Reaching Global Demand for Ceylon Cinnamon : case study : Lakshi traders navigating sustainability and economic challenges
Amarasiri, Kachcha Kaduge Chathura Madushanka (2025)
2025
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025111928559
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025111928559
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This thesis examines the operational practices, challenges, and strategic opportunities of Lakshi Traders, a prominent Sri Lankan company engaged in the export of Ceylon cinnamon. The study was commissioned by Lakshi Traders to assess its current sourcing, processing, and exporting operations and to propose strategies to enhance global competitiveness. The research aimed to identify existing practices and constraints within the company’s supply chain while exploring process optimizations that could strengthen performance in international markets.
The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from key stakeholders, including suppliers and buyers, to assess operational efficiency, product quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. Descriptive and correlation analyses were used to identify relationships between these variables, while qualitative insights were integrated to contextualize operational challenges. The findings revealed that Lakshi Traders maintains strong performance in terms of product quality, stakeholder satisfaction, and market presence. Product consistency and reliability were identified as key factors sustaining trust and competitiveness. However, certain operational limitations were identified, including documentation delays, logistical constraints, and seasonal supply fluctuations. Sustainability awareness was present among stakeholders but had yet to be fully incorporated into operational practices.
The results indicate that operational efficiency, product quality, and stakeholder satisfaction are interdependent factors contributing to the company’s long-term success in the global cinnamon trade. The study concludes that strengthening documentation systems, integrating digital processes, enhancing supply chain collaboration, and adopting sustainable practices would further improve competitiveness. The findings align with existing literature on supply chain management, quality assurance, and sustainable trade, providing both theoretical and practical insights into the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka’s spice industry.
The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from key stakeholders, including suppliers and buyers, to assess operational efficiency, product quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. Descriptive and correlation analyses were used to identify relationships between these variables, while qualitative insights were integrated to contextualize operational challenges. The findings revealed that Lakshi Traders maintains strong performance in terms of product quality, stakeholder satisfaction, and market presence. Product consistency and reliability were identified as key factors sustaining trust and competitiveness. However, certain operational limitations were identified, including documentation delays, logistical constraints, and seasonal supply fluctuations. Sustainability awareness was present among stakeholders but had yet to be fully incorporated into operational practices.
The results indicate that operational efficiency, product quality, and stakeholder satisfaction are interdependent factors contributing to the company’s long-term success in the global cinnamon trade. The study concludes that strengthening documentation systems, integrating digital processes, enhancing supply chain collaboration, and adopting sustainable practices would further improve competitiveness. The findings align with existing literature on supply chain management, quality assurance, and sustainable trade, providing both theoretical and practical insights into the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka’s spice industry.