Cargills FoodCity reaches another milestone with opening of 500th retail outlet

Chief guest Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe cuts the ribbon opening the 500th retail outlet in Akuregoda 

Cargills FoodCity achieved yet another milestone yesterday with the opening of its 500th retail outlet. 
In its 39-year journey, the retail chain has simultaneously charted the evolution of the retail supermarket business in the country, with local neighbourhoods and real estate developments mushrooming around its outlets. 

By benchmarking itself against international supermarkets, Cargills FoodCity set the bar high for others that followed in its footsteps, while its success served to attract more investors into the sector. Apart from being one of the most recognizable Sri Lankan brand successes, Cargills FoodCity has also had a far-reaching and sustainable impact on the economy and local community.

Cargills FoodCity strives to uplift the livelihoods of people, with a commitment to build a better Sri Lanka, which stems from the core values of Cargills. Being present in all 25 districts, it introduced the supermarket experience to Sri Lankans, beyond urban. Cargills was the first company from the South to enter the North, setting up the Vavuniya Cargills FoodCity in 2004. 

Moving to the East in just 4 years, the company also established a Cargills FoodCity Express in Trincomalee in 2007, even as the war was raging. To-date, it is the only supermarket to operate in the North and East. 
From serving the elite when it was established, Cargills FoodCity is today a source of sustenance for all Sri Lankans, offering the lowest prices in the country. Cargills FoodCity is open 365 days, working through the pandemic – a genuine brand which never lets down millions of people in the country. 

On the economic front, Cargills FoodCity has encouraged entrepreneurism across the country by showcasing local brands, many of whom have upscaled their businesses and are confident about the company’s backing. 
Cargills FoodCity has supported many small and medium enterprises and has helped them create new categories with innovations. One of the key focus areas has been to ensure that the products meet the most stringent quality standards that Cargills FoodCity is reputed for. 

This not only assures the freshest and most hygienic products for consumers, but it also showcases to the world that Sri Lanka adheres to the highest quality benchmarks. Through this strategy, Cargills FoodCity has been able to support SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy. 

A World Bank study also revealed that farmers working in the Cargills supply chain receive a higher price for their efforts, leading to its customers receiving a low price. The Gates’ Foundation also declared Cargills’ value proposition being a model worth emulating, shining a light on efforts on a global scale. 
Today, Cargills is the single largest collector of fresh produce,sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from a network of over 5000 farmers and contributes over 4 percent of the national production in fruits and vegetables - a percentage that continues to grow. 

It is also the largest collector of fresh milk in Sri Lanka and contributes over 14 percent of the national milk production. The company is also a leading contributor to the livestock, poultry and animal husbandry sectors. 
Cargills FoodCity has been a significant employment generator in-line with its expanding network. From 400 stores in October 2019, Cargills has added 100 stores by 2022 with the opening of its 500th outlet. This expansion has extended direct and indirect employment to hundreds of youth and exposed employees from all districts across the country to good practices in food and nutrition.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC Deputy Chairman Ranjit Page hands over the special booklet ‘A Heart for the Community’ to the Central Bank Governor