His Excellency the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Dominique Ouattara (also President of the National Monitoring Committee against Child Labor), handed the Excellence Award to Nestlé as the best manufacturing company for technical innovation (using cassava starch as a binder in our bouillons), processing of raw materials into finished products and compliance with local regulations (tax obligations, social security contributions, etc.). Nestlé was the only manufacturing company to have been honoured during this year’s event.
The award, which also recognizes Nestlé as a strong contributor to industrial growth in the West African country, was received by Thang Le, Coffee Factory Manager on behalf of the Managing Director.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, in the Presidential Palace and was also attended by the Prime Minister, Ministers of State, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the United Nations in CI, professional organizations, as well as the local and international media. The award comprised a plaque, certificate and a cheque for XOF 10,000,000.
In all, 44 organizations from both public and private sectors have been awarded in this year’s event. Addressing the awardees, H.E. Ouattara underscored their contribution to the growth of the Ivorian economy as they are standard bearers for youth in particular.
Nestlé CI has received similar honours in the past having picked the highest distinction of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Excellence Award for Quality in 2010 as the only company in the F&B category from CI.
These achievements underscore the company’s commitment to excellence and non-compromise on quality and safety of its products.