The sales of products manufactured by the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB) last year earned the company R142.38 million, reflecting a growth of 11% over 2002.

Locally-made products did well in both domestic sales and in duty free operations of the International Trade Unit.

Duty free operations, which also comprise retail sales, diplomatic sales, sales to ship chandlers, wholesales and export unit, recorded an overall growth of 19%. According to the report substantial growth of 38% and 17% were recorded in the arrival and departure shops at the International Airport, earning the company US$4.04 million. This represents a growth of 13% over the previous years.

Duty free shops netted US$4.04 million last year

On the local market the sales were led by Foodpro products which contributed to 24.9% of the total sales, followed by juice with 22.2%.  Increases were noted in the sales of most products including toilet paper which went up by 38%, yoghurt by 29%, milk by 19%, juice by 16%, bottled products by 14%, pasta by 13%, snack by 10% and soap by 9%.

Tea and coffee registered a rise of 4% while sales of Foodpro grew by 2%.

There was also a 34% increase in the wholesales of local products at SMB's warehouse compared to the previous year.

According to the report the overall improvement in sales was achieved through better distribution, which resulted in more timely deliveries of the local products to all market segments.

Last year the Marketing Section launched seven new products, namely the Sunkiss'd Mango juice in 250 ml and 11tr packs, salt and vinegar Crackers, hot & spicy Crackers, a new range of fish feed consisting of an aquarium and a pond feed, Twin Soft kitchen towel, as well as the re-introduction of two Stix flavours, namely the cheese and onion, and salt and vinegar. The Mountain Spring Still water was also introduced in the 1.5 litre bottles.

SMB's commitment to continue raise service standards and operational efficiency, contributed to a turnover growth of 39% for the Hotel Shop, followed by the Meat Corner which registered 20.4% and the Supermarket with 7.7% compared to 2002.

Combined sales of products from all the operational units of the Manufacturing Section, namely Agro Industries, Foodpro factory, Bois de Rose factory, Abattoir, Hatchery and the Animal Feed factory, grew by 7% last year. The turnover from manufacturing at SMB contributed to 80% in the increased turnover of R68 million recorded last year.

With regard to the Agri Section, significant progress was made in the sales of tea, especially tea bags and the consolidation of the Indian Ocean Nurseries new activities as well as the implementation of strategic changes at the Hydroponics unit. In order to diversify its production and be less dependent on orchid flowers which suffered a drop of 19% in its sales, the Indian Ocean Nurseries last year invested in a rose nursery.

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