Agriculture Minister lauds Nestle’s new Plant-Based Production Line, “a tremendous feat”

 

The Government’s commitment to safeguarding the development of the nation’s dairy sector continues to be strengthened through the injection of private sector investment. Such was the prevailing sentiment of the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Kazim Hosein on Friday 30th September, 2022, in his address at the official opening of Nestle’s Head Office and Plant-Based Production Line in Valsayn.

In his identification of the Nestle brand as “an integral part” of the food landscape in Trinidad and Tobago since 1914, Minister Hosein lauded the company’s efforts at increasing local dairy production through initiatives such as the Model Farm Development Project in Turure. He said: “Nestle’s passion and persistence in achieving its objectives, are closely aligned with the Government’s vision and the Ministry’s aim to reduce our food import bill and attain food security by increasing local milk production and providing access to sustainable business  avenues for our local farmers.”

The Minister added that he was particularly pleased with the fact that despite the economic and other challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Nestle was able to open a new Plant-Based Production Line at its factory which, according to him, will no doubt, create jobs; attract quality, local produce and; diversify its range of product options available to consumers. “I wish to commend Nestle for its commitment and drive in ensuring the progress of the agriculture sector and look forward to our continued dialogue on the sustainability of the dairy sector in Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Hosein ended.

Also speaking at the official opening and joining Minister Hosein on the tour of the new facilities were the: Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon; Head of Market at Nestle Anglo Dutch Caribbean, Mr. Josue De La Maza; and Chief Executive Officer of Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen.