Growth & Jobs | Manufacturers offering Jamaican products in new and exciting ways
Published:Monday | April 23, 2018 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
A decision to branch out in the United States market with their canned ackee and callaloo is an initiative Junior Williams believes will contribute to exponential growth in Jamaica.
Speaking with The Gleaner during the staging of Expo Jamaica 2018, the sales representative at SOS Foods, which manufactures the Nicies brand, indicated that research done by the organisation has shown huge potential in exporting some of Jamaica's top food items to foreign markets.
"We wanted to come up with something new, but we realise that the market was saturated with the things we were thinking about, so we thought of the overseas market," said Williams.
"A lot of people have issues with canned items, but what I can guarantee with our products is that you will have that fresh taste. Tasting it, you don't know if it is the market you are coming from. Looking at other products which we have out there also, we have lessened our sugar, so we are trying at all times to put our customers first."
Karen Watson, customer service officer at Spanish Grain Store, who had newly packaged meat products on display at the expo held at the National Arena, said they were looking to make it easier for customers to purchase items in a clean and efficient manner.
"We Jamaicans, we eat with our eyes. This is a part of our pull factor. It is convenient and is better than the wrap that we are used to in the styrofoam container. We want to be different," Watson said. "We are getting ready to disburse in a variety of locations."
For Angella Lee, supervisor at Ultimate Vision, persons still want uniforms and other clothing items that are specifically designed for work.
"The market is still ripe for uniforms. We have some potential customer, especially from the hotel sector. We also cater to nurses, persons in the auto mechanic area and others. We also have some orders which we are very excited about. People want uniforms," she declared.