Spice it up the Naani way

Sacha Waters, Staff Reporter

While many are closing businesses, one family decided to pool their skills and invest in producing authentic Jamaican spices.

Osmar Company Limited produces Naani Spices - a new line of sauces and seasoning which includes four products - a Scotch bonnet-based pepper sauce, Jamindi Jerk Seasoning, escoveitch sauce and Solomon Gundy.

The young company started production only last year, but it is rich in tradition. The family recipes, which come from Rosemarie Bahadur's personal reserve, have been tried and tested.

"She was making this pepper sauce and everybody wanted her to make it for them, so we said why not profit from it," said Osmond Ramharrack of his partner Rosemarie.

So, armed with traditional recipes, the marketing expertise of her daughter, Ramona Bahadur and the technical experience of her partner, Osmond, the company was formed.

They currently operate a humble establishment at their home in Bushy Park, St Catherine, and employ two other workers - Ileatha Hamilton and Monique Anderson - who assist with production.

Hand processing

Most of the processes are done by hand, like the peeling and cutting of the raw material, bottling and labelling among others.

However, machines are used to grind and mix the ingredients and vacuum seal the bottles.

The vacuum sealer was Ramharrack's own handiwork.

"You have to turn your hand and mek fashion. You have to know how to improvise," said Ramharrack, who has years of experience with heavy machines.

The items are all properly labelled and approved by the Bureau of Standards.

Although their establishment is small, their dreams are big, and they are making headway in achieving them.

The products are available in a number of supermarkets islandwide. These include My Neighbourhood Supermarket, and Family Choice in Old Harbour; Michi Super Center, Loshusan, and Family Pride in Havendale; Empire Supermarkets in Liguanea and Portmore; Joong Supermarket and Wholesale also in Portmore; and General Foods in Liguanea and Ocho Rios.

Export market

"Currently, we export to Barbados and Canada. We are trying to get into Trinidad and America," said Ramona, who is responsible for marketing. She said the Barbadian customers are particularly excited about the Solomon Gundy, which is a unique product for them.

"Our pepper sauce is a little different ... . I call it the all-purpose seasoning," she said as it contains mustard and goes well with cooked dishes or as a seasoning for raw meats. The company recently sold their pepper sauce to the Wyndham hotel and they have been getting rave reviews.

Ramona is willing to admit that they do face challenges in consistently sourcing raw materials, especially Scotch bonnet peppers. They also face competition from similar products overseas which imitate Jamaican sauces and seasonings.

While the company is not yet self-sufficient, the family believes their products will one day make it to the top.

And that's where Ramona believes the proof is - in the product.

You may contact them at 407-3210 or send an email to osmarcoltd@yahoo.com.