1844
Mr. William Milne and Mr. David Sime Cargill opened a general warehouse, import and wholesale business in Colombo, known as the ‘House of Cargills’.
1946
The House of Cargills officially became incorporated as a Public Limited Liability Company.
1981
Ceylon Theatres acquired controlling interest in Cargills, and Mr. Albert A. Page was appointed as Managing Director and would go on to become the Chairman of Cargills the following year.
1983
Cargills established its first supermarket at Staple Street in Colombo, under the ‘Cargills FoodCity’. brand
1993
The company invested in its first manufacturing facility with the acquisition of the Goldi meat processing business.
1996
Cargills obtained the franchise license of the vastly popular international Quick Service Restaurant chain ‘KFC’ and opened it to the Sri Lankan market.
1999
Cargills started the farmer outgrower program, directly purchasing fresh produce from the farmer community. The first Cargills fruit and vegetable collection center was established in Hanguranketha, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
2002
Cargills entered the dairy industry with the acquisition of the Walls ice cream facility in Banduragoda and launched the dairy ice cream brand ‘Magic’. Cargills started the dairy farmer outgrower program to support the collection of fresh milk. Cargills also diversified into agri-processing with the acquisition of the food brand ‘KIST’ that same year.
2008
The Cargills Sarubima Fund was established to support the farming community and contribute towards their well-being.
2010
Cargills acquired the dairy brand ‘Kotmale’ to further expand the dairy business and entered the confectionery market with the acquisition of ‘Diana Biscuits’ which was rebranded as ‘KIST’ biscuits.
2013
Taking a step further to introduce international cuisines to the local market, Cargills secured the franchise license for TGI Fridays and established the first restaurant in Colombo.
2013
The Company commenced operations of the Cargills Square mall in Jaffna.
2014
Cargills Bank officially commenced business operations, marking our entry into the financial service sector.
2017
Kotmale launched Sri Lanka’s first fully integrated dairy processing facility in Banduragoda.
2018
Cargills unveiled its first gourmet specialty supermarket ‘Cargills Food Hall’ at the Colombo City Centre Shopping Mall.
2019
The Cargills Foundation was established to oversee the social development initiatives of the Group.
2019
Launched the Kotmale cheese processing facility in Hatton.
2019
The 400th FoodCity outlet was opened.
2020
Launched Cargills Online, the Group’s ecommerce platform to cater to a growing online grocery market.
2022
Launched the Cargills AAPI eLearning platform for training and development of team members.
2022
Opened the 500th Cargills Food City Outlet.
2023
Opened the state-of-art distribution center in Katana.
2024
Initial Public Offering of Cargills Bank PLC on the Colombo Stock Exchange
2024
Opened the 2nd convenience food facility of the Group in Ja-Ela
A Look Back Into Our History
Since its inception in 1844, Cargills has evolved remarkably, navigating through various business models to cement its position in Sri Lanka's market. Initially a general warehouse store, it transitioned into an upmarket department store before ultimately becoming a premier food company. Today, Cargills serves a diverse consumer base across the nation, consistently delivering quality and value. Its journey from a modest beginning to a powerhouse in the food industry is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to excellence. The company has successfully leveraged its long history to grow stronger and more influential with each passing year.
Early years (1844-1890)
On the 08th of August 1844, William Milne and David Sime Cargill founded “Milne and Company”, a general warehouse business in the heart of Colombo, Fort. In 1850, the company was renamed “Milne Cargills & Co”, with the head office located in Fort and two other branches in Kandy and Galle. 1860 marked the retirement of William Milne from the business as he returned to Glasgow to establish a commercial enterprise in his homeland. Following Milne’s retirement, D. S. Cargill took sole ownership of the company until he was joined by David Mackenzie. The change in leadership led to the firm’s title being altered to “Cargill & Co”, with both Cargill and Mackenzie at the helm.
The Harrods of the East
(1890-1927)
In 1890, the company acquired Medical Hall from Maitland & Co. Ltd., transitioning to focus on pharmaceuticals. Later rebranded as "Sime & Co," it was formally registered as a Limited Liability Company in 1896 under Chairman David Sime Cargill. The business expanded to Nuwara Eliya and renovated its headquarters in 1902, converting it into a high-end department store for the wealthy. After Cargill's death in 1904, his estates became private limited companies. Walter Hamilton succeeded him as Chairman, serving until 1927, backed by a series of skilled General Managers.
Going public (1946-1983)
In 1946, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC was formally established as a Public Limited Liability Company, laying the foundation for its future ventures. Fast forward to 1981, a significant turning point occurred when Ceylon Theatres purchased a majority stake in the company. This strategic move was led by the forward-thinking Albert A. Page, who assumed the role of Managing Director that same year. His leadership was quickly recognized, and he was elevated to the position of Chairman in 1982. Under Page's visionary guidance, the company underwent a transformative period, with both organizations benefiting from synergies and shared expertise. This pivotal acquisition and subsequent leadership change set the stage for a new era of growth and diversification for Cargills (Ceylon) PLC.
DID YOU KNOW?
The iconic Cargills building in Colombo has a rich history that stretches back to notable figures of colonial times. Originally, it served as the private home of Captain Pieter Sluysken, who was in charge of the Dutch-held Galle Fort. The building was also the residence of Sir Frederick North, the inaugural Governor of Ceylon, which is now known as Sri Lanka. Over the years, the House of Cargills has transformed into a significant commercial landmark and was once even referred to as the "Harrods of the East." It has garnered praise as the "Finest of its kind East of the Suez," a testament to its prominence and grandeur. This storied structure has been a part of Colombo's landscape for well over a century, symbolizing a blend of historical and modern influences.
OUR VISION
To be a global corporate role model in community – friendly national development
OUR MISSION
Serve the rural community, our customers and all other stakeholders, through our core business – food with love – and other related businesses, based on the three main principles of:
- Reducing the cost of living
- Enhancing youth skills
- Bridging regional disparity
by enhancing local and global markets
OUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
CSR is our Business
We focus on community development and contributing towards a better Sri Lanka.
- By building markets for farmers and SMEs
- By creating opportunities for the youth across the country
- By sourcing locally
- By investing in manufacturing facilities to promote local production
- By building confidence of the next generation of Sri Lankans through education
- By investing in providing affordable nutrition
We believe by building the community, our business will succeed too.
OUR LEADERSHIP ------
Cargills Board of Directors
Information and profiles of the Chairman,Deputy Chairman, and Board of Directors,as well as the Board Committees of Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
CHAIRMAN/ NON- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Louis Page
Mr. Louis Page is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK). He is the Chairman of the CT Holdings Group of Companies. He has also hel...
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN/ CEO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ranjit Page
Mr. Ranjit Page was an instrumental part of the team that transformed Cargills. He led the team in establishing the Cargills business model, expanding into food retailing, food manufacturing, restaurants, and banking. Today, he is the Deputy Chairman/Managing Director...
MANAGING DIRECTOR/ DEPUTY CEO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Imtiaz Abdul Wahid
Mr. Imtiaz Abdul Wahid is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK). He has been involved in the operations of the compa...
Non-Independent, Non-Executive Director
Ganesan Ampalavanar
Mr. Ganesan Ampalavanar served the Nestle Group for 32 years and was a three-time CEO (Nestle Indonesia, Nestle Vietnam, Nestle Lanka). Mr. Ampalavanar is a Management (Accounting & Finance) graduate from the University of Science, Malaysia, and has also attended...
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Joseph Page
Mr. Joseph Page is the Deputy Chairman/Managing Director of C T Land Development PLC. He is also a Director of C T Holdings PLC, Ceylon Theatres (Pvt.) Ltd. and C T Properties Limited. Prior to joining C T Land Development PLC, he was Executive Dire...
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dushni Weerakoon
Dr. Dushni Weerakoon is the Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) and has extensive experience in public policy engagements having served the Government of Sri Lanka in various capacities, including currently as an Appointed Member of the Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka...
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Indira Malwatte
Mrs. Indira Malwatte was appointed a Director of the Company on 1 February 2020. She holds a Combined Degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka and was the first woman Chairperson of the EDB. She commence...
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Asite Talwatte
Mr. Asite Talwatte was appointed a director of the company on 28 August 2020 and was appointed the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee, Related Party Transactions Review Committee, and Remuneration Committee on 01 Janua...
NON-INDEPENDENT - NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tara Page
Ms. Tara Page holds an MA in Politics and Education from Columbia University, NY. She is an experienced public school educator, having served as an English teacher, literacy coach, and restorative justice consultant in underserved communities across...
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Priyan Edirisinghe
Mr. Priyan Edirisinghe is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in private sector and in the professional practice. He is presently Managing Partner of Baker Tilly Edirisinghe & Co., Chartered Accountants, one of the top ten audit, tax, and consul..
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dilantha Jayawardhana
Mr. Dilantha Jayawardhana was appointed to the Board of Directors on 1 July 2021, as an Executive Director. Previously, he served as the Group’s Chief Financial Officer. He holds an MBA from the University of Lincoln, UK and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Char...
OUR LEADERSHIP ------
Committees of Board of Directors
Information and profiles of the Chairman,Deputy Chairman, and Board of Directors,as well as the Board Committees of Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
The Audit Committee
- Asite Talwatte (Chairman)
- Indira Malwatte
- Dr Dushni Weerakoon
Remuneration Committee
- Asite Talwatte (Chairman)
- Indira Malwatte
- Dr Dushni Weerakoon
Related Party Transactions Review Committee
- Asite Talwatte (Chairman)
- Indira Malwatte
- Dr Dushni Weerakoon
ABOUT US ------
Awards won by
Cargills Group
The Cargills business model has received local and international recognition and awards for its impact on communities across Sri Lanka
SLIM KANTAR People's Award for 'Supermarket Brand of the Year'
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Cargills FoodCity Crowned Peoples FMCG Retail Brand of the Year 2021
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SLIM Restart Resilience Awards 2020
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Top Ten Most Admired Companies of Sri Lanka 2021
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