Jamaican Companies Showcase Products at Food Show

Nine Jamaican companies are among 2,250 exhibiting entities representing 60 countries at the 58th Summer Fancy Food Show, which opened on Sunday, June 17, at the Washington Convention Centre in downtown Washington, D.C. 

The companies are Associated Manufacturers Ltd., Baking Enterprise Ltd., Continental Bakery Company, Honey Kist, Apiaries Ltd., Jamaica Teas, Jamaica Yard Style, JP Tropical Foods Ltd., Salada Foods Ltd., and Su Tru Caribbean Manufacturers and Distributors Ltd.

The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages throughout North America, and is being staged by the National Association for the Specialty of Food Trade (NASFT).

According to JAMPRO’s manager for export promotion, Berletta Henlon-Forrester, who is leading the team, “Jamaica’s presence at the show is very important.  It gives us an opportunity to showcase our very many high-end gourmet products, such as our coffees, spices and herbs.”

She said that the show is a good fit for Jamaica, as many of the exhibitors have met buyers and have made numerous contacts since the opening on Sunday.

Mrs. Henlon-Forrester pointed out that the Summer Fancy Food show, which is normally staged in New York, has been held in Washington, D.C. for the past two years.  This move, she said, has exposed the Jamaican exhibitors to a new market and clientele, which should benefit them.

She added that Jamaica’s participation in the show falls into the ‘Meet Jamaica 2012 Initiative’, which is designed to improve Jamaica’s visibility in overseas markets and to increase opportunities for trade in Jamaican goods and services.

It is expected that just over 50,000 visitors will attend the show over the three-day period.

By Derrick Scott (Washington, D.C.)