Through its subsidiary, Bio Extracts, Aberdeen Holdings has successfully expanded into the alternative medicine sector, blending traditional herbal knowledge with modern innovation. Its export-driven approach has enabled it to drive growth, making inroads into the global herbal wellness markets while strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in the industry.
“By leveraging the strengths of our parent company, we have built a resilient, sustainable business that continues to set industry benchmarks. Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing natural wellness solutions, investing in research, and fostering strategic global partnerships to drive further growth”, Ihshan Abdeen, Chief Operating Officer of Bio Extracts, explains.
Can you briefly overview Aberdeen Holdings and its entry into alternative medicine through Bio Extracts?
Aberdeen Holdings is a diversified conglomerate with 15 subsidiaries in multiple industries, including aviation, pharmaceuticals, and power. Since its founding in 1995, it has steadily expanded its presence, growing into a global entity while maintaining its roots as a Sri Lankan enterprise. Today, it employs approximately 1,300 professionals across its various businesses, working together to drive growth and innovation.
Bio Extracts was the brainchild of Sattar Kassim, the Chairman of Aberdeen Holdings, and was established as part of the group’s broader strategic vision to leverage nature’s therapeutic potential and bring high-quality, plant-based wellness solutions to global markets. Recognizing the increasing demand for natural remedies, we identified an opportunity to commercialize Sri Lanka’s rich herbal heritage. Our goal was to introduce a scientifically-backed, internationally viable range of herbal products that could position us as a leader in the alternative medicine space. We have successfully bridged traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical advancements through Bio Extracts, creating a sustainable business model that benefits consumers and local stakeholders.
How has Bio Extracts expanded its international presence and contributed to Sri Lanka’s export economy?
From its inception, Bio Extracts has operated on an export-driven strategy. As one of Sri Lanka’s pioneers in the herbal wellness sector, we have played a key role in introducing locally produced herbal products to international markets, setting industry benchmarks, and paving the way for other Sri Lankan exporters to follow.
The company’s commitment to quality has been central to our international expansion. Every product meets stringent global standards, ensuring that we remain competitive in key markets. Additionally, we emphasize the “Made in Sri Lanka” identity across our product range, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a reliable source of natural wellness solutions. This approach has led to significant industry recognition, with Bio Extracts receiving multiple awards for excellence in exports.
Our products reach a growing global network today, with dedicated distributors in Russia, Kazakhstan, Australia, Malaysia, and the Americas. While our primary focus remains on exports, we prioritize sourcing raw materials locally, fostering close relationships with Sri Lankan farmers and suppliers to strengthen our supply chain, and supporting local agricultural communities. Thus, we create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
How does Aberdeen Holdings leverage its strengths to support Bio Extracts in the alternative medicine and natural wellness sectors?
Being part of Aberdeen Holdings provides Bio Extracts with significant competitive advantages across multiple dimensions, from supply chain management to talent acquisition and brand positioning. As a well-established conglomerate, we have built strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and regulatory bodies, allowing us to secure high-quality raw materials and maintain rigorous production standards.
Collaboration with our sister companies enables Bio Extracts to benefit from economies of scale and operational efficiencies. For instance, our packaging, logistics, and aviation subsidiaries help optimize costs and ensure seamless export operations so our products reach international markets efficiently.
Additionally, our corporate reputation strengthens Bio Extracts’ position in the alternative medicine sector. A well-regarded name like Aberdeen Holdings lends credibility, helping us establish trust among consumers, distributors, and regulatory agencies. This positioning enhances our ability to attract and retain top-tier talent, ensuring we drive innovation and maintain industry leadership.
What impact has Bio Extracts had on Sri Lanka’s herbal wellness market?
Bio Extracts operates under the Baraka brand in the domestic market, a brand dedicated to fostering natural health and wellness. We introduced several industry firsts in Sri Lanka, including soft gel capsules, natural pain relief sprays, and advanced cold-press extraction technology. These innovations have set new benchmarks for quality and efficacy in the local herbal industry.
We have built a strong consumer following with over 35 distinct products, each addressing specific health needs. Our market presence has helped elevate industry standards, increasing consumer awareness and demand for high-quality herbal remedies. We have positioned Baraka as a trusted name in Sri Lanka’s wellness sector by combining traditional healing knowledge with modern production techniques.
Beyond product innovation, our contributions extend to supporting local communities. We source a significant portion of our ingredients from Sri Lankan farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices. This localized approach strengthens our supply chain and reinforces our commitment to social responsibility.
How does Bio Extracts’ approach to product innovation align with Aberdeen Holdings’ corporate culture?
At Aberdeen Holdings, we foster a continuous learning and innovation culture, a mindset that extends across all our subsidiaries. This philosophy drives Bio Extracts to invest heavily in research and development, explore emerging wellness trends, and adopt cutting-edge technologies.
Our product development strategy reflects a meticulous approach to innovation. For example, we recently introduced a herbal-based calamine lotion, offering a natural alternative to synthetic formulations. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging nature’s potential while addressing global consumer demand for plant-based wellness solutions.
Moreover, Aberdeen Holdings’ emphasis on strategic foresight ensures that Bio Extracts remains agile and responsive to market dynamics. We consistently monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and consumer preferences, enabling us to adapt and innovate proactively. This forward-thinking approach allows us to maintain our competitive edge while reinforcing our long-term vision for growth in the alternative medicine sector.