Helping SMEs weather the COVID-19 pandemic
Founded as a family business in 2013, Worga Naturals is a Sri Lankan organic super-fruit specialist company that supplies raw material to the export market and export processors. The company, which was established to ensure a share of profits with more than 100 rural organic farmers through ethical and fair trading, employs 50 people, 90% of whom are women.
USAID CATALYZE’s Private Sector Development Activity in Sri Lanka provided a USD53,497 grant to Worga Naturals to expand exports of their organic vegan food range.
Worga Naturals Managing Director Nishantha Jayatilaka said that USAID CATALYZE helped the company provide training to its farmers and staff and increase its production capacity.
In turn, Nishantha said, “We’ve been able to help the Sri Lankan economy this way.”
Specifically, the grant enabled Worga to:
· Train 116 farmers on productivity improvement and food quality. The farmers were trained to strengthen the supply chain, enhancing the relationship with Worga Naturals, and increase capacity.
· Increase production capacity through investment in an advanced can seamer, labeling machine (for the Europe market, and vibrating siever (expanding capacity). Production capacity increased from less than 1,500 units per day to 5000–5200 units per day within three months from purchasing the machinery through PSD grant and assistance.
· Expand laboratory testing for innovative products requests from buyers and develop value-added products to minimize food waste. The new machinery helped Worga increase quality of products, resulting in a drastic reduction in waste and an increase in production efficiency.
By March 31, 2022, Worga Naturals showed an increase in annual revenue of USD130,870 and had recruited four female and three male employees despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis prevailing in the country.
Learn more about USAID CATALYZE PSD Activity here.
