“We cultivate the best pineapple in the world in Sri Lanka”

“We mostly export processed fruit to Europe, but we want to grow in the sales of fresh fruit in the coming years. Here in Sri Lanka we have many different kinds of exotics. One example is the Queen pineapple: it looks different and smaller, and it has the best flavour in the world. This is due to the correct climatological conditions in Sri Lanka. The combination of the weather and the soil are perfect for this pineapple,” says Upul Rajapakse, general manager of CBL. “We want to show the world just how beautiful our pineapples are.”

Fresh and processed exotics
CBL Natural Foods is an organisation with four separate company departments, including fresh fruit, coconut products, nuts and dried herbs. “We have over 20 years of experience in producing and exporting fresh and processed fruit,” Rajapakse continues. “Our monthly exports are worth 1.5 million US dollars to many different countries. Our buyers are customers in the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. Important European customers are Germany, the Netherlands and France.” In the coming years, CBL expects to expand its supply of fresh exotics. “We are starting with the export of pineapple, and we also supply mangoes, soursop, papaya, mangosteen, and various other products. The soursop is rumoured to be an anti-carcinogenic, although this has never been medically proven.”

Upul during the Amsterdam Product Show in November.

Almost 400 producers have joined CBL, who deliver their products for shipment. They are both small and large companies, and all have been organically certified. CBL also has many certifications, from halal to Fair Trade.

For more information:
CBL Natural Foods Ltd
156/2 Averiwatta Road - Heenatiyana
Minuwangoda - Sri Lanka
P: +94-11500600
F: +94-117388505/2251653