Nestlé has received the prestigious award of TTMA Innovator of the Year for strides made in transforming its iconic local ORCHARD brand into a reimagined and thriving regional brand with international reach. The Award was presented at the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association’s annual President's Dinner & Excellence in Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Tuesday night (October 8, 2019) to Nestlé’s Head of Market for the Anglo-Dutch Caribbean Region, Mr. Patricio Torres.
Innovator of the Year Award presented by Sponsor, Nagico Insurances, Ms. Sharon Melville to Mr. Patricio Torres, Head of Market Nestlé Anglo Dutch Caribbean.
ORCHARD has always been one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most innovative brands, with a heritage dating back to T&T’s independence in 1962 — 100% locally conceptualized and manufactured, it was the first locally produced drink to be launched in Tetra Pak packaging, revolutionising the beverage industry in the Caribbean.
Speaking after the Awards ceremony, Mr. Torres said: “We believe this award demonstrates that Trinidad and Tobago has the capacity to deliver innovation transformation at international standards of nutrition and quality.”
“Nestlé is the first to take risks to delight our consumers and enhance our products, moving and leading the local industry,” he said.
In the case of ORCHARD a re-imagining of the brand led to a transformation through innovation that took the form of a three-step process.
Corporate Communications Manager for Nestlé, Denise d’Abadie explains: “Step one was the reduction of sugar by 33%-60% across our full ORCHARD ready-to-drink range with the goal of tackling public health issues and catering to consumer preferences.”
As explained by the Business Executive Officer for the locally manufactured portfolio, Elisa Doldron, “Step two in the brand journey was portfolio transformation through packaging design and an accelerated pace of innovation. With the support of a committed cross-functional team, the brand was able to launch of 35 new skus, including nine new recipes across four different formats of Tetra Pak, with flavours ranging from Pina Colada to Orange Carrot and Mandarin Pineapple.”
Left to Right: Ms. Franka Costelloe, Director - TTMA, Mrs. Elisa Doldron, Business Executive Officer - Nestlé and Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry
“These innovations were squarely aimed at our new generation of millennial consumers, who are constantly seeking new flavour experiences at the forefront of food, drink and health trends. Nestlé ORCHARD also spiced things up with new seasonal delights for Christmas, with the reformulation of its classic Sorrel, as well a new take on an old classic: Mandarin Ginger and Carrot Ginger.”
“Nestlé also invested in infrastructure for a new 200ml factory line, supporting parents with a tasty, lunch kit-sized options for reduced sugar drinks and 100% juices, supported by updated packaging designs that retained iconic colours, while adding a fresh, vibrant, new take to stand out on shelf and capture new attention,” says Mrs. Doldron.
These innovations have delivered on the brand’s significant export potential. Following the transformation exports of ORCHARD have increased by double digits; the brand is now available in: St. Vincent, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominica, Bahamas, Aruba, Curaçao and Jamaica.
“These innovations and the transformation of ORCHARD exemplify Nestlé’s commitment to, and investment in, local manufacturing, while expanding our presence throughout the region,” says Mr. Torres, “I want to congratulate our local team, which has demonstrated that we can produce local products that can compete with, if not exceed, the quality and taste of imported products!”
Team Nestlé celebrates their win of the TTMA Innovator of the Year award for the transformation of the ORCHARD brand.
Congratulations to all winners! Left to Right : Most Successful Market Entrant (large)- Mr. Sean Roach, Langston Roach Industries Limited; Manufacturer of the Year (small)- Mr. Anthony Henry & Ms. June Ann Henry, A&J's Homemade Ice Cream Co. Ltd; Supplier of Services - Ms. Kimberly Boodoo, Ramps Logistics Limited; Manufacturer of the Year (large) - Mr. Farzan Ali , Trinidad Tissues Limited; Lifetime Achievement Award - Mr. Marc De Montbrun collecting on behalf Mrs. Karen De Montbrun; Ms. Franka Costelloe, President of TTMA; Innovator of the Year - Ms. Elisa Doldron, Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Limited; Manufacturer of the Year (medium) - Mr. Emil Ramkissoon, New Wave Marketing Ltd; Most Successful Market Entrant (Small/Medium) - Vasha-Devi Sankar, RHS Marketing Limited; Green Manufacturer of the Year - Ms. Gabrielle Agostini, CGA Limited