Local Entrepreneur Launches Brand of Condiments

A hot new brand of delicious Jamaican sauces and jams intended for the local and export markets, was launched at the offices of Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) in Kingston on Thursday, October 31.

Heneka Watkis-Porter, who also owns the Patwa Apparel Company, is producing a line of condiments under the ‘10 Fyah Side’ brand.

The company is starting with three products, the Sizzling Jamaican Jerk Sauce and Blazing Barbeque Sauce, both in five-ounce bottles; as well as the Zesty Guava Jam in a 10-ounce jar.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, who was guest speaker at the launch, congratulated Mrs. Watkis-Porter on her company’s enterprising spirit and for being a source of inspiration for other Jamaica companies.

“With this launch today, you have affirmed our potential for stronger growth through innovation, and the creation of more value-added products from our own resources,” the Minister said.

Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams pointed out that developing new products and capabilities will reinforce Jamaica’s competitive edge in certain areas as well as enhance the presence of Brand Jamaica overseas.

“In many cases, our companies are limited by the size of the domestic demand for their products, which is dependent on the growth of the local economy. Beyond a certain size, therefore, our companies need to expand into overseas markets in order to (grow), and to earn valuable foreign exchange,” she said.

The State Minister called on local entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities to transform their business models and to diversify, so as to move up the value chain. “I am, therefore, heartened by your proactivity and determination to grow, create new value and expand into new markets,” she told Mrs. Watkis-Porter.

Turning to the recently launched Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) and Entrepreneurship Policy, Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams said it seeks to increase financing for MSMEs; enhance business development support; and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

She informed that the policy also aims to improve the business environment in Jamaica by simplifying the processes for tax payments, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, registering property, and starting a business.

Mrs. Watkis-Porter, in her address, informed that the ‘10 Fyah Side’ brand was conceptualized in October 2012, out of a desire to diversify Patwa Apparel Ltd., which is engaged in the design, marketing and distribution of Jamaican casual clothing, as well as her belief in the power of Brand Jamaica.

She said she is already in talks with a distributer to get her products onto local shelves. Mrs. Watkis-Porter informed that she is targeting Colombia, as her main export market, and has already begun discussions to get her products into the South American country.

Minister Counsellor of the Colombian Embassy in Jamaica, William Bush, said he anticipates seeing the products from 10 Fyah Side and Patwa Apparel in his country.

He noted that Colombia offers a market of 45 million people, and because of its diverse population, it is very easy to adapt and export any product to the country.

Mrs. Watkis-Porter also received strong support and commendation from Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Viera; Director of National Bakery, Stephen Sykes; and Franchise Holder of ActionCoach, Marcia Woon-Choy.