In one way or another, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were always topics of concern and consideration for many organisations. But it wasn't until September 2015 that these issues and others were compiled at the UN Summit in New York. Ending world hunger and poverty; ensuring that the world practises good health and well-being, creating a framework for net-zero emissions; reducing inequalities and creating affordable and clean energy to meet the demands of the world; and providing decent work and encouraging economic growth, among other key issues were finally given a deadline, as signatories promised to do their part.
Since then organisations, businesses and governments have been trying to do what they can to ensure that these goals are achieved by 2030.
KC Confectionery is among those doing its part. So much so that its chief executive officer, Satnarine Bachew was featured as a speaker at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of TT (ICATT) conference, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain last week, addressing the best practices that must be followed to achieving these goals.
The SDGs would have to become part of the culture of countries, and in Trinidad and Tobago, Bachew told Business Day, this meant everyone must take the matter seriously.
Sweet sustainability – the KC approach
KC Confectionery celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, having first opened its doors as a cottage industry in 1922. The company developed into a factory by 1957 and moved on to full automation in the early 1990s.
This year, it recieved the Internationally Known, Locally-Owned Company of the Year award from the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
[caption id="attachment_987265" align="alignnone" width="892"] An employee monitors pre-coloured chewing gun at KC Confectionery. - ANGELO MARCELLE[/caption]
Bachew holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as well as an executive master’s in business administration, has served as chairman of the Airports Authority, and sat as a director of the board of the TT Manufacturers Association. He also served at the TCL Group for 20 years, with 10 years as general manager.
Speaking at the ICATT conference last Thursday, Bachew highlighted the approach KC took in ensuring that its business was a sustainable one.
“I think that one of our greatest strengths is connecting with our customers. We really did a good job with that,” he said.
He noted that KC now exports to 21 countries and 81 per cent of its revenue comes from foreign markets.
Speaking to Business Day, he said KC is also conscious of the impact of its products on customers owing to its high sugar content.
He said in order to give people healthier options, KC produces a sugar-free line, which caters to diabetics. He added that all products contain glucose which is not as complex as sugar.
He said all KC products are also well labelled to so people can know what their contents are.
“Each customer needs to know themselves,” he said. “People are very health conscious and looking at everything. So
