Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) To Showcase Jamaican Products in Birmingham

LONDON – The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will showcase 61 entities and brands under its Things Jamaican umbrella in Birmingham ‘Jamaica in the square’ and in London at the O2 arena ‘Jamaica House’ during the Olympics.

Executive Director of the JBDC, Harold Davis said the products that will be retailed in Victoria Square in Birmingham comprise products made mostly by micro and small entities, most of which would not have had access to the United Kingdom (UK) market.

“We know that the retail opportunity in Birmingham will be good,” said Mr. Davis. “This represents a window of opportunity for these entities to tap into this lucrative market.”

Assorted sweets from “A Taste of the Caribbean” that will be on display in London.
Mr. Davis said the products that will be on display include: gift and craft items; aromatherapy products which include body products under the SPA Jamaica brand; food products such as sauces, spices confectioneries, jams and jellies.

Jamaica’s coffee brand, Jamblum.

Jamaica’s coffee brands, Jamblum and Wallenford are also included. The Jamaica Producers Group will have its brand of products on display. Jamaica’s music, including CDs of different genres, will be on display. These include works of the famous Fab Five Band and other traditional music.

Published books on Jamaica’s language, cuisine, history, among other areas are included in the display. These are various works from local publishing houses such as LMH Publishing.

“We are expecting that on the spot retailing will be significant,” Mr. Davies stated. “People have been anticipating purchasing these products and we are expecting that sales will go fast.”

Ceramic items by Sinclair’s Ceramics that will be included in the display in London.

The JBDC will be showcasing the brands under the Meet Jamaica initiative, which is a PSOJ/JAMPRO programme that brings together a broad cross-section of public and private sector organisations. Meet Jamaica seeks to maximise the commercial benefits to the country from the wide exposure of Jamaican culture and sports during the London Summer Olympics. Benefits are to be gained in the areas of national branding, export promotion, investment promotion and economic ties with the Diaspora.

Earl Jarrett, former Chairman of the PSOJ Trade Policy Committee welcomed the participation of the micro sector. He said it was commendable that members in the sector, through JBDC, were seeing the value to be gained in putting up their products on display in London.

“The world will not only see the performance of athletes in London but they will see the products and services that we offer and that are unique to us. This is a step in the right direction for our Jamaican companies to maximise their potential,” he said.