Established over three decades ago, in 1984, pioneering coconut milk exportation, the Wichy Plantation Company (Pvt) Ltd soon became one of Sri Lanka’s leading manufacturers and distributors of natural, organic and healthy coconut-based food products to consumers around the world. Determined to create a quality management system that conformed to the highest standards in the global industry, WICHY took the first steps by carrying out a third-party audit, conducted by Grace Kennedy, in 2009.
In 2010, Bitumix (Pvt) Ltd took over the Wichy Plantation Company (Pvt) Ltd from its previous owner, R. L. Wickramasinghe. That same year, WICHY gained official ISO certification by implementing the ISO 22000 FSMS system as well as engaged in contract manufacturing of DC with the Boyagane DC mill.
Expanding further, in 2011, WICHY took over the Modern Food Company – DC Mill in Wariyapola and participated in its first trade exhibition, held in Singapore.
Food safety, health and hygiene having always been at the core of the organisation, in 2012, the WICHY factory was also certified for Organic Standard EU, NOP and JAS and received the ISO 22000 certification.
WICHY established its first coconut water processing unit at the Panagoda Templeburg Industrial Estate in 2013, a unit that was BRC and Grade A certified. That same year, WICHY ventured into creamed coconut processing, setting up a new creamed coconut plant in Wariyapola. The diverse flavours, unique tastes and nutritional value of WICHY products have ensured they are always in demand by reputed companies across the world. In 2013 WICHY also began supplying king coconut water to the popular American coffee chain Starbucks, through an agent.
In 2014 WICHY commenced virgin coconut oil processing. Sourced from matured kernels of organic coconut and cold pressed to perfection to ensure that no heat is involved during the extraction process, WICHY virgin coconut oil retains all the flavour and nutritional value.
That same year, as part of its commitment to the local communities who have been the bedrock of the organisation, WICHY donated a water tanker to the Kolambagama Temple in Wariyapola.
Supporting the communities who partner WICHY in supplying organic coconuts continued to be a priority. In 2015, WICHY reached out to vulnerable local communities by organising a water donation campaign for victims affected by drought in Polonnaruwa. In 2016, it partnered with the Bitumix Group to donate a computer laboratory and library to a school in Bulathsinhala which had been damaged by floods.
At WICHY, maintaining food quality and safety as well as promoting health and nourishment is a lifelong commitment. Just last year, in 2019, WICHY was awarded the BRC A Grade certification for its central processing plant. WICHY’s latest success is being awarded the SMETA Social Standard and Fairtrade certifications as well as the acclaimed BRC AA rating, in 2020, for best quality processing and continued commitment to food safety.