Local Manufacturers Encouraged to Tap into the CARICOM Export Market

Local manufacturers are being encouraged to explore the prospects of exporting valued-added Jamaican products to CARICOM member countries.

This urging comes from Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who says CARICOM presents potential opportunities as a nearshore export market.

“You really should see the Caribbean as your oyster. As part of the CARICOM group, we have the benefit of being able to access, through the regulations, a lot of opportunities for first choice in terms of selling to our partners. We have not, in my estimation, exploited that as much as we ought,” he noted.

The Minister was speaking with the representatives of Cal’s Manufacturing Limited during a tour of the company’s facilities on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, on Thursday (October 27).

Meanwhile, Mr. Charles said the Government is seeking to build out critical infrastructure, including storage capacity, warehouses, and pounds for livestock, to create a more resilient agriculture sector.

He further said greater focus will be placed on Jamaica’s import substitution programme, in a bid to encourage demand of domestically produced goods.

This, the Minister pointed out, will create a new category of opportunities for farmers.

In the meantime, Mr. Charles commended Cal’s Manufacturing for its success in the local market and pledged the Ministry’s support for its expansion activities.

Cal’s Chief Executive Officer, Carlton Watson, said the company, which has been in operations since 1999 and currently occupies 54,000 sq. ft. of factory space, is looking to expand its range of products to juices and spices.

“We have products in the pipeline that we are developing. Part of our succession plan is to go public and to expand the business. We are looking at how many properties we can acquire… [so] that we can continue to expand and improve,” he indicated, adding that the company is seeking to place greater emphasis on manufacturing using local products.

Cal’s manufactures and distributes a range of food and beverages, including bag drinks, coconut powder, fruit wine, ketchup, lime juice, soup mix, syrup, tinned mackerel, vinegar, bottled water, and tonic wine.