Gralgo Spices from Ceylon, home grown organic spices to Europe market

Friday, 7 August 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Gralgo Spices from Ceylon ventured into promoting Sri Lankan home grown organic spices in the local and global markets, was launched in an aromatic environment at Hilton Colombo recently. Gralgo Spices from Ceylon are fully biodegradable and an exclusive product, which has broken a long awaited anticipation of the spice industry, a product to have on the kitchen-shelf or table and ready to use.

The ceremony was attended by former Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine and former World Health Organization Vice President Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Chief Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) Andreas Hergenrother and United Nations Industrial Development Organization National SME and Programme Advisor Pamela Sumithrarachchi.

Gralgo Spices from Ceylon allows Sri Lankan cultivators to flourish in businesses sans financial exploitation and to assist in benefiting from fair trade. The company mainly targets organic black pepper, Ceylon cinnamon and chili pepper – spices that have endless demand locally and internationally. Hergenrother stated: “We have been anticipating for good and premium spice products and are elated about these products launched by Gralgo Spices.”

“Our products are Non-Genetically Modified Organisms (Non-GMO), and we look at exporting premium spices, especially regarding cinnamon and the 100% biodegradable packaging will decay in the environment within six to eight weeks. There is a vacuum in the Sri Lankan market regarding biodegradable packaging, especially for spices and we are aiming at filling that gap, keeping in mind the greater global demand for same. Gralgo Spices breaks the norms of traditional packaging (glass and plastic) which usually takes over 1,000 years to decompose in the environment, while giving thorough consideration to the natural essence of the spices and attractive colours, which are preserved with no added chemicals,” said Gralgo Spices from Ceylon Managing Director Gayanaka Senarathne.

Commenting on the quality of the products, Gralgo Spices from Ceylon Director Rahala Mudalige said: “We look at the quality of the spices, and hope at an increased cultivation, especially in the rural areas. This is expected to generate more employment opportunities. We are also concerned about how the crops are harvested and ensures they are handpicked and purchased from the farmers.”

The company is currently in the process of obtaining needed certification from the Export Development Board, which will enable the further expansion and growth of its products and ensures widespread. The function proved a crowd puller while the duo walked out with a handful of local and international clients.

Gralgo Spices from Ceylon, formed in 2018, under M&M Enterprises, a family owned business, the project is the brainchild of two young and innovative entrepreneurs Gayanaka Senaratne and Rahal Mudalige who aim at ecofriendly products in and outside of Sri Lanka, regenerating the essence of a long history where Sri Lanka was known as the home for many aromatic spices.