The Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) was named Business of the Year at the Grenada Chamber of Industry & Commerce’s Annual Business Awards held on Saturday, 28 November 2015.
In order to qualify for the ‘Business of the Year Award’, each candidate needed to meet specific criteria under consideration, which included continued membership with GCIC; a strong market position and market share for its product and services; demonstrated strong community development and support; demonstrated strategy for long-term growth; and demonstrated growth in business operations.
5 local businesses were nominated for the award, however it was MNIB with its outstanding portfolio — which met and exceeded the qualifying criteria — that captured the prestigious and coveted title.
In June 2014, MNIB launched its 2020 Strategic Plan, which outlined a strong, visionary success strategy. This included the increased supply of local produce, increased agro-processing, and streamlining its operations to those of international standards. Some of the named initiatives which earned MNIB this prestigious Chamber award, was the EC$5 million spent in support of the local agricultural sector, the opening of a new outlet in Grenville, its contribution towards the community, and the commencement of its HACCP food certification, to name a few.
Although only 1 ½ years into the execution of its strategic plan, the Company has made significant progress in achieving its goals, which so far, have resulted in an over 100% increase in local produce supplies; increased sales; as well as an increase in the provision of services to farmers, which has improved the quality and quantity of produce being provided to MNIB.
Chief Executive Officer, Ruel Edwards, commended the staff, to which the MNIB Board of Directors dedicated the award, and commented on the Company’s vision to provide the best local produce “The Company’s strategic vision is to be Grenada’s leading provider of fresh produce, of the highest quality at the most affordable price. We acknowledge the commitment of our staff who have embraced the strategic plan, as well as our farmers and processors who consistently provide us with the best produce,” he said.
By 2020, MNIB aims to supply 5.5 million pounds of produce per year; develop an overseas market presence through a viable and robust export sector; develop agro-processing; realise a 25% increase in exports and a 20% reduction in fresh meats imports.
MNIB’s Chairman, Samuel Andrew said, “The Company’s Board of Directors remain fully committed to providing strong leadership and direction, enabling the Marketing & National Importing Board to realize continuous growth. As a company, we have responded to the changing needs of our customers by providing healthy options, whilst providing quality service.”
The Marketing and National Importing Board has 6 outlets across Grenada and Carriacou, which provide a fresh supply of fruits and vegetables. The Company continues to challenge the public to make healthy and nutritional lifestyle choices, by ensuring their diets contain fresh fruit and vegetables and rally to the call ‘Buy Local, Eat Local.’
