Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), in collaboration with Desta PLC, officially
launched a Workforce Nutrition Program through a colorful Menu Launching Event held at Desta
PLC’s garment manufacturing facility in Butajira, Central Ethiopia, on May 20, 2026.
The event marked the successful culmination of eight months of close collaboration between
GAIN and Desta PLC aimed at improving the nutritional well-being, health, and productivity of
employees working within the garment manufacturing sector.
The program brought together representatives and officials from various government institutions,
industry stakeholders, company management, and nutrition experts to celebrate the introduction
of improved nutritious meal menus designed specifically for the workforce.
The launching ceremony commenced with a warm welcome and participant introduction session,
followed by presentations on the day’s program schedule and key workforce nutrition messages.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Industry (MoI), the
Textile Industry Development and Research Center, Desta PLC management, and GAIN
representatives.
During the event, Desta PLC management presented an overview of the company’s operations,
commitment to employee welfare, and ongoing initiatives aimed at creating a healthy and
productive working environment for employees.
One of the major highlights of the event was the detailed presentation of the newly improved
workforce meal menu by GAIN nutrition experts. The presentation outlined key nutritional
improvements introduced into the company’s meal preparation system, including balanced dietary
composition, enhanced food quality, hygiene improvements, and the nutritional contribution of the
revised dishes to employees’ overall health and productivity.
As part of the collaborative program implementation over the past eight months, GAIN provided
extensive technical and capacity-building support to Desta PLC. These supports included
familiarization workshops, nutrition awareness training sessions for management and employees, technical assistance for kitchen staff and food safety committees, as well as market linkage
facilitation with suppliers to improve access to nutritious food ingredients and materials.
The event also featured a meal tasting and feedback session where invited guests and employee
representatives sampled the revised nutritious dishes and provided constructive feedback through
open discussions. Participants highly appreciated the quality, taste, hygiene, and nutritional value
of the newly introduced menu items.
The event was attended by senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Industry, the
Textile Industry Development and Research Center, Central Ethiopia and East Gurage Investment
and Industry Development Offices, Labor and Social Affairs Offices, Health Offices,
Environmental Protection Offices, the Butajira Town Mayor’s Office, Desta PLC management,
and GAIN representatives.
Government officials participating in the event acknowledged Desta PLC’s strong commitment to
employee welfare and appreciated the company’s effort in going beyond the provision of regular
meals by delivering improved nutritious, hygienic, and quality food services for employees.
Officials also recognized the initiative as a model workplace nutrition program that contributes to
sustainable industrial development and workforce well-being.
Speaking during the event, Desta PLC management expressed sincere appreciation to GAIN for
its continuous technical support, professional guidance, and partnership throughout the
implementation process. The management further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to
sustaining and continuously improving the workforce nutrition program as part of its long-term
employee welfare and productivity enhancement strategy.
The implementation of the Workforce Nutrition Program is expected to significantly contribute to
improving employees’ health conditions, workplace well-being, morale, and productivity, while
also strengthening food safety and healthy working environments within the garment
manufacturing sector.
The successful launch of the revised nutritious menu reflects the importance of collaborative
partnerships between private industries, development organizations, and government institutions
in promoting sustainable workforce development and responsible industrial growth in Ethiopia.