Sri Lankan biscuit manufacturer Ceylon Biscuits managed to increase exports last year despite recession in the West by venturing into new markets like Africa, a senior official said.

"Our exports grew by nine percent in the last financial year even though there was a global economic melt down," Lakshman De Silva, group managing director of Ceylon Biscuits (CBL), said.

"What we did was, when Europe went down, we off-set the losses there by going into new markets like Ghana in West Africa."

The company exports biscuits and chocolates to around 45 countries and Ghana, Australia and the United Kingdom are its biggest buyers.

Ceylon Biscuits exports about 500 tonnes a month to West Africa and 100 tonnes to Europe.

The company has just won international recognition for its brands at the recently concluded 'World Brand Congress 2010' by winning two awards.

Munchee and Ritzbury, two brands that are owned by the company, were the only brands to bag awards in the fast moving consumer goods category at the awards.

Nandana Wickremage, Head of Marketing of Ceylon Biscuits, also secured an award that is conferred to individuals who make contributions to brand development and sustainability.