Special Economic Zone Regime Impacts Growth Strategy of Walkerswood

Associated Manufacturers Limited (AML), the Jamaican company behind the globally recognised Walkerswood brand, is accelerating its export growth strategy, through significant investments in production capacity, agricultural development, and market expansion.

The company, a leading manufacturer and exporter of authentic Jamaican seasonings, sauces, and condiments, is investing approximately US$1.5 million this business year to expand its farming network, strengthen processing capabilities, and increase manufacturing output.

Supported by the benefits available under Jamaica’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) framework, the investment is expected to increase productive capacity by as much as five times, positioning Walkerswood to meet growing international demand, while deepening its commitment to local sourcing and value-added production in Jamaica.

“The growth trajectory of Walkerswood demonstrates the transformative impact that the Special Economic Zone regime can have on Jamaican businesses with global ambitions. Through strategic investments, increased exports, and stronger linkages with local farmers and suppliers, companies like Walkerswood are creating sustainable economic value, while showcasing Jamaica’s competitiveness in international markets,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA), Kelli-Dawn Hamilton.

“At JSEZA, our objective is to create an environment where businesses can reinvest, innovate, and scale. Walkerswood’s expansion plans, commitment to local agriculture, and continued export success exemplify the type of growth we aim to facilitate through the SEZ framework,” she told JIS News.

For his part, Sales and Marketing Director at Associated Manufacturers Limited, Sean Garbutt, pointed out that exporting authentic Jamaican flavours has long been central to the company’s success.

“Walkerswood is a leading manufacturer of authentic Jamaican seasonings, sauces, and condiments, and exporting our flavours across the world has always been a core part of our strategy,” said Mr. Garbutt.

“Incorporating the Special Economic Zone into our operational structure has enabled us to focus more aggressively on export markets while enhancing our capabilities and capacity,” he continued.

The company views Jamaica’s strategic location as a significant competitive advantage, particularly for serving North American, Latin American, South American, and Caribbean markets.

“Combined with strong logistics connectivity, time-zone alignment, and a business-friendly environment, the SEZ framework has helped create conditions for accelerated growth,” the Sales and Marketing Director informed.

Additionally, he shared that savings generated through the SEZ programme have allowed Walkerswood to finance major investments through retained earnings and cash flow, thereby maintaining a debt-free growth strategy while expanding operations.

“For years, one of Walkerswood’s primary constraints was access to sufficient volumes of fresh Jamaican agricultural produce. To address this challenge, the company has significantly expanded its network of farming partners and recently strengthened its vertical integration strategy through the operation of its own agricultural holdings,” he explained.

As production capacity expands, Walkerswood is actively seeking new international distribution partners and exploring new markets as part of its five-year growth strategy. While the company continues to see growth opportunities within existing territories, market diversification has become an increasingly important priority.

The company is also developing new product offerings aimed at reinforcing Walkerswood’s position as a complete Caribbean culinary solutions brand, providing consumers around the world with authentic flavours for traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cooking.

Walkerswood currently employs approximately 120 full-time team members, most of whom reside within surrounding communities. The company’s expansion strategy prioritises workforce development, with ongoing investments in employee training and skills upgrading to support future growth.

“Beyond direct employment, the company purchases approximately six million pounds of fresh Jamaican produce annually, generating an estimated $720 million in value for local farmers each year,” Mr. Garbutt said, adding that “through the Walkerswood Cooperative Farmers Group, participating farmers are guaranteed purchase commitments for a percentage of the company’s Scotch bonnet pepper requirements, providing a reliable market and income stability.”

Walkerswood also maintains strong linkages throughout Jamaica’s manufacturing ecosystem, sourcing labels, packaging materials, pallets, and other support services from local suppliers.

This is in addition to its support of several initiatives focused on local community development and social welfare.

Among these is support for the restoration of the Walkerswood Community Centre in St. Ann, through the Walkerswood Community Jerk Festival. The long-term vision includes revitalising community facilities, restoring access to healthcare services, and creating spaces for farmers’ markets, sporting activities, and community events.

The company also funds a breakfast programme serving approximately 160 students daily at a local school, ensuring children begin the school day with a nutritious meal.

Further demonstrating its commitment to Jamaica’s agricultural future, Walkerswood is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to support a scholarship programme for Jamaican students to pursue studies in seed genetics.

“The initiative aims to develop more resilient varieties of Jamaica’s iconic yellow Scotch bonnet pepper, improving consistency in yield, flavour, colour, and heat levels while strengthening long-term agricultural sustainability,” Mr. Garbutt told JIS News.

Environmental stewardship is also a key component of Walkerswood’s operations. The company operates integrated water management systems, including rainwater harvesting infrastructure capable of storing approximately 500,000 gallons of water, wastewater treatment systems utilising biodigesters and reed beds, and water-recovery technologies that allow portions of processing water to be reused.

These systems support both operational efficiency and agricultural productivity by returning treated water to farming operations in surrounding communities.

To mitigate the impacts of increasingly severe weather events, Walkerswood has further expanded storage capacity for semi-processed agricultural inputs and strengthened supply-chain resilience through its growing network of farming partners and owned agricultural operations.

Reflecting on the company’s experience within the SEZ programme, Mr. Garbutt described the JSEZA as a collaborative partner throughout the company’s development and operational journey.

“We’ve found JSEZA to be highly collaborative and engaging. They have maintained an ongoing dialogue with us, seeking feedback, understanding challenges, and looking for opportunities to improve the programme. For businesses that understand how the SEZ framework aligns with their operations, the benefits can be significant,” he said.

As Walkerswood continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to producing authentic Jamaican products in Jamaica, supporting local farmers and communities, and showcasing the country’s agricultural and manufacturing excellence on the world stage.