Business

Int’l Buyers Praise Organizational Expo Jamaica 2012

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Buyers from all over the world, recruited by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), were impressed with the wide display from the best of ‘Brand Jamaica’ at Expo Jamaica 2012, which was held at the National Arena from April 26- 29.

Two hundred Jamaican firms displaying over 2,000 quality products were showcased at the bi-annual event, which is widely acknowledged as Jamaica’s premier trade event. According to JAMPRO’s Manager of Export Promotions, Berletta Henlon Forrester, over two hundred buyers were on the floor of the expo during the first two days of the four day event, with more buyers expected to attend. At the end of the second day JAMPRO facilitated over three hundred business meetings between buyers and local suppliers.

Henlon Forrester said, “There has been such a buzz on the floor over the two buyer days, which is a clear indication of the levels of business interactions going on. JAMPRO’s work continues in the coming weeks to support the consummation of tangible business deals and supply contracts.”

According to Ms. Henlon Forrester there was an encouraging mix of buyers from a range of countries and industries, with a strong support of local buyers.

Mr. Darshan Lam, President of Coza International, importers and distributors of Caribbean Foods, was attending Expo Jamaica for the second time and was pleased with the business opportunities present. Mr. Lam commented, “It is going very good, I am finding a lot more products this year. Caribbean foods are a growing industry and we are trying to introduce as many unique Jamaican products to our Miami and New York markets.”

According to Mr. Lam he is hoping to do business with at least three or four of the companies on display.

Mrs. Valerie Webster of Anjo’s Imports, who distribute brands such as Walkerswood and Eaton products, was also impressed with companies on the display, expressing interest in brands such as Lasco and Belcour Preserves, among others.


From right: Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Stephen Cadiz, Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, John O. Minott, general manager of Jamaica Standard Products Company Ltd. (JSP) – producers of Wallenford and Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee products and Baronhall Jamaican sauces and spices, Kerry Minott of JSP and Sancia Bennett Templer, president of JAMPRO, examine Wallenford coffee products at Expo Jamaica 2012.

Attending Expo Jamaica for the first time was Mr. Prakash Narine, Export Partner with Regent Distributors from Canada, who was also pleased with his experience saying, “I’ve had a fantastic time here, it’s very well organized by JAMPRO and we have had some very good meetings, there is a lot of potential here for stuff we can see ourselves distributing.” Mr. Narine elaborated that there is a strong need for a Jamaican presence not only among the Jamaican Diaspora but in the mainstream market as well.

Pedro Gomez, Sales Representative at Multiquimica was also at the Expo Jamaica for the first time as he said, “we are looking to expand our business in other countries and that’s why we thought this would be a good place to start. I’ve been to other trade shows and I’m very impressed with this, it’s very organized, the booths are very beautiful and in a few years this will be a very good show for the Caribbean.”


From right: Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Stephen Cadiz, makes a point to Sean Garbutt of Associated Manufacturers Limited – owners of the Walkerswood, Busha Browne and Jamaica Joe brands, Brian Pengelley, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, and his Permanent Secretary Reginald Budhan, at Expo Jamaica 2012.

Expo Jamaica is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) in collaboration with JAMPRO, the official buyer recruitment partner. JAMPRO previously coordinated and implemented successful buyer recruitment programmes for the 2008 and 2010 shows.

Expo Jamaica 2012 took place in a milestone year for Jamaica, with the Jamaica 50 festivities and the London 2012 Olympics taking centre stage. These events will serve to enhance Jamaica’s global image and create heightened interest in Jamaica as a business destination.


From left: Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Stephen Cadiz, Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett Templer, president of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Reginald Budhan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Brian Pengelley, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), and Delaine Morgan, Vice President of Trade and Business Development at JAMPRO, at Expo Jamaica 2012.

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