SINGAPORE — Olam International recognized for inclusive ag business in the ASEAN agricultural sector at the inaugural AGROW Awards, organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC).

The AGROW Awards aim to recognize the achievements of inspiring agribusinesses and game-changing stakeholders enabling innovation in agriculture advancement in the region. Olam took home the Golden AGROW Award (Singapore) for its outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture by helping micro, small and medium enterprises in the region to prosper, and for advancing the field of agriculture overall.

“We are honored and excited to receive this award,” said Prakash Jhanwer, president of Southeast Asia and China, Olam International. “Olam has a significant footprint in Southeast Asia across the agri value chain, and this recognition is a strong testament to how the team is re-imagining global agriculture and co-creating innovative solutions to improve farmer productivity, bring quality products to consumers and benefit wider communities. We will catalyze more positive change as we invest into more value-adding capabilities in the region.”

Held as part of the second ASEAN Agriculture Summit 2018 that took place in Manila, Pasay City, Philippines, Olam was one of 15 AGROW awardees across categories that also included financial inclusivity, young agripreneur, inclusive business and groundbreaker.

Sunny Verghese, Olam’s Group co-founder and chief executive officer, joined fellow speakers from the food and agri-sector at the summit to discuss the mentorship, money and market (3Ms) model in enabling disruptive agri-technology and innovation across the region.

The ASEAN-BAC was established in April 2003 with the mandate to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration. The council also identifies priority areas for consideration of the ASEAN leaders and organizes activities primarily focused on reviewing and identifying issues to facilitate and promote economic cooperation and integration.