a robust distribution hub in Nairobi, enhancing CBL’s presence across East Africa.
The launch event was graced by former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya, Kana Kananathan, who emphasized the significance of this collaboration in strengthening trade ties between Sri Lanka and Kenya.
He lauded the entrepreneurs for their substantial investments in Africa, highlighting the role such ventures play in regional growth and development. Kananathan assured that through Sri Lanka’s robust network, all necessary support would be provided to Sri Lankan businesses aiming to establish a foothold in Africa.
CBL Group, established in 1968 with a mission to combat malnutrition among Sri Lankan schoolchildren, has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s leading food manufacturing conglomerates.
The company’s diverse product portfolio includes high-quality biscuits, chocolates, long shelf-life cakes, soy-based foods, nutritional supplements, cereals, coconut-based items, and organic fruits and spices.
The partnership with EFL Global Kenya, a prominent logistics provider with over two decades of experience in East Africa, is expected to leverage EFL’s deep-rooted expertise in the region.
Wasantha Ranasinghe, Managing Director of EFL, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are thrilled to partner with CBL Group. Our logistics expertise will ensure that consumers across Kenya can easily access these high-quality snacks,” Ranasinghe stated.
Kenya’s biscuit market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing urbanization, a rising middle-class population, and changing dietary preferences towards convenience foods.
According to 6Wresearch, the Kenya biscuits and crackers market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025-2031.
This upward trend is reflective of the broader Middle East and Africa sweet biscuits market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% over the next five years.
CBL’s entry into the Kenyan market aligns with its broader African expansion strategy. The company already holds leadership positions in several West African markets and has established a manufacturing base in Ghana, underscoring its commitment to the continent.
By setting up a distribution hub in Nairobi, CBL aims to serve not only Kenya but the entire East African region, bringing quality Sri Lankan products to a broader consumer base.
“I assure that through our robust network all necessary support would be provided to Sri Lankan businessmen who wish to do business in Africa, from Kenya and the other African region,” Kananathan noted.
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