Growth & Jobs | JAMPRO to highlight Jamaican products in Chile

In an effort to promote Jamaican products in the Latin American and Caribbean markets, Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) will be leading a delegation of agribusiness companies to LAC Flavours, to be held in Chile's capital, Santiago.

The business matchmaking event, which is organised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will be held from September 24 to 25. The activity is part of JAMPRO's thrust to increase the export sales of non-traditional exports in non-traditional markets.

With the IDB's sponsorship, JAMPRO, alongside Jamaican Teas Limited, Honey Bun Limited, Carita Jamaica Ltd and Grace Agro Processors will be participating in business meetings and networking with suppliers, buyers, and influencers along the food value chain from across the region. JAMPRO aims to secure distribution opportunities for the companies and to expand the reach of Jamaican products into Latin America and the Caribbean.

Excellent Platform for the Exporters

The agency believes that the LAC Flavours show will be an excellent platform for the exporters as the event has reported export sales results of over US$762 million among its exhibitors for its nine events staged up to 2016. The event also highlights market trends and new technologies in the food service area, among other topics relevant to the exporters who will be in attendance. This year's staging of LAC Flavours is a collaboration between the IDB and Espacio Food & Service 2018.

With JAMPRO seeking to support companies in building and reinforcing their brands, the agency's president, Diane Edwards, said that Jamaican products need new markets to bring more US dollars to the economy and to strengthen Jamaican manufacturers by expanding their base. "We have seen great progress in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and a few other markets. What JAMPRO wants to do is to strengthen local manufacturers by opening the doorways to new markets that we have not explored fully to know the possibilities."

Edwards said that Jamaica needs to increase its exports to the region to not only develop the economy, but to bolster diplomatic ties to encourage cooperation in trade.

"Logistically and culturally, it makes sense for Jamaica to look to Latin America and the Caribbean for exports, especially in the food-related sectors. We have seen success from our Caribbean Market Mission, which targeted The Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago last year, and we are gradually gaining ground in Cuba. The potential is there. It is for JAMPRO to now identify the opportunities and lead our exporters to these new markets that exist regionally."

JAMPRO's next regional trade mission will head to the Havana International Trade Fair in Cuba in October.