November 9, 2016: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry along with Dr Rolph Balgobin, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers´ Association (TTMA) toured the factory facilities of Nestle´ Trinidad and Tobago Limited on Tuesday 08 November, 2016. The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into the operations of Nestle´ Trinidad and Tobago Limited and to discuss the organisation’s future plans for growth and sustainability, to aid in the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy.
The Country Manager, Mr. Michel Beneventi, provided a comprehensive presentation of Nestlé’s operations both locally and internationally detailing its export markets and the organisation’s upcoming plans for new product development. He said ‘Nestle´ exports to 19 countries in the region and an estimated 40% of its total production is exported while 60% is used locally. Nestle´ continues to supports the local industry by purchasing fresh milk from farmers to allow for the production of our dairy products’.
Senator Gopee-Scoon witnessed the company’s operations which she said indicates ‘a clear commitment to providing quality products, investing in technology and innovation, developing and training of staff and caring about the environment’. Minister Gopee-Scoon expressed willingness and interest to increase collaboration with Nestle´ Trinidad and Tobago Limited and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association to promote business growth and expansion for local manufacturers. She commended Nestle´ on its support of local famers through the purchase of fresh milk and noted that ‘the Government is particularly interested in developing the agro-processing/ agro-business sector which has the potential to increase its contribution to GDP by creating jobs and generating increased exports’. The Minister called on Nestle´ to ‘look to new markets, be unique, continue to develop new products and advertise to remain competitive’.
Dr. Balgobin noted that the manufacturing sector continues to grow and to provide employment.
Minister Gopee-Scoon (c) and Mr. Michel Beneventi (l) in conversation with Dr. Balgobin during the tour.
Senator Gopee-Scoon is given a guided tour of the production facility by Nestle's Production Manager,Ms. Nisha Ramjitsingh.
Minister Gopee-Scoon is shown Nestlé’s recently launched coffee machine by Country Manager, Michel Beneventi.
For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Trade and Industry
868-623-2931 ext 2722