As the demand for Jamaican food continues to increase in global markets, six Jamaican exporters found success on a trade mission that was held from September 28 to October 2, 2015 in Toronto, Canada. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) led the Jamaican delegation on the trade mission to identify and pursue more export opportunities in the Canadian market.
The mission, which resulted in initial orders of products valuing close to J$4M, included Jamaican agro-processing and fresh produce exporters, Honey Bun Limited; Carita Jamaica Limited; Rio Grande Farms; Southside Distributors Limited; EG Wellness Brands & LASCO Manufacturing Limited. The companies participated in a networking forum with Canadian buyers and retailers and B2B meetings during the mission. The exporters also visited Canadian retailers and importers to get a better understanding of their competition and the demands in that market.
The mission yielded positive results for the exporters, with some already receiving orders while others are in negotiations with buyers. LASCO Manufacturing, which has recently experienced a spike in its profits due to the introduction of its iCool products and other initiatives, participated in the mission to identify potential distributors for the LASCO range of products.
Marjorie McCalla, Export Manager at LASCO Manufacturing Limited, said “We have been exporting to Canada for several years and there is good potential for our products in Canada. We are now seeking to identify a distribution partner that has the necessary resources and facilities and is committed to establishing the LASCO brand throughout Canada.”
